A system for perturbing a microalgal culture

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of microalgae culture solution's disturbance system, including culture pond, combination is formed by first disturbance pipeline and second disturbance pipeline together in culture pond, first group of spray holes is opened in first disturbance pipeline, second group of spray holes is opened in second disturbance pipeline, one end of first disturbance pipeline is sealed and the other end is connected with first supply pipeline, one end of second disturbance pipeline is sealed and the other end is connected with second supply pipeline, fluid can be moved to the side direction of culture pond when being sprayed from first group of spray holes, fluid can be moved to the other side direction of culture pond when being sprayed from second group of spray holes.The system is low in construction and operation cost, and has good disturbance effect and flexible control, and can be widely applied to the culture of microalgae.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microalgae cultivation, and more specifically to a perturbation system for microalgae culture medium. Background Technology

[0002] Microalgae are among the oldest and most important organisms on Earth, fixing 40% of the planet's carbon dioxide. They grow rapidly, have high photosynthetic efficiency, are rich in protein, oils, and other nutrients, making them suitable for use in food, health products, aquatic feed, and water pollution control. Large-scale cultivation of microalgae is expected to gradually reduce my country's reliance on imports of petroleum, soybeans, and fishmeal feed, and will also contribute to carbon neutrality.

[0003] Currently, the main method for large-scale industrial cultivation of microalgae is the raceway pond. In southern regions, open raceway ponds are typically used, meaning ponds are dug in open ground and filled with a culture solution, allowing the microalgae to grow. In northern regions, open raceway ponds are usually covered with plastic arched structures, which helps to resist environmental disturbances, raise the temperature, and extend the cultivation time. During the cultivation process, to prevent the microalgae from settling, to promptly remove the oxygen produced by their growth, and to allow the microalgae to receive light in rotation, continuous agitation using a wave agitator is necessary. The wave agitator is placed at one end of the raceway pond, and its continuous rotation drives the flow of the algal solution. Currently, using a wave agitator for algal solution agitation is the common practice in industrial microalgae cultivation, and the vast majority of microalgae production uses this method. However, using a pulsator to agitate the algal solution presents several problems: First, the pulsator primarily drives the flow of the algal solution, producing only localized up-and-down turbulence. Once a certain distance away from the pulsator, the flow becomes primarily laminar, with little further up-and-down turbulence. Second, it consumes a lot of energy. To enhance the agitation effect, the pulsator typically needs to operate continuously, sometimes even day and night, increasing energy expenditure and raising the cost of microalgae cultivation. Third, the mechanical agitation is quite vigorous, potentially damaging the microalgae. Fourth, to power the pulsator, power lines need to be laid near the cultivation tank, increasing construction difficulty and cost, and posing safety hazards. Fifth, constructing a raceway tank requires a baffle in the middle, increasing the difficulty of construction and bottom film installation, and also increasing the risk of leakage in the cultivation tank.

[0004] The utility model patent "A disturbance device for microalgae liquid" (202120393960.4) discloses a device that uses wind power to drive the movement of a plastic tube to disturb the algae liquid. This device disturbs the entire container, thereby disturbing the algae liquid inside. It is more suitable for cultivation of small algae liquids. However, for large volumes of algae liquids, the disturbance caused by wind power is limited and it is difficult to achieve the purpose of completely stirring the algae liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a microalgae liquid perturbation system. This system has low construction and operation costs, good perturbation effect, flexible control, and can be widely used in microalgae cultivation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A perturbation system for a microalgae culture medium includes a culture tank. An assembly formed by combining a first perturbation pipe and a second perturbation pipe is placed within the culture tank. A first set of nozzles is provided on the first perturbation pipe, and a second set of nozzles is provided on the second perturbation pipe. One end of the first perturbation pipe is sealed, and the other end is connected to a first supply pipe. One end of the second perturbation pipe is sealed, and the other end is connected to a second supply pipe. When fluid is ejected from the first set of nozzles, the assembly can move to one side of the culture tank. When fluid is ejected from the second set of nozzles, the assembly can move to the other side of the culture tank.

