Production of biomass

Abstract

The present invention relates to the manufacture of biomass and particularly provides a method of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone comprising a reaction mixture usable to perform photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active optical radiation. The reaction mixture comprises a phototrophic biomass that can be used for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide feed is adjusted in response to a measured process parameter. In another aspect, an input to the reaction zone is adjusted according to a change in the carbon dioxide feed. In another aspect, a carbon dioxide-containing feed is diluted. In another aspect, the pressure of the carbon dioxide-containing feed is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide containing feed and recycled. In another aspect, the generated phototrophic biomass is collected at a rate close to a predetermined molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 2022104738122, application date May 18, 2011, and invention name “Manufacturing of Biomass”.

[0002] Related Applications

[0003] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 12 / 784,215 filed on May 20, 2010, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No.

[0004] 12 / 784,181, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 12 / 784,172, filed on May 20, 2010, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 12 / 784,141, filed on May 20, 2010, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 12 / 784,126, filed on May 20, 2010, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 12 / 784,106, filed on May 20, 2010, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 13 / 022,396, filed on February 7, 2011. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a biomass growing method. Background Art

[0006] Phototrophs have been widely cultivated to produce fuel sources. Waste gases emitted during industrial production have also been used to promote the growth of phototrophs by supplying the phototrophs with carbon dioxide that they need to consume during photosynthesis. By providing waste gases for such uses, the impact on the environment can be reduced and a potentially useful fuel source can be generated. However, there are great challenges to making this method more economically attractive for introduction into existing equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided. The reaction zone comprises a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize under exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture comprises phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone. When the reaction mixture is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation and causes the phototrophic biomass to grow in the reaction zone and when the phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone, when a phototrophic biomass growth indicator is different from the phototrophic biomass growth indicator target value, the molar rate of discharging the phototrophic biomass from the reaction zone is adjusted, wherein the growth caused includes growth caused by photosynthesis, and wherein the phototrophic biomass growth indicator target value is based on a predetermined molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0009] In another aspect, another method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided. The reaction zone contains a production-use reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the production-use reaction mixture includes production-use phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone. When the reaction mixture is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation and causes the production-use phototrophic biomass to grow in the reaction zone and when the production-use phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone, when the phototrophic biomass growth index is different from the predetermined target value of the phototrophic biomass growth index, the molar rate of discharging the production-use phototrophic biomass from the reaction zone is adjusted, wherein the growth caused includes growth caused by photosynthesis, and wherein the phototrophic biomass growth index target value is based on the predetermined molar growth rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. The predetermined target value includes supplying an evaluation purpose reaction mixture that represents the production purpose reaction mixture and can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, so that the phototrophic biomass in the evaluation purpose reaction mixture becomes the evaluation purpose phototrophic biomass that represents the production purpose phototrophic biomass. While the evaluation purpose reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation and causes the evaluation purpose phototrophic biomass in the evaluation purpose reaction mixture to grow, at least periodically detect the phototrophic biomass growth index to provide a plurality of detection values ​​of the phototrophic biomass growth index that has been detected for a period of time, and calculate the molar growth rate of the evaluation purpose phototrophic biomass based on the plurality of detection values ​​of the phototrophic biomass growth index, thereby determining a plurality of molar growth rates of the evaluation purpose phototrophic biomass during the period of time. Based on the calculated molar growth rate and the detected value of the phototrophic biomass growth index used to calculate the molar growth rate, a relationship between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for evaluation and the phototrophic biomass growth index is established, so that the relationship established between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for evaluation and the phototrophic biomass growth index represents the relationship between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production in the reaction zone and the phototrophic biomass growth index, thereby establishing the relationship between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production in the reaction zone and the phototrophic biomass growth index. A predetermined molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production is selected. The phototrophic biomass growth index target value is defined as: according to the relationship established between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production in the reaction zone and the phototrophic biomass growth index, the phototrophic biomass growth index at the predetermined molar growth rate is caused, thereby also generating a correlation between the phototrophic biomass growth index target value and the predetermined molar growth rate.

[0010] In another aspect, another method of growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided. The reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone. While exposing the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone to photosynthetically active light radiation and causing the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture to grow, the phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone at a molar rate within 10% of the molar rate at which the phototrophic biomass grows in the reaction zone. The growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is carried out at a molar rate of at least 90% of the maximum growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0011] In another aspect, another method of growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided. The reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone. While exposing the reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation and causing the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone to grow, the phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone so that the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass is within 10% of the molar rate at which the phototrophic biomass grows, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass caused includes growth caused by photosynthesis.

[0012] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, and the method includes: while a gaseous emission production process emits gaseous emissions, wherein any of the gaseous emissions supplied to the reaction zone limits the gaseous emission supply for the reaction zone, adjusting the supply of the gaseous emission supply for the reaction zone to the reaction zone based on the detection of at least one carbon dioxide processing amount indicator.

[0013] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when a gaseous emission production process emits gaseous emission and at least a portion of the gaseous emission is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous emission supplied to the reaction zone defines a gaseous emission supply to the reaction zone, while reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous emission supply to the reaction zone, or terminating the supply of the gaseous emission supply to the reaction zone, the method further comprises starting the supply of a feedstock containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone, or increasing the supply molar rate of the feedstock containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone.

[0014] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: supplying a gaseous exhaust material supply for the reaction zone to the reaction zone, wherein at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material produced by a gaseous exhaust material production process defines the gaseous exhaust material supply for the reaction zone, wherein the gaseous exhaust material supply for the reaction zone comprises carbon dioxide; and supplying a supplemental aqueous material supply to the reaction zone from a container, wherein the supplemental aqueous material supply comprises an aqueous material that has been condensed from the gaseous exhaust material supply for the reaction zone and collected in the container, wherein condensation of the aqueous material is achieved when the gaseous exhaust material supply for the reaction zone is cooled before it is supplied to the reaction zone.

[0015] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when a gaseous emission production process emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone defines the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, adjusting at least one input to the reaction zone according to at least the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone.

[0016] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when a gaseous emission production process emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone defines the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, adjusting at least one input to the reaction zone based on at least a molar rate index of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone.

[0017] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when a gaseous emission production process emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone defines the emitted carbon dioxide feed to the reaction zone, when an indication of a change in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed to the reaction zone being supplied to the reaction zone is detected, adjusting at least one input to the reaction zone.

[0018] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when a gaseous emission production process emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone defines the emitted carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone, when a decrease in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is detected, or when an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is detected, increasing the molar rate of supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone, or starting to supply the supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone.

[0019] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: before supplying the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone at a pressure sufficient to allow the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply to flow through a depth of at least 70 inches in the reaction zone, increasing the pressure of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply by passing the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply through an eductor or a jet pump.

[0020] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: before supplying the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone at a pressure sufficient to allow the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply to flow through a depth of at least 70 inches in the reaction zone, utilizing a venturi effect to transfer pressure energy from a driving liquid flow to the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply.

[0021] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when a reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone, supplying the reaction zone feed material with a supplemental gaseous diluent, wherein the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental gaseous diluent is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust material supply for the reaction zone that is supplied to the reaction zone feed material.

[0022] In another aspect, a method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone is provided, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: when supplying a concentrated carbon dioxide supply, mixing the concentrated carbon dioxide supply with a supplemental gaseous diluent to produce a diluted carbon dioxide supply, wherein the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the diluted carbon dioxide supply is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the concentrated carbon dioxide supply; and supplying at least a portion of the diluted reaction zone carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the method of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a flow chart of another embodiment of the method of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a partial schematic diagram of a fluid channel in one embodiment of the method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Throughout this specification, when referring to "some embodiments", it means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with some embodiments do not necessarily refer to these embodiments. In addition, the specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined with each other in any appropriate manner.

[0028] See also Figure 1 As shown, it provides a method for growing phototrophic biomass in reaction zone 10. The reaction zone 10 includes a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize under exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. The reaction mixture comprises a phototrophic biomass raw material, carbon dioxide and water. In some embodiments, the reaction zone comprises a phototrophic biomass and carbon dioxide placed in an aqueous medium. In the reaction zone, the phototrophic biomass is configured to exchange mass transfer with carbon dioxide and water. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction mixture comprises a phototrophic biomass placed in an aqueous medium, and provides a phototrophic biomass rich in carbon dioxide after the phototrophic biomass receives carbon dioxide.

[0029] "Phototrophs" are organisms, such as plant cells and microorganisms, that can grow by photosynthetic nutrition when receiving light energy in an aqueous medium. The phototrophs can be unicellular or multicellular. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophs are artificially modified or genetically modified organisms. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophs are algae. In some embodiments, for example, the algae are microalgae.

[0030] "Phototrophic biomass" is at least one phototrophic organism. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass includes more than one species of phototrophic organism.

[0031] The "reaction zone 10" defines a space in which the phototrophic biomass grows. In some embodiments, the reaction zone 10 is provided within a photobioreactor 12. In some embodiments, for example, the pressure within the reaction zone is atmospheric pressure.

[0032] "Photobioreactor 12" can be any structure, configuration, land formation or area that can provide a suitable environment for growing phototrophic biomass. Examples of specific structures of photobioreactor 12 that can provide the space required for phototrophic biomass to grow using light energy include, but are not limited to, tanks, ponds, tanks, channels, pools, pipes, pipelines, channels and waterways. Such photobioreactors can be open, closed, semi-closed, covered or partially covered. In some embodiments, for example, the photobioreactor 12 is an open pond, in which case the pond can receive raw materials and light energy from the surrounding environment without restriction. In other embodiments, for example, the photobioreactor 12 is a covered or partially covered pond, in which case the receiving of raw materials from the surrounding is at least partially blocked. The photobioreactor 12 includes a reaction zone 10 containing a reaction mixture. In some embodiments, the photobioreactor 12 is configured to receive a supply of phototrophic reagents (and in some embodiments, optional supplementary nutrients), and is also configured to discharge the structure of the phototrophic biomass grown in the reaction zone 10. In this regard, in some embodiments, the photobioreactor 12 includes one or more inlets for receiving phototrophic agents and supplementing nutrient supply, and also includes one or more outlets for recovering or harvesting biomass grown in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, one or more inlets are configured to be temporarily closed at periodic or intermittent time intervals. In some embodiments, for example, one or more outlets are configured to be temporarily closed or substantially closed at periodic or intermittent time intervals. The photobioreactor 12 is configured to contain a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. The photobioreactor 12 is also configured to have photosynthetically active light radiation (e.g., light with a wavelength between about 400 and 700 nm that can be emitted by the sun or other light sources) located in the photobioreactor 12 for irradiating the phototrophic biomass. The irradiation of the reaction mixture with photosynthetically active light radiation can cause the phototrophic biomass to photosynthesize and grow. In some embodiments, for example, the light radiation provided is provided by an artificial light source 14 placed in the photobioreactor 12. For example, suitable artificial light sources include submerged optical fibers, light guides, light emitting diodes (LEDs), LED strips, and fluorescence. Any LED strip known in the art may be suitable for use within the photobioreactor 12. In some embodiments using submerged LEDs, for example, the energy source for supplying power to the LEDs includes alternative energy sources such as wind, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells, etc. Fluorescence may be used as a backup system outside or inside the photobioreactor 12. In some embodiments, for example, the light provided comes from a natural light source 16, which is emitted from the outside of the photobioreactor 12 and passes through a transmission member.In some embodiments, for example, the transmission member is a portion of the housing structure of the photobioreactor 12 that is at least partially transparent to photosynthetically active light radiation and is configured to transmit the light to the reaction zone 10 to be received by the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, natural light is received by a solar thermal collector, filtered by a selective wavelength filter, and then transmitted to the reaction zone 10 via an optical fiber material or a light guide. In some embodiments, for example, photosynthetically active light radiation within the photobioreactor 12 is provided by both natural light sources and artificial light sources.

[0033] An "aqueous medium" is an environment that includes water. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous medium also includes sufficient nutrients to facilitate the survival and growth of the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, supplemental nutrients may include, for example, NO x and SO xSuitable aqueous media are described in detail in Rogers, LJ and Gallon JR, "Biochemistry of the Algae and Cyanobacteria", Oxford Clarendon Press 1988; Burlew, John S., "Algal Culture: From Laboratory to Pilot Plant", Carnegie Institute Washington Press 600, Washington, D.C. 1961 (hereinafter referred to as "Burles 1961"); and Round, FE, The Biology of the Algae, St. Martin's Press, New York 1965; the above documents are each incorporated herein by reference. A suitable supplementary nutrient composition, termed "Bold's Basal Medium," is described in detail in Bold, HC 1949, The morphology of Chlamydomonas chlamydogama sp. nov. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club. 76: 101-8 (see also Bischoff, HW and Bold, HC 1963, Phycological Studies IV. Some soil algae from Enchanted Rock and related algal species, University of Texas Press, 6318: 1-95; and Stein, J. (ed.), Handbook of Phycological Methods, Culture methods and growth measurements, Cambridge University Press, pp. 7-24).

[0034] "Adjusting" with respect to a process variable (eg, an input or an output) refers to any of the actions of starting, stopping, increasing, decreasing, or otherwise changing a process parameter (eg, a process parameter of an input or an output).

[0035] In some embodiments, the method includes supplying carbon dioxide to the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 is from a gaseous exhaust 18 containing carbon dioxide. In this regard, in some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust generation process 20 supplies the carbon dioxide, and thus, the supply is achieved by the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted from the gaseous exhaust generation process 20. In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines a gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone, such that the carbon dioxide feed emitted to the reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone 10 as a portion of the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone (along with other non-carbon dioxide feedstocks from the gaseous exhaust 18). In some of these embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0036] In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust 18 comprises a carbon dioxide concentration of at least 2 volume percent based on the total volume of the gaseous exhaust 18. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone comprises a carbon dioxide concentration of at least 2 volume percent based on the total volume of the gaseous exhaust 18. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust 18 comprises a carbon dioxide concentration of at least 4 volume percent based on the total volume of the gaseous exhaust 18. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone comprises a carbon dioxide concentration of at least 4 volume percent based on the total volume of the gaseous exhaust 18. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone also comprises NO x and SO x One or both.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 has been treated before being supplied to the reaction zone 10 so as to effectively remove undesirable components in the gaseous exhaust 18, so that the material composition of at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is different from the material composition of the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged from the gaseous exhaust generation process 20.

[0038] The gaseous emission production process 20 includes any process that effectively produces and discharges gaseous emission 18. In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the gaseous emission 18 discharged by the gaseous emission production process 20 is supplied to the reaction zone 10. The at least a portion of the gaseous emission 18 discharged by the gaseous emission production process 20 and supplied to the reaction zone 10 contains carbon dioxide from the gaseous emission production process 20. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous emission production process 20 is a combustion process. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion process is carried out in a combustion device. In some embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the combustion process is carried out using fossil fuels such as coal, oil or natural gas. For example, the combustion device is any one of a fossil fuel power plant, an industrial incineration device, an industrial furnace, an industrial heater or an internal combustion engine. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion device is a cement kiln.

[0039] A reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, so that the reaction zone 10 receives carbon dioxide from the reaction zone feed material 22. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide in the reaction zone feed material 22 is from the gaseous exhaust 18. During at least some operations of the method, at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied by the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. As described above, any gaseous exhaust 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is supplied as the gaseous exhaust supply 24 for the reaction zone. In some of these embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust supply 24 for the reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the phototrophic biomass disposed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, not all of the gaseous exhaust 18 is necessarily supplied to the reaction zone 10 as the gaseous exhaust supply 24 for the reaction zone, and thus the reaction zone feed material 22 includes the gaseous exhaust supply 24 for the reaction zone. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust 18 or at least a portion thereof is not necessarily supplied to the reaction zone 10 as the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the entire period of time during which the process is in operation. The gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone contains carbon dioxide. In some of these embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone is at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20. In some examples, all of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20 is supplied as the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone.

