Device for culturing and collecting microalgae by utilizing phototaxis

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device for culturing and collecting microalgae by utilizing phototaxis, which relates to the technical field of microalgae culture and collection and comprises a culture tank, a partition plate is arranged in the middle of the culture tank, and a feeding port and a water inlet pipe are sequentially arranged on the culture tank; lED lamp strips are arranged on the two sides of the culture tank and located on the end sides of the partition plates. An algae collecting tank is arranged on the side edge of the culture tank; a water outlet pipe is arranged at the bottom of the algae collecting tank; a scoop net is arranged in the middle of the culture tank, located on one side of the partition plate and attached to the middle of the partition plate, and a driving assembly is arranged on the side, located on the scoop net, of the culture tank; the phototaxis of the microalgae is utilized, the microalgae are guided to move and automatically collected, efficient culture, accurate collection and optimized drainage are achieved, and the microalgae recovery rate and the automation level of the device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microalgae cultivation and collection technology, and more specifically, to a device for cultivating and collecting microalgae using phototaxis. Background Technology

[0002] Microalgae have high photosynthetic efficiency and are widely used in food, medicine, energy, environmental protection and other fields. During the cultivation of microalgae, light is a key factor for their growth, and phototaxis allows microalgae to adjust their growth direction according to the direction and intensity of the light source.

[0003] Microalgae's phototaxis allows them to cluster in areas of concentrated light, enabling efficient collection. Traditional microalgae collection methods rely heavily on physical, chemical, or mechanical approaches, while phototaxis allows for more efficient collection by controlling the position of microalgae through light. This method not only reduces energy consumption but also improves collection efficiency.

[0004] Existing microalgae cultivation devices often rely on fixed light sources, lacking optimized control over light distribution and the collection process. Therefore, improving microalgae growth efficiency and achieving efficient, automated collection has become a challenge in microalgae cultivation technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a device for microalgae cultivation and collection that utilizes phototaxis, which can solve these problems.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A device for cultivating and collecting microalgae using phototaxis, comprising:

[0008] A culture tank, wherein a partition is provided in the middle of the culture tank, and a feeding port and a water inlet are sequentially provided on the culture tank;

[0009] LED light strips are provided on both sides of the culture tank, and the LED light strips are located on the end side of the partition.

[0010] The culture tank is provided with an algae collection tank on its side, and an outlet pipe is provided at the bottom of the algae collection tank.

[0011] A scooping net is provided in the middle of the culture tank. The scooping net is located on one side of the partition and is fitted to the middle of the partition. A drive assembly is provided on the side of the culture tank where the scooping net is located.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, multiple partitions are provided, and the multiple partitions are distributed correspondingly, so that the internal space of the culture tank is distributed in a racetrack shape.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the LED light strip is adjustable in its opening mode to adjust the lighting mode according to the microalgae growth stage.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a water filtration assembly is provided between the algae collection tank and the water outlet pipe;

[0015] The water filtration assembly includes a multi-layered filter structure, and a guide plate is provided at the position of the algae collection tank corresponding to the water outlet pipe, and the guide plate is inclined.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the culture tank is provided with symmetrical slide rails on both sides, the driving component includes a slider slidably disposed in the middle of the slide rail, a connecting rod rotatably disposed between the two sliders, the scooping net is fixedly disposed on the connecting rod, and an electric push rod is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the culture tank on the slide rail, the output end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected to the slider;

[0017] The culture tank is provided with a rack near the top of the slide rail, and a gear is fixedly sleeved on the connecting rod at the position corresponding to the rack, and the gear meshes with the rack.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the top of the culture tank is provided with a flip cover, which can be switched between a closed and a semi-closed state.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. Improve microalgae cultivation efficiency: The racetrack-shaped cultivation tank structure uses baffles to guide water circulation, prevent microalgae sedimentation, and improve cultivation uniformity; adjustable LED light strips can be used to set different lighting modes to optimize the growth environment of microalgae and improve light utilization.

