Constant turbidity continuous culture device and constant turbidity continuous culture method

Abstract

The application provides a constant turbidity continuous culture device for culturing photosynthetic organisms, which comprises a mounting body, an input pump, an output pump, an optical sensor and a control circuit. The mounting body comprises a shell and an input pipe and an output pipe connected to the shell. The input pump is connected to the input pipe. The output pump is connected to the output pipe. The optical sensor is connected to the mounting body and used for detecting growth information of the photosynthetic organisms in real time. The control circuit is electrically connected to the input pump, the output pump and the optical sensor, and used for controlling the input pump to input culture medium through the input pipe and / or controlling the output pump to output photosynthetic organism culture solution through the output pipe according to the growth information. The application also provides a constant turbidity continuous culture method.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of photosynthetic organism monitoring culture, and in particular to a constant turbidity continuous culture device and a constant turbidity continuous culture method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditional photosynthetic organism culture methods use batch culture, and after the photosynthetic organisms grow to a preset concentration, they are harvested in batches, and then the reactor is cleaned and re-inoculated.

[0003] On the one hand, the above culture process needs frequent manual operation, which is labor-intensive and prone to human error. On the other hand, the above culture process is not conducive to laboratory culture scenarios (because in laboratory culture scenarios, some experimental data of photosynthetic organism cells in different states need to be observed, and the above culture method cannot maintain photosynthetic organism cells in a stable growth state for a long time). Further, the above culture process is also not conducive to large-scale industrial production: (1) batch culture requires cleaning, disinfection, and re-inoculation after each fermentation or culture, which consumes a lot of time and resources and reduces overall production efficiency; (2) the production conditions of different batches may differ, and the consistency of products between different batches is poor, which is particularly important for industries such as pharmaceuticals and food that require strict quality control; (3) in batch culture, metabolic products accumulate, which can inhibit cell growth or affect product quality. SUMMARY

[0004] The first aspect of the present application provides a constant turbidity continuous culture device for culturing photosynthetic organisms, the constant turbidity continuous culture device comprising: a mounting body comprising a housing and an input pipe and an output pipe connected to the housing; an input pump connected to the input pipe; an output pump connected to the output pipe; an optical sensor connected to the mounting body for real-time detection of growth information of photosynthetic organisms; and a control circuit electrically connected to the input pump, the output pump and the optical sensor, for controlling the input pump to input culture medium through the input pipe and / or controlling the output pump to output photosynthetic organism culture solution through the output pipe according to the growth information.

[0005] The second aspect of the present application provides a constant turbidity continuous culture method applied to the constant turbidity continuous culture device as described above. The photosynthetic organism growth monitoring method comprises: controlling the light source to emit first reference light and second reference light; controlling the receiver to receive first detection light and second detection light through the receiving window, and receiving an electrical signal from the receiver, the electrical signal being generated according to the first detection light and the second detection light; obtaining growth information of the photosynthetic organism based on a preset absorption spectrum curve according to the electrical signal; and controlling the input pump to input culture medium through the input pipe and / or controlling the output pump to output photosynthetic organism culture solution through the output pipe according to the growth information.

[0006] The constant turbidity continuous culture device and the constant turbidity continuous culture method described above can monitor the growth state of photosynthetic organisms (such as microalgae, micro-fern, etc.) in real time through an optical sensor, and a control circuit board can control an input pump to input culture medium and an output pump to output algal solution according to the growth information of the photosynthetic organisms fed back by the optical sensor. In this way, the constant turbidity continuous culture device of the present application can continuously harvest photosynthetic organism cells on the basis of controlling the photosynthetic organism cells to be at a certain constant turbidity, concentration or dry weight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the constant turbidity continuous culture device of an embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the constant turbidity continuous culture device of the embodiment of the present application.

[0009] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main body and the optical sensor in the constant turbidity continuous culture device of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2

[0010] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal components of the constant turbidity continuous culture device of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a structural view of the constant turbidity continuous culture device of the embodiment of the present application in use. Figure 1

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optical sensor of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 Figure 2 FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the optical sensor of the embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 7 Figure 2 FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the optical sensor of the embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 8 FIG. 9 is a structural view of the optical sensor of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2

[0015] Figure 9 ​​​​​For Figure 2 A perspective view of the optical sensor in a detection state.

[0016] Figure 10 A flow chart of the steps of the constant haze continuous culture method of the embodiments of the present application.

