US20140273174A1 - Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods - Google Patents
Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140273174A1 US20140273174A1 US14/245,624 US201414245624A US2014273174A1 US 20140273174 A1 US20140273174 A1 US 20140273174A1 US 201414245624 A US201414245624 A US 201414245624A US 2014273174 A1 US2014273174 A1 US 2014273174A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheet material
- flexible sheet
- algae
- growth system
- algal growth
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M21/00—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses
- C12M21/02—Photobioreactors
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M25/00—Means for supporting, enclosing or fixing the microorganisms, e.g. immunocoatings
- C12M25/02—Membranes; Filters
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M27/00—Means for mixing, agitating or circulating fluids in the vessel
- C12M27/14—Rotation or movement of the cells support, e.g. rotated hollow fibers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N1/00—Microorganisms, e.g. protozoa; Compositions thereof; Processes of propagating, maintaining or preserving microorganisms or compositions thereof; Processes of preparing or isolating a composition containing a microorganism; Culture media therefor
- C12N1/12—Unicellular algae; Culture media therefor
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N11/00—Carrier-bound or immobilised enzymes; Carrier-bound or immobilised microbial cells; Preparation thereof
- C12N11/02—Enzymes or microbial cells immobilised on or in an organic carrier
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N11/00—Carrier-bound or immobilised enzymes; Carrier-bound or immobilised microbial cells; Preparation thereof
- C12N11/14—Enzymes or microbial cells immobilised on or in an inorganic carrier
Definitions
- Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to biofilm technology, and in particular to a revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor (RABP) for simplified biomass harvesting.
- RABP algal biofilm photobioreactor
- FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart illustrating considerations that may need to be addressed by example embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 2 depicts a top view of microalgae being grown on polystyrene foam.
- FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example embodiment of a revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor.
- FIG. 4 depicts a schematic front view of the revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 depicts a top view of microalgae being grown on a variety of materials.
- FIG. 6 depicts a bar chart of harvesting frequencies for an algal strain.
- FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a straight vertical reactor according to one embodiment.
- An algal growth system can include a vertical reactor that can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae.
- the vertical reactor can include a shaft, where the shaft can be associated with and can supports the flexible sheet material and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be selectively actuated.
- the algal growth system can include a raceway pond, where the vertical reactor can be positioned at least partially within the raceway pond, where the raceway pond can include a fluid reservoir, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to pass through the fluid reservoir during operation of the algal growth system, a contacting liquid, where the contacting liquid can be retained within the fluid reservoir and can includes nutrients that facilitate the growth of the algae, and a liquid phase and a gaseous phase, where the liquid phase can include rotating the flexible sheet material through the contacting liquid retained in the fluid reservoir and the gaseous phase can include rotating the flexible sheet material through gaseous carbon dioxide.
- a method of growing algae can include the step of providing an algal growth system that can include a vertical reactor that can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae.
- the vertical reactor can include a shaft, where the shaft can be associated with and can supports the flexible sheet material and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be selectively actuated.
- the algal growth system can include a raceway pond, where the vertical reactor can be positioned at least partially within the raceway pond, where the raceway pond can include a fluid reservoir, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to pass through the fluid reservoir during operation of the algal growth system, a contacting liquid, where the contacting liquid can be retained within the fluid reservoir and can includes nutrients that facilitate the growth of the algae.
- the method of growing algae can include rotating the flexible sheet material of the algal growth system through a liquid phase such that the flexible sheet material passes through the contacting liquid retained in the fluid reservoir, rotating the flexible sheet material of the algal growth system through a gaseous phase such that the flexible sheet material passes through gaseous carbon dioxide, and harvesting the algae from the flexible sheet material.
- algae are grown in open raceway ponds or enclosed photobioreactors, where algae cells are in suspension and are harvested through sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation. Due to the small size (3-30 ⁇ m) of algae cells and the dilute algae concentration ( ⁇ 1% w/v), gravity sedimentation of suspended cells often takes a long time in a large footprint settling pond. Filtration of algal cells from the culture broth can result in filter fouling. Centrifugation can achieve high harvest efficiency; however, the capital investment and operational cost for a centrifugation system can be prohibitively expensive. Due to these drawbacks, an alternative method for harvesting and dewatering algae biomass may be advantageous.
- systems and methods can provide cost effective harvesting of algae biomass.
- systems and methods can be used to produce algae for both biofuel feedstock and aquacultural feed sources.
- algal cells can be attached to a material that can be rotated between a nutrient-rich liquid phase and a carbon dioxide rich gaseous phase such that alternative absorption of nutrients and carbon dioxide can occur.
- the algal cells can be harvested by scrapping from the surface to which they are attached, which can eliminate harvest procedures commonly used in suspension cultivation systems, such as sedimentation or centrifugation. It will be appreciated that systems and methods described herein can be combined with sedimentation, centrifugation, or any other suitable processes.
- Example embodiments described herein can mitigate air and water pollution while delivering high value bio-based products and animal feeds from microalgae.