[0008] Preferably, the first supply pipeline is connected to the first valve, the second supply pipeline is connected to the second valve, the first valve and the second valve are controlled to switch alternately, and the first valve and the second valve are respectively connected to the main supply pipeline via pipelines.

[0009] Preferably, the main supply pipeline is connected to a pressure tank or the main supply pipeline is connected to a liquid supply pump, the liquid supply pump is connected to a filtration and harvesting tank, and the filtration and harvesting tank is connected to the overflow port of the culture tank via a return liquid pipeline.

[0010] Preferably, the length of the assembly is 5-500 meters, and the reciprocating stroke of the assembly is 2-50 meters.

[0011] Preferably, the fluid is a liquid or a gas.

[0012] Preferably, the pressure tank is connected to the liquid supply pump.

[0013] Preferably, the main supply pipeline is also connected to the gas supply pipeline.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of the nozzles in the first group of nozzles are directed horizontally toward one side wall of the culture tank, and a plurality of nozzles are directed obliquely downward toward the bottom of the culture tank; a plurality of the nozzles in the second group of nozzles are directed horizontally toward the other side wall of the culture tank, and a plurality of nozzles are directed obliquely downward toward the bottom of the culture tank.

[0015] When using this system to culture microalgae, the type of microalgae cells is not limited; any microalgae with potential for growth can be used, with Spirulina, Chlorella, Euglena, Scenedesmus, diatoms, Oocystia, Chlamydomonas, etc. being preferred. The composition of the culture medium is not limited; any culture component that can provide microalgae growth is acceptable, such as commonly used Zaluk medium, TAP medium, BG11 medium, BMM, F / 2 medium, etc. The form of the light source is not limited.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are that by combining and fixing the first and second disturbance pipes together to form an assembly, and by setting two sets of nozzles with opposite spray directions on the first and second disturbance pipes respectively, when pressurized liquid is alternately pumped into the first and second disturbance pipes and sprayed out from the corresponding nozzles, not only does the sprayed liquid disturb the microalgae liquid, but the reaction force of the spray also causes the assembly of the first and second disturbance pipes to move in the opposite direction of the spray. The moving assembly also disturbs the microalgae liquid from the bottom. The disturbance caused by the sprayed liquid and the disturbance caused by the pipe movement are superimposed, which can make the microalgae liquid continuously tumble up and down. Moreover, the disturbance is conducted from bottom to top in the microalgae liquid, forming a holistic disturbance effect without dead angles. This disturbance can effectively dissipate the oxygen produced by microalgae photosynthesis, which is conducive to the rapid growth of microalgae. In addition to spraying liquid, gases such as carbon dioxide can also be sprayed. While generating disturbance, carbon dioxide gas can also be used to regulate the temperature and pH value of the microalgae liquid and provide it for microalgae growth. Furthermore, the overflowing algal liquid filters and harvests microalgae in the harvesting tank. The filtered liquid continues to be used as the jetting liquid. Therefore, the jetting disturbance process and the microalgae harvesting share the same energy, requiring almost no additional energy. This not only saves the cost of the impeller machine but also saves the electrical energy required to drive it. It has the advantages of low construction cost and low power consumption, making it easy to promote and resulting in significant economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention at an angle;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention from another angle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the microalgae culture medium disturbance system includes a culture tank 1, which is generally located on the ground 100. The culture tank 1 contains microalgae liquid, and a combination 101 consisting of a first disturbance pipe 3 and a second disturbance pipe 4 is placed at the bottom of the culture tank. In one embodiment, the first disturbance pipe 3 and the second disturbance pipe 4 are each independent pipes, which are then fixed together using a collar or binding strap to form a combination 101. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first disturbance pipe 3 and the second disturbance pipe 4 are formed by dividing a single independent pipe into two chambers with a partition in the middle. Or, in yet another embodiment, the disturbance pipes are composed of multiple pipes, each with a nozzle; the combination of multiple pipes provides a better disturbance effect. A first set of nozzles 301 is provided on the first disturbance pipe 3. One end of the first disturbance pipe 3 is sealed, and the other end is connected to the first supply pipe 5. Liquids or gases can be supplied into the first disturbance pipe 3 through the first supply pipe 5, and then the supplied liquids or gases are ejected from the first set of nozzles 301. In one embodiment, the first set of nozzles 301 includes multiple nozzles and the spray direction is horizontal, so that liquids or gases can be sprayed horizontally from the first set of nozzles 301 toward one side of the culture tank. After the liquids or gases are ejected, the assembly 101 will move toward the other side of the culture tank with the opposite spray direction under the reaction force. In another embodiment, some nozzles in the first group of nozzles 301 are arranged horizontally, while others are arranged obliquely or directly downward toward the bottom of the culture tank. This allows for both horizontal and downward-directed fluid injection. The downward-directed fluid exerts an upward pushing force on the assembly of the two pipes, reducing friction between the pipe assembly and the bottom of the culture tank 1, thus facilitating horizontal movement of the assembly 101. A second group of nozzles 401 is provided on the second disturbance pipe 4. One end of the second disturbance pipe 4 is sealed, and the other end is connected to the second supply pipe 6. Liquids or gases can be supplied to the second disturbance pipe 4 through the second supply pipe 6, and the supplied liquids or gases are then ejected from the second group of nozzles 401. In one embodiment, the second set of nozzles 401 includes multiple nozzles with a horizontal spray direction, allowing liquid or gas to be sprayed horizontally from one side of the culture tank. After spraying, the liquid or gas drives the assembly 101 to move in the opposite direction of the culture tank under a reaction force. In another embodiment, some nozzles in the second set of nozzles 401 have a horizontal spray direction, while others have a downward or straight-downward spray direction towards the bottom of the culture tank. This allows for both horizontal and downward spraying of fluid. The downward spraying fluid generates an upward pushing force on the assembly 101, reducing friction between the assembly 101 and the bottom of the culture tank, thus facilitating horizontal movement of the pipeline assembly.

