Algaeventure Systems receives the NAA Algaepreneur Award

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Described as a barrier to biofuels viability, Algaeventure Systems presented its low energy HDD Technology to fellow members of the National Algae Association.

MARYSVILLE, OH, September 28, 2009

Algaeventure Systems (AVS), the creator of HDD technology, was awarded Algaepreneur for its development of low energy separation technology to harvest, dewater and dry (HDD) microalgae. Often described as a barrier to algae’s viability as a biofuel, the AVS HDD technology reduces the harvest and dewatering costs by over 90%. With each demonstration, consensus is built that the extraordinary breakthrough of HDD technology provides algae with a path toward commercialization.

AVS presented the HDD system to attendees at the National Algae Association (NAA) conference. Included in the presentation was a video illustrating the dewatering process, scanning electron microscope (SEM) illustrations of screen performance compared to high pressure filtering systems, and cost analysis of HDD processing comparative to current dewatering technologies.

Throughout the conference the merits of algae were discussed. The low capex and opex of the HDD systems enables the merits of algae to become realized.

Algaeventure Systems CEO, Ross Youngs shared, “We are grateful for the opportunity the NAA provides in bringing leaders and professionals from around the world to participate and contribute for the collaborative good of the industry. It is through collaboration that we will realize the benefits algae has to offer. We anticipate this is one of many breakthroughs that will be introduced at the NAA”

NAA members and conference attendees were encouraged to attend HDD demonstrations at Algaeventure Systems in Marysville, Ohio.

About Algaeventure Systems, Inc.

Algaeventure Systems, Inc. is part of Univenture, Inc., an environmentally conscious plastics packaging manufacturer bringing to market a variety of patented and award winning molded and converted plastic products that are eco-friendly. Algaeventure Systems, Inc. develops technology and systems for algal production of lipids and biomass, which can be used for fuels, plastics, advanced materials, feeds, foods, and other valuable resources.

For more information on Algaeventure Systems, Inc visit algaevs.com, or contact Amy Bucklin: 937-645-4604 or abucklin@algaevs.com.

NAA Contact
B. Cohen, 936-321-1125
Info@nationalalgaeassociation.com

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Research & Development Update

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

Cold came early to the Columbus, Ohio area bringing temperatures to near zero in December and then to nearly 20oF below in January.  Our prime power generator was installed in the middle of December and started providing electricity for our installed research cell and associated systems.  Unfortunately an oil breather port on the prime power generator froze solid during the -19oF reached in January and back pressure pushed the dip stick out of place and the generator automatically shut down once low oil was detected.  Thankfully the protection systems kept the generator from any damage.  The restart took several days and the very, very cold weather has kept the staff from installing the heat exchanger and CO2 distributor.

Without adequate external waste heat (generator will supply the waste heat) we were unable to bring the temperature to target because of the record cold temperatures.  The Algae Growth cell was in the 40oF range for most of December and January.  Vivid green algae was visible through the canopy at those temperatures, even through no nutrients have been introduced into the cell.  During the next 8 weeks full scale growth and harvesting will commence.  At least the outdoor difficulties have not impacted our indoor research, growth, testing, and experimentation, which are continuing unabated.

Micro-Algae Harvesting, Dewatering, Drying has been a bane to the industry for over 3 decades.  AlgaeVS’s highly innovative engineering staff has been researching this issue since early 2008, employing a number of different strategies.  A proof of concept for a unique new technology was successfully tested on January 12th, 2009 and a prototype device is being readied for initial testing.  Provisional patents are filed and patent applications are being readied.  Various options for commercialization of this technology are being considered.  AlgaeVS is not ready to disclose the technology, or make any claims on performance at this time – so stay turned.

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