- Example embodiments of RABP technology can play a critical role in creating an algal culture system that can economically produce algae biomass for, for example, biofuel production and aquacultural feed production.
- Microalgae may have a significant impact in the renewable transportation fuels sector.
- Example embodiments can grow microalgae that can be used in biofuel production with a low harvest cost. Algae, if produced economically, may also serve as a primary feed source for the US aquaculture industry.
- Example systems and methods can include developing a biofilm-based microalgae cultivation system (RABP) that could be widely adapted by the microalgae industry for producing, for example, fuels and high value products.
- RABP biofilm-based microalgae cultivation system
- microalgae has been rigorously researched as a promising feedstock for renewable biofuel production.
- Microalgae use photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy. This energy is stored in the cell as oils, which have a high energy content.
- the oil yield from algae can be significantly higher than that from other oil crops.
- Algae oil can generally be easily converted to biodiesel and could replace traditional petroleum-based diesel.
- microalgae have also been rigorously researched for the potential to produce various high value products such as animal feed, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and glycoproteins.
- Example embodiments may minimize the cost associated with biomass harvesting and dewatering of algal cells from an aqueous culture system.
- Example embodiments can promote a simple economical harvesting method.
- Example embodiments can include a mechanized harvesting system, which can remove concentrated algae in-situ from an attachment material and can minimize the amount of de-watering needed post-harvest.
- Example embodiments can optimize gas mass transfer, where growth in an enclosed greenhouse 40 may provide the ability to increase CO2 concentration inside the reactor. Generally, at higher CO2 concentrations, the growth rate of algae will increase.
- Example embodiments can utilize minimal growth medium, where the triangular design in example embodiments may reduce the chemical costs of growth medium and may reduce the total water needed for the growth. In one embodiment, such advantages may be accomplished by submerging only the lowest elevated corner of a triangle system needs into the medium.
- microalgae can be grown on the surface of polystyrene foam.
- FIG. 2 illustrates how algae can be harvested by scraping the surface of the foam.
- the mechanical separation can result in biomass with water content similar to centrifuged samples and the residual biomass left on the surface can serve as an ideal inoculum for subsequent growth cycles.
- such systems can be limited by the use of polystyrene foam which is not a renewable and environmental friendly material.
- the rigidity of the styrene foam may also limit its application in embodiments of rotational systems and methods described herein.
- a revolving algal biofilm Photobioreactor (RABP) 10 in which the algal cells 18 can be attached to a solid surface of a supporting material 12 , is disclosed.
- the system can keep the algal cells fixed in place and can bring nutrients to the cells, rather than suspend the algae in a culture medium.
- algal cells can be attached to a material 12 that is rotating between a nutrient-rich liquid phase 15 and a CO2-rich gaseous phase 16 for alternative absorption of nutrients and CO2.
- the algal biomass can be harvested by scrapping the biomass from the attached surface with a harvesting squeegee 20 ( FIG. 4 ) or other suitable device or system.
- the naturally concentrated biofilm can be in-situ harvested during the culture process, rather than using an additional sedimentation or flocculation step for harvesting, for example.
- the culture can enhance the mass transfer by directly contacting algal cells with CO2 molecules in gaseous phase, where traditional suspended culture systems may have to rely on the diffusion of CO2 molecules from gaseous phase to the liquid phase, which may be limited by low gas-liquid mass transfer rate.
- Example embodiments may only need a small amount of water by submerging the bottom of the triangle 22 in liquid 14 while maximizing surface area for algae to attach.
- Example embodiments can be scaled up to an industrial scale because the system may have a simple structure and can be retrofit on existing raceway pond systems 102 ( FIG. 7 ).
- Example embodiments can be used in fresh water systems and can be adapted to saltwater culture systems.
- embodiments of this system can be placed in the open ocean instead of in a raceway pond reactor.
- the ocean can naturally supply the algae with sufficient sunlight, nutrient, water, and CO2, which in turn may decrease operational costs.
- embodiments of the system can include a drive motor 24 , a gear system 26 that can rotate drive shafts 28 , drive shafts 28 that can rotate a flexible material 12 , a flexible sheet material 12 that can rotate into contact with liquid 14 and can allow algae 18 to attach thereto.
- the motor 24 can include a gear system 26 or pulley system that can drive one or a plurality of shafts 28 , where the shafts 28 can rotate the flexible sheet material 12 in and out of a contacting liquid 14 , for example.
- Embodiments can also include a liquid reservoir 30 , mister, water dripper, or any other suitable component or mechanism that can keep algae, which can be attached to the flexible sheet material 12 , moist.
- Embodiments can include any suitable scraping system, vacuum system or mechanism for harvesting the algae 18 from the flexible sheet material 12 .
- a generally triangular system 22 can be provided. Such a configuration can be beneficial in maximizing the amount of sunlight algae is exposed to.
