A microalgae cultivation device

Abstract

The utility model relates to microalgae culture technical field more specifically, and relates to a kind of microalgae culture device, including first tank, second tank, blender, temperature regulating assembly, light source and microalgae detector, the blender is located at the bottom of the first tank, for stirring the food garbage mixture in first tank, the temperature regulating assembly is located in the first tank, for adjusting the temperature of liquid in first tank, the light source is located in the second tank, for providing illumination intensity, the microalgae detector is located in the second tank, for detecting the density of microalgae, the first tank and the second tank are connected by the connection pipe, the one-way valve for opening or closing connection pipe is equipped in the connection pipe, filter screen and first delivery pump are further equipped in the connection pipe.The utility model utilizes food waste to cultivate microalgae, can effectively recycle COD, nitrogen phosphorus and other nutrient resources in food waste, and the cultivation efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microalgae cultivation technology, and more specifically, to a microalgae cultivation device. Background Technology

[0002] With the acceleration of urbanization, the amount of food waste generated is increasing year by year. Its high water content and high organic matter content mean that its treatment mainly relies on anaerobic digestion or incineration, which fails to effectively recover nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This treatment method suffers from low resource utilization and significant environmental pollution. In recent years, based on the development trend of "resource recovery and harmless treatment," microalgae, due to its highly efficient nutrient absorption capacity and its potential for use in bioenergy, feed, medicine, and high-value chemical products, has become one of the emerging methods for treating food waste.

[0003] In existing technologies, some studies have attempted to use food waste hydrolysate as part of the microalgae culture medium, but many problems still exist in practical applications, such as: large fluctuations in the composition of the hydrolysate, which are not conducive to the stable growth of microalgae; a lack of precise means to control the microalgae growth environment; and simple structure of the culture device, which cannot meet the needs of high-density microalgae culture and rapid solid-liquid separation. In addition, water quality analysis and microalgae quality detection usually require manual intervention, which limits the level of system automation and operating efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated and intelligent device system that is suitable for the resource-based treatment of food waste and the efficient cultivation of microalgae, so as to achieve the synergistic goal of deep resource utilization of food waste and high-yield and high-quality microalgae cultivation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and propose a microalgae cultivation device that can effectively recover nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from food waste to cultivate microalgae with high cultivation efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this solution provides a microalgae cultivation device, comprising a first tank, a second tank, a stirrer, a temperature control component, a light source, and a microalgae detector. The stirrer is located at the bottom of the first tank and is used to stir the food waste mixture in the first tank. The temperature control component is located in the first tank and is used to adjust the temperature of the liquid in the first tank. The light source is located in the second tank and is used to provide light intensity. The microalgae detector is located in the second tank and is used to detect the density of microalgae. The first tank and the second tank are connected by a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is equipped with a one-way valve for opening or closing the connecting pipe, and a filter screen is also provided in the connecting pipe.

