Microalgae incubator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a microalgae incubator which comprises a cylinder body, a guide cylinder, an air distributor and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp strip, the guide cylinder is of a hollow structure and is arranged in the cylinder body, and an LED lamp strip is wound on the outer wall of the guide cylinder; the air distributor comprises a microporous aeration part and a large-aperture aeration part; a main air inlet pipe is arranged at the bottom end of the barrel, one end of the main air inlet pipe is connected with an air source, the other end of the main air inlet pipe is connected with a first air-distributing pipe and a second air-distributing pipe, the first air-distributing pipe is connected with the micropore aeration part, and the second air-distributing pipe is connected with the large-aperture aeration part. The micro-aeration holes generate fine bubbles, the large-aperture aeration holes generate large bubbles, the requirements of microalgae in different growth stages are met, the growth speed of the microalgae is increased, the large-aperture aeration holes and the micro-aeration holes are matched for use, dead zones in the barrel are reduced, the problem of blockage possibly caused by microporous aeration is avoided, and the aeration efficiency is improved. Therefore, the growth speed and quality of the microalgae are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a microalgae culture structure, and more particularly to a microalgae culture device. Background Technology

[0002] Microalgae are rich in nutrients such as protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are excellent food for shellfish, crustaceans, and fish larvae, and can also be used as a nutritional fortifier for animal feed such as rotifers and brine shrimp. Currently, microalgae culture devices are divided into open and closed types. Open culture devices have low cultivation efficiency, uncontrollable cultivation conditions, are easily contaminated, have high water evaporation rates, and low light energy utilization. Therefore, closed microalgae culture devices are more popular. Existing closed microalgae culture devices use aeration sections to generate bubbles for gas-liquid mass transfer, providing the CO2 needed for photosynthesis during microalgae growth. However, the bubble size generated by current aeration sections is fixed, which cannot meet the different bubble size requirements of microalgae at different growth stages, thus affecting the growth rate of the microalgae. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a microalgae culture device.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a microalgae culture device, including a cylinder, a guide cylinder, an air distributor and an LED light strip;

[0005] The guide tube has a hollow structure and is located inside the cylinder body. Multiple air outlets are provided around the circumference of the guide tube. LED light strips are wound around the outer wall of the guide tube, and an air distributor is located at the lower part of the guide tube.

[0006] The air distributor includes a microporous aeration section and a large-aperture aeration section. The large-aperture aeration section is arranged on the outer ring of the microporous aeration section. The microporous aeration section is provided with a plurality of micro-aeration holes, and the large-aperture aeration section is provided with a plurality of large-aperture aeration holes.

[0007] The bottom of the cylinder is provided with a main air inlet pipe. One end of the main air inlet pipe is connected to an air source, and the other end is connected to a first air distribution pipe and a second air distribution pipe. The first air distribution pipe is connected to a microporous aeration section, and the second air distribution pipe is connected to a large-diameter aeration section. Both the first air distribution pipe and the second air distribution pipe are provided with a one-way valve and a control valve.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, both the microporous aeration section and the large-pore aeration section are annular structures, and the microporous aeration section and the large-pore aeration section are fixedly connected.

[0009] The diameter of the micro-aeration holes is less than 30 μm, and the diameter of the large-diameter aeration holes is greater than 120 μm.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the large-diameter aeration section is further provided with a plurality of micro-aeration holes, and the plurality of micro-aeration holes and the plurality of large-diameter aeration holes are distributed at intervals.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the top of the cylinder is provided with a cover, and the cover is provided with an exhaust hole;

[0012] The cover is equipped with a lead screw motor, which is connected to a lead screw. The lead screw extends into the cylinder, and a lead screw nut is provided on the lead screw extending into the cylinder. The lead screw nut is connected to the guide cylinder through a connecting rod.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bearing is provided inside the cylinder, and one end of the lead screw extending into the cylinder is disposed inside the bearing.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the cylinder is further provided with a sliding groove, and a slider is provided in the sliding groove. The slider is connected to the guide cylinder through a moving rod.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention generates fine bubbles through micro-aeration holes and large bubbles through large-diameter aeration holes, which meets the needs of different growth stages of microalgae and helps to improve the growth rate of microalgae. Furthermore, the combined use of large-diameter aeration holes and micro-aeration holes helps to reduce dead zones in the cylinder and avoid the clogging problems that may be caused by micro-pore aeration, thereby ensuring the growth rate and quality of microalgae. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air distributor of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the large-aperture aeration section of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microporous aeration section of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution structure of micro-aeration holes and large-diameter aeration holes;

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Cylinder; 2. Guide tube; 3. Air distributor; 301. Micropore aeration section; 3011. Micro-aeration hole; 302. Large-diameter aeration section; 3021. LED light strip; 4. Main air inlet pipe; 5. First air distribution pipe; 601. Second air distribution pipe; 602. One-way valve; 701. Control valve; 702. Cover; 8. Exhaust port; 9. Screw motor; 1001. Screw; 1002. Screw nut; 1003. Connecting rod; 11. Slide groove; 12. Slider; 13. Moving rod; 14. Bearing; 15. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 5 The microalgae culture device shown includes a cylinder 1, a flow guide 2, an air distributor 3, and an LED light strip 4;

[0025] The guide tube 2 has a hollow structure and is located inside the cylinder body 1. Multiple air outlets are provided around the circumference of the guide tube 2. An LED light strip 4 is wound around the outer wall of the guide tube 2. An air distributor 3 is located at the lower part of the guide tube 2.