- versions of the system can be designed, for example, in any configuration that includes a “sunlight capture” part 32 which can be exposed to air and sunlight, and a “nutrient capture” part 34 which can be submerged into a nutrient solution.
- a straight vertical design is contemplated, which may be the simplest and most cost efficient design because such a system may minimize the amount of wasted space and may maximize the amount of algae produced in a small area by growing this system vertically.
- Alternative designs can include a straight vertical reactor 100 , a reactor that is straight but slightly angled to provide more surface area for sunlight to hit, a cylindrical reactor, or a square shaped reactor.
- any suitable material 12 such as any suitable flexible fabric, can be used with the systems and methods described herein to grow any suitable material.
- the microalga Chlorella such as Chlorella vulgaris can be grown on materials such as, muslin cheesecloth, armid fiberglass, porous PTFE coated fiberglass, chamois, vermiculite, microfiber, synthetic chamois, fiberglass, burlap, cotton duct, velvet, Tyvek, polylactic acid, abrased polylactic acid, vinyl laminated nylon, polyester, wool, acrylic, lanolin, woolen, cashmere, leather, silk, lyocell, hemp fabric, Spandex, polyurethane, olefin fiber, polylactide, Lurex, carbon fiber, and combinations thereof.
- any suitable algal strain 18 as well as fungal strains, such as strains that can be used in aquaculture feed, animal feed, nutraceuticals, or biofuel production can be used.
- Such strains can include Nannochloropsis sp., which can be used for both biofuel production and aquacultural feed; Scenedesmus sp., a green microalga that can be used in wastewater treatment as well as for fuel production feedstock; Haematococcus sp, which can produce a high level of astaxanthin; Botryococcus sp. a green microalga with high oil content; Spirulina sp. a blue-green alga with high protein content; Dunaliella sp.
- a green microalga containing a large amount of carotenoids; a group of microalgae species producing a high level of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include Arthrospira, Porphyridium, Phaeodactylum, Nitzschia, Crypthecodinium and Schizochytrium .
- Any suitable parameter, including gaseous phase CO2 concentration, harvesting frequency, the rotation speed of the RABP reactor, the depth of the biofilm harvested, the ratio of submerged portion to the air-exposure portion of the RABP reactor, or the gap between the different modules of the RABP system can be optimized for any suitable species.
- any harvesting schedule can be used in accordance with example embodiments described herein.
- the mechanism of harvesting biomass from the biofilm can be, for example, scraping or vacuum.
- Biomass productivity may vary by species and any suitable harvesting time is contemplated to maximize such productivity.
- the optimal harvest frequency may be every 7 days. In example embodiments, managing other parameters such as CO2 concentration and nutrient loading may also impact algal growth performance.
- a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.
- FIG. 1 Some of the figures can include a flow diagram. Although such figures can include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that the logic flow merely provides an exemplary implementation of the general functionality. Further, the logic flow does not necessarily have to be executed in the order presented unless otherwise indicated. In addition, the logic flow can be implemented by a hardware element, a software element executed by a computer, a firmware element embedded in hardware, or any combination thereof.
Abstract
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/212,479, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/783,737, filed Mar. 14, 2013, and hereby incorporates the same applications herein by reference in their entirety.
- Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to biofilm technology, and in particular to a revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor (RABP) for simplified biomass harvesting.
- The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detailed description of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the following figures:
-
FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart illustrating considerations that may need to be addressed by example embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 2 depicts a top view of microalgae being grown on polystyrene foam. -
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example embodiment of a revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor. -
FIG. 4 depicts a schematic front view of the revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 depicts a top view of microalgae being grown on a variety of materials. -
FIG. 6 depicts a bar chart of harvesting frequencies for an algal strain. -
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a straight vertical reactor according to one embodiment. - An algal growth system can include a vertical reactor that can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae. The vertical reactor can include a shaft, where the shaft can be associated with and can supports the flexible sheet material and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be selectively actuated. The algal growth system can include a raceway pond, where the vertical reactor can be positioned at least partially within the raceway pond, where the raceway pond can include a fluid reservoir, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to pass through the fluid reservoir during operation of the algal growth system, a contacting liquid, where the contacting liquid can be retained within the fluid reservoir and can includes nutrients that facilitate the growth of the algae, and a liquid phase and a gaseous phase, where the liquid phase can include rotating the flexible sheet material through the contacting liquid retained in the fluid reservoir and the gaseous phase can include rotating the flexible sheet material through gaseous carbon dioxide.
- A method of growing algae can include the step of providing an algal growth system that can include a vertical reactor that can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae. The vertical reactor can include a shaft, where the shaft can be associated with and can supports the flexible sheet material and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be selectively actuated. The algal growth system can include a raceway pond, where the vertical reactor can be positioned at least partially within the raceway pond, where the raceway pond can include a fluid reservoir, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to pass through the fluid reservoir during operation of the algal growth system, a contacting liquid, where the contacting liquid can be retained within the fluid reservoir and can includes nutrients that facilitate the growth of the algae. The method of growing algae can include rotating the flexible sheet material of the algal growth system through a liquid phase such that the flexible sheet material passes through the contacting liquid retained in the fluid reservoir, rotating the flexible sheet material of the algal growth system through a gaseous phase such that the flexible sheet material passes through gaseous carbon dioxide, and harvesting the algae from the flexible sheet material.
- Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the proficiency tracking systems and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
- Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
- Traditionally, algae are grown in open raceway ponds or enclosed photobioreactors, where algae cells are in suspension and are harvested through sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation. Due to the small size (3-30 μm) of algae cells and the dilute algae concentration (<1% w/v), gravity sedimentation of suspended cells often takes a long time in a large footprint settling pond. Filtration of algal cells from the culture broth can result in filter fouling. Centrifugation can achieve high harvest efficiency; however, the capital investment and operational cost for a centrifugation system can be prohibitively expensive. Due to these drawbacks, an alternative method for harvesting and dewatering algae biomass may be advantageous.
- Described herein are example embodiments of revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods that can simplify biomass harvesting. In one example embodiment, systems and methods can provide cost effective harvesting of algae biomass. In some embodiments, systems and methods can be used to produce algae for both biofuel feedstock and aquacultural feed sources. In some embodiments, algal cells can be attached to a material that can be rotated between a nutrient-rich liquid phase and a carbon dioxide rich gaseous phase such that alternative absorption of nutrients and carbon dioxide can occur. The algal cells can be harvested by scrapping from the surface to which they are attached, which can eliminate harvest procedures commonly used in suspension cultivation systems, such as sedimentation or centrifugation. It will be appreciated that systems and methods described herein can be combined with sedimentation, centrifugation, or any other suitable processes.
- The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.
- Example embodiments described herein can mitigate air and water pollution while delivering high value bio-based products and animal feeds from microalgae. Example embodiments of RABP technology can play a critical role in creating an algal culture system that can economically produce algae biomass for, for example, biofuel production and aquacultural feed production. Microalgae may have a significant impact in the renewable transportation fuels sector. Example embodiments can grow microalgae that can be used in biofuel production with a low harvest cost. Algae, if produced economically, may also serve as a primary feed source for the US aquaculture industry.
- Example systems and methods can include developing a biofilm-based microalgae cultivation system (RABP) that could be widely adapted by the microalgae industry for producing, for example, fuels and high value products. Over the past few years microalgae has been rigorously researched as a promising feedstock for renewable biofuel production. Microalgae use photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy. This energy is stored in the cell as oils, which have a high energy content. The oil yield from algae can be significantly higher than that from other oil crops. Algae oil can generally be easily converted to biodiesel and could replace traditional petroleum-based diesel. In addition to fuel production, microalgae have also been rigorously researched for the potential to produce various high value products such as animal feed, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and glycoproteins.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , in spite of the strong potential of microalgae in various applications, the high cost of algae production can still be the major limitation in industrial scale operation. According to the United States Department of Energy's final report on the Aquatic Species Program and the recent National Algal Biofuel Technology Roadmap, there are three main areas that may need to be focused on in order to make algae cultivation economically viable, including strain development, control of contamination by native species, and reducing the high cost of biomass harvesting and dewatering. Example embodiments may minimize the cost associated with biomass harvesting and dewatering of algal cells from an aqueous culture system. - Generally, research on algae cultivation is done using suspended algae culture. This culture method can have drawbacks including the issue with harvesting. Example embodiments can promote a simple economical harvesting method. Example embodiments can include a mechanized harvesting system, which can remove concentrated algae in-situ from an attachment material and can minimize the amount of de-watering needed post-harvest. Example embodiments can optimize gas mass transfer, where growth in an
enclosed greenhouse 40 may provide the ability to increase CO2 concentration inside the reactor. Generally, at higher CO2 concentrations, the growth rate of algae will increase. Example embodiments can utilize minimal growth medium, where the triangular design in example embodiments may reduce the chemical costs of growth medium and may reduce the total water needed for the growth. In one embodiment, such advantages may be accomplished by submerging only the lowest elevated corner of a triangle system needs into the medium. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , microalgae can be grown on the surface of polystyrene foam.FIG. 2 illustrates how algae can be harvested by scraping the surface of the foam. The mechanical separation can result in biomass with water content similar to centrifuged samples and the residual biomass left on the surface can serve as an ideal inoculum for subsequent growth cycles. However, such systems can be limited by the use of polystyrene foam which is not a renewable and environmental friendly material. The rigidity of the styrene foam may also limit its application in embodiments of rotational systems and methods described herein. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , an example embodiment of a revolving algal biofilm Photobioreactor (RABP) 10, in which thealgal cells 18 can be attached to a solid surface of a supportingmaterial 12, is disclosed. The system can keep the algal cells fixed in place and can bring nutrients to the cells, rather than suspend the algae in a culture medium. