Multilayered spiral photobioreactor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a multi-layer spiral photobioreactor, relating to the field of bioreactors. The multi-layer spiral photobioreactor includes a base, and further includes: a transparent tank fixedly connected to the base; a sealing cap detachably connected to the tank; a pump disposed on one side of the base; and a delivery pipe, one end of which is connected to the lower end of the tank. This utility model features a transparent tank and spiral tube that ensure natural light penetration, precise LED supplemental lighting, and a spiral path that extends the light exposure time of the algal solution, solving the problems of uneven lighting and insufficient light exposure in traditional reactors. This promotes increased photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae, directly manifested as faster microalgae growth rate and increased biomass accumulation. The circulating flow of the algal solution combined with gas microbubble injection ensures sufficient contact between microalgae and nutrients and light, preventing algal solution stratification and localized nutrient deficiency, ensuring a stable microalgae growth environment, and improving cultivation consistency and yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of bioreactor technology, specifically, it relates to a multi-layer spiral photobioreactor. Background Technology

[0002] Photobioreactors are key equipment for microalgae cultivation and play an important role in microalgae energy development, biopharmaceuticals, and ecological restoration. Their core function is to provide a suitable growth environment for microalgae. By regulating conditions such as light, temperature, and nutrient supply, they promote photosynthesis in microalgae, enabling biomass accumulation and the synthesis of target products. This is of great significance for promoting the large-scale development of the microalgae industry.

[0003] However, in terms of light utilization, existing photobioreactors have unreasonable traditional reactor structural designs, uneven natural light penetration, and easy light dead zones, resulting in insufficient or uneven light exposure for microalgae, which limits photosynthetic efficiency and affects the growth rate and biomass accumulation of microalgae.

[0004] In terms of material transfer and environmental stability, the algal solution circulation is not smooth, which easily leads to stratification. Local nutrients (such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and phosphorus) are difficult to be evenly distributed, and microalgae cannot fully contact nutrients and light. The growth environment fluctuates greatly, the cultivation consistency is poor, and the yield is limited. In view of this, this utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a multi-layer spiral photobioreactor that can overcome or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A multi-layer spiral photobioreactor includes a base, and further includes: a transparent tank body fixedly connected to the base; a sealing cap detachably connected to the tank body; an infusion pump disposed on one side of the base; an infusion tube, one end of which is connected to the lower end of the tank body and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the infusion pump; a transparent spiral tube, one end of which is connected to the output end of the infusion pump and the other end of which is connected to the upper end of the tank body; multiple LED light bars fixedly connected to the base at equal intervals around the circumference, wherein the LED light bars are located between the tank body and the spiral tube; and a gas delivery chamber formed between the inner and outer walls of the tank body, wherein multiple sets of air nozzles connected to the gas delivery chamber are equidistantly arranged on the inner wall of the lower end of the tank body, and a gas delivery tube connected to the gas delivery chamber is disposed on the tank body.

[0008] To facilitate the installation and removal of the sealing cap, preferably, the sealing cap is detachably connected to the upper end of the tank body by multiple fixing bolts.

[0009] To facilitate the cleaning of aged algae deposited at the bottom of the tank, preferably, the inner wall of the lower end of the tank is tapered, and a drain pipe is fixedly connected to the lower end of the tank, with a valve switch installed on the drain pipe.

[0010] To further enhance the sealing performance at the connection between the sealing cap and the tank body, a sealing gasket is provided at the upper end of the tank body, and the sealing gasket fits snugly against the sealing cap.

[0011] In order to keep the internal pressure of the tank constant, preferably, the sealing cover is provided with a pressure relief pipe connected to the tank, and the pressure relief pipe is provided with a pressure relief valve.

[0012] To separate the tank into upper and lower layers when cleaning the aged algae deposited at the bottom, the tank is further equipped with an integrally formed partition. The partition is hollow and has a sealing plate rotatably connected to it. Both the partition and the sealing plate have multiple collection ports equidistantly spaced around their circumference. A rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the partition, and a sliding groove is formed within the partition. A slider is slidably connected within the groove, and an adsorption block is embedded in the slider. The outer wall of the rotating shaft has a groove communicating with the groove, and an electromagnet is installed in the groove. A tension spring is installed within the groove, with one end of the tension spring fixedly connected to the slider and the other end fixedly connected to the inner wall of the groove.