[0026] The air distributor 3 includes a microporous aeration section 301 and a large-aperture aeration section 302. The large-aperture aeration section 302 is disposed on the outer ring of the microporous aeration section 301. The microporous aeration section 301 is provided with a plurality of micro-aeration holes 3011, and the large-aperture aeration section 302 is provided with a plurality of large-aperture aeration holes 3021.

[0027] The bottom end of the cylinder 1 is provided with a main air inlet pipe 5. One end of the main air inlet pipe 5 is connected to an air source, and the other end is connected to a first air distribution pipe 601 and a second air distribution pipe 602 respectively. The first air distribution pipe 601 is connected to a microporous aeration section 301, and the second air distribution pipe 602 is connected to a large-diameter aeration section 302. Both the first air distribution pipe 601 and the second air distribution pipe 602 are provided with a one-way valve 701 and a control valve 702.

[0028] In this application, the gas source is CO2. Opening the control valve 702 and one-way valve 701 on the first gas distribution pipe 601 allows CO2 to enter the microporous aeration section 301 through the first gas distribution pipe 601. This CO2 then generates tiny bubbles through multiple micro-aeration holes 3011. In the early stages of microalgae growth, the cell density is low, and the demand for CO2 is relatively small, but a high gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency is required to ensure uniform CO2 distribution. At this time, because the microporous aeration 3011 can generate tiny bubbles, it increases the gas-liquid contact area and improves the CO2 mass transfer efficiency, which is beneficial for increasing the growth rate of microalgae. Furthermore, smaller bubbles can be more evenly distributed in the culture medium, reducing the problem of excessively high local CO2 concentrations. As the microalgae cell density increases, the mixing of the culture medium and the gas distribution become even more important. At this time, the one-way valve 701 and control valve 702 on the second air distribution pipe 602 are opened, and large bubbles are generated through multiple large-diameter aeration holes 3021 set on the large-diameter aeration section 302 to enhance the turbulence and circulation of the liquid, so as to meet the needs of microalgae in the middle and late stages of growth and improve the growth rate of microalgae. Moreover, the bubbles generated by the large-diameter aeration holes 3021 are larger and rise faster, which can more effectively drive the circulation of the culture medium, reduce dead zones, and avoid the clogging problems that may be caused by microporous aeration.

[0029] This invention generates tiny bubbles through micro-aeration holes and large bubbles through large-diameter aeration holes, meeting the needs of microalgae at different growth stages and improving the growth rate of microalgae. Furthermore, the combined use of large-diameter and micro-aeration holes helps reduce dead zones within the cylinder and avoids clogging problems that may occur with micro-aeration, thereby ensuring the growth rate and quality of microalgae.

[0030] As a preferred embodiment, both the microporous aeration section 301 and the large-pore aeration section 302 in this application are annular structures, which is beneficial to achieve uniform rising of bubbles along the guide tube. Furthermore, the microporous aeration section 301 and the large-pore aeration section 302 are fixedly connected, which improves the tightness and firmness of the connection between the microporous aeration section 301 and the large-pore aeration section 302.

[0031] The micro-aeration holes 3011 described in this application have a pore size of less than 30 μm, and the large-diameter aeration holes 3021 have a pore size of more than 120 μm.

[0032] In the later stages of microalgae growth, the cell density reaches a high level, and the demand for nutrients and CO2 also peaks. At this time, the micro-aeration holes 3011 generate tiny bubbles to continue providing efficient gas-liquid mass transfer, while the large-diameter aeration holes 3021 generate large bubbles, which enhance liquid circulation and mixing, ensuring that nutrients and CO2 are evenly distributed in the culture medium. The one-way valves 701 and control valves 702 on the first and second air distribution pipes 601 can be opened simultaneously to generate both large and small bubbles, thereby meeting the growth requirements of microalgae and improving their growth efficiency.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the large-pore aeration section 302 is further provided with a plurality of micro-aeration holes 3011, which are spaced apart from the plurality of large-pore aeration holes 3021. This facilitates thorough mixing of the fine bubbles generated by the micro-aeration holes 3011 and the large bubbles generated by the large-pore aeration holes 3021, effectively driving the circulation of the culture medium, reducing dead zones, improving CO2 mass transfer efficiency, and avoiding clogging problems that may occur with micro-pore aeration.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the top of the cylinder 1 is provided with a cover 8, and the cover 8 is provided with an exhaust hole 9, which is conducive to the discharge of excess gas inside the cylinder 1.

[0035] The cover 8 is equipped with a lead screw motor 1001, which is connected to a lead screw 1002. The lead screw 1002 extends into the cylinder 1, and a lead screw nut 1003 is provided on the lead screw 1002 extending into the cylinder 1. The lead screw nut 1003 is connected to the guide cylinder 2 through a connecting rod 11.