[0021] 2. Improve microalgae collection efficiency: LED lights are turned on alternately to guide microalgae to gather in specific areas, improving the accuracy of harvesting; a net is used to collect microalgae, and a drive component is used to achieve automatic flipping, improving the level of automation in collection and reducing manual intervention.

[0022] 3. Highly efficient microalgae separation and water purification: Equipped with a water filtration system, including a multi-layer filter structure and a flow guide plate, to ensure that microalgae in the culture medium are fully intercepted and improve the microalgae recovery rate; wastewater is discharged through the outlet pipe to reduce the accumulation of impurities and optimize the culture environment.

[0023] 4. Enhanced automation and controllability of the device: The sliding rail and electric push rod drive the lifting and flipping of the net, improving the automatic collection and transfer capability of microalgae; the flip-top structure can adjust the closed state of the culture tank, optimizing the growth environment of microalgae.

[0024] This application utilizes the phototaxis of microalgae to guide their movement and automatically collect them, achieving efficient cultivation, precise collection, and optimized drainage, thereby improving the microalgae recovery rate and the automation level of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the culture tank of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 For the present utility model Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drive component structure of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the algae collection tank of this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0031] 1. Culture tank; 2. Baffle plate; 3. Feeding port; 4. Water inlet pipe; 5. LED light strip; 6. Algae collection tank; 7. Water outlet pipe; 8. Scoop net; 9. Drive assembly; 91. Slide rail; 92. Slider; 93. Connecting rod; 94. Electric push rod; 95. Rack; 96. Gear; 10. Water filter assembly; 101. Filter screen structure; 102. Guide plate; 11. Flip cover. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0033] Example

[0034] like Figure 1-5 As shown, an apparatus for cultivating and collecting microalgae using phototaxis includes:

[0035] The culture tank 1 has a partition 2 in the middle and a feeding port 3 and a water inlet pipe 4 are arranged on the culture tank 1 in sequence.

[0036] LED light strips 5 are installed on both sides of the culture tank 1, and the LED light strips 5 are located on the end side of the partition 2;

[0037] An algae collection tank 6 is provided on the side of the culture tank 1, and a water outlet pipe 7 is provided at the bottom of the algae collection tank 6.

[0038] A scooping net 8 is provided in the middle of the culture tank 1. The scooping net 8 is located on one side of the partition 2 and is fitted to the middle of the partition 2. A drive assembly 9 is provided on one side of the scooping net 8 in the culture tank 1.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the culture tank 1 is used for the growth and cultivation of microalgae, providing a suitable water environment and nutrients; the partition 2 divides the culture tank 1 into two side channels, making the culture tank 1 a racetrack-shaped structure, restricting the movement path of the microalgae, and with the alternating activation of the LEDs on both sides, phototaxis guides the microalgae to circulate along the racetrack-shaped channels, avoiding uniform dispersion of the microalgae and improving collection efficiency; the feeding port 3 is used to add the nutrient solution, algae seeds or other additives required for microalgae cultivation, and the water inlet pipe 4 provides the culture water flow, ensuring the water source required for microalgae growth, and also used to regulate the water environment; the LED light strip 5 is used to control the direction of microalgae aggregation and improve... The collection efficiency is improved, promoting light absorption by microalgae, increasing their growth rate, and preventing excessive sedimentation that could affect cultivation results. The algae collection tank 6 is used to collect screened or scooped microalgae for centralized processing and subsequent use, providing a stable microalgae collection space, reducing culture medium loss, and facilitating microalgae recovery and subsequent processing. The water outlet pipe 7 discharges wastewater or separated culture medium from the cultivation tank 1, reducing impurity accumulation. The scooping net 8 is used to collect microalgae. When the microalgae reach an appropriate density, they are attracted to the vicinity of the scooping net 8 by phototaxis and then removed by the scooping net 8. The drive component 9 drives the scooping net 8 to lift, lower, and flip, realizing the collection and transfer of microalgae.

