The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 03, 2012
Filed:
Apr. 11, 2011
Geoffrey Chew, Huntsville, AL (US);
Alton J. Reich, Huntsville, AL (US);
H. Waite H. Dykes, Jr., Huntsville, AL (US);
Roberto Di Salvo, Madison, AL (US);
Geoffrey Chew, Huntsville, AL (US);
Alton J. Reich, Huntsville, AL (US);
H. Waite H. Dykes, Jr., Huntsville, AL (US);
Roberto Di Salvo, Madison, AL (US);
Streamline Automation, LLC, Huntsville, AL (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for processing algae are described in which a hydrophilic ionic liquid is used to lyse algae cells. The lysate separates into at least two layers including a lipid-containing hydrophobic layer and an ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic layer. A salt or salt solution may be used to remove water from the ionic liquid-containing layer before the ionic liquid is reused. The used salt may also be dried and/or concentrated and reused. The method can operate at relatively low lysis, processing, and recycling temperatures, which minimizes the environmental impact of algae processing while providing reusable biofuels and other useful products.