[0040] In terms of the reaction zone feed material 22, the reaction zone feed material 22 is a fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is a gaseous substance. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 contains a gaseous substance placed in a liquid material. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid material is an aqueous material. In some of these embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the gas is dissolved in the liquid material. In some of these embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the gas is configured to be dispersed in the liquid material. In some of these embodiments, for example, during at least some operations of the method, the gas in the reaction zone feed material 22 contains carbon dioxide supplied by the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24. In some of these embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 in the form of a material flow. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material flow 22 includes a gaseous exhaust reaction zone feed material supply flow 24. In some embodiments, for example, reaction zone feed material stream 22 is a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone feed material supply stream 24.

[0041] In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 in the form of one or more reaction zone feed material streams. For example, the one or more reaction zone feed material streams flow through respective reaction zone feed material fluid channels. In some of these embodiments, when there is more than one reaction zone feed material stream, the reaction zone feed material streams have different material compositions.

[0042] In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is cooled before being supplied to the reaction zone 10 so that the temperature of the reaction zone feed material 22 approaches the appropriate temperature at which phototrophic biomass can grow. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 is set between 110 and 150°C. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is about 132°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is set to be much higher than the temperature, and in some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone from a steel mill exceeds 500°C. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 containing the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is cooled to between 20°C and 50°C (e.g., about 30°C). In some embodiments, the reaction zone feed material 22 is defined by the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone. Supplying a higher temperature reaction zone feed material 22 may hinder the growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10, or even kill the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, when condensing the reaction zone feed material 22, at least a portion of any water vapor in the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 is condensed in a heat exchanger 26 (e.g., a condenser) and separated from the reaction zone feed material 22 to form an aqueous material 70. In some embodiments, the formed aqueous material 70 is supplied to a container 28 (described below), in which the aqueous material 70 provides a supplemental aqueous material supply 44 for supply to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the condensation action produces heat transfer from the reaction zone feed material 22 to the heat transfer medium 30, whereby the temperature of the heat transfer medium 30 is increased to produce a heated heat transfer medium 30, which is then supplied to (e.g., flowed to) a dryer 32 (described below), and heat transfer from the heated heat transfer medium 30 to an intermediate concentrated reaction zone product 34 is performed to dry the intermediate concentrated reaction zone product 34, thereby producing a final reaction zone product 36. In some embodiments, for example, after discharge from the dryer 32, the heat transfer medium 30 is recycled to the heat exchanger 26. Examples of suitable heat transfer media 30 include thermal oil and ethylene glycol solutions.

[0043] In some embodiments, for example, the supply of reaction zone feed material 22 to reaction zone 10 can cause agitation of at least a portion of the phototrophic biomass in reaction zone 10. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is introduced into a lower portion of reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is introduced from below reaction zone 10, thereby causing the contents of reaction zone 10 to be mixed. In some of these embodiments, for example, the resulting mixing (or agitation) can cause any difference in the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass between any two points in reaction zone 10 to be less than 20%. In some embodiments, for example, any difference in the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass between any two points in reaction zone 10 is less than 10%. In some of these embodiments, for example, the resulting mixing can cause a homogenous suspension to be produced in reaction zone 10. In those embodiments utilizing a photobioreactor 12, for some of these embodiments, for example, the supply of reaction zone feed material 22 is configured to operate in concert with the photobioreactor 12 to produce desired agitation of at least a portion of the phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone 10.

[0044] Further with respect to those embodiments in which the supply of the reaction zone feed material 22 to the reaction zone 10 causes at least a portion of the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 to be agitated, in some of these embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 flows through a gas injection mechanism such as a sparger 40 before being introduced into the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the sparger 40 causes the reaction zone feed material 22 supplied to the reaction zone 10 to form a gas-liquid mixture containing microbubbles entrained in the liquid phase, so that the phototrophic biomass and the carbon dioxide (and in some embodiments, SO x and NO x This helps the phototrophic biomass to effectively absorb the carbon dioxide (and in some embodiments, other gas components) required for photosynthesis, thereby promoting the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass to be optimized. In addition, in some embodiments, for example, the nozzle 40 causes the reaction zone feed material 22 to form larger bubbles, which agitate the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10, thereby promoting mixing of the various components in the reaction zone 10. An example of a suitable nozzle 40 is the EDI FlexAir TMT-Series 91X1003 Model Nozzle. In some embodiments, for example, this sparger 40 is placed in a photobioreactor 12 having a reaction zone 10 volume of 6000 liters, and an algae concentration between 0.8 g / L and 1.5 g / L, and the reaction zone feed material 22 is a gaseous fluid stream supplied at a flow rate between 10 cubic feet per minute and 20 cubic feet per minute and a pressure of about 68 inches of water column.

[0045] With respect to the sparger 40, in some embodiments, the sparger 40 is designed, for example, with regard to the fluid head of the reaction zone 10, so that the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 in a manner that promotes optimal absorption of carbon dioxide by the phototrophic biomass. In this regard, the size of the bubbles is adjusted so that the bubbles are small enough to promote optimal absorption of carbon dioxide in the reaction zone feed material by the phototrophic biomass. At the same time, the size of the bubbles is large enough to allow at least a portion of the bubbles to rise through the entire height of the reaction zone 10, while reducing the situation where the reaction zone feed material 22 "bubbles through" the reaction zone 10 and is released without being absorbed by the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, to promote optimal bubble size, a pressure regulator is used upstream of the sparger 40 to control the pressure of the reaction zone feed material 22.

[0046] With respect to embodiments in which the reaction zone 10 is disposed within the photobioreactor 12, in some of these embodiments, for example, the sparger 40 is disposed outside the photobioreactor 12. In other embodiments, for example, the sparger 40 is disposed within the photobioreactor 12. In some of these embodiments, for example, the sparger 40 extends from the bottom of the photobioreactor 12 (and is within the photobioreactor 12).

[0047] In one aspect, carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the supplied carbon dioxide defines a reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402. The reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 at a pressure such that the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply flows through a reaction zone depth of at least 70 inches. In some embodiments, for example, the depth is at least 10 feet. In some embodiments, for example, the depth is at least 20 feet. In some embodiments, for example, the depth is at least 30 feet. In some embodiments, for example, the pressure of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is increased before being supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the pressure of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is increased when the gaseous exhaust product generating process 20 generates gaseous exhaust products 18. In some embodiments, for example, when the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the pressure of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is increased. In some embodiments, for example, when the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0048] In some embodiments, for example, the pressure is increased at least in part by a prime mover 38. For these embodiments, the increase in pressure is at least partially attributed to the prime mover 38. For embodiments in which the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is part of the reaction zone feed material 22 and the reaction zone feed material 22 comprises a liquid material, an example of a suitable prime mover 38 is a pump. For embodiments in which the pressure is increased by a gas stream, examples of suitable prime movers 38 include blowers, compressors, and air pumps. In other embodiments, for example, the pressure is increased by a jet pump or an ejector.

[0049] When the pressure is increased by a jet pump or an ejector, in some of these embodiments, for example, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to a jet pump or an ejector, and the pressure energy is transferred from another flowing fluid (i.e., "motive fluid flow") to the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply using the Venturi effect, thereby increasing the pressure within the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, see Figure 3 , providing a power fluid flow 700, wherein the raw material of the power fluid flow 700 has a power flow pressure P M1 In this regard, there is also provided a pressure P EThe low-pressure reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402A comprises the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402. In some embodiments, the low-pressure reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402A is defined by the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402. M1 Higher than the P of the low pressure carbon dioxide feed 2402A E By causing the motive fluid flow 700 to flow from the upstream flow channel portion 702 to the intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704, the pressure of the motive fluid flow 700 is increased from P M1 Reduce to P M2 , which makes P M2 Lower than P E The intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704 is characterized by having a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the upstream flow channel portion 702. By allowing the motive fluid flow 700 to flow from the upstream flow channel portion 702 to the intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704, static pressure energy is converted into kinetic energy. When the pressure of the motive fluid flow 700 is reduced to P M2 When the motive fluid stream 700 is fluidly connected to the low-pressure carbon dioxide supply 2402A, the low-pressure carbon dioxide supply 2402A is mixed with the motive fluid stream 700 in the middle downstream flow channel portion 704 in response to the pressure difference between the low-pressure carbon dioxide supply 2402A and the motive fluid stream 700, thereby producing a mixture 2404 containing a reaction zone carbon dioxide supply, which includes the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402. At least a portion of the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply is supplied to the reaction zone 10. The pressure of the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply (which includes the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402) is increased to P M3 , so that the pressure of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is also increased to P M3 .P M3 Higher than P E and sufficient to supply reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 to reaction zone 10, and, when supplying reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 to reaction zone 10, to allow reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 to flow through a depth of at least 70 inches in reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, P M3 Higher than P E It is also sufficient to supply the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 to the reaction zone 10, and when the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 can flow through a depth of at least 10 feet in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, P M3The carbon dioxide supply 2402 of the reaction zone is higher than PE and is also sufficient to supply the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 to the reaction zone 10, and when the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 can flow through a depth of at least 20 feet in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, P M3 Higher than P EIt is also sufficient to supply the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 to the reaction zone 10, and when the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 can be made to flow through a depth of at least 30 feet in the reaction zone 10. In any of these embodiments, the increase in pressure is designed to overcome the pressure head in the reaction zone 10. The pressure can be increased by causing the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply to flow from the intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704 to the downstream flow channel portion 706 of "kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion". The cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream flow channel portion 706 for "conversion of kinetic energy into static pressure energy" is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704, so that when the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed is already located in the downstream flow channel portion 706 for "conversion of kinetic energy into static pressure energy" (due to the fact that the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed has flowed to the flow channel portion with a larger cross-sectional area), the kinetic energy of the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed located in the intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704 is converted into static pressure energy. In some embodiments, for example, the convergent nozzle portion of the flow channel defines the upstream flow channel portion 702, and the divergent nozzle portion of the flow channel defines the downstream flow channel portion 706 for "conversion of kinetic energy into static pressure energy", and the intermediate downstream flow channel portion 704 is placed in the middle of the convergent nozzle portion and the divergent nozzle portion. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the upstream flow channel portion 702 and the downstream flow channel portion 706 for "kinetic energy conversion to static pressure energy" is defined by a venture nozzle. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the upstream flow channel portion 702 and the downstream flow channel portion 706 for "kinetic energy conversion to static pressure energy" is placed in an ejector or jet pump. In some of these embodiments, for example, the motive fluid flow 700 comprises a liquid aqueous material, and, in this regard, the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed comprises a combination of liquid and gaseous raw materials. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed comprises a dispersion of gaseous material in a liquid material, wherein the dispersion of gaseous material includes the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed. Alternatively, in some of these embodiments, for example, the motive fluid flow 700 is another gaseous flow, such as an air flow, and the mixture containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed is gaseous. At least a portion of the mixture 2404 containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22, so that the at least a portion of the mixture containing the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply can be supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the carbon dioxide in the reaction zone feed material 22 includes at least a portion of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402.In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide in the reaction zone feed material 22 is defined by at least a portion of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402.

[0050] In some of these embodiments, for example, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied by at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits the gaseous exhaust 18 and the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the supply of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 by the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is achieved. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied by at least a portion of the carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits the carbon dioxide and the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the supply of the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 by the at least a portion of the carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is achieved. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone carbon dioxide supply 2402 is defined by the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply.

[0051] In some embodiments, for example, the photobioreactor 12 or multiple photobioreactors 12 are configured to optimize the carbon dioxide absorption of the phototrophic biomass and reduce energy requirements. In this regard, the photobioreactor is configured to extend the residence time of carbon dioxide in the reaction zone 10. In addition, the movement of the carbon dioxide over a horizontal distance is minimized, thereby reducing energy consumption. To this end, the one or more photobioreactors 12 are relatively tall and provide a small footprint, thereby extending the residence time of carbon dioxide while saving energy.

[0052] In some embodiments, for example, a supplemental nutrient supply 42 is supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while the supplemental nutrient supply 42 is supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental nutrient supply 42 is supplied by a pump such as a metering pump. In other embodiments, for example, the supplemental nutrient supply 42 is manually supplied to the reaction zone 10. The nutrients within the reaction zone 10 are processed or consumed by the phototrophic biomass, and in some cases it is desirable to replenish the processed or consumed nutrients. One suitable nutrient composition is "Bold's basal medium", which has been described in Bold, HC 1941, The morphology of Chlamydomonas chlamydogama sp., Nov. Bull. Torr. Bot. Club. 76: 101-8 (see also Bischoff, HW and Bold, HC 1963, Phycological Studies IV. Some soilalgae from Enchanted Rock and related algal species, University of Texas Press, 6318: 1-95; and Stein, J. (ed.) Handbook of Phycological Methods, Culture methods and growth measurements, Cambridge University Press, pp. 7-24). The supplemental nutrient supply 42 is used to supplement the nutrients in the reaction zone, such as "Bold's basal medium", or one or more dissolved components thereof. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the supplemental nutrient supply 42 includes "Bold's basal medium". In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental nutrient supply 42 includes one or more dissolved components of "Bold's basal medium", such as NaNO3, CaCl2, MgSO4, KH2PO4, NaCl, or other substances in its dissolved components.

[0053] In some of these embodiments, the rate at which the supplemental nutrient supply 42 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 is controlled in coordination with the desired growth rate of the phototrophic biomass within the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, adjustments to nutrient addition are monitored, for example, by measuring any combination of pH, NO3 concentration, and conductivity within the reaction zone 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, thereby replenishing the water in the reaction zone 10 of the photobioreactor 12. In some embodiments, for example, and as further described below, the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 causes the product to be discharged from the photobioreactor 12. For example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 causes the product to be discharged from the photobioreactor 12 in an overflow manner.

[0055] In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material is water.

[0056] In another aspect, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 comprises at least one of: (a) an aqueous material 70 condensed from the reaction zone feed material 22 when the reaction zone feed material 22 is cooled before being supplied to the reaction zone 10; and (b) an aqueous material separated from the discharged phototrophic biomass-containing product 500. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is from an independent source (i.e., a source outside the process), such as a city water supply.

[0057] In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied by pump 281. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is continuously supplied to reaction zone 10.

[0058] In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied from a container 28, as will be further described below. At least a portion of the aqueous material discharged from the process is recovered and supplied to the container 28 to provide the supplemental aqueous material contained in the container 28.

[0059] Reference Figure 2In some embodiments, the supplementary nutrient supply 42 and the supplementary aqueous substance supply 44 are supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 through the nozzle 40 before being supplied to the reaction zone 10. In embodiments where the reaction zone 10 is disposed within the photobioreactor 12, in some of these embodiments, for example, the nozzle 40 is disposed outside the photobioreactor 12. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the reaction zone feed material 22, the supplementary nutrient supply 42, and the supplementary aqueous substance supply 44 are mixed within the nozzle 40, because this allows these components to be mixed better than when the reaction zone feed material 22, the supplementary nutrient supply 42, and the supplementary aqueous substance supply 44 are supplied separately. On the other hand, the supply rate of the reaction zone feed material 22 to the reaction zone 10 is limited by the saturation limit of the gaseous material in the reaction zone feed material 22 in the blended mixture. Because of this tradeoff, such embodiments are more appropriate when the response time required to provide a regulated supply of carbon dioxide to reaction zone 10 is relatively less critical (depending on the biological requirements of the phototrophic organisms used).

