Algal technology company, Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation announced last week that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Impulse Devices, Inc (IDI) of California, United States.
Aquaflow director Nick Gerritsen says that the companies intend to work together to develop next generation technology to produce low-cost, renewable energy and chemicals, among other applications.
Aquaflow is one of the world’s leading algal technology companies. Impulse Devices, Inc, which was founded in 1999, has become the world leader in high-pressure cavitation performance as well as being at the forefront of developing the technological capacity required for acoustic inertial confinement fusion (Acoustic ICF).
In essence, acoustic cavitation (AC) uses high frequency sound waves to form cavities, or microbubbles, in liquids. The microbubbles eventually implode producing high temperatures and energy. Acoustic cavitation devices may be built for a fraction of the cost of nuclear fusion reactors to produce relatively safe and low-polluting energy.
“This is another example of Aquaflow pushing the envelope and not simply sitting back and accepting some status quo view of the algae biomass sector. It is significant for a New Zealand-based company to continually attract and develop top tier international support and collaboration,” comments Gerritsen.
In addition, both companies are committed to long term wastewater remediation in man-made (oxidation pond) and natural (rivers and lakes) water sources. AC technology is also able to control algal growth and potentially improve water quality without producing toxic by-products.
“We are committed to making algae-derived fuels and chemicals a reality in the very near future. The ability to experiment and potentially apply the Impulse Devices’ technology may lead to faster advancement and the development of another pathway,” explains Gerritsen.
Dr Peter Nelson, VP Corporate Development at IDI, stated: “We are pleased to join forces with Aquaflow in order to explore the application of high-pressure AC to algae biomass processing. IDI is the world leader in pressurised AC and believes that by bringing its technology together with Aquaflow’s process, the energy cost of generating liquid bio-fuel can be substantially reduced.”
Article by Kate R., appearing courtesy Celsias.