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , algal cells can be attached to a material 12 that is rotating between a nutrient-richliquid phase 15 and a CO2-richgaseous phase 16 for alternative absorption of nutrients and CO2. The algal biomass can be harvested by scrapping the biomass from the attached surface with a harvesting squeegee 20 (FIG. 4 ) or other suitable device or system. In example embodiments, the naturally concentrated biofilm can be in-situ harvested during the culture process, rather than using an additional sedimentation or flocculation step for harvesting, for example. The culture can enhance the mass transfer by directly contacting algal cells with CO2 molecules in gaseous phase, where traditional suspended culture systems may have to rely on the diffusion of CO2 molecules from gaseous phase to the liquid phase, which may be limited by low gas-liquid mass transfer rate. Example embodiments may only need a small amount of water by submerging the bottom of thetriangle 22 inliquid 14 while maximizing surface area for algae to attach. Example embodiments can be scaled up to an industrial scale because the system may have a simple structure and can be retrofit on existing raceway pond systems 102 (FIG. 7 ). Example embodiments can be used in fresh water systems and can be adapted to saltwater culture systems. For example, embodiments of this system can be placed in the open ocean instead of in a raceway pond reactor. In this example application, the ocean can naturally supply the algae with sufficient sunlight, nutrient, water, and CO2, which in turn may decrease operational costs. - Still referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , embodiments of the system can include adrive motor 24, agear system 26 that can rotate driveshafts 28,drive shafts 28 that can rotate aflexible material 12, aflexible sheet material 12 that can rotate into contact withliquid 14 and can allowalgae 18 to attach thereto. Themotor 24 can include agear system 26 or pulley system that can drive one or a plurality ofshafts 28, where theshafts 28 can rotate theflexible sheet material 12 in and out of a contactingliquid 14, for example. Embodiments can also include aliquid reservoir 30, mister, water dripper, or any other suitable component or mechanism that can keep algae, which can be attached to theflexible sheet material 12, moist. Embodiments can include any suitable scraping system, vacuum system or mechanism for harvesting thealgae 18 from theflexible sheet material 12. - In an example embodiment, a generally
triangular system 22 can be provided. Such a configuration can be beneficial in maximizing the amount of sunlight algae is exposed to. However versions of the system can be designed, for example, in any configuration that includes a “sunlight capture”part 32 which can be exposed to air and sunlight, and a “nutrient capture”part 34 which can be submerged into a nutrient solution. A straight vertical design is contemplated, which may be the simplest and most cost efficient design because such a system may minimize the amount of wasted space and may maximize the amount of algae produced in a small area by growing this system vertically. Alternative designs can include a straightvertical reactor 100, a reactor that is straight but slightly angled to provide more surface area for sunlight to hit, a cylindrical reactor, or a square shaped reactor. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , anysuitable material 12, such as any suitable flexible fabric, can be used with the systems and methods described herein to grow any suitable material. For example, the microalga Chlorella, such as Chlorella vulgaris can be grown on materials such as, muslin cheesecloth, armid fiberglass, porous PTFE coated fiberglass, chamois, vermiculite, microfiber, synthetic chamois, fiberglass, burlap, cotton duct, velvet, Tyvek, polylactic acid, abrased polylactic acid, vinyl laminated nylon, polyester, wool, acrylic, lanolin, woolen, cashmere, leather, silk, lyocell, hemp fabric, Spandex, polyurethane, olefin fiber, polylactide, Lurex, carbon fiber, and combinations thereof. - It will be appreciated that any suitable algal strain 18 (including cyanobacteria) as well as fungal strains, such as strains that can be used in aquaculture feed, animal feed, nutraceuticals, or biofuel production can be used. Such strains can include Nannochloropsis sp., which can be used for both biofuel production and aquacultural feed; Scenedesmus sp., a green microalga that can be used in wastewater treatment as well as for fuel production feedstock; Haematococcus sp, which can produce a high level of astaxanthin; Botryococcus sp. a green microalga with high oil content; Spirulina sp. a blue-green alga with high protein content; Dunaliella sp. a green microalga containing a large amount of carotenoids; a group of microalgae species producing a high level of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include Arthrospira, Porphyridium, Phaeodactylum, Nitzschia, Crypthecodinium and Schizochytrium. Any suitable parameter, including gaseous phase CO2 concentration, harvesting frequency, the rotation speed of the RABP reactor, the depth of the biofilm harvested, the ratio of submerged portion to the air-exposure portion of the RABP reactor, or the gap between the different modules of the RABP system can be optimized for any suitable species.
- Referring to
FIG. 6 , any harvesting schedule can be used in accordance with example embodiments described herein. The mechanism of harvesting biomass from the biofilm can be, for example, scraping or vacuum. Biomass productivity may vary by species and any suitable harvesting time is contemplated to maximize such productivity. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , of this specific species as a function of harvesting time by growing the algae on a RABP system then harvesting the cells at different durations. As shown inFIG. 6 , for Chlorella the optimal harvest frequency may be every 7 days. In example embodiments, managing other parameters such as CO2 concentration and nutrient loading may also impact algal growth performance. - In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.
