Omega-3 oils are linked with reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and depression. But can production of these omega-3 oils also decrease CO2 emissions?
The founders of Superior Ecotech think so. The company uses algae to capture CO2 emissions from local breweries and convert them to oils, which can be used as vegan omega-3 supplements, cosmetics and biofuels. Because their proprietary process involves growing algae with minimal water content, they enlisted the help of an engineer to design a water control system.
鈥淪uperior Ecotech was started by current and former CU graduate students in chemistry and business,鈥� says chemical engineering junior Ben Mousseau. 鈥淲ith my engineering background, I was able to bring a unique perspective and skill set to the project and was given quite a lot of independence in design.鈥�
When Mousseau joined the company, he was tasked with creating a system to control algae water exposure. He helped design a novel conveyer belt system where algae is dipped in water periodically. This feature enables Superior Ecotech to produce algae more cost effectively. A patent is now pending on this system.
"If the algea remians too wet, it takes a lot of energy - and money - to dry, making the process economically unfeasible" says Mousseau. "I helped deisgn a system that allows water submersion to be precisely controlled and optimized."