Culture apparatus and algal liquor recovery method

Abstract

This invention provides a culture apparatus and a method for recovering algal sap with a simple configuration that can recover algal sap without using a vacuum pump. [Solution] The culture apparatus 10 comprises a storage section 12 capable of containing culture medium and algal solution ML containing microalgae, a piping section 14 having a recovery piping section 28 inserted into the storage section 12 from the upper part of the storage section 12 for recovering algal solution from the storage section 12, a pump 42, and a control unit 18. The control unit 18 performs water filling control, which fills the piping section 14 with water by supplying water to the piping section 14, and algal solution recovery control, which recovers the algal solution ML from the storage section 12 via the piping section 14 by driving the pump 42 after the water filling control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a culture device and an algal liquid recovery method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, culture devices for culturing microalgae in a culture solution are known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-187318 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-150307).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, in a method of recovering an algal liquid (a liquid containing a culture solution and microalgae) from the upper side of a culture tank, a vacuum pump is required to fill the pipe from the culture tank to the recovery pump with the algal liquid, increasing the equipment cost. As a method of recovering the algal liquid without using a vacuum pump, a method of connecting a recovery pipe to the lower part of the culture tank is conceivable, but a step of providing a hole for recovery in the culture tank is required, increasing the manufacturing cost of the culture tank.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a culture apparatus for culturing microalgae in a culture medium, comprising: a containment section capable of containing the culture medium and algal solution containing the microalgae; a piping section having a recovery piping section inserted into the containment section from the upper part of the containment section for recovering the algal solution from the containment section; a pump; and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs water filling control, which fills the piping section with water by supplying water to the piping section; and algal solution recovery control, which recovers the algal solution from the containment section via the piping section by driving the pump after the water filling control.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an algal fluid recovery method for recovering a culture medium and an algal fluid containing microalgae from a storage unit, comprising: a water filling step of filling the piping with water by supplying water to a piping inserted into the storage unit from the upper part of the storage unit; and an algal fluid recovery step of recovering the algal fluid from the storage unit via the piping after the water filling step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the culture apparatus and algal sap recovery method of this disclosure, algal sap can be recovered with a simple configuration and without the use of a vacuum pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the flushing process in the algae liquid recovery method. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the water filling process in the algae liquid recovery method. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the algal sap collection method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The culture apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, shown in Figure 1, cultivates microalgae in a culture medium containing water by supplying light and gas to the microalgae. Examples of the gas supplied to the culture apparatus 10 include carbon dioxide gas or a carbon dioxide-containing gas (e.g., air). As a result, the microalgae grow in the culture apparatus 10 while performing photosynthesis. In other words, the culture apparatus 10 cultivates microalgae. It is preferable that the culture medium contains, in addition to water, nutrients necessary for the cultivation of microalgae (e.g., at least one selected from nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The gas is preferably carbon dioxide gas emitted from a factory, for example.

[0011] The microalgae that can be cultured using the culture device 10 are not particularly limited. When using the cultured microalgae to produce biofuels such as ethanol, it is preferable to culture microalgae classified as Chlorophyta (e.g., Chlamydomonas and Chlorella), Prasinophyta, Cryptofophyta and Cyanobacteria (e.g., Spirulina) using the culture device 10.

[0012] An example of a suitable microalgae to be cultured using the culture device 10 is the "HondaDREAMO strain" (deposit date: April 22, 2016, accession number: FERM BP-22306), which is deposited with the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NIITE) Patent Organism Depositary Center (Room 120, 2-5-8 Kazusa Kamatari, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture).

[0013] The culture apparatus 10 is installed in an environment where microalgae can be irradiated with light of wavelengths necessary for their growth (e.g., 400-700 nm). Such an environment could be, for example, outdoors where sunlight can be irradiated onto the microalgae. However, the culture apparatus 10 may also be installed indoors where sunlight can be irradiated onto the microalgae. Alternatively, the culture apparatus 10 may also be installed indoors where artificial light of the above wavelengths can be irradiated onto the microalgae.