[0017] Explanation of main element symbols

[0018] Constant haze continuous culture device: 100;

[0019] Monitoring device: 10;

[0020] Mounting body: 1;

[0021] Housing: 11

[0022] First surface: 111;

[0023] Second surface: 112;

[0024] Groove: 113;

[0025] Bottom wall: 114;

[0026] Side wall: 115;

[0027] Function tube: 12;

[0028] Input tube: 121;

[0029] Output tube: 122;

[0030] Sampling tube: 123;

[0031] Aeration tube: 124;

[0032] Display screen: 13;

[0033] Switch: 14;

[0034] Input pump: 2;

[0035] Output pump: 3;

[0036] Temperature sensor: 4;

[0037] Optical sensor: 5;

[0038] Body: 510;

[0039] First mounting portion: 511;

[0040] Steps: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10;

[0041] First surface: 5111;

[0042] Emission window: 5112;

[0043] Second mounting portion: 512;

[0044] Second surface: 5121;

[0045] Receiving window: 5122;

[0046] Connecting column: 513;

[0047] Accommodation space: 514;

[0048] Light source: 520;

[0049] Receiver: 530;

[0050] Rotor assembly: 540;

[0051] Driving rotor: 541;

[0052] Light shielding portion: 5411;

[0053] Light transmitting portion: 5412;

[0054] Driven rotor: 542;

[0055] Bearing: 543;

[0056] Motor: 550;

[0057] Signal line: 560;

[0058] Rotating shaft: L;

[0059] Control circuit board: 6;

[0060] Communication module: 61;

[0061] Power supply battery: 7;

[0062] Culture tube: 20.

[0063] The following specific embodiments will further illustrate the present application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present application provides a constant turbidity continuous culture device for continuously culturing photosynthetic organisms (e.g. microalgae, micro-fern, etc.) at constant turbidity. The constant turbidity continuous culture device comprises an optical sensor for detecting and returning the growth information of the photosynthetic organisms in real time, so that the constant turbidity continuous culture device can pump out the photosynthetic organism culture solution (continuously harvest the photosynthetic organisms) or pump in the photosynthetic organism culture medium (maintain the constant turbidity in the bioreactor) based on the growth information.

[0065] In this embodiment, the structure and function of the constant turbidity continuous culture device are illustrated by taking microalgae as an example of photosynthetic organisms.

[0066] Referring to Figure 1 The constant turbidity continuous culture device 100 of the present application comprises a monitoring device 10 and a culture tube 20. The culture tube 20 is used to load microalgae culture solution, and the monitoring device 10 is used to monitor the growth state of microalgae and timely pump out the algal solution or pump in the culture medium. In the embodiment, the culture tube 20 is a long strip tubular structure. In the working state, the culture tube 20 can be inserted into the monitoring device 10, so that part of the elements in the detection device 10 are located in the culture tube 20.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2 The monitoring device 10 comprises a mounting body 1. The mounting body 1 comprises a shell 11, a plurality of functional tubes 12, a display screen 13 and a key 14. The shell 11 is generally a hollow cuboid structure. The display screen 13 and the key 14 are arranged on a first surface 111 of the shell 11. The key 14 is used to control the on-off of the monitoring device 10, and the display screen 13 is used to display the information in the working process of the monitoring device 10 in real time. In the embodiment, the display screen 13 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen.

[0068] Each functional tube 12 is a circular functional tube and is fixedly connected to a second surface 112 of the shell 11. The functional tubes 12 are spaced from each other and extend along a direction perpendicular to the second surface 112. The first surface 111 is perpendicular to the second surface 112. Referring to Figure 3 In the embodiment, a recess 113 with a circular opening is formed on the second surface 112. The bottom wall 114 of the recess 113 is also circular, and the side wall 115 of the recess 113 is perpendicular to the bottom wall 114. Each functional tube 12 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall 115 of the recess 113. In the working state, the culture tube 20 can be inserted into the recess 113, so that the plurality of functional tubes described above extend into the culture tube 20.

[0069] In other embodiments of the present application, the display screen 13 and the key 14 can be arranged on different surfaces of the shell 11, but the functional tubes 12 are arranged on the same surface of the shell 11.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2 The monitoring device 10 further comprises an input pump 2, an output pump 3, a temperature sensor 4, an optical sensor 5, a control circuit board 6 and a power supply battery 7 in the shell 11. The control circuit board 6 is electrically connected to the input pump 2, the output pump 3, the temperature sensor 4, the optical sensor 5 and the power supply battery 7, respectively. The power supply battery 7 is used to supply power to the whole device. The control circuit board 6 is used to control the input pump 2 and the output pump 3 to work according to the information returned by the temperature sensor 4 and the optical sensor 5.

[0071] In the embodiment, the plurality of functional tubes 12 fixed on the shell 11 are respectively an input tube 121, an output tube 122, a sampling tube 123 and an aeration tube 124. The input tube 121 and the sampling tube 123 have substantially the same length. The output tube 122 has a length smaller than the lengths of the input tube 121, the sampling tube 123 and the aeration tube 124, so that the liquid level in the culture tube 20 is always maintained at a certain height. The aeration tube 124 has a length greater than the lengths of the input tube 121, the output tube 122 and the sampling tube 123, so that the aeration tube 124 can extend into the bottom of the culture tube 20.

