Oil can be extracted from various algae species for use as fuel (to
make biodiesel). Usually extraction is done using chemicals. Some
diatoms have very strong silicon walls and some blue-green (not sure)
algae are very difficult to break. I am interested in the pressures
required (Mpa) to break various algae's cell walls as a means of
extracting oil for biodiesel. In particular, is it possible to use a
simple hand press to extract the oil from wet or dry algae?

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Clarification of Question by thealgaeman-ga on 27 Sep 2005 01:00 PDT

Thanks for your reply. However I need a more specific answer. I would
like to know the exact pressure (Mpa) required to break down cell
walls in specific algae species. I require as much detail as possible
to avoid having to test tens or hundreds of species. I believe that
this research has already been undertaken. Please cite sources.

Single celled organisms are often very yresistant to pressure as a
disruption technique since the pressure simply equalizes inside and
out, with no harm to the cell. However, there is a device called a
French press that is very efficient. After raising the pressure to as
much as 25,000 psi and letting the cells equilibrate, you suddenly
release the pressure. The internal pressure of the cells is still high
and they explode on re-entering a one atmosphere environment.