- Some of the figures can include a flow diagram. Although such figures can include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that the logic flow merely provides an exemplary implementation of the general functionality. Further, the logic flow does not necessarily have to be executed in the order presented unless otherwise indicated. In addition, the logic flow can be implemented by a hardware element, a software element executed by a computer, a firmware element embedded in hardware, or any combination thereof.
- The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to be defined by the claims appended hereto.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/245,624 US20140273174A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-04-04 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361783737P | 2013-03-14 | 2013-03-14 | |
US14/212,479 US20140273171A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-14 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
US14/245,624 US20140273174A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-04-04 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/212,479 Continuation US20140273171A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-14 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140273174A1 true US20140273174A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
Family
ID=51528825
Family Applications (9)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/214,390 Active US9932549B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-14 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US14/212,479 Abandoned US20140273171A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-14 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
US14/245,624 Abandoned US20140273174A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-04-04 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
US15/900,493 Active US10125341B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-02-20 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US15/920,304 Abandoned US20180201887A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-03-13 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/230,036 Active US10570359B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-12-21 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/587,628 Active US10738269B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-09-30 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/717,463 Active US10927334B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-12-17 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/902,964 Active US11312931B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2020-06-16 | Photobioreactor belt |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/214,390 Active US9932549B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-14 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US14/212,479 Abandoned US20140273171A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-14 | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods |
Family Applications After (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/900,493 Active US10125341B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-02-20 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US15/920,304 Abandoned US20180201887A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-03-13 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/230,036 Active US10570359B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-12-21 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/587,628 Active US10738269B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-09-30 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/717,463 Active US10927334B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-12-17 | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
US16/902,964 Active US11312931B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2020-06-16 | Photobioreactor belt |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (9) | US9932549B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014153211A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10681878B2 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2020-06-16 | Hinoman Ltd. | System for cultivating aquatic plants and method thereof |
US10899643B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2021-01-26 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Targeted pollutant release in microorganisms |
US11225424B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-01-18 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Microorganism based recirculating aquaculture system |
US11312931B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2022-04-26 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Photobioreactor belt |
US11691902B2 (en) | 2019-01-22 | 2023-07-04 | Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing total dissolved solids (TDS) in wastewater by an algal biofilm treatment |
US11905195B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2024-02-20 | Gross-Wen Te nologies, Inc. | Method of facilitating or inhibiting growth of specific microorganisms |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016007016A1 (en) * | 2014-07-08 | 2016-01-14 | Biosystem As | Bioreactor for production and harvesting of microalgae |
GB2539936A (en) * | 2015-07-01 | 2017-01-04 | Univ Nelson Mandela Metropolitan | Microalgae cultivation process and equipment |
EP3360954A1 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2018-08-15 | Wageningen Universiteit | Floating biofilm |
CN107500023B (en) * | 2017-08-10 | 2019-05-10 | 江苏苏骏纺织有限公司 | A kind of plain type cotton carding cordon machine |
US20190248688A1 (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2019-08-15 | Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. | Method of treating wastewater and systems thereof |
CN109097253A (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2018-12-28 | 刘燕 | A kind of microbe leaven draft machine for municipal sludge processing |
CN109266640B (en) * | 2018-09-18 | 2021-09-24 | 河南工业大学 | Method for preparing composite carrier by using modified carbon fiber and polyurethane as raw materials |
US11512413B2 (en) | 2019-03-27 | 2022-11-29 | Milliken & Company | Porous flexible woven belt |
US11339360B2 (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2022-05-24 | Auburn University | Culture systems and methods of using same |
US11485657B2 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2022-11-01 | Nutech Ventures | Biological remediation of groundwater using an algal photobioreactor system |