[0007] In this technical solution, during operation, the device introduces microalgae seed liquid in the logarithmic growth phase into the second tank. Food waste is then weighed and placed into the first tank. Next, tap water equal to twice the weight of the food waste is added to the first tank to dilute it. The agitator in the first tank is then activated to agitate the food waste mixture until a homogenate is formed. The temperature control component in the first tank is then activated to heat the mixture to 50-60°C, and enzymes (glucanase, protease, lipase, and cellulase) are added for enzymatic hydrolysis to produce a hydrolysate. After the reaction has lasted 2-4 hours, the one-way valve of the connecting pipe is opened, and the first delivery pump inside the connecting pipe is turned on. After the food waste mixture is filtered through the filter screen inside the connecting pipe, the residue remains in the first tank, while the hydrolysate is transported to the second tank. Microalgae can absorb substances that pollute the water, such as COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus, in the hydrolysate as nutrients. The microalgae detector monitors the density of microalgae in the second tank in real time. When the density of microalgae reaches a certain value, the microalgae are extracted, achieving high yield and high quality of microalgae. The remaining liquid in the second tank can be discharged after water pollution testing is completed.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, two temperature regulating components are provided, which are respectively located in the first tank and the second tank. The two temperature regulating components are used to regulate the temperature of the first tank and the second tank to promote the enzymatic hydrolysis of the food waste mixture and promote the cultivation of microalgae.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, each of the temperature regulating components includes a heater and a temperature sensor respectively disposed in the first tank and the second tank. Each heater is electrically connected to each of the temperature sensors. The temperature sensors are used to detect the ambient temperature and can be set to a temperature threshold range so that the heater heats up to the temperature threshold range.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the second tank is also equipped with a pH adjustment component to adjust the pH value of the liquid in the second tank in order to promote microalgae cultivation.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, in order to ensure that the microalgae seed solution and the food waste hydrolysate are mixed evenly, a stirrer is provided at the bottom of the second tank for stirring the mixture in the second tank at a low speed, so that the food waste hydrolysate and the microalgae seed solution can be in full contact.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, in order to facilitate the extraction of microalgae, a separation sieve is also provided in the second tank. The separation sieve is detachably connected to the second tank and located above the stirrer. When the microalgae detector detects that the density of microalgae reaches the threshold, the high-concentration microalgae paste can be intercepted by raising the separation sieve.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the second tank is also equipped with a water quality analyzer to detect the water quality indicators of the mixture in the second tank. The water quality analyzer can detect the content of pollutants such as COD, nitrogen and phosphorus in the second tank. By observing the changes in the content of pollutants such as COD, nitrogen and phosphorus, it is possible not only to determine the treatment efficiency of food waste, but also to indirectly determine the degree of absorption by microalgae.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, a return pipe is connected between the second tank and the first tank. A second transfer pump is installed on the return pipe. When the water quality tester detects that the remaining liquid in the second tank meets the standard, a portion of the remaining liquid can be returned to the first tank through the return pipe and the second transfer pump as dilution water for the next food waste disposal. The remaining liquid is then discharged or recycled.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the light source includes an LED lamp and a light sensor disposed in the second tank. The LED lamp and the light sensor are electrically connected. The light sensor can detect the light intensity in the second tank and can set a light intensity threshold to adjust the LED lamp to a suitable light intensity for microalgae cultivation, thereby adapting to different light modes (phototrophic or heterotrophic) of microalgae.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This utility model of microalgae cultivation device processes food waste and microalgae cultivation in a first tank and a second tank, respectively. After the food waste is enzymatically hydrolyzed to produce hydrolysate, it is transported to the microalgae seed liquid in the second tank by a first transfer pump in the connecting pipe. The hydrolysate can provide nutrients for microalgae cultivation, and at the same time, the microalgae can absorb substances such as COD, nitrogen and phosphorus in the hydrolysate that pollute water quality, thus avoiding water pollution. It can achieve the synergistic goal of deep resource utilization of food waste and high yield and high quality of microalgae.

[0017] 2. Food waste is shredded by a shredder in the first tank and heated to a suitable temperature by a temperature regulating component, thereby promoting the enzymatic decomposition of food waste.

[0018] 3. By setting a temperature control component in the second tank to heat the second tank to a temperature suitable for microalgae growth, after turning on the connecting pipe, the microalgae seed liquid and food waste hydrolysate are thoroughly mixed by a stirrer. Finally, the light intensity is adjusted to a suitable level for microalgae growth by turning on the light source to promote microalgae cultivation.

[0019] 4. The density of microalgae in the second tank is detected in real time by a microalgae detector, which facilitates timely understanding of the growth of microalgae. The water quality indicators of the mixture in the second tank are detected by a water quality detector, which facilitates timely understanding of the content of pollutants in the food waste hydrolysate.

[0020] 5. By setting up a return pipe and a second transfer pump inside the return pipe, the remaining liquid in the second tank after the cultivation is completed is returned to the first tank as dilution water for the next food waste, thus saving water resources. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: First tank 1; agitator 11; first water inlet pipe 12; first water inlet valve 121; first flow meter 122; second tank 2; stirrer 21; microalgae detector 22; water quality detector 23; separating screen 24; second water inlet pipe 25; second water inlet valve 26; second flow meter 27; temperature control component 3; temperature sensor 31; heater 32; pH control component 4; pH sensor 41; pH control pump 42; connecting pipe 5; first delivery pump 51; one-way valve 52; filter screen 53; light source 6; light sensor 61; LED light 62; return pipe 7; second delivery pump 71; drain pipe 8; drain valve 81; controller 9. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent. To better illustrate this embodiment, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings. The positional relationships described in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "long," and "short" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings: Example 1: likeFigure 1 As shown, this example provides a microalgae cultivation device, including a first tank 1, a second tank 2, a stirrer 11, a temperature control component 3, a light source 6, and a microalgae detector 22. The stirrer 11 is located at the bottom of the first tank 1 and is used to stir the food waste mixture in the first tank 1. The temperature control component 3 is located in the first tank 1 and is used to adjust the temperature of the liquid in the first tank 1. The light source 6 is located in the second tank 2 and is used to provide light intensity. The microalgae detector 22 is located in the second tank 2 and is used to detect the density of microalgae. The first tank 1 and the second tank 2 are connected by a connecting pipe 5. The connecting pipe 5 is provided with a one-way valve 52 for opening or closing the connecting pipe 5. The connecting pipe 5 is also provided with a filter screen 53 and a first delivery pump 51.

[0026] In this embodiment, the microalgae detector 22 is a near-infrared analyzer. The near-infrared analyzer can monitor biomass, lipid / protein content and the proportion of active substances online, thereby analyzing and obtaining the microalgae density.