[0040] By utilizing phototaxis to control the movement of microalgae and guiding their aggregation through alternating LED switching, the cultivation and collection efficiency is improved. The racetrack-shaped cultivation tank 1 design allows the microalgae to grow evenly along a longer path and eventually concentrate in the net area 8. The drive component 9 flips the net 8 to achieve automatic collection. The overall structure optimizes the cultivation, movement, collection, and drainage processes of microalgae, improving the microalgae recovery rate and the automation level of the device.

[0041] Specifically, multiple partitions 2 are provided, and the multiple partitions 2 are distributed accordingly, so that the internal space of the culture tank 1 is distributed in a racetrack shape.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the baffle 2 causes the microalgae to move along a set light-induced path in multiple channels, improving the uniformity of cultivation and collection efficiency. The baffle 2 causes the water to circulate in the racetrack-shaped structure, which helps to prevent the microalgae from settling, improves the uniformity of the culture medium, reduces the instability caused by water flow fluctuations, and makes the microalgae cultivation more controllable. The microalgae are affected by phototaxis and move repeatedly in multiple racetrack-shaped channels, which helps to eventually concentrate near the net 8 and improve the recovery rate.

[0043] Specifically, the LED light strip 5 has an adjustable activation mode to adjust the lighting pattern according to the microalgae growth stage.

[0044] In a further embodiment, microalgae at different growth stages have different requirements for light intensity, time, and frequency. The opening mode of the LED light strip 5 can be adjusted to achieve precise control. The alternating mode of the LEDs can be adjusted according to the cultivation progress to guide the microalgae to be more evenly distributed in the cultivation tank 1 or to gather in a specific area, thereby improving the cultivation and collection efficiency.

[0045] During the early cultivation stage, all LEDs are continuously turned on to provide stable light for microalgae, promote growth, and increase initial cell density. During the mid-stage cultivation stage, LEDs on the left and right sides are turned on alternately to guide microalgae to move within the racetrack-shaped channel, improve light utilization, and avoid localized over-density or sedimentation. During the collection stage, only LEDs near the scooping net 8 are lit to utilize phototaxis to attract microalgae, making collection easier and improving the capture efficiency of the scooping net 8.

[0046] Specifically, a water filter assembly 10 is installed between the algae collection tank 6 and the water outlet pipe 7;

[0047] The water filtration assembly 10 includes a multi-layered filter screen structure 101, and a guide plate 102 is provided in the algae collection tank 6 at the position corresponding to the water outlet pipe 7, and the guide plate 102 is inclined.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the multi-layer filter structure 101 can effectively filter microalgae in the culture medium, allowing the culture medium to enter the outlet pipe 7 after passing through the filter, while the microalgae remain in the algae collection tank 6. The filter structure 101 can be divided into a coarse filter layer (mainly intercepting larger particles or impurities to prevent clogging of subsequent filter layers), an intermediate fine filter layer (intercepting fine algae particles to further improve the separation effect), and a bottom microporous filter layer (ensuring that the culture medium is discharged as clear as possible, reducing impurities entering the outlet pipe 7, and reducing the difficulty of water treatment). The guide plate 102 makes the water flow at an angle downward to avoid direct impact on the filter, reduce the impact of turbulence on microalgae collection, control the water flow rate, and make it pass through the filter evenly to improve filtration efficiency and reduce microalgae loss.

[0049] Specifically, the culture tank 1 is symmetrically provided with slide rails 91 on both sides. The drive assembly 9 includes a slider 92 that is slidably disposed in the middle of the slide rail 91. A connecting rod 93 is rotatably disposed between the two sliders 92. The scooping net 8 is fixedly disposed on the connecting rod 93. An electric push rod 94 is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the slide rail 91 in the culture tank 1. The output end of the electric push rod 94 is fixedly connected to the slider 92.