[0072] The input pump 2 is connected to the input tube 121 and is used to input the culture medium into the culture tube 20 through the input tube 121 under the driving of the control circuit board 6. The output pump 3 is connected to the output tube 122 and is used to pump the algal liquid in the culture tube 20 out through the output tube 122 under the driving of the control circuit board 6. In the embodiment, the input pump 2 and the output pump 3 are both peristaltic pumps. One end of the temperature sensor 4 is located in the algal liquid, and the other end is connected to the control circuit board 6 inside the shell 11 through a groove 113 (see Figure 3 ) for real-time monitoring and returning the algal liquid temperature information. The control circuit board 6 can control the external temperature control system (not shown in the figure, for example, including a water cooling device, a fan and the like) to work according to the returned temperature information. The optical sensor 5 is fixedly arranged on the aeration tube 124 and located in the algal liquid for real-time monitoring of the microalgae growth state and returning the growth information to the control circuit board 6. The aeration tube 124 is used to input the carbon dioxide required for the growth of microalgae and plays a stirring role.

[0073] In the embodiment, the control circuit board 6 further includes a communication module 61 (see Figure 4 ), so that the constant turbidity continuous culture device 100 can be communicatively connected with external equipment during use to realize remote data or signal transmission. In the embodiment, the communication module 61 is a local area network communication chip.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 6 , the optical sensor 5 of the embodiment includes a main body 510 and a light source 520 and a receiver 530 located in the main body 510. The light source 520 is used to emit reference light, and the reference light passes through the culture algal liquid and is received by the receiver 530 as detection light. The receiver 530 is used to generate an electrical signal based on the detection light. The electrical signal can be used to obtain the growth information of the microalgae cells in the culture medium.

[0075] In this embodiment, the main body 510 has a first mounting portion 511, a second mounting portion 512 and four connecting columns 513. The first mounting portion 511 and the second mounting portion 512 are both substantially hollow cuboid structures. The connecting columns 513 are parallel to each other and spaced apart. Each connecting column 513 extends from a corner of the first mounting portion 511 to a corner of the second mounting portion 512. In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 511, the second mounting portion 512 and the connecting columns 513 are integrally formed.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 together, the first mounting portion 511 has a first surface 5111 facing the second mounting portion 512, and the first surface 5111 is formed with an emission window 5112. The light source 520 is located in the first mounting portion 511 and at the emission window 5112, for emitting reference light through the emission window 5112.

[0077] The second mounting portion 512 has a second surface 5121 facing the first mounting portion 511, and the second surface is formed with a receiving window 5122. The first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121 are parallel to each other and spaced apart. The receiver 530 is located in the second mounting portion 512 and at the receiving window 5122, for receiving detection light incident from the receiving window 5122.

[0078] The regions of the main body 510 where the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122 are formed are made of light-transmitting material, and the remaining regions are made of light-blocking material. Since the optical sensor 5 is always immersed in the algal culture solution during use, the main body 510 is made of PC plastic, which can resist corrosion, dirt and other forms of damage caused by exposure to saltwater or other substances in water.

[0079] In this embodiment, the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122 are both circular windows. The emission window 5111 and the receiving window 5122 have the same area, or the receiving window 5122 has a slightly larger area than the emission window 5112, to facilitate more effective reception of detection light. The orthographic projection of the receiving window 5122 on the first surface 5111 completely covers the emission window 5112, which on the one hand facilitates more effective reception of detection light, and on the other hand allows the reference light emitted from the emission window 5112 to be incident as detection light level, which facilitates minimizing light attenuation and distortion caused by reflection, refraction and scattering during light propagation.

[0080] In this embodiment, the four connecting columns 513 form a receiving space 514 between the first mounting portion 511 and the second mounting portion 512. When the optical sensor 5 is immersed in the microalgae culture solution, the culture algae solution can enter the receiving space 514 from the area between each connecting column 513. At this time, the reference light exits from the emitting window 5112, passes through the culture algae solution, so that the optical characteristics of the reference light change, and enters the receiving window 5122 as detection light.

[0081] The light source 520 is used to emit first reference light and second reference light with different wavelengths at the same time or at different times. In this embodiment, the first reference light is infrared light with a wavelength of 940 nm, and the second reference light is light with a wavelength of 450 nm. The optical sensor 5 uses the light source 520 with the above-mentioned specific wavelengths to accurately measure the concentration of microalgae cells by using the absorption characteristics of different wavelengths of light by microalgae cells.