[0020] The first supply line 5 and the second supply line 6 alternately supply fluid to the first disturbance line 3 and the second disturbance line 4. The first supply line 5 and the second supply line 6 are flexible hoses with some redundancy, allowing the assembly 101 to move freely back and forth between the two sides of the culture tank. A first valve 7 is installed on the first supply line 5, and a second valve 8 is installed on the second supply line 6. The first valve 7 is connected to the main supply line 9 via line 701, and the second valve 8 is connected to the main supply line 9 via line 801. Alternating opening and closing of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 achieves alternating injection of liquid or gas within the first disturbance line 3 and the second disturbance line 4, thereby realizing the reciprocating motion of the assembly 101. The first valve 7 and the second valve 8 are preferably solenoid valves.

[0021] In one embodiment, the main supply line 9 is connected to the pressure tank 10, which is connected to the liquid supply pump 12 via line 11. The liquid supply pump 12 is connected to the filtration and harvesting tank 13 via a line, or the liquid supply pump 12 is directly located in the filtration and harvesting tank 13. The filtration and harvesting tank 13 is connected to the overflow port 15 of the culture tank 1 via the return liquid line 14. After overflowing from the overflow port 15 of the culture tank 1, the microalgae liquid flows back into the filtration and harvesting tank 13, where microalgae are filtered and harvested. The filtrate can then be pumped into the pressure tank 10 by the liquid supply pump 12 for storage, and then supplied to the first disturbance line 3 and the second disturbance line 4 for spraying via the main supply line 9 and the first valve 7 or the second valve 8. In another embodiment, the liquid supply pump 12 is also directly connected to the main supply line 9 via an auxiliary line 16, and a valve 17 is provided on the auxiliary line 16. The valve 17 can be opened as needed to directly supply liquid through the auxiliary line 16.

[0022] To supply gases such as carbon dioxide, a gas supply pipeline can be connected to the main supply pipeline 9, and the gas supply pipeline can be connected to a gas pump (not shown in the figure). This allows carbon dioxide gas to be pumped in for use as a jet, which can generate disturbance and also use carbon dioxide to regulate the temperature and pH of the algal solution and supply nutrients to the algal solution.

[0023] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. Low equipment cost: There is no need to purchase special equipment such as impellers. Water pumps are commonly used equipment in microalgae cultivation and do not need to be purchased separately. Simply pump the overflowing algae solution into the pipe assembly, and the water jet is formed through the micropores of the pipe assembly.