[0060] In another aspect, at least a portion of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 is mixed with the supplemental aqueous material in the vessel 28 to provide a supplemental nutrient-rich aqueous material supply 44, which is supplied directly to the reaction zone 10 or mixed with the reaction zone feed material 22 in the sparger 40. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental nutrient-rich aqueous material supply is supplied directly or indirectly by a pump.

[0061] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, at least one input to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted based on at least the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, the phototrophic biomass disposed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while the at least one input is adjusted.

[0062] As noted above, the regulation of the input is any one of starting, stopping, increasing, decreasing or otherwise changing the input. The input to the reaction zone 10 is an input whose supply to the reaction zone 10 is necessary for the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass within the reaction zone 10. Exemplary inputs to the reaction zone 10 include supplying a characteristic intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone, and supplying a supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10.

[0063] In this regard, the adjustment made to the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10 is any one of: starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone, terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone, increasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone, and decreasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, adjusting the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone includes: adjusting the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation experienced by at least a portion of the carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass.

[0064] The adjustment made to the molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone is any of the following: starting the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone, terminating the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone, increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone, or decreasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone.

[0065] In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment is based at least on a molar rate index of the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the exhaust carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the exhaust carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, at least one input to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted based at least on a molar rate index of the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, while adjusting the at least one input, the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0066] In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate indicator of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed supplied to the reaction zone 10 is the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and thus the adjustment is based at least on the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the gaseous exhaust comprises the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and transmitting a signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 to the controller. When the controller receives the signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 from the flow sensor 78, the controller adjusts at least one input to the reaction zone 10 according to the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes: (i) starting the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone; or (ii) increasing the molar rate of supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) reducing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone; or (ii) reducing the molar rate of supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0067] In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate indicator of the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and thus the adjustment is based at least on the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the gaseous exhaust 18 comprises the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and transmitting a signal representing the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 to the controller. When the controller receives the signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 from the carbon dioxide sensor 781, the controller adjusts at least one input to the reaction zone 10 according to the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes: (i) starting the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone; or (ii) increasing the molar rate of supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) reducing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone; or (ii) reducing the molar rate of supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate indicator of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed supplied to the reaction zone 10 is the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20, and thus the adjustment is based at least on the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20, wherein the gaseous exhaust material 18 comprises the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed. In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is calculated based on a combination of a measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and a measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20. The combination of (i) the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20, and (ii) the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 provides a basis for calculating the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20. In this regard, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal to the controller representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is also provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal to the controller representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. After the controller receives a flow sensing signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the flow sensor 78, and also receives a carbon dioxide sensing signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the carbon dioxide sensor 781, and calculates the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 based on the received flow sensing signal and the received carbon dioxide sensing signal, the controller adjusts at least one input to the input reaction zone 10 based on the calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 and the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the process 20 (on which the flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment of at least one input comprises at least one of: (i) initiating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10.In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes: (i) initiating the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone; or (ii) increasing the molar rate of supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) reducing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone; or (ii) reducing the molar rate of supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10.

[0069] In another aspect, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, when a change in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, at least one input to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted. In this regard, the adjustment of at least one input to the reaction zone 10 is performed in response to the detection of a change in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while the at least one input is adjusted.

[0070] In another aspect, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when an indication of a change in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, at least one input to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted. In this regard, the adjustment of the at least one input to the reaction zone 10 is performed in response to the detection of an indication of a change in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass disposed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while the at least one input is adjusted.

[0071] As described above, the adjustment made to the input is any one of starting, stopping, increasing or decreasing the input. Exemplary inputs to the reaction zone 10 include supplying a characteristic intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10, and supplying a molar rate of supplemental nutrient feed 42 to the reaction zone 10.

[0072] Also as described above, the adjustment made to the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10 is any one of: starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone, terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone, increasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone, and decreasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, adjusting the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone includes: adjusting the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation experienced by at least a portion of the carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass.

[0073] In addition, as described above, the adjustment made to the molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone is any one of the following: starting the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone, terminating the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone, increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone, or decreasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone.

[0074] In some embodiments, for example, and also as described above, the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation is regulated by a controller. In some embodiments, for example, the controller changes the power output from the power supply to the light source to enhance or weaken the light intensity of the light source, which can be achieved by controlling any one of the voltage or current. In addition, in some embodiments, for example, the supply molar rate of the supplementary nutrient supply 42 is also regulated by a controller. In order to regulate the supply molar rate of the supplementary nutrient supply 42, the controller can control the metering pump 421 to provide a supplementary nutrient supply 42 at a predetermined molar flow rate.

[0075] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, when an increase in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting an increase in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the increase in the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10 is proportional to the increase in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0076] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, when an indication of an increase in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) initiating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting an indication of an increase in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the increase in the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10 is proportional to the increase in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0077] In some embodiments, for example, when the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone is started, or the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone is increased, the cooling rate of the light source placed in the reaction zone 10 and supplying the photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone is increased. While the light source supplies photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone, cooling is performed to reduce the heating effect of any heat energy generated by the light source on the reaction zone. The heating effect on the reaction zone 10 will increase the temperature of the reaction zone. In some embodiments, the phototrophic biomass will be damaged when the temperature in the reaction zone 10 is too high. In some embodiments, for example, the light source is placed in a liquid light guide, and a heat transfer fluid is placed in the liquid light guide, and the cooling rate is increased by increasing the heat exchange rate of the heat transfer fluid in the liquid light guide.

[0078] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when an increase in the molar rate of the exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) initiating the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting an increase in the supply molar rate of the exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0079] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when an indication of an increase in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) initiating the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to the detection of an indication of an increase in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0080] In some embodiments, for example, an indication of an increase in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is an increase in the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the gaseous exhaust 18 comprises the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and transmitting a signal representative of the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the flow sensor 78 representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20 with the previously received signal representing the previously detected molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20, and confirms that the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20 has increased, the controller performs at least one of the following: (a) starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; and (b) starting the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10.

[0081] In some embodiments, for example, an indication of an increase in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is an increase in the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the gaseous exhaust 18 comprises the exhaust carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and transmitting a signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20 with the previously received signal representing the previously detected molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20, and confirms that the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 has increased, the controller performs at least one of the following: (a) starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; and (b) starting the supply of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10.

[0082] In some embodiments, for example, an indication of an increase in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed to reaction zone 10 is an increase in the molar rate of carbon dioxide being emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 . In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the increase in the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20 is based on a comparison of (i) and (ii): (i) a calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, wherein the calculation is based on a combination of a measured molar flow rate of the gaseous emission 18 emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, and a measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous emission 18 emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20; and (ii) a calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide previously emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, wherein the calculation is based on a combination of a previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous emission 18 previously emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, and a previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous emission 18 previously emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20. In this regard, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal to the controller representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is also provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal to the controller representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20.The controller receives a flow sensing signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the flow sensor 78, and also receives a carbon dioxide sensing signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 (wherein the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 and the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the process 20 (on which the flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously), and calculates the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 based on the received flow sensing signal and the received carbon dioxide sensing signal, and compares the calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 with the previously calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and confirms that the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is After the increase, the controller performs at least one of the following: (a) starting the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; and (b) starting the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the molar rate calculation value of the carbon dioxide previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust gas generating process 20 is based on a combination of a previously received flow sensing signal representing the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust gas 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust gas generating process 20, and a previously received carbon dioxide sensing signal representing the previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust gas 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust gas generating process 20, wherein the previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide and the previously measured molar flow rate of the previously emitted gaseous exhaust gas 18 (on which the previously received flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0083] In some embodiments, for example, any of (a) an increase in the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20; (b) an increase in the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20; or (c) an increase in the calculated value of the supply molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, is an indicator of an increase in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed supplied to the reaction zone 10. When the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed supplied to the reaction zone 10 increases, the supply molar rate of at least one growth condition of the phototrophic biomass increases (i.e., an increased carbon dioxide supply molar rate), and accordingly, the supply rates of other inputs related to such growth are initiated or increased to allow the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 to grow as desired.

[0084] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, when a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) reducing the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the decrease in the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone is proportional to the decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0085] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone, when an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10; or (ii) reducing the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the decrease in the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone is proportional to the decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0086] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone; or (ii) reducing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0087] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines an exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the adjustment made to at least one input includes at least one of the following: (i) terminating the supply of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone; or (ii) reducing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to the detection of an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhausted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0088] In some embodiments, for example, an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed to the reaction zone 10 is a decrease in the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal representative of the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the flow sensor 78 representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged by the gaseous exhaust production process 20 with the previously received signal representing the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously discharged by the gaseous exhaust production process 20, and confirms that the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged by the gaseous exhaust production process 20 has decreased, the controller performs at least one of the following: (a) reducing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply; and (b) reducing the supply molar rate of the supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply.

[0089] In some embodiments, for example, an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed supplied to the reaction zone 10 is a decrease in the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and for transmitting a signal representative of the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20 with the previously received signal representing the previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust production process 20, and confirms that the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 has decreased, the controller performs at least one of the following: (a) reducing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply; and (b) reducing the supply molar rate of supplementary nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply.

[0090] In some embodiments, for example, an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed to reaction zone 10 is a decrease in the molar rate of carbon dioxide being emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 . In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the reduction in the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20 is based on a comparison of (i) and (ii): (i) a calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, wherein the calculation is based on a combination of a measured molar flow rate of the gaseous emission 18 emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, and a measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous emission 18 emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20; and (ii) a calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide previously emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, wherein the calculation is based on a combination of a previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous emission 18 previously emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20, and a previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous emission 18 previously emitted by the gaseous emission generating process 20. In this regard, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal to the controller representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is also provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and transmitting a signal to the controller representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20.The controller receives a flow sensing signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the flow sensor 78, and also receives a carbon dioxide sensing signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 (wherein the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 and the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the process 20 (on which the flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously), and calculates the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 based on the received flow sensing signal and the received carbon dioxide sensing signal, and compares the calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 with a previously calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and confirms that the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 has been discharged. After the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by process 20 is reduced, the controller performs at least one of the following: (a) reducing the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply; and (b) reducing the supply molar rate of supplemental nutrient supply 42 supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply, wherein the calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is based on a combination of a previously received flow sensing signal representing a previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and a previously received carbon dioxide sensing signal representing a previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide and the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted by the process 20 (on which the previously received flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0091] In some embodiments, for example, (a) the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is reduced; (b) the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is reduced; or (c) the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is reduced, any of which is an indicator of a reduction in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed to the reaction zone 10. As the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed to the reaction zone 10 is reduced, the supply rate of one or more other inputs related to the growth of phototrophic biomass is correspondingly reduced or terminated to conserve the inputs.

[0092] In another aspect, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, or when an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is increased, or the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is initiated. In this regard, increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 supplied to the reaction zone 10, or initiating the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is implemented in response to detecting a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or an indication of a decrease. In some embodiments, for example, the source of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder. In some embodiments, for example, the source of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is an air supply. In some embodiments, for example, the detected decrease is: detection of termination of the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the detected indication of the decrease is: detection of termination of the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone 10 is any of the above indications.

[0093] In some of these embodiments, the phototrophic biomass disposed within reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while increasing the molar rate of supply of supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to reaction zone 10, or initiating its supply.

[0094] In some embodiments, for example, in order to maintain a substantially constant growth rate of the phototrophic biomass, the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is provided to compensate for a reduction in the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, if the reduction (e.g., termination) is considered to be only temporary (e.g., less than two weeks). In this regard, in some embodiments, the supply of the supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 continues for a period of less than two (2) weeks, such as less than one week, as a further example, less than five (5) days, as a further example, less than three (3) days, as a further example, less than one (1) day since startup. In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 continues for a period of greater than 15 minutes, such as greater than 30 minutes, as a further example, greater than one (1) hour, as a further example, greater than six (6) hours, as a further example, greater than 24 hours since startup.

[0095] In the following embodiments, increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10, or initiating its supply, is implemented in response to detecting an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the detected indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is a decrease in the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some of these embodiments, for example, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and a signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is transmitted to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the flow sensor 78 representing the current measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 with the previously received signal representing the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously discharged from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and confirms that the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 has decreased, the controller drives the opening of the flow control element, such as valve 921, to start supplying supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 from the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 source to the reaction zone 10, or to increase the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0096] In the following embodiments, increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10, or starting its supply, is implemented in response to detecting an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the detected indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is a decrease in the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some of these embodiments, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and a signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is transmitted to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 representing the actual measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 with the previously received signal representing the previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and confirms that the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 has decreased, the controller drives the opening of a flow control element, such as valve 921, to start the supply of supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10, or increases the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0097] In the following embodiments, increasing the molar rate of supply of supplemental carbon dioxide feed 92 to reaction zone 10, or starting the supply of supplemental carbon dioxide feed 92 to reaction zone 10 is implemented in response to detecting an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to reaction zone 10, when the detected indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide feed for the reaction zone supplied to reaction zone 10 is a decrease in the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some of these embodiments, for example, the decrease in the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is based on the following (i) and (ii): Comparison is made between: (i) a calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20, wherein the calculation is based on a combination of a measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20, and a measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20; and (ii) a calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20, wherein the calculation is based on a combination of a previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20, and a previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20. In this regard, a flow sensor 78 is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20, and transmitting a signal representative of the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20 to a controller. In this regard, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is also provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and transmitting a signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 to the controller.The controller receives a flow sensing signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the flow sensor 78, and also receives a carbon dioxide sensing signal representing the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 (wherein the measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 and the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the process 20 (on which the flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously), and calculates the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 based on the received flow sensing signal and the received carbon dioxide sensing signal, and compares the calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 with a previously calculated molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and confirms that the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 has been emitted. After the molar rate of carbon dioxide emitted from the generating process 20 is reduced, the controller drives the opening of a flow control element, such as valve 921, to start the supply of supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10, or to increase the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the calculated value of the molar rate of carbon dioxide previously emitted from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is based on a combination of a previously received flow sensing signal representing a previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and a previously received carbon dioxide sensing signal representing a previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, wherein the previously measured molar concentration of carbon dioxide and the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 previously emitted from the process 20 (on which the previously received flow sensing signal is based) are detected simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0098] In the following embodiments, upon detecting a decrease (or termination) in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone 10, or detecting an indication of a decrease (or termination) in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone 10, in response, the molar rate of supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is increased, or the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is started. In some of these embodiments, the process further includes starting the supply of a feedstock 48 containing supplemental gas to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the molar rate of supply of the feedstock 48 containing supplemental gas to the reaction zone 10.

[0099] In some embodiments, for example, although the supply of supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is initiated or the supply molar rate of supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is increased in response to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of its supply, the supply of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10 is still initiated, or the supply molar rate of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10 is increased to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the molar supply rate of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to the reaction zone 10 or the termination of the supply of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22) due to the decrease in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of its supply.

[0100] In some embodiments, for example, a reduction in the molar supply rate of the raw material (reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to the reaction zone 10, or a termination of the supply of the raw material (reaction zone feed material 22), is compensated so that the molar supply rate of the raw material (reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to the reaction zone 10 remains essentially unchanged.