[0082] The first reference light with a wavelength of 940 nm (infrared light) has the following characteristics:

[0083] 1. Water absorption characteristics: Light with a wavelength of 940 nm has less absorption in water, so it can penetrate the water layer without losing too much energy. This is particularly important for measuring the concentration of microalgae in water, as it reduces the interference of water with the light signal.

[0084] 2. Cell structure penetration: Infrared light can penetrate cell walls and cell membranes to reach the interior of the cell. This allows the characteristics of the entire cell to be measured, not just the surface of the cell.

[0085] 3. Less absorption by chlorophyll: Compared to light of other wavelengths, chlorophyll has less absorption of light with a wavelength of 940 nm, so it can reduce the interference of chlorophyll with the measurement signal, making the prediction of the cell dry weight (concentration) of photosynthetic organisms more accurate.

[0086] The second reference light with a wavelength of 450 nm has the following characteristics:

[0087] 1. Chlorophyll absorption peak: Light with a wavelength of 450 nm is located in a peak region of the chlorophyll absorption spectrum. Chlorophyll is an important pigment for photosynthesis in microalgae, and it strongly absorbs light in the blue region, especially around 450 nm.

[0088] 2. Measure photosynthesis activity: By measuring the absorption of 450nm light by microalgae, one can indirectly assess the photosynthesis activity and biomass of the microalgae. This is because the amount of light absorbed by chlorophyll (chlorophyll content) is directly related to the growth status of the cells (under suitable light intensity, cells in good growth status usually have higher chlorophyll content. Under suitable light conditions, the growth rate of the cells usually increases, which means that the cells need more energy and reducing power (such as ATP and NADPH) to support biosynthesis processes. Therefore, the cells will increase the content of chlorophyll to enhance photosynthesis to meet these needs. As the cells age, the content of chlorophyll usually decreases, because the degradation rate of chlorophyll molecules exceeds the synthesis rate. The decrease in chlorophyll content will lead to a decrease in photosynthesis efficiency, weakening of cell growth and metabolic activity, and eventually possibly leading to cell death).

[0089] Thus, in this embodiment, the first reference light of 940nm and the second reference light of 450nm are selected so that the optical sensor 5 can combine the measurement data of the two, compare and analyze the light absorption at different wavelengths, more accurately calculate the concentration of microalgae and evaluate their growth status, which is beneficial to improve the measurement accuracy, reduce errors, and can provide important information about the growth status of microalgae.

[0090] In this embodiment, the light source 520 includes two light-emitting diodes that can emit the first reference light and the second reference light, respectively. In other embodiments of the present application, the wavelength of the second reference light can be changed according to the different information to be detected.

[0091] The receiver 530 is configured to receive the first detection light generated by the first reference light passing through the culture algal liquid through the receiving window 5122, and to receive the second detection light generated by the second reference light passing through the culture algal liquid through the receiving window 5122. In this embodiment, the receiver 530 includes a photodiode configured to convert the first detection light and the second detection light into an electrical signal output through photoelectric conversion.

[0092] In this embodiment, the optical sensor 5 further includes a rotor assembly 540 movably connected between the first mounting portion 511 and the second mounting portion 512. That is, the rotor assembly 540 is movably connected between the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121 and located in the receiving space 514.

[0093] Please refer to Figure 8The rotor assembly 540 comprises a driving rotor 541, a driven rotor 542 and a bearing 543. The driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 are separate structures and are arranged around the bearing 543. The optical sensor 5 further comprises a motor 550. The motor 550 is fixedly arranged on the first mounting portion 511 away from the first surface 5111 and is connected with the driving rotor 541 for driving the driving rotor 541 to rotate around the rotation axis L (i.e. around the axis of the bearing 543). The motor 550 can drive the driving rotor 541 to rotate forward (clockwise around the rotation axis L) and reverse (counterclockwise around the rotation axis L). The rotation axis L is perpendicular to the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121 respectively.

[0094] The driven rotor 542 is not connected with the motor 550. When the driven rotor 542 is located in the rotation direction of the driving rotor 541, the driving rotor 541 pushes the driven rotor 542 to rotate synchronously after contacting the driven rotor 542.

[0095] In the embodiment, the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 are both solid column structures. The two ends of the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 respectively contact the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121. During the rotation around the rotation axis L, the two ends of the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 always respectively contact the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121.

[0096] In the embodiment, the two ends of the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 contacting the first surface 5111 jointly cover part of the first surface 5111, so that the emission window 5112 can be exposed relative to the rotor assembly 540, avoiding that the driving rotor 541 and / or the driven rotor 542 cover the emission window 5112 to affect the emission of the reference light. Similarly, the two ends of the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 contacting the second surface 5121 jointly cover part of the second surface 5121, so that the receiving window 5122 can be exposed relative to the rotor assembly 540, avoiding that the driving rotor 541 and / or the driven rotor 542 cover the receiving window 5122 to affect the reception of the detection light.

