Prayoon Enmak
Low-cost microalgae biomass harvesting using a foam column.
Email: p.enmak2@ncl.ac.uk
Project title
Intensification of microalgae harvesting using a foam column
Supervisors
- School of Engineering
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
About the project
This project focuses on microalgae harvesting using the foam flotation column technique. We will consider how the technique can increase microalgae biomass recovery. We will also investigate influences of the constriction parameters on the foam column concentration step, with the:
- optimising design of the angle
- constriction ratio, and
- length of the column
To this end, we will explore in situ conversion of the concentrated algal biomass into biodiesel.
We will:
- develop a continuous foam flotation for low-cost microalgae biomass harvesting process application
- investigate the effects of foam risers on the dewatering process of the continuous foam column
- we will do this by varying the angle, constriction ratio and length of the foam risers
- study the mechanism of foam flotation through the foam riser: air bubble blowing, diameter, size and shape of the bubble
- we will do this by using image visualisation with a high-resolution camera
- purify the extract from microalgal oil via in-situ transesterification
Interests
The effect of various factors on the performance of flotation separation (biomass removal from the medium). This includes surfactant concentration and column design by varying angle, constriction ratio and length of the foam risers. Also, considering how to apply foam flotation process on the algal harvesting in the open pond system.
Qualifications
- BSc in Biochemistry
- MSc in Biotechnology