[0025] 2. Low operating cost: Traditional algae liquid agitation methods require a kilowatt-class impeller to run continuously. The operation of this invention does not require additional power because the circulation and replacement of algae liquid is an essential process for daily harvesting and replenishment.

[0026] 3. Good disturbance effect: The pipe assembly is located at the bottom of the water layer. The water flow is sprayed at high speed from the micropores to blow the bottom algae liquid. At the same time, the superposition of the stirring action of the pipe assembly can effectively blow up the bottom microalgae, avoid sedimentation, and the disturbance effect covers the entire area, with few dead corners.

[0027] 4. The culture tank is easy to build and maintain: the baffle in the middle of the racetrack pool is no longer needed, making the laying and maintenance of the bottom membrane much easier.

[0028] 5. No damage to microalgae cells: The blowing of water does not involve mechanical shearing and will not cause damage to microalgae cells.

[0029] 6. Remote drive and control: The water pipes can be extended a long distance, hundreds of meters or even further, so disturbances can be controlled remotely. The aquaculture ponds no longer need power, and therefore no power lines are required, making them safer and more convenient.

[0030] 7. No external equipment: The water pipes are laid below the water layer, and the entire device does not occupy the upper space, which facilitates the construction, maintenance and management of the upper facilities.

[0031] 8. Can be equipped with an aeration process: Gas, such as CO2, can be added during the algae liquid circulation process to achieve carbon replenishment. The gas-liquid ratio can also be adjusted as needed, and even the disturbance can be driven entirely by gas.

[0032] 9. Can be equipped with temperature control: The outflowing algal solution can be heated or cooled, and then the high-temperature or low-temperature algal solution can be pumped into the culture tank.

[0033] 10. Easy to control: It only requires controlling the flow rate and interval of the pumped algae solution, which can be easily adjusted according to the needs of disturbance.

[0034] The above embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and not limiting. Under the concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art can also implement the present invention through other embodiments.

Claims

1. A disturbance system for a microalgae culture medium, comprising a culture tank, characterized in that, An assembly consisting of a first disturbance pipe and a second disturbance pipe is placed inside a culture tank. A first set of nozzles is provided on the first disturbance pipe, and a second set of nozzles is provided on the second disturbance pipe. One end of the first disturbance pipe is sealed and the other end is connected to a first supply pipe. One end of the second disturbance pipe is sealed and the other end is connected to a second supply pipe. When fluid is ejected from the first set of nozzles, the assembly moves to one side of the culture tank; when fluid is ejected from the second set of nozzles, the assembly moves to the other side of the culture tank. The first supply pipeline is connected to the first valve, and the second supply pipeline is connected to the second valve. The first valve and the second valve are controlled to switch alternately. The first valve and the second valve are respectively connected to the main supply pipeline through pipelines. Both the first supply pipeline and the second supply pipeline are flexible hoses with a certain degree of redundancy, allowing the assembly to move freely back and forth between the two sides of the culture tank.

2. The microalgae culture medium disturbance system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main supply pipeline is connected to the pressure tank or the main supply pipeline is connected to the liquid supply pump, the liquid supply pump is connected to the filtration and harvesting tank, and the filtration and harvesting tank is connected to the overflow port of the culture tank via the return liquid pipeline.

3. The microalgae culture medium disturbance system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The combined structure is 5-500 meters long and has a reciprocating stroke of 2-50 meters.

4. The microalgae culture medium disturbance system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid is either a liquid or a gas.

5. The microalgae culture medium disturbance system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure tank is connected to the liquid supply pump.

6. The microalgae culture medium disturbance system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main supply pipeline is also connected to the gas supply pipeline.

7. The microalgae culture medium disturbance system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first group of nozzles has several nozzles spraying horizontally toward one side wall of the culture tank, and several other nozzles spraying obliquely downward toward the bottom of the culture tank; the second group of nozzles has several nozzles spraying horizontally toward the other side wall of the culture tank, and several other nozzles spraying obliquely downward toward the bottom of the culture tank.

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