[0013] To further drive the rotating shaft to rotate the sealing plate, a rotating sleeve is rotatably connected to the sealing cover. One end of the rotating shaft, which passes through the sealing cover, is inserted into the rotating sleeve. Multiple protrusions are equidistantly arranged on the inner wall of the rotating sleeve. A guide groove corresponding to the protrusions is opened at the upper end of the rotating shaft. The protrusions are slidably connected in the guide groove. A motor is fixedly installed on the sealing cover. Gears that mesh with each other are fixedly installed on the output end of the motor and on the rotating sleeve.

[0014] To further clean the inner wall of the tank bottom and reduce the residue of aged algae sludge at the bottom of the tank, hollow rods are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the rotating shaft. Multiple high-pressure nozzles are equidistantly arranged on the hollow rods, with the spray ends of the high-pressure nozzles facing the inner wall of the lower end of the tank. An infusion chamber communicating with the inside of the hollow rods is opened on the rotating shaft. It also includes a water infusion pipe, which is connected to the infusion chamber through a rotary joint, which is arranged on the rotating shaft.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0016] This invention features a transparent tank and spiral tube that allow natural light to penetrate, LED lamps that provide precise supplemental lighting, and a spiral path that extends the light exposure time of the algal solution. This solves the problems of uneven lighting and insufficient light exposure in traditional reactors, promoting the photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae and directly resulting in faster microalgae growth and increased biomass accumulation. The circulation of the algal solution combined with the injection of gas microbubbles ensures that the microalgae are in full contact with nutrients and light, preventing algal solution stratification and local nutrient deficiency, ensuring a stable microalgae growth environment, and improving cultivation consistency and yield. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the base and tank of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the base and tank of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a utility model Figure 3 Enlarged view of section C.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Base; 101. Tank body; 102. Sealing cover; 103. Sealing gasket; 104. Drain pipe; 2. Gas delivery chamber; 201. Air nozzle; 202. Gas delivery pipe; 203. Pressure relief pipe; 3. LED light bar; 301. Spiral tube; 302. Infusion pump; 303. Infusion pipe; 4. Partition plate; 401. Sealing plate; 402. Rotating shaft; 403. Tension spring; 404. Slider; 405. Adsorption block; 406. Electromagnet; 5. Rotating sleeve; 501. Guide groove; 502. Gear; 503. Motor; 6. Hollow rod; 601. High-pressure nozzle; 602. Infusion chamber; 603. Water delivery pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0026] Example 1: Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 The multi-layer spiral photobioreactor includes a base 1, and further includes: a transparent tank 101 fixedly connected to the base 1; a sealing cap 102 detachably connected to the tank 101; an infusion pump 302 disposed on one side of the base 1; an infusion pipe 303, one end of which is connected to the lower end of the tank 101 and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the infusion pump 302; and a transparent spiral tube 301, one end of which is connected to the output end of the infusion pump 302. One end is connected to the other end, which is connected to the upper end of the tank 101; multiple LED light bars 3 are fixedly connected to the base 1 at equal intervals around the circumference, wherein the LED light bars 3 are located between the tank 101 and the spiral tube 301; the air supply chamber 2 is opened between the inner and outer walls of the tank 101, wherein multiple sets of air nozzles 201 connected to the air supply chamber 2 are equidistantly arranged on the inner wall of the lower end of the tank 101, and an air supply pipe 202 connected to the air supply chamber 2 is provided on the tank 101.

[0027] When the infusion pump 302 is started, the algal solution at the lower end of the tank 101 is drawn into the infusion pump 302 through the infusion pipe 303 under the suction of the pump. The infusion pump 302 then pressurizes and delivers the algal solution to the spiral tube 301. The algal solution rises and flows along the spiral path in the spiral tube 301, receiving full illumination from the LED lamp 3 during the process, thus absorbing the light energy required for photosynthesis. After flowing to the upper end of the spiral tube 301, it flows back into the tank 101, realizing the circulation of "tank 101 → infusion pipe 303 → infusion pump 302 → spiral tube 301 → tank 101", which prolongs the light path and time of the algal solution and improves the light energy utilization rate.