[0097] The driving rotor 541 comprises an opaque portion 5411 and a light-transmitting portion 5412. The light-transmitting portion 5412 is embedded in the opaque portion 5411. The two ends of the opaque portion 5411 respectively contact the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121. The opaque portion 5411 is provided with a through hole penetrating the two ends, and the light-transmitting portion 5412 is filled in the through hole and exposed relative to the two ends of the opaque portion 5411. The two ends of the light-transmitting portion 5412 also respectively contact the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5121. The end of the light-transmitting portion 5412 contacting the first surface 5111 has the same shape and area as the emission window 5112, and the end of the light-transmitting portion 5412 contacting the second surface 5121 has the same shape and area as the receiving window 5122.

[0098] In this embodiment, the light shielding part 5411 and the passive rotor 542 are made of PC plastic, which can resist corrosion, dirt and other forms of damage caused by exposure to salt water or other substances in water, and the light transmission part 5412 is a cylindrical glass member.

[0099] In this embodiment, in addition to the function of monitoring the growth state of microalgae, the optical sensor 5 also realizes the functions of light shielding, self-calibration and self-cleaning of the optical sensor 5 through the rotor assembly 540. In the process of realizing the above functions, the active rotor 541 and the passive rotor 542 may need to rotate to shield part or all of the areas of the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122. In order to ensure that the active rotor 541 and the passive rotor 542 can shield part or all of the areas of the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122, in this embodiment, the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122 are located in the rotation path range of the active rotor 541 and the passive rotor 542. In this embodiment, the rotation path range of the active rotor 541 and the passive rotor 542 is defined as the range of the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5122 passed by the active rotor 541 and the passive rotor 542 during 360 rotation around the rotation axis L.

[0100] In this embodiment, the optical sensor 5 further includes a signal line 560 (not shown in the figure) fixedly connected to the main body 510 and a control circuit (not shown in the figure) located in the main body 510. Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 5 The control circuit is electrically connected with the light source 520, the receiver 530, the motor 550 and the signal line 560 (for example, the electrical connection between elements is realized by arranging wires in the main body 510), for controlling the light source 520 to emit the first reference light and the second reference light, controlling the motor 550 to drive the active rotor 541 to rotate, receiving the electrical signal from the receiver 530, and generating the microalgae growth information according to the electrical signal. The signal line 560 is also connected with the equipment outside the optical sensor 5, for transmitting the growth information obtained by the control circuit to the external equipment for display, recording or further analysis.

[0101] The working mode of the optical sensor 5 is described as follows, it should be noted that the optical sensor 5 remains immersed in the microalgae culture solution during the working process.

[0102] I. Self-calibration

[0103] Since there may be degree differences between different optical sensors 5, the optical sensor 5 is calibrated before being put into formal use.

[0104] ​​The control circuit controls the motor 550 to operate, driving the active rotor 541 to rotate until the light-transmitting part 5412 in the active rotor 541 rotates to the optical window and completely covers the optical window (that is, the end of the light-transmitting part 5412 that contacts the first surface 5111 completely covers the emitting window 5112, and the end of the light-transmitting part 5412 that contacts the second surface 5112 completely covers the receiving window 5122). Because the light-transmitting part 5412 has high light transmittance, the reference light emitted from the emitting window 5112 can directly propagate along the light-transmitting part 5412 to the receiving window 5122. At this time, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiver 530 is at its maximum, and the amplitude of the generated electrical signal is recorded.

[0105] When the light-shielding part 5411 completely covers the optical window, the reference light emitted from the emission window 5112 is completely blocked by the light-shielding part 5411, and the receiver 530 can hardly receive the detection light. That is, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiver 530 is the minimum at this time, and the amplitude of the electrical signal generated at this time is recorded.

[0106] Based on the electrical signal amplitudes at the maximum and minimum light intensity recorded above, the correspondence between the "detection light intensity - electrical signal amplitude" of the currently used optical sensor 5 can be obtained, which means that the calibration of the optical sensor 5 is completed, which is beneficial to improving the detection accuracy.

[0107] II. Shading

[0108] The optical sensor operates in an open state for 5 minutes (e.g.) Figures 5-6 (as shown) and detection status (such as) Figure 9 (As shown).

[0109] When the optical sensor 5 is in the open state, it does not detect the growth status of microalgae, and the light source 520 does not emit reference light. At this time, the active rotor 541 and the passive rotor 542 are close together, and a large open space is formed between the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122, which allows the culture solution (including microalgae cells, water, culture medium, etc.) to easily enter the open space.

