University of Texas System

Los Alamos National Security, LLC

Organic Fuels Algae Technologies, LLC

Kerry A Kinney

Lynn E Katz

Peter B Kipp

Frank Seibert

Martin Poenie

Rhykka L Connelly

Michael D Werst

Robert S Bowman

Enid J Sullivan

Robert Hebner

Soondong Kwon

Robert Pearsall

The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed or non-lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.

Non-dispersive process for insoluble oil recovery from aqueous slurries

A system and method were used to treat produced water. Field-testing demonstrated the removal of contaminants from produced water from oil and gas wells.

System for treating produced water

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Kerry A Kinney