[0101] In some embodiments, compensation for a reduction in the molar supply rate of raw materials (reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to reaction zone 10, or a termination of the supply of raw materials (reaction zone feed material 22), can reduce the degree of weakening of agitation in reaction zone 10. Otherwise, due to a reduction in the molar supply rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply supplied to reaction zone 10, or a termination of its supply, the molar supply rate of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to reaction zone 10 may be reduced, or its supply may be terminated, thereby causing weakening of agitation in reaction zone 10.

[0102] In some embodiments, for example, the combination of any reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24, supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92, and supplemental gas-containing feedstock defines a combined operating feedstock stream supplied to the reaction zone as at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material 22, which is supplied to the reaction zone 10 and agitates the materials within the reaction zone, such that the molar concentration difference of the phototrophic biomass at any two points within the reaction zone 10 is less than 20%. In some embodiments, for example, the agitation effect produced can result in a molar concentration difference of the phototrophic biomass at any two points within the reaction zone 10 of less than 10%. In this regard, supplying the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 can reduce the generation of a concentration gradient between the phototrophic biomass at any two points within the reaction zone above a desired maximum limit.

[0103] The supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48, if present, has a molar concentration of carbon dioxide that is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental gas feedstock 48 is less than 3 mole percent based on the total moles of the supplemental gas feedstock 48. In some embodiments, for example, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental gas feedstock 48 is less than one (1) mole percent based on the total moles of the supplemental gas feedstock 48.

[0104] In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 is a gaseous substance. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 comprises a dispersion of a gaseous material in a liquid material. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 comprises air. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 is provided in the form of a fluid. The supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 as part of the reaction zone feed material 22.

[0105] In some embodiments, for example, initiating the supply of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is also implemented in response to detecting a decrease (or termination) in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply supplied to the reaction zone 10, or detecting an indication of a decrease (or termination) in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply supplied to the reaction zone 10. Examples of suitable indications, and suitable sensors and control schemes for detecting such indications are described above, and in some embodiments, initiating the supply of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is achieved by a controller opening an opening of a flow control element (such as a valve 50) or increasing the opening to create fluid communication with a source of the supplemental gas-containing raw material 48.

[0106] In some embodiments, initiating the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 being supplied to the reaction zone 10, is performed in response to detecting a decrease or an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone feed material 22 being supplied to the reaction zone 10, while the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is being supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, a flow sensor is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the reaction zone feed material 22, and transmitting a signal representative of the measured molar flow rate of the reaction zone feed material 22 to the controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the flow sensor representing the current measured molar flow rate of the reaction zone feed material 22 with the previously received signal representing the previous measured molar flow rate of the reaction zone feed material 22, and confirms that the molar flow rate of the reaction zone feed material 22 has decreased, the controller drives the opening of a flow control element, such as a valve (e.g., valve 50), to start the supply of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 from the source of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increases the supply molar rate of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 supplied from the source of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10.

[0107] In another aspect, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 discharges the gaseous exhaust material 18, wherein any gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted according to the detection of at least one carbon dioxide processing amount indicator. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust material 18 is discharged in the form of a gas stream. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is provided in the form of a gas stream. In some embodiments, for example, while adjusting the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0108] When the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted according to at least one carbon dioxide processing index, in some embodiments, for example, the process further includes adjusting the supply of a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 discharged to another operating unit. The supply of a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 discharged to another operating unit defines a split gaseous exhaust material 60. The split gaseous exhaust material 60 includes carbon dioxide. The other operating unit converts the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to reduce its impact on the environment.

[0109] As mentioned above, regulating the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10 is any one of starting, stopping, increasing, decreasing or otherwise changing the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10. Similarly, regulating the supply of a partial diversion of the discharged gaseous exhaust material 18 (i.e., the diversion gaseous exhaust material 60) to another operating unit is any one of starting, stopping, increasing, decreasing or otherwise changing the supply of the diversion gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit.

[0110] The carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is any characteristic that represents the capacity of the reaction zone 10, wherein the capacity of the reaction zone 10 is the capacity of the reaction zone to receive carbon dioxide and convert at least a portion of the received carbon dioxide in a photosynthetic reaction performed by the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone.

[0111] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is any process characteristic representing the capacity of the reaction zone 10, wherein the reaction zone 10 is used to receive carbon dioxide and convert at least a portion of the received carbon dioxide in a photosynthetic reaction performed by a phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone, so that the photosynthesis achieves the growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the detection of the carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is critical to determining whether the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone needs to be adjusted to achieve a predetermined molar rate of growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10.

[0112] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is any process characteristic representing the capacity of the reaction zone 10, wherein the reaction zone 10 is used to receive carbon dioxide and convert at least a portion of the received carbon dioxide in a photosynthetic reaction performed by a phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone, so that any carbon dioxide emitted from the reaction zone 10 is below a predetermined molar rate. In this regard, the detection of the carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is critical to determining whether it is necessary to adjust the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10 so that the carbon dioxide emitted from the reaction zone 10 reaches a predetermined molar rate.

[0113] In some embodiments, for example, the detected carbon dioxide treatment amount indicator is the pH in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the detected carbon dioxide treatment amount indicator is the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. Because any phototrophic biomass-containing product 500 discharged from the reaction zone 10 includes a portion of the material from the reaction zone 10 (that is, the phototrophic biomass-containing product 500 discharged from the reaction zone 10 is supplied by the material from the reaction zone 10), the detection of the carbon dioxide treatment amount indicator (such as the pH in the reaction zone or the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone) includes the detection of the carbon dioxide treatment amount indicator in the phototrophic biomass-containing product 500 discharged from the reaction zone 10.

[0114] In some embodiments, for example, adjustments to the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10 are based on the detection of two or more carbon dioxide throughput indicators within the reaction zone 10.

[0115] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is emitting gaseous exhaust material 18, wherein any gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines a gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when a carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is detected in the reaction zone 10 indicating that the reaction zone 10 is capable of receiving an increased supply of carbon dioxide at a molar rate, the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 includes: starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the molar rate of supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to the detection of a carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator in the reaction zone 10 indicating that the reaction zone 10 is capable of receiving an increased supply of carbon dioxide at a molar rate. In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is configured in cooperation with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in some of these embodiments, the process further includes reducing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit, or terminating the supply. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the detection of the throughput indicator representing the capacity of the reaction zone 10 to receive an increased molar rate of carbon dioxide supply occurs when the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone 10. It should also be understood that in other embodiments, the detection of the throughput indicator representing the capacity of the reaction zone 10 to receive an increased molar rate of carbon dioxide supply occurs when the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is not supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0116] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 emits gaseous exhaust material 18 and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines a gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when a carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is detected in the reaction zone 10 indicating that the reaction zone 10 is capable of receiving a carbon dioxide supply at a reduced molar rate, the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 includes: reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply. In this regard, the adjustment is implemented in response to detecting that the carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator in the reaction zone 10 indicates that the reaction zone 10 is capable of receiving a carbon dioxide supply at a reduced molar rate. In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit. In some of these embodiments, the process further includes starting the supply of the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit, or increasing the supply molar rate of the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit.

[0117] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is the pH in the reaction zone 10. When the operating pH in the reaction zone 10 is higher than a predetermined pH high value (indicating that the molar rate of carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 is insufficient) or lower than a predetermined pH low value (indicating that the molar rate of carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 is excessive), the growth of the phototrophic biomass will be lower than the desired growth rate, and in extreme cases, the phototrophic biomass may even die. In some embodiments, for example, the pH in the reaction zone 10 detected is detected by a pH sensor 46 in the reaction zone 10. The pH sensor 46 is provided for detecting the pH in the reaction zone and transmitting a signal representing the measured pH in the reaction zone to the controller.

[0118] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 discharges the gaseous exhaust material 18, wherein any gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when a pH higher than a predetermined high pH value is detected in the reaction zone 10, the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 includes: starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in some of these embodiments, the process further includes reducing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit, or terminating the supply. It is to be understood that in some embodiments, the detection of a pH within reaction zone 10 above a predetermined high pH value occurs when the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 is supplied to reaction zone 10. It is also to be understood that in other embodiments, the detection of a pH within reaction zone 10 above a predetermined high pH value occurs when the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 is not supplied to reaction zone 10.

[0119] In the following embodiments, when the pH in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined high pH value, in some of these embodiments, after the controller compares the received signal from the pH sensor 47 representing the measured pH in the reaction zone 10 with the target value (i.e., the predetermined high pH value) and confirms that the measured pH in the reaction zone 10 is higher than the predetermined high pH value, the controller responds by starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the controller starts the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 by opening the opening of the flow control element 50. In some embodiments, for example, the controller increases the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 by increasing the opening of the flow control element 50. The flow control element 50 is provided and configured to selectively control the molar rate of the supply flow of the gaseous exhaust material for the reaction zone 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 by selectively interfering with the supply flow of the gaseous exhaust material for the reaction zone 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 (including by causing a pressure loss in the supply flow of the gaseous exhaust material for the reaction zone 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10). In this regard, the supply of the gaseous exhaust material for the reaction zone 24 to the reaction zone 10 is started or its molar rate of supply is increased by driving the flow control element 50. The predetermined high pH value depends on the phototrophic organism of the biomass. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined high pH value may be as high as 10.

[0120] In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in some of these embodiments, for example, when the controller confirms that the pH in the reaction zone 10 is higher than a predetermined high pH value, the controller further responds by reducing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit, or terminating the supply. In some embodiments, for example, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit by reducing the opening of a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and the other operating unit, wherein the valve is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and the other operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller terminates the supply of the diverted gaseous exhaust 60 supplied to another operating unit by closing a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and the other operating unit, wherein the valve is configured to interfere with fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and the other operating unit.

[0121] Similarly, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, when the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit is lower than a predetermined pressure, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is reduced, or the supply is terminated, wherein the reduction in pressure is generated in response to starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured pH in the reaction zone is higher than a predetermined pH high value. In such embodiments, when the controller determines that the measured pH in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined high pH value, as described above, the controller starts the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increases the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. Starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing its supply molar rate, correspondingly causes the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 to decrease, so that the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit becomes lower than the predetermined pressure. When the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit is lower than the predetermined pressure, the force biasing the closing element 64 (e.g., a valve) to close exceeds the fluid pressure that opens the closing element 64, wherein the closing element 64 is disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and the other operating unit and is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and the other operating unit. In some embodiments, the opening of the closing element 64 is reduced to reduce the molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit. In other embodiments, the closing element 64 is closed to terminate the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit.

[0122] Likewise, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, when the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit is reduced, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is reduced, wherein the reduction in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is generated in response to driving the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured pH in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined pH high value. The reduction in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit causes the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit to be reduced.

[0123] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 discharges the gaseous exhaust material 18, and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when the measured pH in the reaction zone 10 is lower than the predetermined pH low value, the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 includes: reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply. In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is configured in coordination with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit. In some embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the process further includes starting the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit, or increasing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit.

[0124] In the following embodiments, the pH in the reaction zone is lower than a predetermined low pH value. In some of these embodiments, for example, after the controller compares the received signal from the pH sensor 46 representing the measured pH in the reaction zone 10 with the target value (i.e., the predetermined low pH value) and confirms that the measured pH in the reaction zone 10 is lower than the predetermined low pH value, the controller responds by reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply. In some embodiments, for example, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 by reducing the opening of the flow control element 50 (e.g., a valve). In some embodiments, for example, the controller terminates the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 by closing the flow control element 50 (e.g., a valve). The predetermined low pH value depends on the phototrophic organisms of the biomass. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined low pH value can be as low as 4.0.

[0125] In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit. In some of these embodiments, for example, when the controller confirms that the pH in the reaction zone 10 is lower than the predetermined pH low value, the controller further responds by starting the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit, or increasing the molar rate of supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller starts the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit, or increases the molar rate of supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit by driving a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operating unit, wherein the valve is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the process 20 and another operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller starts the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit by opening the opening of the valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller increases the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operation unit by increasing the opening of a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operation unit.

[0126] Similarly, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit. In other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, when the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit is higher than a predetermined pressure, the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit is started, or the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is increased, wherein the increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit to higher than the predetermined pressure is generated in response to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of the supply, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured pH in the reaction zone is lower than a predetermined pH low value. In such an embodiment, when the controller determines that the pH measured by the pH sensor 46 in the reaction zone is lower than the predetermined pH low value, as described above, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminates the supply. The reduction in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of the supply, causes the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operation unit to increase accordingly, so that the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operation unit becomes higher than the predetermined pressure. When the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operation unit is higher than the predetermined pressure, the fluid pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 that opens the closing element 64 exceeds the force that biases the closing element 64 (e.g., a valve) to close, wherein the closing element 64 is disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and the other operation unit and is used to interfere with the fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and the other operation unit. In some embodiments, in response to the increase in the fluid pressure, the opening of the closing element 64 is activated, thereby starting the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit. In other embodiments, in response to the increase in the fluid pressure, the opening of the closing element 64 is increased, thereby increasing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit.

[0127] Likewise, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit. In other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is increased in response to an increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit, the pressure increase being generated in response to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of the supply, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured pH in the reaction zone is lower than a predetermined pH low value. In such embodiments, when the controller confirms that the pH measured by the pH sensor 47 in the reaction zone is lower than the predetermined pH low value, as described above, the controller causes the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 to be reduced, or causes the supply to be terminated. A reduction in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 or termination of the supply results in a corresponding increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit. An increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit results in an increase in the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit.

[0128] In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide treatment capacity index is the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, it is desirable that when the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is maintained within a predetermined concentration or a predetermined concentration range, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is controlled to, for example, make the phototrophic biomass of harvest have a higher total yield. In some embodiments, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is measured by a cell counter 47. For example, a suitable cell counter is the AS-16F single-channel absorption probe supplied by optek-Danulat, Germantown, Wisconsin, USA. Other suitable devices for measuring the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass include other light scattering sensors, such as spectrophotometers. In addition, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass can be manually measured, and then the value is manually input into the controller to produce the required response.

[0129] In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 discharges a gaseous exhaust material 18 and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines a gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when the concentration of the phototrophic biomass is detected in the reaction zone 10 to be higher than a predetermined molar concentration high value of the phototrophic biomass ("predetermined target concentration high value"), the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 includes: reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply. In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively configured with another operating unit to supply the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit, and the process further includes starting the supply of the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit, or increasing the supply molar rate of the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit.

[0130] In the following embodiments, the concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value. In some of these embodiments, when the controller compares the received signal from the cell counter 47 representing the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 with the predetermined concentration target high value and confirms that the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value, the controller responds by reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is reduced by the controller causing the opening of the flow control element 50 to decrease. In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 is terminated by the controller causing the flow control element 50 to close.

[0131] In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit. In some of these embodiments, for example, when the controller compares the received signal representing the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 from the cell counter 47 with the predetermined concentration target high value and confirms that the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value, the controller further responds by starting the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, or increasing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller starts the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, or increases the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit by driving a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and the other operating unit, wherein the valve is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the process 20 and the other operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller starts the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit by driving the opening of a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller increases the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit by increasing the opening of a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operating unit.