[0110] At a certain moment, the optical sensor 5 needs to be switched from the open state to the detection state. At this time, the control circuit controls the motor 550 to drive the driving rotor 541 to rotate towards the side where the driven rotor 542 is located, so that the driving rotor 541 pushes the driven rotor 542 to rotate synchronously until the driven rotor 542 is pushed to a preset position (any position that does not cover the optical window) and then stops, and then the motor 50 drives the driving rotor 541 to rotate in the opposite direction by a certain angle and is spaced from the driven rotor 542. In this way, the open space between the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122 is reduced, and at this time the culture algal liquid in the open space is not easy to flow with the external culture algal liquid compared with the open state. And at this time, the driven rotor 542 can also block external light (light other than the reference light emitted by the light source 20) to a certain extent, reducing noise interference.

[0111] III. Detecting growth state:

[0112] During the detection of microalgae cell growth information, the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 remain stationary, and at this time the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122 are completely exposed to the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542. The control circuit transmits a control signal to the light source 520 to drive the light source 520 to emit the first reference light and / or the second reference light simultaneously or at different times. After the first reference light and / or the second reference light passes through the culture algal liquid (including microalgae cells, water, culture medium, etc.), it is output as the first detection light and / or the second detection light level to the receiving window 5122. The receiver 530 receives the first detection light and / or the second detection light from the receiving window 5122, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs corresponding electrical signals. The control circuit calculates the corresponding growth information (including the cell dry weight, pigment content, cell wall component content, cell membrane component content, etc. of the microalgae cells) according to the electrical signals, and transmits them to the external device through the signal line 560.

[0113] IV. Self-cleaning of optical window (emission window 5112 and receiving window 5122):

[0114] As the optical sensor 5 is continuously immersed in the microalgae culture solution during operation, as the microalgae cells grow, microalgae cells, biofilms, sediments and other particles can adhere and accumulate on the first surface 5111, the second surface 5112 and the accommodation space 514, so that the emission window 5112 and the receiving window 5122 are blocked or the light propagation path is distorted, thereby affecting the detection accuracy. Therefore, in the embodiment, the motor 550 drives the driving rotor 541 to rotate around the rotation axis L. Since the two ends of the driving rotor 541 respectively contact the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5112, when the driving rotor 541 rotates around the rotation axis, the driving rotor 541 rubs against the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5112, which can remove the microalgae cells, biofilms, sediments and other particles adhered to the first surface 5111 and the second surface 5112, and can also clean the microalgae cells, biofilms, sediments and other particles in the accommodation space 514, thereby cleaning the optical window and the accommodation space 514, and facilitating to ensure that the optical sensor 5 can provide accurate and reliable data for a long time even in harsh underwater environment.

[0115] The constant turbidity continuous culture device 100 of the present application can monitor the growth state of microalgae in real time through the temperature sensor 4 and the optical sensor 5, and the control circuit board 6 can control the input pump 2 to input the culture medium and control the output pump to output the algal solution according to the temperature information and the growth information of the microalgae fed back by the temperature sensor 4 and the optical sensor 5. In this way, the constant turbidity continuous culture device 100 of the present application can continuously harvest microalgae on the basis of controlling the microalgae cells to be at a certain constant turbidity, concentration or dry weight.

[0116] The pigment content and composition in the cells of photosynthetic organisms are quite different at different growth stages, and it is difficult to calculate the dry weight after measuring the absorbance using ordinary optical sensors. The optical sensor 5 of the present application emits first reference light and second reference light with different wavelengths through the light source 520 to detect the growth information of photosynthetic organisms based on reference light with different wavelengths. Since reference light with different wavelengths has different optical characteristics, the different growth information of photosynthetic organisms detected by reference light with different wavelengths is integrated, and the detection data is more accurate. In the embodiment, the first reference light is infrared light with a wavelength of 940 nm, and the second reference light is light with a wavelength of 450 nm. The above two wavelengths of reference light can enable the optical sensor 5 to detect the content of components such as pigments, cell walls or cell membranes, and the growth state (chlorophyll content) of cells and the cell concentration can be calculated according to the pigments, and the cell density can be calculated according to the cell structure components. On this basis, the input pump can be controlled to input culture medium with a corresponding component concentration, so as to maintain the microalgae cells in a good growth state for a long time.

[0117] And, in the embodiment, the orthographic projection of the receiving window 5122 on the first surface 5111 completely covers the emitting window 5112, that is, the emitting window 5111 and the receiving window 5122 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first reference light and the second reference light emitted from the emitting window 5112 can be horizontally incident on the receiving window as the first detection light and the second detection light after passing through the photosynthetic organism, which is beneficial to simplify the optical path and reduce light loss.