[0027] In this embodiment, the grinder 11 is a prior art technology, including a motor and crushing blades, similar to the working principle of a juicer. The motor drives the crushing blades to rotate to grind the food waste mixture into a slurry.

[0028] In this embodiment, the bottom of the first groove 1 and the second groove 2 are respectively connected to a drain pipe 8, and each drain pipe 8 is equipped with a drain valve 81.

[0029] In this embodiment, the side wall of the first tank 1 is connected to the first water supply pipe 12, and the first water supply pipe 12 is provided with a first water supply valve 121 and a first flow meter 122. The water supply volume can be controlled by observing the first flow meter 122. The side wall of the second tank is connected to the second water supply pipe 25, and the second water supply pipe 25 is provided with a second water supply valve 26 and a second flow meter 27. The water supply volume can be controlled by observing the second flow meter 27. The first water supply pipe 12 and the second water supply pipe 25 are respectively connected to tap water.

[0030] Specifically, there are two temperature regulating components 3, which are respectively located in the first slot 1 and the second slot 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, each temperature regulating component 3 is respectively hung on the inner wall of the first groove 1 and the second groove 2.

[0032] Specifically, each of the temperature regulating components 3 includes a heater 32 and a temperature sensor 31 respectively disposed in the first slot 1 and the second slot 2, and each of the heaters 32 is electrically connected to each of the temperature sensors 31.

[0033] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature and sets a heating temperature threshold for the heater 32, so that the first tank 1 and the second tank 2 are kept at a constant temperature, which is conducive to high-yield and high-quality enzymatic hydrolysis of food waste and microalgae cultivation.

[0034] Specifically, the second tank 2 is also equipped with a pH adjustment component 4, which is used to adjust the pH value of the liquid in the second tank 2.

[0035] In this embodiment, microalgae are better cultivated in a suitable pH environment. The pH sensor 41 can detect the pH value in the second tank 2 and set a pH threshold for the pH adjustment pump. When the pH value in the second tank 2 is lower than the set threshold, the pH adjustment pump 42 delivers alkaline solution to the second tank 2. When the pH value in the second tank 2 is higher than the set threshold, the pH adjustment pump 42 delivers acid solution to the second tank 2.

[0036] Specifically, the bottom of the second tank 2 is equipped with a stirrer 21 for stirring the mixture in the second tank 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the stirrer 21 is a magnetic stirrer, which is a prior art technology. It drives the magnetic stir bar to rotate by continuously changing the polarity of the two ends of the base. The rotation of the magnetic stir bar drives the mixture in the second tank 2 to rotate, so that the microalgae seed liquid and hydrolysate are mixed evenly.

[0038] Specifically, the second tank 2 is also equipped with a water quality detector 23, which is used to detect the water quality indicators of the mixture in the second tank 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the water quality analyzer 23 can detect the content of water pollutants such as COD, nitrogen and phosphorus, and indirectly obtain the absorption efficiency of microalgae on water pollutants by observing the changes in the content of water pollutants such as COD, nitrogen and phosphorus.

[0040] Specifically, the light source 6 includes an LED lamp 62 and a light sensor 61 disposed in the second slot 2, and the LED lamp 62 and the light sensor 61 are electrically connected.

[0041] In this embodiment, the light sensor 61 can detect the ambient light intensity and set a light intensity threshold for the LED light to control the brightness of the LED light.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first water inlet valve 121, the second water inlet valve 25, the one-way valve 52, and the drain valve 81 are all solenoid valves, which can be controlled by electrical signals.

[0043] In this embodiment, a controller 9 is also included. The controller 9 is electrically connected to the pulverizer 11, the first water valve 121, the first flow meter 122, the stirrer 21, the microalgae detector 22, the water quality detector 23, the second water valve 26, the second flow meter 27, the temperature adjustment component 3, the pH adjustment component 4, the first delivery pump 51, the one-way valve 52, the light source 6, and the drain valve 81. The controller 9 can automatically control the above-mentioned actuators.