[0132] Similarly, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit. In other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, when the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit is higher than a predetermined pressure, the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit is started, or the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is increased, wherein the increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit to a pressure higher than the predetermined pressure is generated in response to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 or the termination of the supply, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value. In such embodiments, when the controller confirms through the cell counter 47 that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value, as described above, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminates the supply. Reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 or terminating the supply causes the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit to increase accordingly, so that the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 becomes higher than the predetermined pressure. When the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is higher than the predetermined pressure, the fluid pressure that opens the closing element 64 exceeds the force that biases the closing element 64 (e.g., a valve) to close, wherein the closing element 64 is disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and the other operating unit and is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and the other operating unit. In some embodiments, the opening of the closing element 64 is opened to start the supply of the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating element. In some embodiments, the opening of the closing element 64 is increased to increase the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit.

[0133] Likewise, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit. In other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is increased in response to an increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit, the pressure increase being generated in response to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of the supply, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value. In such embodiments, when the controller confirms that the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone measured by the cell counter 47 is higher than the predetermined concentration target high value, as described above, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminates the supply. Reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 or terminating the supply results in a corresponding increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit. The increase in the pressure of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other device results in an increase in the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit.

[0134] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 discharges the gaseous exhaust material 18, wherein any gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when a molar concentration of phototrophic biomass lower than a predetermined molar concentration lower value of the phototrophic biomass ("predetermined concentration target lower value") is detected in the reaction zone 10, the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 includes: starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in some of these embodiments, the process further includes reducing the supply molar rate of the diverted gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit, or terminating the supply.

[0135] In the following embodiments, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is lower than the predetermined concentration target low value. In some of these embodiments, when the controller compares the received signal from the cell counter 47 representing the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 with the predetermined concentration target low value and confirms that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is lower than the predetermined concentration target low value, the controller responds by starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, this is achieved by the controller starting the flow control element 50. In some embodiments, the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 is started by the controller opening the opening of the flow control element 50. In some embodiments, the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is increased by the controller increasing the opening of the flow control element 50.

[0136] In the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in some of these embodiments, for example, when the controller compares the received signal representing the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 from the cell counter 47 with the concentration target low value and confirms that the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is lower than the predetermined concentration target low value, the controller further responds by reducing the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit, or terminating the supply. In some embodiments, for example, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, or terminates the supply, by activating a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and the other operating unit, wherein the valve is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and the other operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller reduces the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit by reducing the opening of a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operating unit. In some embodiments, for example, the controller terminates the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit by closing a valve disposed between the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and another operating unit.

[0137] Similarly, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is cooperatively arranged with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, in response to a pressure decrease of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is reduced, or the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is terminated, wherein the pressure decrease is generated in response to starting the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is lower than the predetermined concentration target low value. The pressure reduction causes the pressure of the gaseous exhaust 18 upstream of the other operating unit to be lower than a predetermined minimum pressure, and the force that biases the closing element 64 (e.g., a valve) closed exceeds the fluid pressure of the gaseous exhaust 18 that causes the closing element 64 to open, wherein the closing element 64 is disposed between the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and the other operating unit and is configured to interfere with the fluid communication between the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 and the other operating unit. In some embodiments, the opening of the closing element 64 is reduced in response to the pressure reduction of the gaseous exhaust 18 upstream of the other operating unit, which results in a reduction in the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust 60 supplied to the other operating unit. In other embodiments, the closing element 64 is closed in response to the pressure reduction of the gaseous exhaust 18 upstream of the other operating unit, which results in the termination of the supply of the split gaseous exhaust 60 supplied to the other operating unit.

[0138] Similarly, in the following embodiments, the outlet of the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is configured in cooperation with another operating unit to supply the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to the other operating unit, and when the split gaseous exhaust material 60 is supplied to the other operating unit, in other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, in response to a pressure reduction of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit is reduced, wherein the pressure reduction is generated in response to starting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, either of which is a response of the controller in response to confirming that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is lower than the predetermined concentration target low value. The pressure reduction of the gaseous exhaust material 18 upstream of the other operating unit causes the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to the other operating unit to be reduced.

[0139] In some embodiments, for example, the adjustment of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operation unit is performed simultaneously with the adjustment of the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, when the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is reduced or the supply is terminated, the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operation unit is started, or the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operation unit is increased. In addition, in this regard, when the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10 is started, or the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is increased, the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operation unit is reduced or the supply is terminated.

[0140] In some embodiments, for example, the flow control element 50 is a flow control valve. In some embodiments, for example, the flow control element 50 is a three-way valve, which can also regulate the supply of the feedstock 48 containing the supplemental gas, which will be further described below.

[0141] In some embodiments, for example, the closure element 64 is any one of a valve, a damper, or a stack cap.

[0142] In some embodiments, for example, when the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 in a fluid manner, the flow of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 is at least partially achieved by a prime mover 38. For such embodiments, examples of suitable prime movers 38 include blowers, compressors, pumps (for pressurizing the liquid containing the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24), and air pumps. In some embodiments, for example, the prime mover 38 is a variable speed blower, and the prime mover 38 can also serve as a flow control element 50 configured to selectively control the flow rate of the reaction zone feed material 22 and limit the flow rate.

[0143] In some embodiments, for example, the other operating unit is a chimney 62. The chimney 62 is configured to receive the diverted gaseous exhaust 60 supplied from the outlet of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In operation, the diverted gaseous exhaust 60 is set at a sufficiently high pressure to enable it to flow through the chimney 62. In some of these embodiments, for example, the diverted gaseous exhaust flow 60 flowing through the chimney 62 is directed to a space away from the outlet of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. Likewise, in some of these embodiments, for example, when the pressure of the gaseous exhaust 18 exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure, the diverted gaseous exhaust 60 is supplied from the outlet. In such embodiments, for example, when the pressure of the gaseous exhaust 18 exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure, the closing element 64 is caused to open, thereby supplying the diverted gaseous exhaust 60.

[0144] In some embodiments, for example, in response to detecting that a carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator represents the capacity of the reaction zone 10 to receive a carbon dioxide supply at a reduced molar rate from the reaction zone gaseous exhaust feed 24, a chimney 62 is provided to direct a diverted portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 to a space away from an outlet of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 for discharging the gaseous exhaust 18, thereby reducing the amount of gaseous exhaust having an unacceptable carbon dioxide concentration that is discharged into the environment.

[0145] In some embodiments, for example, the chimney 62 is an existing chimney 62 that has been modified to accommodate the lower airflow flux provided by the diverted gaseous exhaust 60. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a liner is inserted into the chimney 62 to accommodate the lower flux.

[0146] In some embodiments, for example, the other operating unit is a separator that can remove carbon dioxide from the split gaseous exhaust 60. In some embodiments, for example, the separator is a gas absorber.

[0147] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 emits the gaseous exhaust material 18 and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, when a carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is detected in the reaction zone 10 indicating that the reaction zone 10 is to receive a carbon dioxide supply at a reduced molar rate (e.g., a pH value in the reaction zone is detected to be below a predetermined pH low value, or a phototrophic biomass molar concentration in the reaction zone is detected to be above a predetermined pH low value, or a phototrophic biomass molar concentration in the reaction zone is detected to be above a predetermined pH low value, the reaction zone 10 is provided with a gaseous exhaust material 18. When the predetermined molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass reaches a high value), in response to the detected carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator representing the capacity of the reaction zone 10 to receive a carbon dioxide supply with a reduced molar rate, the adjustment of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone includes: reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply. In this case, the process further includes starting the supply of a feedstock 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the feedstock 48 containing supplementary gas supplied to the reaction zone 10.

[0148] The supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48, if present, has a molar concentration of carbon dioxide that is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some embodiments, for example, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental gas feedstock 48 is less than 3 mole percent based on the total moles of the supplemental gas feedstock 48. In some embodiments, for example, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental gas feedstock 48 is less than one (1) mole percent based on the total moles of the supplemental gas feedstock 48. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 as part of the reaction zone feed material 22. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 is a gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone feed material 22 comprises a dispersion of a gaseous material in a liquid material.

[0149] In some embodiments, for example, adjusting the supply of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone to the reaction zone to reduce the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply, and supplying the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10 to reduce the molar supply rate of carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply are coordinated. In some embodiments, for example, while reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 or terminating the supply, and starting the supply of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas supplied to the reaction zone 10, the supply of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 to another operating unit is started, or the supply molar rate of the split gaseous exhaust material 60 supplied to another operating unit is increased.

[0150] In some of these embodiments, and as described above, the flow control element 50 is a three-way valve and is responsive to the carbon dioxide throughput indicator in conjunction with the regulation of the supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone 10. In this regard, when the carbon dioxide throughput indicator is detected in the reaction zone 10 to represent that the reaction zone is about to receive a reduced molar rate of carbon dioxide supply (e.g., the pH in the reaction zone is detected to be below a predetermined pH low value, or the phototrophic biomass molar concentration in the reaction zone is detected to be above a predetermined molar concentration high value of the phototrophic biomass), the controller responds by actuating the valve 50 to initiate the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone, or to increase the supply molar rate of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 being supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, when the feedstock 48 containing supplemental gas is supplied to the reaction zone 10, when a carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is detected in the reaction zone 10 representing that the reaction zone is capable of receiving an increased molar rate of carbon dioxide supply (for example, the pH in the reaction zone is detected to be higher than a predetermined high pH value, or the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is detected to be lower than a predetermined low molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass), the controller responds by driving the valve 50 to reduce the supply molar rate of the feedstock 48 containing supplemental gas supplied to the reaction zone 10 or to terminate its supply.

[0151] In another aspect, when the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 discharges the gaseous exhaust material 18 and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, and the operation performed is to reduce the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or to terminate the supply, in this case, the process further includes starting the supply of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10.

[0152] In some embodiments, for example, initiating the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the molar rate of supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is implemented in response to detecting a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 or termination of the supply, or detecting an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 or termination of the supply. For example, as described above, the decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 or termination of the supply is implemented in response to detecting that the carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator represents the capacity of the reaction zone 10 to receive a carbon dioxide supply at a reduced molar rate. In some embodiments, for example, a flow sensor is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24, and transmitting a signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the flow sensor representing the current measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone with the previously received signal representing the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone, and confirms that the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone has decreased, the controller drives the opening of a flow control element, such as a valve (for example, valve 50), to start supplying the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10 from the source of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48, or to increase the supply molar rate of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 supplied from the source of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10.

[0153] In other of these embodiments, the molar rate of supply of the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 is reduced or terminated by reducing the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20. In some of these embodiments, for example, in response to detecting a reduction in the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20, or detecting an indication of a reduction in the molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20, the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone 10 is initiated accordingly, or the molar rate of supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone 10 is increased accordingly. In some embodiments, for example, a flow sensor is provided for detecting the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18, and transmitting a signal representing the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust material 18 to a controller. After the controller compares the received signal from the flow sensor representing the current measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 with the previously received signal representing the previous measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18, and confirms that the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 has decreased, the controller drives the opening of a flow control element, such as a valve (e.g., valve 50), to start supplying the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 from the source of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increases the supply molar rate of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 from the source of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10.

[0154] In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while starting the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the supply molar rate of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 to the reaction zone 10 is regulated by the flow control element 50 (e.g., after being actuated by the controller). In some embodiments, the controller implements the actuation when the measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 is compared with the previously measured molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, and it is confirmed that the molar flow rate of the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 has decreased.

[0155] With respect to any of the above-described embodiments of the present process, in which the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is reduced or its supply is terminated, and the supply of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10 is started, or the molar supply rate of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10 is increased, in some of these embodiments, for example, starting the supply of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the molar supply rate of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone 10, at least partially compensates for the reduction in the molar supply rate of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to the reaction zone 10, or the termination of the supply of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22), caused by the reduction in the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 or the termination of its supply. In some embodiments, for example, compensation for a reduction in the molar supply rate of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to the reaction zone 10 due to a reduction in the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10 or a termination of the supply of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22) can be achieved by, for example, starting the supply of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas or increasing the molar supply rate of the raw material 48 containing supplementary gas, such that the molar supply rate of the raw material (e.g., the raw material of the reaction zone feed material 22) supplied to the reaction zone 10 remains essentially unchanged.

[0156] In some embodiments, the combination of (a) and (b): (a) reducing the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply; and (b) starting the supply of the supplementary gas-containing raw material 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing its supply molar rate, can reduce the degree of weakening of agitation in the reaction zone 10 caused by the reduction in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating its supply. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the supplementary gas-containing raw material and any of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone as at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material 22, and the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 and agitates the material in the reaction zone, so that the difference in molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass at any two points in the reaction zone 10 is less than 20%. In some embodiments, for example, the agitation generated can make the difference in molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass at any two points in the reaction zone 10 less than 10%. The purpose of supplying the supplemental gas-containing feed 48 is to reduce the concentration gradient between the phototrophic biomass at any two points in the reaction zone above a desired maximum limit.

[0157] In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 is a gaseous material. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 comprises a dispersion of a gaseous material in a liquid material. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 comprises air. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental gas-containing feedstock 48 is provided in the form of a fluid.

[0158] In some cases, it is preferred to grow phototrophic biomass using carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, but the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the emitted gaseous exhaust 18 is excessive for the desired growth rate of the phototrophic biomass. In this regard, when a reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied by a reaction zone gaseous exhaust supply 24 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, such that the reaction zone gaseous exhaust supply 24 defines at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material 22, if the carbon dioxide concentration in the reaction zone feed material 22 is too high (the carbon dioxide concentration is at least partially due to the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 used to obtain the reaction zone gaseous exhaust supply 24), the phototrophic biomass may react unfavorably when exposed to the reaction zone feed material 22.

[0159] In other cases, when the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 and the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied by a supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 so that the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 defines at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material 22, the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 may contain a relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide (for example, greater than 90 mol% carbon dioxide based on the total molar amount of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92), so that the phototrophic biomass may react adversely when exposed to the reaction zone feed material 22.

[0160] In this regard, in another aspect, carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the supplied carbon dioxide defines the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed. A concentrated carbon dioxide feed 25A is provided, wherein the concentrated carbon dioxide feed 25A comprises the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed. The concentrated carbon dioxide feed 25A is blended with a supplementary gaseous diluent 90. The blending can produce a diluted carbon dioxide feed 25B, wherein the carbon dioxide molar concentration of the diluted carbon dioxide feed 25B is lower than the carbon dioxide molar concentration of the concentrated carbon dioxide feed 25A. At least a portion of the diluted carbon dioxide feed 25B is supplied to the reaction zone 10. The carbon dioxide molar concentration of the supplementary gaseous diluent 90 is lower than the carbon dioxide molar concentration of the concentrated carbon dioxide feed 25A. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed comprises carbon dioxide discharged by the gaseous exhaust material production process 20, or is defined by it. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed comprises the supplementary carbon dioxide feed 92, or is defined by it.

[0161] In another aspect, a concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is blended with a supplemental gaseous diluent 90 when the gaseous exhaust 18 is discharged from the gaseous exhaust production process 20, wherein the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A comprises a supply 24A for obtaining a gaseous exhaust, wherein the supply 24A for obtaining a gaseous exhaust is defined by at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 discharged from the gaseous exhaust production process 20. The blending effect produces a diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B, wherein the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A. At least a portion of the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B is supplied to the reaction zone 10. The molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A. In some of these embodiments, for example, while the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is blended with the supplemental gaseous diluent 90, the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is defined by the supply 24A for obtaining gaseous exhaust. In some embodiments, for example, the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A comprises the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is supplied to the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A while being blended.

[0162] In some embodiments, for example, the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B contains a carbon dioxide molar concentration lower than a predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value. In some embodiments, for example, based on the total molar amount of the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B, the predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value is at least 30 mole%. In some embodiments, for example, based on the total molar amount of the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B, the predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value is at least 20 mole%. In some embodiments, for example, based on the total molar amount of the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B, the predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value is at least 10 mole%.

