Continuous Supercritical CO2 Fractionation of Microalgal Suspensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batch processes for fractionating microalgal biomass and milk are inefficient in handling large quantities and require multiple solvents and steps, often disrupting cells, whereas there is a need for a continuous process that can extract high-value neutral lipids and compounds without cell disruption using a single solvent.
Innovation Solution
A continuous process utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide as the sole solvent, introduced in a counter-current mode within a contactor, allowing for the extraction and separation of neutral lipids and compounds of interest from microalgal biomass or milk without cell disruption, with optional use of polar modifiers or esterification agents to enhance extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a batch process with multiple solvents and steps is used, then extraction of neutral lipids and compounds can be achieved, but the process is inefficient for handling large quantities and requires numerous solvents in large quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple extraction steps and multiple solvents into a single continuous extraction step using supercritical CO2 as the sole solvent. The counter-current contactor integrates what were previously separate batch operations into one continuous process, eliminating the need for multiple chambers and sequential steps while maintaining extraction efficiency for neutral lipids and compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from batch processing to continuous processing, where the counter-current contactor enables uninterrupted extraction operations. The continuous flow of supercritical CO2 through the contactor allows for constant extraction and separation, significantly increasing productivity and handling capacity for large quantities of microalgal biomass or milk compared to intermittent batch operations.
2Productivity
If cell disruption is performed before fractionation, then extraction efficiency may be improved, but the process complexity increases and additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the extraction system by using supercritical CO2 (high pressure and temperature conditions) instead of conventional subcritical solvents. This parameter change enables the supercritical fluid to penetrate and extract compounds directly from intact cells without requiring mechanical disruption, thereby maintaining process simplicity while achieving high extraction efficiency for neutral lipids and compounds.
3Productivity
If multiple solvents are used in sequential steps, then different compounds can be extracted selectively, but the environmental impact and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses supercritical CO2 as an inert, non-toxic, and environmentally benign solvent替代 traditional organic solvents. CO2 is inert, does not leave harmful residues, and can be easily separated from the extract by pressure reduction, leaving no solvent traces in the final product. This eliminates the environmental contamination and safety issues associated with multiple organic solvents while maintaining selective extraction capability through parameter optimization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the efficient fractionation of large quantities of microalgal suspension or milk, achieving high recovery rates of neutral lipids and high-value compounds like omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids, with minimal environmental impact and operational costs, while maintaining the integrity of the microalgal cells.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the suspension with a solvent consisting in supercritical CO2 in a contactor
Implementation Method 2
the supercritical CO2 rich phase containing lipids extracted from the suspension
Implementation Method 3
a supercritical CO2 rich phase exiting from the top of the contactor, after its contacting with the suspension, and a raffinate exiting from the bottom of the contactor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a continuous process for fractionating a suspension chosen from a microalgal biomass or milk.