[0028] An external gas source (such as a CO2-containing gas mixture) supplies gas to the gas delivery chamber 2 through the gas delivery pipe 202. After the gas diffuses and is evenly distributed in the gas delivery chamber 2, it is sprayed into the algal liquid inside the tank 101 through the jet nozzle 201 at the lower end of the tank 101. The sprayed gas mixes with the algal liquid in the form of tiny bubbles, so that it provides CO2 for the photosynthesis of microalgae and also plays a role in stirring and oxygenation, promoting the exchange of substances and metabolism of microalgae in the algal liquid.

[0029] The transparent tank 101 and the spiral tube 301 ensure the penetration of natural light, the LED lamp rod 3 provides precise supplemental lighting, and the spiral path extends the light exposure time of the algal solution, solving the problems of uneven lighting and insufficient light exposure in traditional reactors, promoting the improvement of microalgae photosynthetic efficiency, which is directly reflected in the accelerated growth rate of microalgae and the increase in biomass accumulation.

[0030] The combination of circulating algal solution and microbubble injection ensures that microalgae are in full contact with nutrients and light, preventing algal solution stratification and local nutrient deficiency, thus guaranteeing a stable growth environment for microalgae and improving culture consistency and yield.

[0031] Example 2: Refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 The multi-layer spiral photobioreactor is basically the same as in Example 1, except that the sealing cap 102 is detachably connected to the upper end of the tank body 101 by multiple fixing bolts.

[0032] A sealing gasket 103 is provided at the upper end of the tank body 101, and the sealing gasket 103 fits against the sealing cap 102;

[0033] During installation, cover the upper end of the tank body 101 with the sealing cap 102, align the bolt holes and insert the fixing bolts, and tighten the nuts in sequence to make the sealing cap 102 fit tightly with the tank body 101. The sealing gasket 103 is squeezed and deformed to fill the gaps and enhance the sealing effect.

[0034] During disassembly, loosen the nut in the reverse direction and remove the bolt to remove the sealing cover 102 upwards, exposing the internal space of the tank 101. This facilitates equipment maintenance and algae cleaning, reducing maintenance difficulty and time costs. The bolt tightening and sealing gasket 103 work together to effectively prevent outside air and impurities from entering the tank 101, avoiding contamination of microalgae cultivation.

[0035] The sealing cover 102 is provided with a pressure relief pipe 203 that is connected to the tank body 101, and the pressure relief pipe 203 is provided with a pressure relief valve;

[0036] When microalgae photosynthesis produces gas or excessive gas transport causes the pressure inside tank 101 to rise, the pressure relief valve automatically opens when the pressure reaches the set threshold. The high-pressure gas inside tank 101 is discharged through the pressure relief pipe 203. After the pressure drops, the pressure relief valve automatically closes, restoring the sealed state. This prevents pressure fluctuations from causing stress to microalgae growth (such as high pressure inhibiting photosynthesis or low pressure causing gas escape), maintains a stable culture environment, and helps microalgae grow efficiently.

[0037] Example 3: Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The multi-layer spiral photobioreactor is basically the same as that in Example 1. However, the inner wall of the lower end of the tank 101 is tapered, and the lower end of the tank 101 is fixedly connected to a sewage pipe 104, which is equipped with a valve switch.

[0038] When it is necessary to drain the aged algal sludge deposited at the bottom of tank 101, open the valve on the drain pipe 104. Guided by the conical inner wall at the lower end of tank 101, the accumulated algal sludge and sediment are discharged from tank 101 under gravity through the drain pipe 104. After the drainage is completed, close the valve and restore tank 101 to its closed state. The conical inner wall accelerates the accumulation of algal sludge, and the drain pipe 104 discharges it precisely, avoiding the accumulation of algal sludge in tank 101, reducing the negative impact on microalgae growth (such as shading and competition for nutrients), ensuring a clean cultivation environment, and improving the quality and efficiency of microalgae cultivation.

