OriginOil Innovation Accomplishes Energy-Efficient Extraction
without Chemical Solvents
LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL), the developer of a breakthrough
technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable
oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, announced today the filing
of its fourth patent application.
The patent application, "Lysing and Extraction System for
Microorganisms," details OriginOil's invention of a method to extract
the oil from algae with high energy efficiency, without requiring the
use of chemical solvents.
The process of breaking down algae cells to release oil, known as
lysing, has long represented a challenge for the algae-to-oil
industry. Algae cell walls are difficult to break down. Mechanical
methods are energy-intensive and often ineffective, and commonly-used
chemical solvents such as benzene, ether or hexane are toxic and
require special handling. Such practices increase operating costs and
make it harder to site algae production systems.
OriginOil's latest invention builds on the company's first patent,
Quantum Fracturing(TM), in which ultrasound from intense fluid
fracturing breaks down algae cells much in the same way a
high-frequency sound wave breaks glass. In the new patent filing, the
flowing algae biomass is first sent through a shielded wave guide
system where it receives low-wattage, frequency-tuned microwave
bursts, breaking the cell walls. Quantum Fracturing is then applied to
these pre-cracked cells to complete the oil extraction. The result is
a system that makes low-energy and environmentally-safe algae oil
production a reality.
"High energy and operating costs defeat the goal of a
cost-effective alternative to petroleum," commented Paul Reep,
OriginOil's senior technical advisor. He continued, "The OriginOil
extraction system is effective, safe and energy-efficient. I'm proud
of the team of lead inventor Steven Shigematsu and co-inventor
Nicholas Eckelberry, who have demonstrated, once again, their ability
to combine lateral thinking with solid engineering advances."
CEO Riggs Eckelberry added, "This filing finalizes our initial
disclosure of a complete and scalable algae production system. Our
next step is to demonstrate how it all comes together in a cohesive
and energy-efficient algae-to-oil process."
About OriginOil, Inc.
OriginOil, Inc. is developing a breakthrough technology that will
transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a
true competitor to petroleum. Much of the world's oil and gas is made
up of ancient algae deposits. Today, our technology will produce "new
oil" from algae, through a cost-effective, high-speed manufacturing
process. This endless supply of new oil can be used for many products
such as diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, plastics and solvents without the
global warming effects of petroleum. Other oil producing feedstock
such as corn and sugarcane often destroy vital farmlands and
rainforests, disrupt global food supplies and create new environmental
problems. Our unique technology, based on algae, is targeted at
fundamentally changing our source of oil without disrupting the
environment or food supplies. To learn more about OriginOil (TM),
please visit our website at www.originoil.com.
Safe Harbor Statement:
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words
"anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and
similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual
results, performance or achievements could differ materially from
those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements contained herein, and while expected, there is no guarantee
that we will attain the aforementioned anticipated developmental
milestones. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the
expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and
uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and
other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets,
product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and
local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions
subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the
Company.
Release Summary:
OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL), developer of a breakthrough
technology to transform algae into a true competitor to petroleum,
announced today the filing of its fourth patent, accomplishing
energy-efficient extraction without chemical solvents.
Keyword Tags:
algae culture, algae growth, biofuel companies, biofuel
production, extraction of fatty acids in algae, lysing, Nicholas
Eckelberry, OriginOil, Paul Reep, quantum fracturing, Riggs
Eckelberry, Steven Shigematsu
Press Contact:
Cerrell Associates
Saundra Halgrimson
t: 323-466-3445
f: 323-466-8653
saundra_h@cerrell.com
www.cerrell.com
or
Investor Relations Contact:
OriginOil, Inc.
Tom Becker
Toll-free: 877-999-OOIL(6645) Ext. 641
International: +1-424-202-6944
Fax: 424-203-2044
ir@originoil.com
www.originoil.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