[0044] The working process of the microalgae cultivation device in this embodiment is as follows: The parameters of the temperature adjustment component 3 and pH adjustment component 4 in the second tank 2 are set by the controller 9: temperature: 25-30℃, pH: 6.5-7.5. Then, microalgae seed liquid is added to the second tank 2, and the stirrer 21 is turned on for low-speed stirring at 100-200 rpm. The light intensity is set according to the type of microalgae (phototrophic or heterotrophic); for phototrophic algae, the light intensity is set to 150-300 μmol / m² / s. Food waste (e.g., 100g wet weight) is added to the first tank 1. Following the principle that the water mass should be twice the food waste mass, the water volume is input to the controller 9, which then opens the first water valve 121. When the first flow meter 122 detects a water flow rate of 200ml, the first water valve 121 is closed. Then, the pulverizer 11 is turned on to pulverize the food waste mixture into a homogenate. Next, the temperature in the first tank 1 is set to 50-60℃, and an enzyme (glucan) is added to the first tank 1. Enzymatic hydrolysis is performed using enzymes (proteases, lipases, and cellulases). After 2-4 hours, the one-way valve 52 and the first transfer pump 51 are opened. The hydrolysate produced in the first tank 1 is transported to the second tank 2 through the connecting pipe 5. The filter screen 53 in the connecting pipe 5 can trap the residue in the first tank 1. Then, the controller 9 adds an appropriate amount of water to the second tank 2 through the second water valve 26 and the second flow meter 27, and drains water by opening the drain valve 81 at the bottom of the second tank 2 to adjust the dilution ratio. Then, the microalgae cultivation process is carried out. Automatic sampling is set every 24 hours. The removal rate of pollutants (COD, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) and the biomass, oil / protein content and active substance ratio are analyzed by the microalgae detector 22 and the water quality detector 23 to obtain the microalgae density. When the microalgae density reaches the expected level, high-concentration microalgae paste can be extracted for high-value conversion. The controller 9 records the water quality report and microalgae composition data to evaluate the waste treatment efficiency and the economic value of the product.

[0045] Example 2: This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1, except that, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the second tank 2 is also provided with a separation screen 24, which is detachably connected to the second tank 2 and located above the stirrer 21.

[0046] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the second groove 2 is provided with a protrusion, and the separation sieve 24 is snapped onto the protrusion. The extraction of microalgae can be facilitated by lifting the separation sieve 24.

[0047] In this embodiment, in addition to using a snap-fit ​​method, the separating sieve 24 can also be equipped with a lifting structure (not shown in the figure) electrically connected to the controller 9 in the second groove 2. The lifting structure can be a telescopic cylinder. The fixed end of the telescopic cylinder is fixed to the top of the second groove 2, and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder is vertically facing the bottom of the second groove 2. The telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the separating sieve 24 to drive the separating sieve 24 to move up and down automatically. In practical applications, the controller 9 can set a microalgae density threshold. When the microalgae density reaches the threshold, the controller 9 controls the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder to retract to intercept the high-concentration microalgae paste.

[0048] Example 3: This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1, except that, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, a return pipe 7 is connected between the second tank 2 and the first tank 1. A second delivery pump 71 is provided on the return pipe 7. The inlet and outlet of the return pipe 7 are respectively set vertically downward.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second delivery pump 71 is electrically connected to the controller 9. When the microalgae have finished culturing and been removed, and the water quality analyzer 23 detects that the water quality in the second tank 2 meets the standards, the controller 9 controls the second delivery pump 71 to return the remaining liquid in the second tank 2 to the first tank 1 as dilution water for the next food waste.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] 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. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microalgae cultivation device, characterized in that, The system includes a first tank (1), a second tank (2), a shredder (11), a temperature control component (3), a light source (6), and a microalgae detector (22). The shredder (11) is located at the bottom of the first tank (1) and is used to shred the food waste mixture in the first tank (1). The temperature control component (3) is located in the first tank (1) and is used to adjust the temperature of the liquid in the first tank (1). The light source (6) is located in the second tank (2) and is used to provide light intensity. The microalgae detector (22) is located in the second tank (2) and is used to detect the density of microalgae. The first tank (1) and the second tank (2) are connected by a connecting pipe (5). The connecting pipe (5) is equipped with a one-way valve (52) for opening or closing the connecting pipe (5). The connecting pipe (5) is also equipped with a filter screen (53) and a first delivery pump (51).

2. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second slot (2) is equipped with a temperature regulating component (3).

3. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the temperature regulating components (3) includes a heater (32) and a temperature sensor (31) respectively disposed in the first slot (1) and the second slot (2), and each of the heaters (32) is electrically connected to each of the temperature sensors (31).

4. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second tank (2) is also equipped with a pH adjustment component (4) for adjusting the pH value of the liquid in the second tank (2).

5. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the second tank (2) is provided with a stirrer (21) for stirring the mixture in the second tank (2).

6. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second tank (2) is also provided with a separation screen (24), which is detachably connected to the second tank (2) and located above the stirrer (21).

7. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second tank (2) is also equipped with a water quality detector (23) for detecting the water quality indicators of the mixture in the second tank (2).

8. The microalgae cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A return pipe (7) is connected between the second tank (2) and the first tank (1), and a second delivery pump (71) is provided on the return pipe (7).

9. A microalgae cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source (6) includes an LED lamp (62) and a light sensor (61) disposed in the second slot (2), and the LED lamp (62) and the light sensor (61) are electrically connected.

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