PHOTOBIOREACTOR AND METHOD FOR CULTURE OF MICROALGAE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a photobioreactor (1) for the cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms, with a reactor element (2) having a tube (3) and a maintenance device (4) and a drive system (5) which can move the maintenance device (4) in the tube (3). The photobioreactor is designed in such a way that a liquid culture medium (6) with the microorganisms flows through at least part of the tube (3) in the operating state of the photobioreactor (1). The invention is characterized in that the photobioreactor (1) is designed in such a way that the maintenance device (4) in the operating state of the photobioreactor (1) can be used in the tube (3) and can be moved by the drive system (5) at least counter to the flow of the culture medium (6) in the tube (3).Furthermore, the invention provides a method for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor with a mobile maintenance device, a mobile maintenance device for maintaining the inner surface of a tube of a photobioreactor for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms and their use, which is carried out during operation of the photobioreactor.