[0050] A rack 95 is provided at the top of the culture tank 1 near the slide rail 91, and a gear 96 is fixedly sleeved on the connecting rod 93 corresponding to the position of the rack 95. The gear 96 meshes with the rack 95.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the slide rail 91 provides guidance for the slider 92, ensuring the stable movement trajectory of the net 8. The slider 92 is linked with the connecting rod 93, allowing the net 8 to move along the slide rail 91 to the target position. The net 8 is fixed on the connecting rod 93, allowing it to flip with the connecting rod 93 to collect and release microalgae. The electric push rod 94 drives the slider 92 to slide along the slide rail 91, thereby driving the net 8 to move up and down to collect microalgae. The electric push rod 94 is located inside the culture tank 1, so a waterproof electric push rod 94 is required. When the slider 92 moves under the drive of the electric push rod 94, the gear 96 rolls along the rack 95, causing the connecting rod 93 to rotate, driving the net 8 to flip and pour the captured microalgae into the algae collection tank 6.

[0052] The sliding block 92 is moved by the electric push rod 94, which realizes the back-and-forth sliding of the net 8. At the same time, the net 8 is flipped and collected by the meshing of the gear 96 and the rack 95. After the microalgae are gathered by phototaxis, the net 8 accurately captures and flips to the algae collection tank 6, reducing the loss of microalgae and improving the collection efficiency.

[0053] Specifically, the top of the culture tank 1 is equipped with a flip cover 11, which can be switched between closed and semi-closed states.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the flip cover 11 can switch between a closed and a semi-closed state, mainly used to control the influence of the external environment on microalgae cultivation, optimize cultivation conditions, and improve the growth and collection efficiency of microalgae; the closed state can prevent dust and impurities from entering the cultivation tank 1, avoid external pollution, and improve the stability of the cultivation environment; the semi-closed state opens part of the flip cover 11 at a certain stage to allow air circulation and regulate the temperature, humidity and gas composition in the cultivation tank 1.

[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all the implementation methods here. Any obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of this utility model are still within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An apparatus for culturing and collecting microalgae using phototaxis, characterized by comprising: Include: Culture tank (1), the middle part of the culture tank (1) is provided with a partition (2), and the culture tank (1) is sequentially provided with a feeding port (3) and a water inlet pipe (4); Both sides of the culture tank (1) are provided with LED light strips (5), and the LED light strips (5) are located at the end side of the partition (2); The side of the culture tank (1) is provided with an algae collecting tank (6), and the bottom of the algae collecting tank (6) is provided with a water outlet pipe (7); The middle part of the culture tank (1) is provided with a net (8), the net (8) is located on one side of the partition (2) and is attached to the middle part of the partition (2), and the culture tank (1) is located on one side of the net (8) and is provided with a driving assembly (9).

2. The device for microalgae cultivation and harvesting using phototaxis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (2) is provided with a plurality of partitions (2), and the plurality of partitions (2) are correspondingly distributed, so that the internal space of the culture tank (1) is in a racetrack type distribution.

3. The device for microalgae cultivation and harvesting using phototaxis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening mode of the LED light strip (5) can be adjusted to adjust the light mode according to the growth stage of the microalgae.

4. The device for microalgae cultivation and harvesting using phototaxis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The algae collecting tank (6) and the water outlet pipe (7) are provided with a water filtering assembly (10); The water filtering assembly (10) comprises a plurality of layers of filter screen structures (101), the algae collecting tank (6) is provided with a guide plate (102) corresponding to the position of the water outlet pipe (7), and the guide plate (102) is inclined.

5. The device for microalgae cultivation and harvesting using phototaxis according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both sides of the culture tank (1) are symmetrically provided with sliding rails (91), the driving assembly (9) comprises a sliding block (92) slidingly arranged in the middle part of the sliding rail (91), a connecting rod (93) rotatably arranged between the two sliding blocks (92), the net (8) is fixedly arranged on the connecting rod (93), and the culture tank (1) is fixedly arranged with an electric push rod (94) at the bottom of the sliding rail (91), and the output end of the electric push rod (94) is fixedly connected with the sliding block (92); The culture tank (1) is provided with a rack (95) near the top of the sliding rail (91), the connecting rod (93) is fixedly sleeved with a gear (96) corresponding to the position of the rack (95), and the gear (96) is meshed with the rack (95).

6. The device for microalgae cultivation and harvesting using phototaxis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the culture tank (1) is provided with a flip cover (11), which can be switched between closed and semi-closed states.

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