[0118] Further, in the embodiment, the optical sensor 5 further comprises a rotor assembly 540, the rotor assembly 540 comprises a driving rotor 541 and a driven rotor 542 arranged separately, by driving the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542 to rotate, and by setting the movement process of the driving rotor 541 and the driven rotor 542, the optical sensor 5 can realize self-calibration, light shielding and self-cleaning functions when immersed in the algal culture solution. In this way, the optical sensor 5 can be applied to the photosynthetic organism culture system to continuously monitor the growth of the photosynthetic organism for a long time, which is of great significance especially for the constant turbidity continuous culture photosynthetic organism culture system. And by connecting an external device through a signal line, remote control of the optical sensor 5 and remote acquisition of the growth information of the photosynthetic organism can also be realized.

[0119] The embodiment of the present application also provides a constant turbidity continuous culture method applied to the constant turbidity continuous device 100. Figure 10 The constant turbidity continuous culture method comprises the following steps.

[0120] Step S1, determining an absorption spectrum curve according to the type of the photosynthetic organism;

[0121] Step S2, controlling the motor to drive the driving rotor to rotate, so that the light-transmitting part of the driving rotor completely covers the emitting window and the receiving window, to calibrate the optical sensor;

[0122] Step S3, controlling the light source to emit the first reference light and the second reference light;

[0123] Step S4, controlling the receiver to receive the first detection light and the second detection light through the receiving window, and receiving an electrical signal from the receiver, the electrical signal being generated according to the first detection light and the second detection light;

[0124] Step S5, removing noise in the electrical signal;

[0125] Step S6, acquiring growth information of the photosynthetic organism based on the absorption spectrum curve and the electrical signal.

[0126] Step S7, controlling the input pump to input the culture medium through the input pipe and / or controlling the output pump to output the photosynthetic organism culture solution through the output pipe according to the growth information.

[0127] In this embodiment, the method further includes the following after step S5:

[0128] Step S8: Determine if the cleaning time has been reached.

[0129] If step S8 is determined to be yes, then step S9 is executed: control the motor to drive the active rotor to rotate in two directions to perform self-cleaning.

[0130] If step S8 determines no, then step S10 is executed: control the motor to drive the active rotor to rotate the passive rotor until the optical sensor is switched to the open state.

[0131] After the optical sensor is switched to the open state, it can be switched back to the detection state for detection after a preset time interval, that is, step S3 is executed again.

[0132] In at least one embodiment of this application, the growth information in step S6 includes at least the cell concentration and chlorophyll content of the photosynthetic organisms. In step S7, "controlling the input pump to input the culture medium through the input tube and / or controlling the output pump to output the photosynthetic organism culture medium through the output tube according to the growth information" specifically includes: determining whether to drive the input pump to input the culture medium through the input tube and / or control the output pump to output the photosynthetic organism culture medium through the output tube based on the cell concentration and the chlorophyll content.

[0133] Specifically, when the cell concentration of photosynthetic organisms is high (absorption at 940nm wavelength becomes stronger), the output pump 3 is controlled to output photosynthetic organism culture medium through the output tube for a preset period of time. Then, the input pump 2 is controlled to operate to replenish concentrated fresh culture medium, diluting the culture medium in the culture tube 20 while replenishing nutrients.

[0134] The chlorophyll content (detected under 450nm reference light) can be set with an alarm value. When this value is reached, an alert will be issued suggesting that the user adjust the supplemental feed concentration. If the chlorophyll content is below the target range, it may indicate nutrient limitation (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.), requiring an increase in the nutrient supplement concentration. Alternatively, it may indicate excessive nutrient concentration causing stress, requiring assessment based on the supplemental feed concentration. Generally, insufficient supplementation is the cause, and excessive supplementation causing stress is less common. If the chlorophyll content is above the target range, it may be due to insufficient light, requiring adjustment of light conditions.

[0135] In at least one embodiment of this application, an external control module can also be added to control the input pump and the output pump. For example, the concentration of the input culture medium can be adjusted by using a proportional control valve (one path is a more concentrated culture medium, and the other path is pure water, which is diluted proportionally to adjust the input concentration).

[0136] It should be understood that the step numbers mentioned above are not used to specify the order in which the steps are performed.

[0137] The above-mentioned constant-turbidity continuous culture method according to the present application can achieve all the advantageous effects of the above-mentioned constant-turbidity continuous culture device.