[0163] In some embodiments, for example, the blending of the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 with the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is performed in response to detecting that the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the carbon dioxide generation process 20 is greater than a predetermined maximum molar concentration of carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined maximum molar concentration of carbon dioxide is at least 10 mole percent based on the total molar amount of the gaseous exhaust 18. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined maximum molar concentration of carbon dioxide is at least 20 mole percent based on the total molar amount of the gaseous exhaust 18. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined maximum molar concentration of carbon dioxide is at least 30 mole percent based on the total molar amount of the gaseous exhaust 18. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor 781 is provided for detecting the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the emitted gaseous exhaust 18 and transmitting a signal representing the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the gaseous exhaust 18 emitted by the gaseous exhaust generation process 20 to a controller. When the controller compares the received signal from the carbon dioxide sensor 781 representing the actual measured carbon dioxide molar concentration of the gaseous exhaust 18 with the predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value, and confirms that the carbon dioxide molar concentration of the gaseous exhaust 18 is greater than the predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value, the controller opens the opening of the control valve 901 or increases its opening to supply supplementary gaseous diluent 90 for mixing with the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A.

[0164] In some embodiments, for example, when the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 defines the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone, when an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone 10 is detected, the supply molar rate of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 supplied to the reaction zone 10 is increased, or the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 to the reaction zone 10 is started. In response to detecting an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply for the reaction zone to the reaction zone 10, the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is supplied to the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A, so that at least a portion of the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is defined by the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92, and when at least a portion of the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is supplied to the reaction zone 10, the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is blended with the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 to produce a diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B. In some embodiments, for example, the source of the supplementary carbon dioxide supply 92 is a carbon dioxide cylinder. In some embodiments, for example, the source of the supplementary carbon dioxide supply 92 is an air supply. In some of these embodiments, the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is blended with the supplementary carbon dioxide supply 92 to produce the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B and at least a portion of the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B is supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is blended with the supplementary carbon dioxide supply 92 to produce the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B, so that the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B contains a carbon dioxide molar concentration lower than the predetermined carbon dioxide concentration maximum value. In some embodiments, for example, blending is implemented in response to detecting that the carbon dioxide molar concentration in the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A (which contains the supplementary carbon dioxide supply 92) is higher than the predetermined carbon dioxide molar concentration maximum value. In some embodiments, for example, the indication that the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone 10 has decreased is any of the indications described above. In some embodiments, for example, in order to maintain a constant growth rate of the phototrophic biomass, the supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92 is provided to compensate for a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 supplied to the reaction zone 10, if the decrease is considered to be only temporary (e.g., less than two weeks).

[0165] In the following embodiments, the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A contains a supplemental carbon dioxide supply 92, and the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A is mixed with the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 to produce the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B, and at least a portion of the diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B is supplied to the reaction zone. In this case, the mixing of the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A and the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 is designed to produce a diluted carbon dioxide supply 25B containing a predetermined molar concentration of carbon dioxide.

[0166] In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 is a gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 comprises air. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental gaseous diluent 90 is supplied to the concentrated carbon dioxide supply 25A in the form of a fluid.

[0167] The reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, so that photosynthesis can be carried out. The photosynthesis can grow the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, a carbon dioxide-rich phototrophic biomass placed in an aqueous medium is provided, and the carbon dioxide-rich phototrophic biomass placed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation to carry out photosynthesis.

[0168] In some embodiments, for example, the optical radiation is characterized by a wavelength between 400 and 700 nm. In some embodiments, for example, the optical radiation is in the form of natural daylight. In some embodiments, for example, the optical radiation is provided by an artificial light source 14. In some embodiments, for example, the optical radiation includes natural daylight and artificial light.

[0169] In some embodiments, for example, the intensity of the light provided is controlled to match the desired growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the intensity of the light provided is adjusted based on a measurement of the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, the intensity of the light provided is adjusted based on the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22.

[0170] In some embodiments, for example, depending on the conditions of the reaction zone 10, light of a predetermined wavelength is provided. As has been said, typically, the light is provided using a 1:4 ratio of a blue light source to a red light source. This ratio varies depending on the phototrophic organism used. In addition, the ratio may be changed when it is desired to simulate a daily cycle pattern. For example, when simulating dawn or dusk, more red light is provided, while when simulating midday conditions, more blue light is provided. In addition, this ratio may be changed when simulating an artificial recycling cycle by providing more blue light.

[0171] It has been found that blue light stimulates the reconstruction of the internal structure of algae cells, which may become damaged after a period of rapid growth, while red light promotes the growth of algae. Likewise, it has been found that excluding green light from the spectrum can allow algae to continue to grow in reaction zone 10 even beyond what has previously been determined to be its "saturation point" in water, as long as sufficient carbon dioxide (and, in some embodiments, other nutrients) are provided.

[0172] In terms of artificial light sources, for example, suitable artificial light sources 14 include submerged optical fibers, light emitting diodes, LED strips, and fluorescent lights. Any LED strip known in the art can be used in this process. In the case of submerged LEDs, their design includes using solar cells to supply electricity. In the case of submerged LEDs, in some embodiments, for example, the energy source includes alternative energy sources, such as wind power, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells, etc., to supply electricity to the LEDs.

[0173] In some of these embodiments, for example, the light energy is provided by a combination of the following light sources. A natural light source 16 in the form of sunlight is captured by a solar collector and filtered using a conventional lens that provides the desired wavelength of light to the reaction zone 10. The filtered light from the solar collector is then transmitted through a light guide or fiber optic material to the photobioreactor 12, where it becomes dispersed within the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, in addition to sunlight, the light tubes within the photobioreactor 12 also include a high-power LED array that can provide light of a specific wavelength to supplement sunlight as needed, or provide all the required light for the reaction zone 10 during dark periods (e.g., nighttime). In some embodiments, with respect to light guides, for example, a transparent heat transfer medium (e.g., a glycol solution) is circulated in the light guide within the photobioreactor 12 to regulate the temperature within the light guide, and in some cases, the heat transfer medium is provided to controllably dissipate the heat of the light guide and enter the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the power requirements of the LEDs may be predicted and controlled accordingly based on trends observed for the gaseous exhaust 18, since these observed trends help predict the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass at a later time.

[0174] In some embodiments, the reaction mixture is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied.

[0175] In some embodiments, for example, the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass depends on the available gaseous exhaust material supply 24 for the reaction zone (defined by at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material 18 discharged by the gaseous exhaust material generation process 20 and supplied to the reaction zone 10). This in turn defines the nutrients, water, and light intensity required to maximize the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, a controller, such as a computer-implemented system, is provided to monitor and control the operation of various elements of the processes described herein, including light, valves, sensors, blowers, fans, air brakes, pumps, etc.

[0176] A reaction zone product 500 is discharged from the reaction zone. The reaction zone product 500 includes phototrophic biomass 58. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone product 500 includes at least a portion of the contents of the reaction zone 10. In this regard, the phototrophic biomass can be collected from the discharged reaction zone product 500. In some embodiments, for example, a reaction zone gaseous exhaust product 80 is also discharged from the reaction zone 10.

[0177] In another aspect, a process for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone 10 is provided, which includes adjusting the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass based on the detection of an indicator of growth of the phototrophic biomass.

[0178] A reaction mixture for photosynthesis under exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation (in the form of a production-use reaction mixture) is placed in the reaction zone 10. The production-use reaction mixture includes a production-use phototrophic biomass that can be grown in the reaction zone 10. In this regard, a reaction zone concentration of production-use phototrophic biomass is provided in the reaction zone 10. When the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, and the growth of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone is carried out, and the production-use phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10, when a difference is detected between the growth index of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone and a predetermined phototrophic biomass growth index target value, the process includes adjusting the molar rate of discharge of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10, wherein the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth index target value is associated with a predetermined molar growth rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. The growth of the production-use phototrophic biomass includes growth by photosynthesis. In some embodiments, for example, the growing comprises growth by metabolic processes that consume supplemental nutrients placed in the reaction mixture.

[0179] The predetermined phototrophic biomass growth index target value corresponds to the phototrophic biomass growth index target value when the molar growth rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation is the predetermined molar growth rate.

[0180] In some embodiments, for example, the growth of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is carried out within 10% of the predetermined growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, the growth of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is carried out within 5% of the predetermined growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the growth of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is carried out within 1% of the predetermined growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0181] In some embodiments, for example, the adjusting is performed in response to a comparison of the measured phototrophic biomass growth indicator with the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator target value.

[0182] In some embodiments, for example, the process further comprises detecting a phototrophic biomass growth indicator to provide the measured phototrophic biomass growth indicator.

[0183] In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass growth indicator is the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 .

[0184] In some embodiments, for example, the measured phototrophic biomass growth index represents the molar concentration of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10. In this regard, in some of these embodiments, for example, the measured phototrophic biomass growth index is the molar concentration of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10. In other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the measured phototrophic biomass growth index is the molar concentration of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10. In other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the measured phototrophic biomass growth index is the molar concentration of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone product 500. In some embodiments, for example, the concentration is detected by a cell counter 47. For example, a suitable cell counter is an AS-16F single-channel absorption probe supplied by optek-Danulat, Germantown, Wisconsin, USA. Other suitable devices for measuring the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass index include other light scattering sensors, such as spectrophotometers. In addition, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass can be manually determined, and then the value is manually input into the controller to produce the desired response.

[0185] In some embodiments, for example, growing the phototrophic biomass includes supplying carbon dioxide to the reaction zone 10 and exposing the production-use reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the supplied carbon dioxide is supplied by the gaseous exhaust 18 of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits the gaseous exhaust 18, and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 (as the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone), and the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, at which time the supplied carbon dioxide is supplied by the gaseous exhaust 18 of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10 while growing, wherein when the gaseous exhaust 18 is discharged from the gaseous exhaust generating process 20, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10 is supplied by the gaseous exhaust 18.

[0186] In some embodiments, for example, the production use reaction mixture further comprises water and carbon dioxide.

[0187] In some of these embodiments, for example, as described above, the predetermined molar rate of growth of the phototrophic biomass is based on the maximum molar rate of growth of the phototrophic biomass within a reaction mixture disposed within reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0188] In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is at least 90% of the maximum molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar growth rate is at least 95% of the maximum molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar growth rate is at least 99% of the maximum molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar growth rate is equal to the maximum molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0189] In some embodiments, for example, when adjusting the molar rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass discharged by the reaction zone 10, the volume of the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone is maintained constant or substantially constant for a period of at least one (1) hour. In some embodiments, for example, the period is at least six (6) hours. In some embodiments, for example, the period is at least 24 hours. In some embodiments, for example, the period is at least seven (7) days. In some embodiments, for example, when making the adjustment, in order to achieve the best economic benefit of the process, the volume of the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone is maintained constant or substantially constant for a period of time, so that the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator value and the predetermined molar rate of the phototrophic biomass growth are maintained constant or substantially constant during the period.

[0190] In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone 10 is placed in a photobioreactor 12, and the phototrophic biomass for production use is discharged from the photobioreactor 12 (and the reaction zone 10) by displacement by supplying an aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10. In other words, supplying an aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 can displace the phototrophic biomass for production use from the photobioreactor 12 (and the reaction zone 10), thereby discharging the phototrophic biomass for production use from the photobioreactor 12 (and the reaction zone 10). In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass for production use is discharged from the photobioreactor 12 by overflow displacement of the photobioreactor 12.

[0191] In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 is substantially free of phototrophic biomass. In other embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material contains phototrophic biomass at a molar concentration lower than the molar concentration of phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture in reaction zone 10.

[0192] In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 is supplied in the form of a fluid from a source 6 of the aqueous feed material 4. For example, the fluid is driven by a prime mover, such as a pump. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material comprises a supplemental aqueous substance supply 44. As described above, in some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is supplied by a container 28. In this regard, in embodiments in which the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is contained in the aqueous feed material 4, the container serves as a source 6 of the aqueous feed material 4.

[0193] In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 includes a supplemental nutrient supply 42 and a supplemental aqueous material supply 44. In some of these embodiments, the aqueous feed material 4 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 upstream of the reaction zone 10. In this regard, as described above and with reference to Figure 2 In some of these embodiments, the supplemental nutrient supply 42 and the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 are supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 via a sparger 40 upstream of the reaction zone 10 .

[0194] In some embodiments, for example, when the measured phototrophic biomass growth indicator is the molar concentration of phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10, and the measured molar concentration of phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is lower than the predetermined phototrophic biomass molar concentration target value, the adjustment includes reducing the molar rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass discharged from the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the production-use phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10 by replacement of the aqueous feed material 4 supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the molar rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass discharged from the reaction zone 10 is reduced by reducing the molar rate of supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 or terminating the supply. In this regard, when the phototrophic biomass for production use is discharged by such a displacement method, in some embodiments, for example, when the measured phototrophic biomass growth indicator is the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10, when the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is compared with the predetermined phototrophic biomass molar concentration target value by the cell counter 47, and it is confirmed that the measured molar concentration is lower than the predetermined phototrophic biomass molar concentration target value, the controller responds by reducing the molar rate of supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 or terminating the supply, thereby reducing the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass for production use from the reaction zone 10 or terminating its discharge. In some embodiments, for example, the controller reduces the molar rate of supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by reducing the opening of the control valve 441, which is placed in the flow path that helps to supply the fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 from the source 6 to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the controller terminates the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by closing a control valve 441 disposed within a flow path that facilitates supplying a fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 from the source 6 to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 is driven by a prime mover, such as a pump 281. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 is driven by gravity. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 includes a supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 supplied from a container 28. In some embodiments, the aqueous feed material 4 is a supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 supplied from a container 28. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is supplied from a container 28 by means of a pump 281, and in other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is supplied from a container 28 by means of gravity.In some embodiments, for example, when a prime mover (e.g., pump 281) is provided to make the aqueous feed material 4 flow to the reaction zone 10, the controller reduces the molar rate of supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by reducing the power supplied by the prime mover 281 (e.g., pump 281) to the aqueous feed material 4, for example, by reducing the speed of the prime mover 281. In some embodiments, for example, when a prime mover (e.g., pump 281) is provided to make the aqueous feed material 4 flow to the reaction zone 10, the controller stops the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by stopping the prime mover 38.

[0195] In some embodiments, for example, when the measured phototrophic biomass growth indicator is the molar concentration of phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10, and the measured molar concentration of phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is higher than the predetermined phototrophic biomass molar concentration target value, the adjustment includes increasing the molar rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass discharged from the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the production-use phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10 by displacement of the aqueous feed material 4 supplied to the reaction zone 10, and the molar rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass discharged from the reaction zone 10 is increased by starting the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 or increasing its supply molar rate. In this regard, when the phototrophic biomass for production use is discharged by such a displacement method, in some embodiments, for example, when the measured phototrophic biomass growth indicator is the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10, when the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is compared with the predetermined phototrophic biomass molar concentration target value by the cell counter 47, and it is confirmed that the measured molar concentration is higher than the predetermined phototrophic biomass molar concentration target value, the controller responds by starting the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 or increasing its supply molar rate, thereby increasing the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass for production use from the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the controller starts the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by opening the control valve 441, which is placed in the flow path that helps to supply the fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 from the source 6 to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the controller increases the molar rate of supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by increasing the opening of a control valve 441, which is disposed in a flow path that facilitates supplying a fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 from the source 6 to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 is driven by a prime mover, such as a pump 281. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid of the aqueous feed material 4 is driven by gravity. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material includes a supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 supplied from a container 28. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material is a supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 supplied from a container 28. In some of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is supplied from a container 28 by means of a pump 281, and in other embodiments of these embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is supplied from a container 28 by means of gravity.In some embodiments, for example, when a prime mover (e.g., pump 281) is provided to allow the aqueous feed material 4 to flow toward the reaction zone 10, the controller starts the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by driving the prime mover. In some embodiments, for example, when a prime mover (e.g., pump 281) is provided to allow the aqueous feed material 4 to flow toward the reaction zone 10, the controller increases the molar rate of supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 by increasing the power supplied by the prime mover to the aqueous feed material 4.