[0036] When the lead screw motor 1001 is started, it drives the lead screw 1002 to rotate, which in turn causes the lead screw nut 1003 to move up and down along the lead screw 1002. Since the lead screw nut 1003 is connected to the guide tube 2 via the connecting rod 11, the lead screw nut 1003, through the connecting rod 11, drives the guide tube 2 to move up and down, ultimately adjusting the position of the guide tube 2 to adapt to the gas-liquid circulation speed requirements of different growth stages of microalgae. For example, in the early stage of microalgae cultivation, the cell density is low, requiring more light and uniform gas-liquid mixing. At this time, the position of the guide tube can be raised to increase the circulation speed of the internal circulation, generating fine bubbles through the micro-aeration holes 3011 to provide efficient gas-liquid mass transfer and promote gas-liquid mixing. In the later stage of microalgae cultivation, the cell density increases, requiring more light area and more stable mixing. At this time, the position of the guide tube can be lowered to reduce the resistance of the internal circulation and optimize the flow of the culture medium. Furthermore, in actual operation, the liquid level of the culture medium may change due to evaporation or replenishment. By adjusting the height of the guide tube 2, it can be ensured that it is always in the optimal working position, reducing the impact of liquid level changes on the cultivation effect. Adjusting the height of the guide tube 2 can optimize the airflow circulation effect, reduce dead zones, and improve the mixing efficiency of the culture medium, thereby enhancing the growth rate and biomass accumulation of microalgae.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder 1 of this application is provided with a bearing 15, and one end of the lead screw extending into the cylinder 1 is disposed within the bearing 15. The bearing 15 provides support for the lead screw 1002, ensuring the stability of the lead screw 1002 during rotation, thereby achieving the stability of the lead screw nut 1003 driving the guide cylinder 2 to move up and down.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the cylinder 1 in this application is further provided with a groove 12, and a slider 13 is provided in the groove 12. The slider 13 is connected to the guide cylinder 2 through a moving rod 14. After the lead screw motor 1001 starts and drives the lead screw 1002 to rotate, the lead screw nut 1003 drives the guide cylinder 2 to move up and down. The guide cylinder 2 is connected to the slider 13 through the moving rod 14, thereby realizing the slider 13 moving up and down along the groove 12, improving the stability of the up and down movement of the guide cylinder 2.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0040] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the above preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A microalgae culture device, characterized in that, It includes a cylinder (1), a guide tube (2), an air distributor (3), and an LED light strip (4); The guide tube (2) has a hollow structure. The guide tube (2) is set inside the cylinder (1). The guide tube (2) has multiple air outlets around its circumference. The outer wall of the guide tube (2) is wrapped with an LED light strip (4). An air distributor (3) is provided at the lower part of the guide tube (2). The air distributor (3) includes a microporous aeration section (301) and a large-pore aeration section (302). The large-pore aeration section (302) is disposed on the outer ring of the microporous aeration section (301). The microporous aeration section (301) is provided with a plurality of micro-aeration holes (3011), and the large-pore aeration section (302) is provided with a plurality of large-pore aeration holes (3021). The bottom end of the cylinder (1) is provided with a main air inlet pipe (5). One end of the main air inlet pipe (5) is connected to an air source, and the other end is connected to a first air distribution pipe (601) and a second air distribution pipe (602). The first air distribution pipe (601) is connected to a microporous aeration section (301), and the second air distribution pipe (602) is connected to a large-diameter aeration section (302). Both the first air distribution pipe (601) and the second air distribution pipe (602) are provided with a one-way valve (701) and a control valve (702).

2. The microalgae culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the microporous aeration section (301) and the large-pore aeration section (302) are annular structures, and the microporous aeration section (301) and the large-pore aeration section (302) are fixedly connected. The pore size of the micro aeration holes (3011) is less than 30 μm, and the pore size of the large-diameter aeration holes (3021) is greater than 120 μm.

3. The microalgae culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The large-aperture aeration section (302) is also provided with a plurality of micro-aeration holes (3011), and the plurality of micro-aeration holes (3011) and the plurality of large-aperture aeration holes (3021) are distributed at intervals.

4. The microalgae culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the cylinder (1) is provided with a cover (8), and the cover (8) is provided with an exhaust hole (9); The cover (8) is equipped with a lead screw motor (1001), which is connected to a lead screw (1002). The lead screw (1002) extends into the cylinder (1), and a lead screw nut (1003) is provided on the lead screw (1002) extending into the cylinder (1). The lead screw nut (1003) is connected to the guide cylinder (2) through a connecting rod (11).

5. The microalgae culture device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cylinder (1) is provided with a bearing (15), and one end of the lead screw extending into the cylinder (1) is set in the bearing (15).

6. The microalgae culture device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cylinder (1) is also provided with a sliding groove (12), and a slider (13) is provided in the sliding groove (12). The slider (13) is connected to the guide cylinder (2) through a moving rod (14).

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