[0039] Example 4: Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The multi-layer spiral photobioreactor is basically the same as in Example 1, but further, a partition 4 is integrally formed inside the tank 101. The partition 4 is hollow and a sealing plate 401 is rotatably connected inside the partition 4. Multiple collection ports are equidistantly opened on both the partition 4 and the sealing plate 401. A rotating shaft 402 is rotatably connected to the partition 4. A sliding groove is opened inside the partition 4. A slider 404 is slidably connected inside the sliding groove. An adsorption block 405 is embedded in the slider 404. A groove communicating with the sliding groove is opened on the outer wall of the rotating shaft 402. An electromagnet 406 is installed in the groove. A tension spring 403 is installed in the sliding groove. One end of the tension spring 403 is fixedly connected to the slider 404, and the other end is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove.

[0040] A rotating sleeve 5 is rotatably connected to the sealing cover 102. One end of the rotating shaft 402, which passes through the sealing cover 102, is inserted into the rotating sleeve 5. Multiple protrusions are equidistantly arranged on the inner wall of the rotating sleeve 5. A guide groove 501 corresponding to the protrusion is opened at the upper end of the rotating shaft 402. The protrusion is slidably connected in the guide groove 501. A motor 503 is fixedly installed on the sealing cover 102. Gears 502 that mesh with each other are fixedly installed on the output end of the motor 503 and on the rotating sleeve 5.

[0041] Hollow rods 6 are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the rotating shaft 402. Multiple high-pressure nozzles 601 are equidistantly arranged on the hollow rods 6. The spraying ends of the high-pressure nozzles 601 face the inner wall of the lower end of the tank 101. An infusion chamber 602 communicating with the inside of the hollow rods 6 is opened on the rotating shaft 402. It also includes a water infusion pipe 603, which is connected to the infusion chamber 602 through a rotary joint. The rotary joint is arranged on the rotating shaft 402.

[0042] In the initial state, during the microalgae cultivation process, the aged algal sludge naturally settles to the baffle 4 and is deposited in the conical area at the bottom of the tank 101 through the overlapping collection port. The valve of the drain pipe 104 at the bottom of the tank 101 is closed, and the algal solution circulates through the spiral tube 301 to maintain a stable cultivation environment.

[0043] When it is necessary to clean the aged algal sludge, the electromagnet 406 is turned on. After the electromagnet 406 is energized, it generates a magnetic attraction force, which attracts the adsorption block 405 on the slider 404. Under the action of the magnetic force, the adsorption block 405 drives the slider 404 to overcome the tension of the tension spring 403 and move towards the electromagnet 406 until the electromagnet 406 contacts the adsorption block 405, so that the slider 404 is inserted into the groove, realizing a stable connection between the sealing plate 401 and the rotating shaft 402. Then the motor 503 is started. The motor 503 drives the rotating sleeve 5 to rotate through two meshing gears 502. When the rotating sleeve 5 rotates, it drives the rotating shaft 402 to rotate synchronously under the limiting guidance of the guide groove 501 through the protrusion, so that the sealing plate 401 and the collection port of the partition plate 4 are completely misaligned, and the partition tank 101 is divided into upper and lower layers to avoid a large loss of algal liquid during sludge discharge and ensure the stability of the cultivation system.

[0044] After cleaning, the motor 503 and electromagnet 406 are turned off in sequence. The stretched spring 403 releases its elastic potential energy, pulling the slider 404 to move back into the groove and disconnecting the sealing plate 401 from the rotating shaft 402. Then, an external water source is connected to the hollow rod 6 through the water supply pipe 603 and the infusion chamber 602, and finally sprayed out through the high-pressure nozzle 601 to flush the inner wall of the bottom of the tank 101 and remove the algae residue at the bottom of the tank. Then, the motor 503 is restarted. The motor 503 drives the rotating sleeve 5 to rotate through two meshing gears 502. When the rotating sleeve 5 rotates, the rotating shaft 402 rotates synchronously under the limiting guidance of the guide groove 501 through the protrusion. The rotating shaft 402 drives the hollow rod 6 to rotate, so that the rotating high-pressure water flow flushes the residual algae residue attached to the bottom of the tank, forming turbulence to suspend it. The drain pipe 104 is continuously opened to discharge the residual mud with the water flow, improving the cleaning effect on the bottom of the tank.

