BioFuels Journal

OriginOil Transforms Algae Into Oil Utilizing an Industrial, Scalable Process for Continuous Growth and Oil Extraction

LA-based OriginOil (OTCBB: OOIL) is developing technology to transform algae into oil -- without disrupting the environment or food supplies, as other biofuels do.

The OriginOil system is an industrial, scalable process for continuous algae growth and extraction of oil, the company says.

OriginOil's technology involves what it calls a bioreactor: algae is cultivated in a contained module around a rotating vertical shaft.

The shaft, or helix as the company calls it, allows the algae to grow in multiple layers and facilitates the delivery of the nutrients it needs, CO2 and intermittent light.

The oil is then extracted from the organism's cell walls using a chemical-free microwave process.

The technology is modular, scalable and portable, OriginOil says.

The biofuel market is expected to reach $52 billion by 2015, according to research firm Clean Edge.

OriginOil CEO Riggs Eckelberry says his is a complete system to grow algae rapidly and extract its oil content to replace petroleum in various applications including diesel, gasoline, plastics and solvents.

He says the company's business model is based on licensing the technology to customers such as fuel refiners and chemical and oil companies, as well as entering into partnerships with biofuel producers and support organizations.

For more information, call 212-843-8051.