[0196] In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass 58 is discharged from the reaction zone 10 by a prime mover in fluid communication with the reaction zone 10. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the adjustment of the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from the reaction zone comprises:

[0197] (i) regulating the power supply to a prime mover for removing phototrophic biomass from reaction zone 10 in response to detecting a difference between a measured phototrophic biomass growth index (in a reaction mixture disposed in the reaction zone) and a predetermined phototrophic biomass growth index target value associated with a predetermined molar growth rate of phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture disposed in reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation; and

[0198] (ii) while adjusting the power supply to the prime mover, in response to detecting a difference between a measured volume index of the reaction mixture in the reaction zone and a predetermined reaction mixture volume index value, adjusting the supply molar rate of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10, wherein the predetermined reaction mixture volume index value represents the volume of the reaction mixture in the reaction zone 10, wherein in the reaction zone 10, the phototrophic biomass growth index in the reaction mixture is set at a predetermined phototrophic biomass growth index target value, and the phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture grows at a predetermined phototrophic biomass molar growth rate.

[0199] In some embodiments, for example, the reaction mixture volume indicator in the reaction zone 10 (or simply referred to as "reaction mixture volume indicator") is the upper liquid level of the reaction mixture in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, this upper liquid level is determined by a liquid level sensor. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, a liquid level sensor is provided to detect the liquid level of the reaction mixture in the reaction zone 10, and a signal representing the measured liquid level is transmitted to a controller. The controller compares the received signal with a predetermined liquid level value (representing a predetermined reaction mixture volume indicator value). If the received signal is lower than the predetermined liquid level value, the controller responds by starting the supply of the supplementary aqueous substance supply 48 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing its supply molar rate, for example, by causing a valve configured to interfere with the supply of the supplementary aqueous substance supply 48 to the reaction zone 10 to open (in the case of starting the supply), or increasing its opening (in the case of increasing the supply molar rate). If the received signal is higher than the predetermined liquid level value, the controller responds by reducing the supply molar rate of the supplemental aqueous material supply 48 supplied to the reaction zone 10, or terminating the supply, for example, by reducing the opening of a valve configured to interfere with the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 48 to the reaction zone 10 (in the case of reducing the supply molar rate), or closing the valve (in the case of terminating the supply). By adjusting the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 48 to the reaction zone 10 so that the desired liquid level is maintained in the reaction zone 10, supplemental water is supplied to the reaction zone 10 to replace the water discharged from the reaction zone 10 along with the phototrophic biomass, so as to optimize the growth molar rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10, and thereby optimize the molar rate of the phototrophic biomass discharged from the reaction zone 10.

[0200] In some embodiments, for example, while adjusting the molar rate at which the phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10, the process further includes: in response to detecting a difference between the measured concentration of one or more nutrients (such as NO3) in the reaction zone 10 and the corresponding predetermined target concentration value, adjusting the supply molar rate of supplemental nutrient feed supplied to the reaction zone.

[0201] In some embodiments, for example, while adjusting the molar rate at which the phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10, the process further includes: adjusting the molar rate of the carbon dioxide stream supplied to the reaction zone 10 in response to the detection of at least one carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator. In some embodiments, for example, the detection of the at least one carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is performed in the reaction zone 10. The detected carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is any characteristic representing the capacity of the reaction zone 10, wherein the capacity of the reaction zone 10 is the capacity of the reaction zone to receive carbon dioxide and to convert at least a portion of the received carbon dioxide in a photosynthetic reaction performed by the phototrophic biomass placed in the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the detected carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is the pH in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the detected carbon dioxide treatment capacity indicator is the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10.

[0202] In some embodiments, for example, while adjusting the molar rate at which the phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10, the process further includes: in response to detecting a change in the molar rate of carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone 10, adjusting the intensity of photosynthetically active light radiation to which the reaction mixture is subjected.

[0203] In another aspect, the process further includes predetermining the target value of the phototrophic biomass growth index. In this regard, an evaluation-use reaction mixture is provided that represents the production-use reaction mixture and can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, so that the phototrophic biomass in the evaluation-use reaction mixture becomes the evaluation-use phototrophic biomass representing the production-use phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, the production-use reaction mixture also contains water and carbon dioxide, and the evaluation-use reaction mixture also contains water and carbon dioxide. While the evaluation-use reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, causing the evaluation-use phototrophic biomass in the evaluation-use reaction mixture to grow, the process further includes:

[0204] (i) at least periodically detecting the phototrophic biomass growth indicator to provide a plurality of detection values ​​of the phototrophic biomass growth indicator that have been detected for a period of time ("at least periodically" means intermittent detection at the same or different time intervals, or continuous detection);

[0205] (ii) calculating the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for evaluation according to the multiple detection values ​​of the phototrophic biomass growth index, thereby determining multiple molar growth rates of the phototrophic biomass for evaluation during the period of time; and

[0206] (iii) based on the calculated molar growth rate and the detected value of the phototrophic biomass growth index used to calculate the molar growth rate, a relationship between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for evaluation and the phototrophic biomass growth index is established, so that the relationship established between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for evaluation and the phototrophic biomass growth index represents the relationship between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production in the reaction zone 10 and the phototrophic biomass growth index, thereby establishing the relationship between the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production in the reaction zone 10 and the phototrophic biomass growth index.

[0207] The predetermined molar growth rate is selected from the calculated molar growth rate. The phototrophic biomass growth index target value is defined as the phototrophic biomass growth index at the predetermined molar growth rate resulting from the relationship established between the molar growth rate of the production-purpose phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone and the phototrophic biomass growth index. In this regard, a relationship is also established between the phototrophic biomass growth index target value and the predetermined molar growth rate.

[0208] In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass for evaluation purposes in the reaction zone 10 is grown when the reaction zone has the characteristics of at least one growth condition for evaluation purposes, wherein each of the at least one growth condition for evaluation purposes represents the characteristics of the growth conditions for production purposes that the reaction zone 10 has when the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is grown in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the growth conditions for production purposes are any one of a plurality of growth conditions for production purposes, wherein the plurality of growth conditions for production purposes include: the composition of the reaction mixture, the temperature of the reaction zone, the pH of the reaction zone, the light intensity of the reaction zone, the illumination mode of the reaction zone (e.g., the intensity can be varied), the illumination cycle of the reaction zone (e.g., the duration of the on / off illumination cycle), and the temperature of the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, one or more growth conditions for evaluation purposes are provided to promote the optimization of the production of the phototrophic biomass, wherein each of the one or more growth conditions for evaluation purposes represents the growth conditions for production purposes that the reaction mixture for production purposes is subjected to when the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction zone 10 is grown.

[0209] In another aspect, when the phototrophic biomass grows at (or is close to) the maximum molar growth rate in the reaction zone 10, the phototrophic biomass is discharged at a discharge molar rate at least close to the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone.

[0210] A reaction mixture in the form of a production-use reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation is placed in the reaction zone 10. The production-use reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass in the form of production-use phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone 10. When the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation and causes the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture to grow, the production-use phototrophic biomass is discharged from the reaction zone 10 at a molar rate within 10% of the molar rate at which the production-use phototrophic biomass grows in the reaction zone 10. The growth of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is carried out at a molar rate of at least 90% of the maximum growth rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of discharge of the production-use phototrophic biomass is within 5% of the molar growth rate of the production-use phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of emission of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is within 1% of the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the growth of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction zone 10 is carried out at a growth molar rate of at least 95% of the maximum growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, and in some of these embodiments, for example, the molar rate of emission of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is set to within 5% (e.g., within 1%) of the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the growth of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction zone 10 is carried out at a molar growth rate of at least 99% of the maximum growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone 10 and exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some of these embodiments, for example, the molar emission rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is set to within 5% (e.g., within 1%) of the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass for production purposes in the reaction zone 10.

[0211] In some embodiments, for example, growing the production-use phototrophic biomass includes supplying carbon dioxide to the reaction zone 10 and exposing the production-use reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the supplied carbon dioxide is supplied by the gaseous exhaust 18 of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaust generating process 20 emits the gaseous exhaust 18, and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust 18 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 (as the gaseous exhaust feed 24 for the reaction zone), and the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10, at which time the supplied carbon dioxide is supplied by the gaseous exhaust 18 of the gaseous exhaust generating process 20. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone 10 while growing, wherein when the gaseous exhaust generating process emits the gaseous exhaust, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone is supplied by the gaseous exhaust.

[0212] In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone 10 is disposed within a photobioreactor 12, and the phototrophic biomass for production purposes is discharged from the photobioreactor 12 (and the reaction zone 10) by displacement in response to the supply of the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10. In other words, supplying the aqueous feed material 4 to the reaction zone 10 can displace the phototrophic biomass for production purposes from the photobioreactor 12 (and the reaction zone 10), thereby causing the phototrophic biomass for production purposes to be discharged from the photobioreactor 12 (and the reaction zone 10). In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass product for production purposes is discharged from the photobioreactor in an overflow manner.

[0213] In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 and displaces the production-use phototrophic biomass from the reaction zone 10, thereby causing the production-use phototrophic biomass to be discharged from the reaction zone 10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 contains substantially no production-use phototrophic biomass. In other of these embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 contains production-use phototrophic biomass at a concentration lower than the reaction zone concentration of the production-use phototrophic biomass.

[0214] In some embodiments, for example, with respect to the aqueous feed material 4, the aqueous feed material 4 is supplied in the form of a fluid from a source 6 of the aqueous feed material 4. For example, the fluid is driven by a prime mover, such as a pump. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material comprises a supplemental aqueous substance supply 44. As described above, in some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is supplied by a container 28. In this regard, in embodiments in which the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 is contained in the aqueous feed material 4, the container serves as a source 6 of the aqueous feed material 4.

[0215] In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 includes a supplemental nutrient supply 42 and a supplemental aqueous material supply 44. In some of these embodiments, for example, the aqueous feed material 4 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 upstream of the reaction zone 10. In this regard, as described above and with reference to Figure 2 In some of these embodiments, the supplemental nutrient supply 42 and the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 are supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22 via a sparger 40 upstream of the reaction zone 10 .

[0216] In some of these embodiments, for example, and as described above, the phototrophic biomass 58 is discharged from the reaction zone 10 by a prime mover in fluid communication with the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, as described above, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 so that the reaction mixture within the reaction zone 10 is maintained at a predetermined volume.

[0217] In another aspect, the phototrophic biomass is discharged at a rate that matches the molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, this reduces the impact on the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, for example, the discharge of the phototrophic biomass is controlled by the molar rate of supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44, which affects the displacement of the product 500 containing the phototrophic biomass in the photobioreactor 12 from the photobioreactor 12. For example, the product 500 containing the phototrophic biomass is discharged in an overflow manner. In some of these embodiments, a higher portion of the phototrophic biomass suspension in the reaction zone 10 overflows from the photobioreactor 12 (for example, the phototrophic biomass is discharged through the overflow port of the photobioreactor 12), thereby obtaining the product 500 containing the phototrophic biomass. In other embodiments, for example, the discharge of the product 500 is controlled by a valve placed in a flow channel connected to the outlet fluid of the photobioreactor 12.

[0218] In some embodiments, for example, the product 500 is continuously discharged. In other embodiments, for example, the product is periodically discharged. In some embodiments, for example, the discharge of the product 500 containing phototrophic biomass is designed to maintain the molar concentration of the biomass in the product at a relatively low concentration. In embodiments where the phototrophic biomass comprises algae, for some embodiments, it is preferred to discharge the product 500 at a lower molar concentration to mitigate the degree of sudden changes in the molar growth rate of the algae in the reaction zone 10. This sudden change may cause the algae to be impacted, resulting in a lower yield over a longer period of time. In some embodiments, when the phototrophic biomass is algae, more specifically scenedesmus obliquus, the concentration of this algae in the product 500 containing phototrophic biomass may be between 0.5 and 3 grams per liter. The required concentration of the discharged algae product 500 depends on different algae strains, and thus its concentration range varies with different algae strains. In this regard, in some embodiments, it is preferred to maintain a predetermined water content within the reaction zone to promote optimal growth of the phototrophic biomass, and this effect can also be influenced by controlling the supply of supplemental aqueous material supply 44.

[0219] The phototrophic biomass-containing product 500 comprises water. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass-containing product 500 is supplied to a separator 52 to remove at least a portion of the water from the phototrophic biomass-containing product 500, thereby obtaining an intermediate concentration of the phototrophic biomass-containing product 34 and a reclaimed aqueous material 72 (substantially water in some embodiments). In some embodiments, for example, the separator 52 is a high-speed centrifugal separator 52. Other suitable examples of the separator 52 include a decanter, a settler or a pool, a flocculation device, or a flotation device. In some embodiments, the reclaimed aqueous material 72 is supplied to a container 28, for example, a container for reuse of the process.

[0220] In some embodiments, for example, after discharging the product 500 and before supplying it to the separator 52, the phototrophic biomass-containing product 500 is supplied to a collection tank 54. The collection tank 54 acts as a buffer between the photobioreactor 12 and the separator 52, and also acts as a mixing container when the collection tank 54 receives different biomass strains from multiple photobioreactors. In the latter case, the mixture of biomass strains can be customized using a set of predetermined characteristics designed according to the type or grade of fuel to be prepared from the mixture of biomass strains.

[0221] As described above, the container 28 provides a source of supplemental aqueous material supply 44 for the reaction zone 10 and serves to contain the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 before the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10. In some embodiments, water loss occurs due to the water contained in the final product 36 containing phototrophic biomass and evaporation in the dryer 32. The supplemental aqueous material collected from the process and contained in the container 28 can be supplied to the reaction zone 10 as the supplemental aqueous material supply 44. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 by a pump 281. In other embodiments, the supply can be performed by gravity if the process equipment configuration of the system implementing the process allows. As described above, the supplemental aqueous material collected from the process includes at least one of the following: (a) an aqueous material 70 condensed from the reaction zone feed material 22 when the reaction zone feed material 22 is condensed before it is supplied to the reaction zone 10; and (b) an aqueous material 72 separated from the phototrophic biomass-containing product 500. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 to displace the product 500 from the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the product 500 is displaced from the photobioreactor 12 in an overflow manner. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 to achieve a desired predetermined concentration of phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone by diluting the reaction mixture placed in the reaction zone.

[0222] As discussed above, examples of specific structures that may be used as a container 28 that may contain aqueous material collected from the process include, but are not limited to, tanks, ponds, troughs, channels, ponds, tubes, pipes, channels, and raceways.

[0223] In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10 is implemented when the gaseous exhaust material 18 is discharged from the gaseous exhaust material generating process 20 and the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22. In some embodiments, for example, when the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply to the reaction zone 10 is implemented, the carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass placed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0224] In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10 is adjusted based on the detection of a phototrophic biomass growth indicator value that deviates from a predetermined target value of the process parameter, wherein the predetermined target value of the phototrophic biomass growth indicator is based on a predetermined molar growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone. The detection of the phototrophic biomass growth indicator deviating from the phototrophic biomass growth indicator target value, and the adjustment of the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10 in response to the detection, have been described above.