FR3107900A1 (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2021-09-10 | Inalve | Floating system for the production of microalgae in the form of biofilm |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4324068A (en) * | 1980-03-03 | 1982-04-13 | Sax Zzyzx, Ltd. | Production of algae |
US6158386A (en) * | 1999-08-18 | 2000-12-12 | Aquatic Engineers, Inc. | Fluid treatment systems |
US6794184B1 (en) * | 1998-01-19 | 2004-09-21 | Ulrich Mohr | Culturing device and method for culturing cells or tissue components |
WO2010030953A2 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2010-03-18 | Kenneth Matthew Snyder | Algaculture systems for biofuel production |
US20100267122A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-10-21 | Senthil Chinnasamy | Microalgae cultivation in a wastewater dominated by carpet mill effluents for biofuel applications |
US20110070632A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | BioCetane Inc. | Photo bioreactor and cultivation system for improved productivity of photoautotrophic cell cultures |
US20110258915A1 (en) * | 2008-10-17 | 2011-10-27 | Stc.Unm | Method and Unit for Large-Scale Algal Biomass Production |
US20110263886A1 (en) * | 2010-04-06 | 2011-10-27 | Heliae Development, Llc | Methods of producing biofuels, chlorophylls and carotenoids |
US20110283608A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2011-11-24 | Cranfield University | Bio-mass farming system and method |
Family Cites Families (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3565797A (en) | 1968-06-12 | 1971-02-23 | Paul J Gresham | Apparatus and process for treating sewage |
US3598726A (en) * | 1968-08-27 | 1971-08-10 | Autotrol Corp | Water treatment apparatus and method |
US4351905A (en) * | 1980-12-15 | 1982-09-28 | Clyde Robert A | Horizontal fermenter |
US4554390A (en) * | 1981-10-07 | 1985-11-19 | Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organization | Method for harvesting algae |
US5647983A (en) * | 1995-11-03 | 1997-07-15 | Limcaco; Christopher A. | Aquarium system |
US6667171B2 (en) | 2000-07-18 | 2003-12-23 | Ohio University | Enhanced practical photosynthetic CO2 mitigation |
US7776211B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2010-08-17 | Algaewheel, Inc. | System and method for biological wastewater treatment and for using the byproduct thereof |
US7850848B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2010-12-14 | Limcaco Christopher A | Apparatus and process for biological wastewater treatment |
US20100216207A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2010-08-26 | Atomic Energy Council - Institute Of Nuclear Energy Research | Apparatus and method for growing algae by ionizing radiation |
WO2010011320A1 (en) | 2008-07-23 | 2010-01-28 | Global Energies, Llc | Bioreactor system for mass production of biomass |
US20120252105A1 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2012-10-04 | Bioprocessh20 Llc | Systems, apparatuses and methods of cultivating organisms and mitigation of gases |
US8372631B2 (en) | 2008-12-08 | 2013-02-12 | Missing Link Technology, Llc | System for harvesting algae in continuous fermentation |
CA2748047A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2010-07-01 | University Of Utah Research Foundation | Submerged system and method for removal of undesirable substances from aqueous media |
CN102348487A (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2012-02-08 | 尤尼文图瑞公司 | Method and apparatus for separating particles from a liquid |
US8920810B2 (en) | 2009-11-30 | 2014-12-30 | Hydromentia, Inc. | Algal harvesting system |
US8765460B2 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2014-07-01 | Atle B. Nordvik | Photobioreactor system for mass production of microorganisms |
US20110217764A1 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2011-09-08 | Utah State University | Rotating Bioreactor and Spool Harvester Apparatus for Biomass Production |
US20130337548A1 (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2013-12-19 | Utah State University | Rotating Bioreactor |
AR082297A1 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2012-11-28 | Interface Inc | METHODS AND PRODUCTS USED FOR CULTIVATING AND COLLECTING ALGAE |
CN103289887B (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2014-08-27 | 中国科学院青岛生物能源与过程研究所 | Half-dry solid-state adherent culture device for microalgae industrial production |
US9295206B2 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2016-03-29 | Johna Ltd | Method of culturing algae |
US9120686B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2015-09-01 | Kuehnle Agrosystems, Inc. | Wastewater treatment methods |
US9932549B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2018-04-03 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Photobioreactor systems and methods |
EP3194607B1 (en) | 2014-09-15 | 2019-08-28 | Sustainable Nutrition, Inc | Method and apparatus for producing astaxanthin |
ES2832373T3 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2021-06-10 | Ovivo Inc | Algae-activated sewage digestion |
US10173914B2 (en) | 2016-02-15 | 2019-01-08 | Aquatech International, Llc | Method and apparatus for selenium removal from high TDS wastewater |
AU2016406360B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2023-04-13 | Global Algae Technology, LLC | Biological and algae harvesting and cultivation systems and methods |
US20190248688A1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2019-08-15 | Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. | Method of treating wastewater and systems thereof |
US20200022384A1 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2020-01-23 | Martin Gross | Mineral supplementation in algae |
US10899643B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2021-01-26 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Targeted pollutant release in microorganisms |
EP3914563A4 (en) | 2019-01-22 | 2022-10-05 | Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing total dissolved solids (tds) in wastewater by an algal biofilm treatment |
-
2014
- 2014-03-14 US US14/214,390 patent/US9932549B2/en active Active
- 2014-03-14 US US14/212,479 patent/US20140273171A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-14 WO PCT/US2014/029618 patent/WO2014153211A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-04-04 US US14/245,624 patent/US20140273174A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-02-20 US US15/900,493 patent/US10125341B2/en active Active
- 2018-03-13 US US15/920,304 patent/US20180201887A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-12-21 US US16/230,036 patent/US10570359B2/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-09-30 US US16/587,628 patent/US10738269B2/en active Active
