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Systems and methods for harvesting and dewatering algae

A technology of algae and algae cells, applied in chemical instruments and methods, botany equipment and methods, biochemical equipment and methods, etc., can solve problems such as difficulty in adapting to continuous treatment systems and low process efficiency, and achieve improved algae growth, The effect of eliminating the requirement

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-12-10
ORGINOIL INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Current processes are inefficient due to the time scale required for liquid evaporation or the energy input required to dry out the liquid medium or the chemical input required for material separation
Furthermore, these processes are often limited to batch processing and are difficult to adapt to continuous processing systems

Method used

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  • Systems and methods for harvesting and dewatering algae
  • Systems and methods for harvesting and dewatering algae
  • Systems and methods for harvesting and dewatering algae

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0024] The present invention generally relates to systematic methods for harvesting algae in a simple, low-cost way. Practice of the present invention produces a biomass that can then be cracked for oil separation, returning clarified, nutrient-enriched water to the growing system. The cost of flocculation is reduced by using short bursts of energy in strategically placed locations. These energy bursts can be implemented within the growing system or in a stand-alone batch processor.

[0025]Another advantage is achieved through the use of protic polar acids within the growth and / or extraction system. Protic polar acids enhance algae growth and, when powered by amphoteric plates, clarify water, thereby eliminating the requirement to use metal ions.

[0026] In one embodiment, the invention is implemented as a system for algae harvesting and dehydration. The system includes a container capable of holding an algae solution; a cathode disposed within the container; an anode dis...

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Abstract

An applied electrical field effects the harvesting of algae from a growth medium through increased interface potential between solvent and solute and the use of micron-sized bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen gas. The process and method makes use of strategically placed bipolar electrode plates that generate hydrogen and oxygen gas. Micro bubbles of the gas flocculate the biomass out of solution concurrently clarifying the water for re-use in an algae growth system. The flocked algae can then be processed for use in applications which require a chemical-free and dewatered product such as required for bio-fuels, pharmaceuticals or food.

Description

Background technique [0001] The history of separating materials from suspensions exists in a variety of industries including wastewater treatment and algae farming. The processes involved in achieving the separation can vary depending on the desired end result. In the sewage industry, for example, the desired result is often treated water that can be released into the environment. Conversely, in algae farming, the primary desired outcome may be harvesting biomass that can be used for energy production. [0002] Electrocoagulation has a long history in the wastewater treatment industry. Electrocoagulation has been found to be an effective method of separating fluids and solids in secondary stages of remediation. This waste stream contains various types of organic material and algae are considered a nuisance due to the high nitrate levels that are common in said stream. Therefore, efforts to eradicate algae generally do not include preserving the integrity of the material fo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): C02F3/32C02F1/48
CPCC12N13/00A01G7/04C02F1/463C02F11/006C12M33/00C12M21/02A01H13/00A01G33/00C12M47/02C12N1/02Y02A40/80
Inventor 尼古拉斯·埃克尔百利
Owner ORGINOIL INC