[0138] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above-mentioned embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, but not as a limitation to the present application, and as long as within the spirit and scope of the present application, any suitable modification and change to the above-mentioned embodiments all fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A constant-turbidity continuous culture device, characterized by comprising: The constant turbidity continuous culture device for cultivating photosynthetic organisms comprises: a mounting body comprising a housing and an input pipe and an output pipe connected to the housing; an input pump connected to the input pipe; an output pump connected to the output pipe; an optical sensor connected to the mounting body for detecting growth information of photosynthetic organisms in real time; and a control circuit board electrically connected to the input pump, the output pump and the optical sensor for controlling the input pump to input culture medium through the input pipe and / or controlling the output pump to output photosynthetic organism culture solution through the output pipe according to the growth information; wherein the optical sensor comprises: a main body formed with a transmission window and a receiving window arranged oppositely and spaced apart; a light source located in the main body for transmitting first reference light and second reference light with different wavelengths through the transmission window; a receiver located in the main body for receiving first detection light generated after the first reference light passes through the photosynthetic organisms through the receiving window, and for receiving second detection light generated after the second reference light passes through the photosynthetic organisms through the receiving window, and for generating an electrical signal according to the first detection light and the second detection light; a motor; a rotor assembly movably connected to the main body, the rotor assembly comprising a driving rotor and a driven rotor, the driving rotor being connected to the motor, the driven rotor being rotatable synchronously with the driving rotor under the driving of the driving rotor; and a control circuit electrically connected to the light source, the receiver and the motor for controlling the motor to drive the driving rotor to rotate, receiving the electrical signal, and obtaining the growth information based on the electrical signal.

2. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device according to claim 1, wherein The growth information comprises one or any combination of cell dry weight, pigment content, cell wall component content and cell membrane component content of the photosynthetic organisms.

3. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device according to claim 1, wherein The mounting body further comprises an aeration pipe, the length of the aeration pipe being greater than the lengths of the input pipe and the output pipe. The optical sensor is fixedly connected to the aeration pipe.

4. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device according to claim 1, wherein The length of the output pipe is less than the length of the input pipe.

5. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 1, wherein A temperature sensor electrically connected to the control circuit board is further included.

6. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 1, wherein The mounting body further comprises a sampling pipe.

7. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 1, wherein The first reference light is infrared light, and the wavelength of the second reference light is 450 nm.

8. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device according to claim 7, wherein The wavelength of the first reference light is 940 nm.

9. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 1, wherein The rotor assembly is located between the transmission window and the receiving window. The rotor assembly is rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotation axis being perpendicular to the transmission window and the receiving window.

10. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 9, wherein The motor is used to drive the driving rotor to rotate about the rotation axis.

11. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 10, wherein The main body has first and second parallel and spaced apart surfaces, the transmission window being formed in the first surface and the receiving window being formed in the second surface, the rotation axis being perpendicular to the first and second surfaces. The two ends of the driving rotor and the driven rotor are in contact with the first and second surfaces, respectively.

12. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 11, wherein The active rotor comprises a light-shielding part and a light-transmitting part, the light-transmitting part is embedded in the light-shielding part, and the light-transmitting part is exposed at both ends of the light-shielding part and contacts the first surface and the second surface.

13. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 11, wherein The normal projection of the receiving window on the first surface completely covers the transmitting window.

14. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 11, wherein The passive rotor is a light-shielding material.

15. The constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 1, wherein The control circuit board comprises a communication module.

16. A method of constant turbidity continuous culture, characterised in that, The device is applied to the constant-turbidity continuous culture device of claim 1. The constant-turbidity continuous culture method comprises: Controlling the light source to emit first reference light and second reference light; Controlling the receiver to receive first detection light and second detection light through the receiving window, and receiving an electrical signal from the receiver, the electrical signal being generated according to the first detection light and the second detection light; Based on a preset absorption spectrum curve, obtaining growth information of the photosynthetic organism according to the electrical signal, controlling a motor to drive the active rotor to rotate, so that the passive rotor rotates synchronously with the active rotor under the pushing of the active rotor; and Controlling the input pump to input culture medium through the input pipe and / or controlling the output pump to output photosynthetic organism culture solution through the output pipe according to the growth information.

17. The constant-turbidity continuous culture method of claim 16, wherein, After the step of receiving the electrical signal from the receiver, the photosynthetic organism growth monitoring method further comprises: Controlling the motor to drive the rotor assembly to rotate to perform self-cleaning; The step of controlling the motor to drive the active rotor to rotate comprises: controlling the motor to drive the rotor assembly to rotate to switch the optical sensor to an open state.

18. The constant-turbidity continuous culture method according to claim 17, wherein The active rotor comprises a light-transmitting part; The constant-turbidity continuous culture method further comprises, before the step of controlling the light source to emit first reference light and second reference light: Controlling the motor to drive the active rotor to rotate, so that the light-transmitting part completely covers the transmitting window and the receiving window to calibrate the optical sensor.

19. The process for a constant turbidity continuous cultivation according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The growth information comprises one or any combination of cell dry weight, pigment content, cell wall component content, and cell membrane component content of the photosynthetic organism.

Images