[0045] It should be noted that the water supply pipe 603 is a flexible hose, so the water supply pipe 603 will not interfere with the installation or removal of the sealing cover 102.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model.

Claims

1. Multilayered helical photobioreactor comprising a base (1), characterized in that, Also includes: A transparent tank (101) is fixedly connected to the base (1); The sealing cap (102) is detachably connected to the tank body (101); An infusion pump (302) is disposed on one side of the base (1); The infusion tube (303) has one end connected to the lower end of the tank (101) and the other end connected to the input end of the infusion pump (302). A transparent spiral tube (301) has one end connected to the output end of the infusion pump (302) and the other end connected to the upper interior of the tank (101). Multiple LED light bars (3) are fixedly connected to the base (1) at equal intervals around the circumference, wherein the LED light bars (3) are located between the tank (101) and the spiral tube (301); The gas delivery chamber (2) is located between the inner and outer walls of the tank (101). The inner wall of the lower end of the tank (101) is provided with multiple sets of jet nozzles (201) that are connected to the gas delivery chamber (2) at equal intervals. The tank (101) is provided with a gas delivery pipe (202) that is connected to the gas delivery chamber (2).

2. The multi-layered spiral photobioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cap (102) is detachably connected to the upper end of the tank body (101) by multiple fixing bolts.

3. The multi-layer spiral photobioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the lower end of the tank (101) is tapered, and the lower end of the tank (101) is fixedly connected to a drain pipe (104), and a valve switch is provided on the drain pipe (104).

4. The multi-layered spiral photobioreactor of claim 2, wherein, A sealing gasket (103) is provided at the upper end of the tank (101), and the sealing gasket (103) is in contact with the sealing cap (102).

5. The multi-layered spiral photobioreactor according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing cap (102) is provided with a pressure relief pipe (203) that communicates with the tank body (101), and the pressure relief pipe (203) is provided with a pressure relief valve.

6. The multi-layered spiral photobioreactor according to claim 3, wherein, The tank body (101) has an integrally formed partition (4), which is hollow inside. A sealing plate (401) is rotatably connected inside the partition (4). Multiple collection ports are equidistantly arranged on both the partition (4) and the sealing plate (401). A rotating shaft (402) is rotatably connected to the partition (4). A sliding groove is provided inside the partition (4). A slider (404) is slidably connected inside the sliding groove. An adsorption block (405) is embedded in the slider (404). A groove communicating with the sliding groove is provided on the outer wall of the rotating shaft (402). An electromagnet (406) is provided in the groove. A tension spring (403) is provided inside the sliding groove. One end of the tension spring (403) is fixedly connected to the slider (404), and the other end is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove.

7. The multi-layered spiral photobioreactor according to claim 6, characterized in that, A rotating sleeve (5) is rotatably connected to the sealing cover (102). One end of the rotating shaft (402) passes through the sealing cover (102) and is inserted into the rotating sleeve (5). Multiple protrusions are equidistantly arranged on the inner wall of the rotating sleeve (5). A guide groove (501) corresponding to the protrusion is opened at the upper end of the rotating shaft (402). The protrusion is slidably connected in the guide groove (501). A motor (503) is fixedly installed on the sealing cover (102). Gears (502) that mesh with each other are fixedly installed on the output end of the motor (503) and on the rotating sleeve (5).

8. The multi-layered spiral photobioreactor according to claim 6, wherein, Hollow rods (6) are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the rotating shaft (402). Multiple high-pressure nozzles (601) are equidistantly arranged on the hollow rods (6). The spraying end of the high-pressure nozzles (601) faces the inner wall of the lower end of the tank (101). An infusion chamber (602) communicating with the inside of the hollow rods (6) is opened on the rotating shaft (402). It also includes a water delivery pipe (603), which is connected to the infusion chamber (602) via a rotary joint, and the rotary joint is mounted on the rotating shaft (402).

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