- 2019-12-17 US US16/717,463 patent/US10927334B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-06-16 US US16/902,964 patent/US11312931B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4324068A (en) * | 1980-03-03 | 1982-04-13 | Sax Zzyzx, Ltd. | Production of algae |
US6794184B1 (en) * | 1998-01-19 | 2004-09-21 | Ulrich Mohr | Culturing device and method for culturing cells or tissue components |
US6158386A (en) * | 1999-08-18 | 2000-12-12 | Aquatic Engineers, Inc. | Fluid treatment systems |
WO2010030953A2 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2010-03-18 | Kenneth Matthew Snyder | Algaculture systems for biofuel production |
US20110258915A1 (en) * | 2008-10-17 | 2011-10-27 | Stc.Unm | Method and Unit for Large-Scale Algal Biomass Production |
US20110283608A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2011-11-24 | Cranfield University | Bio-mass farming system and method |
US20100267122A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-10-21 | Senthil Chinnasamy | Microalgae cultivation in a wastewater dominated by carpet mill effluents for biofuel applications |
US20110070632A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | BioCetane Inc. | Photo bioreactor and cultivation system for improved productivity of photoautotrophic cell cultures |
US20110263886A1 (en) * | 2010-04-06 | 2011-10-27 | Heliae Development, Llc | Methods of producing biofuels, chlorophylls and carotenoids |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11312931B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2022-04-26 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Photobioreactor belt |
US10681878B2 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2020-06-16 | Hinoman Ltd. | System for cultivating aquatic plants and method thereof |
US10899643B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2021-01-26 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Targeted pollutant release in microorganisms |
US11339070B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2022-05-24 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Targeted pollutant release in microorganisms |
US11618701B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2023-04-04 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Method of facilitating growth of specific microorganisms |
US11905195B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2024-02-20 | Gross-Wen Te nologies, Inc. | Method of facilitating or inhibiting growth of specific microorganisms |
US11691902B2 (en) | 2019-01-22 | 2023-07-04 | Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing total dissolved solids (TDS) in wastewater by an algal biofilm treatment |
US11225424B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-01-18 | Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. | Microorganism based recirculating aquaculture system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10738269B2 (en) | 2020-08-11 |
US20200308519A1 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
US10570359B2 (en) | 2020-02-25 |
US20180171275A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
US20200024559A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
US20200123482A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
US20140273171A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
US11312931B2 (en) | 2022-04-26 |
US10927334B2 (en) | 2021-02-23 |
US10125341B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 |
US20180201887A1 (en) | 2018-07-19 |
US9932549B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 |
WO2014153211A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 |
US20190119615A1 (en) | 2019-04-25 |
US20140273172A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20140273174A1 (en) | Revolving algal biofilm photobioreactor systems and methods | |
Zhang et al. | Attached cultivation for improving the biomass productivity of Spirulina platensis | |
Dragone et al. | Third generation biofuels from microalgae | |
Gao et al. | A novel algal biofilm membrane photobioreactor for attached microalgae growth and nutrients removal from secondary effluent | |
Gross et al. | Development of a rotating algal biofilm growth system for attached microalgae growth with in situ biomass harvest | |
Shen et al. | Microalgae mass production methods | |
CN105733930A (en) | Rotating disc type photobioreactor for microalgae large-scale culture | |
Rehman et al. | Impact of cultivation conditions on microalgae biomass productivity and lipid content | |
Ji et al. | An applicable nitrogen supply strategy for attached cultivation of Aucutodesmus obliquus | |
Kumar et al. | Algae oil as future energy source in Indian perspective | |
US20200231477A1 (en) | Systems and methods for reducing total dissolved solids (tds) in wastewater by an algal biofilm treatment | |
Shen et al. | Wastewater treatment and biofuel production through attached culture of Chlorella vulgaris in a porous substratum biofilm reactor | |
EP2667963A1 (en) | A fluid agitator device for facilitating development of algae or micro-algae in trays or photobioreactors | |
Mahmood et al. | Sustainable production of biofuels from the algae-derived biomass | |
WO2013186626A1 (en) | Raceway pond system for increased biomass productivity | |
CN202898398U (en) | Photobioreactor for culturing and collecting microalgae | |
Lewicki et al. | The experimental macro photoreactor for microalgae production | |
CN204265740U (en) | A kind of micro-algae Immobilized culture device based on kapillary biomimetic features | |
CN105713934A (en) | Method for producing microalgae oil | |
Shobana et al. | A review on recent advances in micro-algal based biofuel production | |
Rengel | Promising technologies for biodiesel production from algae growth systems | |
KR20150116053A (en) | Culturing method of microalgae for increasing lipid content | |
Nath et al. | Carbon dioxide capture and its enhanced utilization using microalgae | |
Saeid et al. | Algae biomass as a raw material for production of algal extracts | |
JP2017099301A (en) | Method of culturing microalgae with low energy consumption |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GROSS-WEN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, IOWA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GROSS, MARTIN ANTHONY;WEN, ZHIYOU;REEL/FRAME:032718/0212 Effective date: 20140418 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., I Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GROSS-WEN TECHNOLOGIES LLC;REEL/FRAME:040185/0433 Effective date: 20161020 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GROSS-WEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC., IOWA Free format text: CONVERSION;ASSIGNOR:GROSS-WEN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:041554/0148 Effective date: 20161122 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |