- 1). Let the algae dry and expel the oil using a mechanical oil press. This is the first and oldest method used to extract oil from algae.
- 2). Mix a solvent such as benzene with the algae. Fire ultrasonic waves at the mixture to create cavitation bubbles in the solvent which will assist in breaking the cell walls of the algae. The oils pour out of the algae and can later be extracted from the solvent mixture.
- 3). Add a hexane solvent to the algae either before or after a press is used. This chemical helps extract up to 95 percent of the oil content which is left behind in the algae pulp after the first pressing. Press the pulp again to remove residual oil.
- 4). Percolate the algae after adding a solvent, such as hexane or petroleum ether. This method also entails later extracting the oils from the solvent mixture.
- 5). Heat and pressurize carbon dioxide until it converts into liquid form. Add this as a solvent to the algae or pressurize both carbon dioxide and algae simultaneously. The liquid carbon dioxide acts as a solvent without involving more harmful chemicals such as hexane or benzene. This method is extremely efficient and can extract up to 100 percent of the oil in algae but it calls for more complicated machinery and equipment.
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