[0225] In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10 depends on the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass. In this regard, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 or the molar concentration indicator of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone 10 is detected by a cell counter (e.g., the cell counter described above). The measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass or the measured molar concentration indicator of the phototrophic biomass is transmitted to the controller, and when the controller determines that the measured molar concentration exceeds the predetermined molar concentration high value, the controller responds by starting the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reactor 10, or increasing its supply molar rate. In some embodiments, for example, starting the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reactor 10, or increasing its supply molar rate includes driving a prime mover, such as a pump 281, to start the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reactor 10, or increase its supply molar rate. In some embodiments, for example, implementing the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reactor 10, or increasing its supply molar rate, includes opening an opening of a valve configured to interfere with the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 from the container 28 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing the opening.

[0226] In some embodiments, for example, when the upper liquid level of the contents of the reaction zone 10 in the photobioreactor 12 becomes lower than a predetermined minimum liquid level, the supply of the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44 (which has been recovered from the process) to the reactor 10 is initiated, or its supply molar rate is increased. In some of these embodiments, for example, a liquid level sensor 76 is provided for detecting the position of the upper liquid level of the contents of the reaction zone 10 in the photobioreactor, and transmitting a signal representing the upper liquid level of the contents of the reaction zone 10 to the controller. When the controller compares the received signal representing the upper liquid level of the contents of the reaction zone 10 from the liquid level sensor 76 with a predetermined low liquid level value and confirms that the measured upper liquid level of the contents of the reaction zone is lower than the predetermined low liquid level value, the controller initiates the supply of the supplemental aqueous substance supply 44, or increases its supply molar rate. When the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 is supplied to the reaction zone 10 by the pump 281, the controller drives the pump 281, thereby starting the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing its supply rate. When the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10 is achieved by gravity, the controller drives the opening of the valve, thereby starting the supply of the supplemental aqueous material supply 44 to the reaction zone 10, or increasing its supply molar rate. For example, the control of the position of the liquid level above the contents of the reaction zone 10 is relevant to the operation of some of those embodiments in which the discharge of the phototrophic biomass 58 in the reaction zone 10 is performed from the lower portion of the reaction zone 10 (e.g., as described above, when the phototrophic biomass 58 is discharged from the reaction zone 10 by a prime mover in fluid communication with the reaction zone 10). For embodiments in which the phototrophic biomass 58 is discharged from the reaction zone 10 by overflow, in some of these embodiments, the control of the position of the liquid level above the contents of the reaction zone 10 is related to the operation of the "seeding period" of the photobioreactor 12.

[0227] In some embodiments, for example, when the discharge of the product 500 is controlled by a valve disposed in a flow channel connected to the outlet fluid of the photobioreactor 12, the molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone can be detected by a cell counter 47 (e.g., the cell counter described above). The measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass is transmitted to the controller, and when the controller determines that the measured molar concentration of the phototrophic biomass exceeds the predetermined molar concentration high value of the phototrophic biomass, the controller responds by opening the valve or increasing the opening of the valve, so that the molar rate of discharge of the product 500 from the reaction zone 10 increases.

[0228] In some embodiments, for example, an additional source of make-up water 68 is provided to mitigate situations where the make-up aqueous material supply 44 is insufficient to compensate for water losses during process operation. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the make-up aqueous material supply 44 is mixed with the reaction zone feed material 22 within the sparger 40. Conversely, in some embodiments, for example, a facility is provided for the vessel 28 to discharge to a drain 66 to mitigate situations where the aqueous material recovered from the process exceeds the amount required for replenishment.

[0229] In some embodiments, for example, a reaction zone gaseous exhaust product 80 is discharged from the reaction zone 10. At least a portion of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust product 80 is recovered and supplied to the reaction zone 110 of the combustion process operating unit 100. As a result of photosynthesis in the reaction zone 10, the reaction zone gaseous exhaust product 80 is enriched with oxygen relative to the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24. The gaseous exhaust product 80 is supplied to the combustion zone 110 (e.g., the combustion zone 110 disposed in a reaction tank) of the combustion process operating unit 100, so that it can act as an effective reactant in the combustion process performed in the combustion process operating unit 100. The reaction zone gaseous exhaust product 80 contacts the combustibles (e.g., carbonaceous materials) in the combustion zone 100 and reacts, thereby causing the combustibles to burn. Examples of suitable combustion process operating units 100 include those used in fossil fuel power plants, industrial incineration equipment, industrial furnaces, industrial heaters, internal combustion engines, and cement kilns.

[0230] In some embodiments, for example, the recovered reaction zone gaseous exhaust product 80 is contacted with a combustible when the gaseous exhaust product generating process 20 is emitting the gaseous exhaust product 18 and the reaction zone gaseous exhaust product supply 24 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22. In some embodiments, for example, when the reaction zone gaseous exhaust product supply 24 is supplied to the reaction zone feed material 22, the recovered reaction zone gaseous exhaust product is contacted with a combustible. In some embodiments, for example, when the reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone, the recovered reaction zone gaseous exhaust product is contacted with a combustible. In some embodiments, for example, when the recovered reaction zone gaseous exhaust product is contacted with a combustible, the carbon dioxide-rich phototrophic biomass placed in an aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

[0231] The intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34 is supplied to a dryer 32, which provides heat to the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34 to evaporate at least a portion of the water in the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34, thereby obtaining a phototrophic biomass containing final product 36. As described above, in some embodiments, the heat supplied to the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34 is provided by a heat transfer medium 30, which has been used to cool the reaction zone feed material 22 before the reaction zone feed material 22 is supplied to the reaction zone 10. By performing such cooling, heat is transferred from the reaction zone feed material 22 to the heat transfer medium 30, thereby increasing the temperature of the heat transfer medium 30. In such embodiments, the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34 is at a relatively warm temperature, and the heat required to evaporate water from the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34 is not too much, so it is feasible to use the heat transfer medium 30 as a heat source to dry the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34. As described above, after heating the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34, the heat transfer medium 30, which has lost some energy and is therefore at a lower temperature, is recycled to the heat exchanger 26 to cool the reaction zone feed material 22. The heat required by the dryer 32 depends on the supply rate of the intermediate concentration phototrophic biomass containing product 34 being supplied to the dryer 32. The cooling demand (of the heat exchanger 26) and the heating demand (of the dryer 32) are adjusted by the controller to balance the two operations by monitoring the flow rate and temperature of the reaction zone feed material 22 and the production rate of the product 500 obtained by the product 500 discharged from the photobioreactor.

[0232] In some embodiments, the change in the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass resulting from the change in the supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone feed material 22 is achieved after a significant delay (e.g., in some cases, more than three (3) hours, and sometimes even longer) from the time the change in the supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone feed material 22 is initiated. In comparison, the change in the heating value of the heat transfer medium 30 resulting from the change in the supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone feed material 22 can be achieved more quickly. In this regard, in some embodiments, a thermal buffer is provided for storing any excess thermal energy (in the form of the heat transfer medium 30) and for introducing a delay in the response of the dryer 32 in heat transfer performance to the change in the gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the thermal buffer is a heat transfer medium storage tank. Alternatively, an external heat source may be provided to supplement the heat required by the dryer 32 during the transition period between supplying the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supply 24 to the reaction zone feed material 22. A thermal buffer or additional heat may be required to accommodate changes in the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass, or to accommodate startup or shutdown of the process. For example, if the growth of the phototrophic biomass decreases or stops, the dryer 32 may continue to operate by using the heat stored in the buffer until it is exhausted, or, in some embodiments, using a second heat source.

[0233] Other embodiments will now be described in further detail with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0234] Example 1

[0235] A prophetic example will now be described that exemplifies an embodiment of determining a target value for a phototrophic biomass growth indicator (e.g., the concentration of algae within a reaction zone of a photobioreactor), and performing operations of an embodiment of the process described above, including adjusting the molar rate of discharge of a phototrophic biomass-containing product from the reaction zone based on a deviation between the detected value of the process parameter and the target value.

[0236] First, a starting concentration of algae in an aqueous medium containing appropriate nutrients is provided in a reaction zone of a photobioreactor. Gaseous carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone, and the reaction zone is exposed to light from a light source (e.g., an LED) to cause the algae to grow. When the algae concentration in the reaction zone reaches 0.5 grams per liter, water is introduced into the reaction zone of the photobioreactor so that the algae can be collected by overflow of the reactor contents, and an initial target algae concentration is set at 0.5 grams per liter. Initially, the supply water is introduced at a relatively moderate and constant rate so that half (1 / 2) of the volume of the photobioreactor is replaced every day, because it has been found that regularly replacing the amount of water in the reaction zone with fresh water helps the growth of the algae and can reach the target value in a shorter time. If the growth rate of the algae is lower than the dilution rate, and the algae concentration is measured to drop by at least 2% relative to the algae concentration set point at any time during the measurement operation, the control system will stop or reduce the dilution rate to avoid further dilution of the algae concentration in the reaction zone. If the algae growth rate is higher than the dilution rate, the algae concentration will increase above the initial algae concentration set point, and the control system will increase the algae concentration set point to keep pace with the increased algae concentration while maintaining the same dilution rate. For example, the algae concentration may increase to 0.52 grams per liter, at which point the control system will increase the algae concentration set point to 0.51. The control system continues to monitor the increase in algae concentration while increasing the target algae concentration. When the algae growth rate has been measured to have reached a maximum change, the target algae concentration is locked to the current value, thereby making it the target value, and then the dilution rate is adjusted so that the algae is collected at the same rate as the algae growth rate in the photobioreactor when the algae concentration is at the target value.

[0237] The algae growth rate corresponds to the algae concentration. When a significant change in the algae growth rate is measured, it means that the algae in the reaction zone is growing at (or close to) its maximum rate, and the growth rate corresponds to the algae concentration of the target value. In this regard, by controlling the dilution rate to maintain the algae concentration in the reaction zone at the target value, the growth of the algae can be maintained at (or close to) the maximum value, which will inevitably result in the optimization of the discharge rate of the algae over time.

[0238] In order to help a comprehensive understanding of the present invention, many details are mentioned in the above description for explanation purposes. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary for implementing the present invention. Although certain dimensions and materials have been described for the implementation of the exemplary embodiments, other dimensions and / or materials that are suitable within the scope of the present invention may also be used. All these adjustments and changes, including all technically suitable current and future appropriate changes, should be considered to be within the field and scope of the present invention. All references mentioned are fully incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: When carbon dioxide is emitted from a gaseous exhaust gas production process and at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the emitted carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone defines the emitted carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone, when a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is detected, or when an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the emitted carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is detected, the supply molar rate of supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is increased, or the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is started.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone is initiated in response to detecting a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone, or detecting an indication of a decrease in the molar rate of supply of the exhaust carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone, the supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone continues for a period of greater than 30 minutes after the initiation.

3. The method according to claim 1 further comprises starting the supply of a feedstock containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone, or increasing the supply molar rate of the feedstock containing supplementary gas supplied to the reaction zone, wherein if carbon dioxide is present in the feedstock containing supplementary gas, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the supplementary carbon dioxide supply supplied to the reaction zone.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The combination of any of the reaction zones exhaust carbon dioxide supply, the supplemental carbon dioxide supply, and the supplemental gas-containing feedstock defines a combined operating feed stream supplied to the reaction zone as at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material, the reaction zone feed material being supplied to the reaction zone and causing a stirring effect on the material within the reaction zone such that the difference in concentration of the phototrophic biomass at any two points within the reaction zone is less than 20%.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The initiation of the supply of a feedstock containing supplemental gas to the reaction zone, or the increase in the supply molar rate of the feedstock containing supplemental gas supplied to the reaction zone, is implemented in response to detecting a decrease or an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone feed material supplied to the reaction zone.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: While the supplemental carbon dioxide supply is being supplied to the reaction zone, the supply of a supplemental gas-containing feedstock to the reaction zone is initiated, or the molar rate of supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock to the reaction zone is increased.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Starting the supply of the feedstock containing supplemental gas to the reaction zone, or increasing the supply molar rate of the feedstock containing supplemental gas supplied to the reaction zone, at least partially compensates for a decrease in the molar supply rate of the feedstock supplied to the reaction zone or a termination of the feedstock supply due to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone exhaust carbon dioxide feed supplied to the reaction zone, or a termination of its supply.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation while increasing the molar rate of supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone, or initiating supply of the supplemental carbon dioxide supply to the reaction zone.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Upon initiating the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock to the reaction zone, or increasing the molar rate of supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock to the reaction zone, the phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

10. A method for growing phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone contains a reaction mixture that can be used to photosynthesize when exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture contains phototrophic biomass that can be used to grow in the reaction zone, wherein the growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth caused by photosynthesis, the method comprising: When a gaseous exhaust gas is discharged from a gaseous exhaust gas generating process and at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust gas is supplied to the reaction zone, wherein the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust gas supplied to the reaction zone defines a gaseous exhaust gas supply to the reaction zone, when the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust gas supply to the reaction zone is reduced, or the supply of the gaseous exhaust gas supply to the reaction zone is terminated, the method further includes: starting the supply of a raw material containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone, or increasing the supply molar rate of the raw material containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The starting of supplying the feedstock containing supplementary gas to the reaction zone, or increasing the supply molar rate of the feedstock containing supplementary gas supplied to the reaction zone, is implemented in response to detecting a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supplied to the reaction zone or a termination of its supply, or detecting an indication of a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supplied to the reaction zone or an indication of a termination of its supply.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The make-up gas-containing feedstock, if present, has a molar concentration of carbon dioxide that is lower than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the at least a portion of the gaseous exhaust material supplied to the reaction zone from the gaseous exhaust material generating process.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The supply of the gaseous exhaust material for the reaction zone to the reaction zone is adjusted so that the molar supply rate of the gaseous exhaust material for the reaction zone supplied to the reaction zone is reduced, or its supply is terminated, and the supply of the supplementary gas-containing feed to the reaction zone is operated in coordination with the supply of the supplementary gas-containing feed to the reaction zone so that the molar supply rate of the carbon dioxide supplied to the reaction zone is reduced or its supply is terminated.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Starting the supply of the feedstock containing make-up gas to the reaction zone, or increasing the supply molar rate of the feedstock containing make-up gas supplied to the reaction zone, at least partially compensates for a decrease in the molar supply rate of the material supplied to the reaction zone or a termination of the feedstock supply due to a decrease in the supply molar rate of the gaseous exhaust material supplied to the reaction zone, or a termination of its supply.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The combination of (a) and (b): (a) reducing the molar rate of supply of the gaseous exhaust material feed to the reaction zone, or terminating the supply thereof; and (b) initiating the supply of the supplemental gas-containing feedstock to the reaction zone, or increasing its supply molar rate, thereby alleviating the degree of weakening of agitation in the reaction zone caused by a reduction in the supply molar rate of the reaction zone gaseous exhaust material supplied to the reaction zone, or termination of its supply.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The combination of the feedstock containing the make-up gas and any gaseous exhaust material supplied to the reaction zone is supplied to the reaction zone as at least a portion of the reaction zone feed material, and the reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone and agitates the material in the reaction zone so that the difference in concentration of the phototrophic biomass at any two points in the reaction zone is less than 20%.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein: When the supply of the feedstock containing supplemental gas to the reaction zone is initiated, or the molar rate of supply of the feedstock containing supplemental gas is increased, the reaction mixture disposed within the reaction zone is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation.

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