[0014] The culture apparatus 10 includes a plurality of storage sections 12, a piping section 14, a tank 16, and a control unit 18.

[0015] Multiple storage compartments 12 are arranged horizontally. Since the multiple storage compartments 12 have the same configuration as each other, the configuration of one storage compartment 12 will be described as representative below. A storage compartment 12 is a container capable of holding algal solution ML (a liquid containing culture medium and microalgae). Microalgae are cultured in the storage compartment 12. The storage compartment 12 constitutes a culture tank in the culture device 10. The algal solution ML may contain, for example, polysaccharides produced by the microalgae and released outside of the microalgae.

[0016] The storage section 12 is a bag-shaped container made of a flexible and light-transmitting material. Examples of materials used for the storage section 12 include linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The storage section 12 is formed, for example, by folding a strip-shaped sheet of flexible material in half and welding both ends in the width direction, thereby creating a closed bag shape at the bottom. An opening 12a is formed at the upper end of the storage section 12. The storage section 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a container capable of holding the algal solution ML, and may be made of acrylic or glass.

[0017] A gas supply pipe 20 is placed inside the containment section 12. The gas supply pipe 20 is a mechanism for supplying the aforementioned gas into the containment section 12. A guide section (not shown) may also be placed inside the containment section 12. The guide section works in cooperation with the gas supplied from the gas supply pipe 20 to create liquid flow (convection) in the culture medium inside the containment section 12. Multiple guide sections may be placed in one containment section 12. The culture apparatus 10 may be equipped with only one containment section.

[0018] The culture apparatus 10 may further include a containment section 12 and a storage tank for a temperature-controlled liquid. The storage tank is a container made of a translucent material. The storage tank plays a role in regulating the temperature of the algal solution ML in the containment section 12. The temperature-controlled liquid is, for example, water.

[0019] The piping section 14 is a pipe for recovering the algal liquid ML from the storage section 12. Specifically, the piping section 14 is a liquid delivery line for sucking the algal liquid ML from the storage section 12 and recovering the algal liquid ML into the tank 16. In the present embodiment, the piping section 14 also serves as a liquid delivery line for delivering the algal liquid ML before culturing microalgae from the tank 16 to the storage section 12.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the piping section 14 includes a tank-side piping section 22, a main piping section 24, a drain piping section 26, a plurality of recovery piping sections 28, a drain valve 30, and a plurality of recovery valves 32.

[0021] The tank-side piping section 22 communicates with the main piping section 24 and the tank 16. The tank-side piping section 22 includes a supply line 34, a recovery line 36, and a flow path switching mechanism 38. The supply line 34 supplies the algal liquid ML to the main piping section 24 via the flow path switching mechanism 38. One end (the upstream end) of the supply line 34 is connected to the lower end of the tank 16. The other end (the downstream end) of the supply line 34 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 38. The recovery line 36 guides the algal liquid ML that has passed through the flow path switching mechanism 38 to the tank 16. One end (the upstream end) of the recovery line 36 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 38. The other end (the downstream end) of the recovery line 36 is connected to the tank 16.

[0022] The flow path switching mechanism 38 includes a plurality of switching valves 40 and a pump 42. Hereinafter, the plurality of switching valves 40 are respectively referred to as a first switching valve 401, a second switching valve 402, a third switching valve 403, and a fourth switching valve 404. The first switching valve 401, the second switching valve 402, the third switching valve 403, the fourth switching valve 404, and the pump 42 are controlled by the control unit 18.

[0023] Pump 42 is a unidirectional pump with rotation in only one direction (liquid delivery in only one direction). In this embodiment, pump 42 has a liquid delivery function in the direction from point A to point B. By driving pump 42 with the first switching valve 401 and the fourth switching valve 404 closed and the second switching valve 402 and the third switching valve 403 open, algae liquid ML can be supplied from tank 16 to storage unit 12. On the other hand, by driving pump 42 with the second switching valve 402 and the third switching valve 403 closed and the first switching valve 401 and the fourth switching valve 404 open, algae liquid ML can be recovered from storage unit 12 to tank 16. Note that instead of the flow path switching mechanism 38 equipped with multiple switching valves 40 and a unidirectional pump 42, a bidirectional pump may be provided.

[0024] The main piping section 24 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 38. The main piping section 24 is located near the lower part of the housing section 12 and is positioned along the installation surface of the housing section 12. The main piping section 24 is a header pipe that communicates with a plurality of recovery piping sections 28.

[0025] The drainage piping section 26 is a pipe for draining water during flushing. The drainage piping section 26 is in communication with the main piping section 24. The drainage piping section 26 is positioned higher vertically than the main piping section 24. The height of the drainage piping section 26 should be higher than the center of the height of the housing section 12. For example, the height of the drainage piping section 26 should be about the same as the liquid level of the algae solution ML contained in the housing section 12.

[0026] The drainage piping section 26 is connected to the main piping section 24 via an intermediate piping section 44. The intermediate piping section 44 is a pipe that connects the main piping section 24 and the drainage piping section 26. The lower end of the intermediate piping section 44 is connected to the main piping section 24. The upper end of the intermediate piping section 44 is connected to the drainage piping section 26.

[0027] A drain valve 30 is provided in the drain piping section 26. The drain valve 30 is an on / off valve that is opened when water is discharged from the piping section 14 via the drain piping section 26. The drain valve 30 is positioned lower than the recovery valve 32. The opening and closing operation of the drain valve 30 is controlled by the control unit 18.

[0028] Multiple recovery piping sections 28 branch off from the main piping section 24 and communicate with multiple storage sections 12, respectively. Each recovery piping section 28 has an outer pipe section 280, a bridge pipe section 282, and an inner pipe section 284. The outer pipe section 280 extends upward from the main piping section 24 outside the storage section 12. The outer pipe section 280 extends, for example, substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The bridge pipe section 282 connects the outer pipe section 280 and the inner pipe section 284. One end of the bridge pipe section 282 is connected to the upper end of the outer pipe section 280. The other end of the bridge pipe section 282 is connected to the upper end of the inner pipe section 284. The bridge pipe section 282 extends, for example, parallel to the horizontal plane. The bridge pipe section 282 is positioned higher than the storage section 12, the main piping section 24, and the drainage piping section 26.

[0029] The inner tube section 284 extends downward from the other end of the bridge tube section 282. The inner tube section 284 is inserted into the housing section 12. The inner tube section 284 extends, for example, substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The lower end of the inner tube section 284 has an opening. The opening of the inner tube section 284 is located near the bottom of the housing section 12.

[0030] Each recovery piping section 28 is equipped with a recovery valve 32. Each recovery valve 32 is an on / off valve that is opened when recovering algal liquor ML from the storage section 12. Multiple recovery valves 32 are arranged in multiple bridge pipe sections 282, respectively. For this reason, each recovery valve 32 is positioned higher than the drain valve 30. The opening and closing operation of each recovery valve 32 is controlled by the control unit 18. If the culture apparatus 10 is equipped with only one storage section 12, only one recovery valve 32 is provided.

[0031] A water supply line 46 is connected to the main piping section 24. A water supply valve 48 is provided in the water supply line 46. The opening and closing operation of the water supply valve 48 is controlled by the control unit 18. In this embodiment, city water is supplied to the water supply line 46. For this reason, the water supply line 46 is connected to the water supply pipe (water supply pipe) of the water utility company. Note that the water supplied to the water supply line 46 may be water other than city water. A water supply tank may be connected to the water supply line 46, and a water supply pump may also be provided.

[0032] Tank 16 is capable of containing algal solution ML containing microalgae before cultivation. Furthermore, Tank 16 is capable of containing algal solution ML containing microalgae after cultivation. Therefore, Tank 16 serves as both a supply tank for storing algal solution ML to be supplied to the containment unit 12 and a recovery tank for storing algal solution ML recovered from the containment unit 12. However, Tank 16 may function solely as a recovery tank, with a separate supply tank.

[0033] The control unit 18 controls the flow path switching mechanism 38 (multiple switching valves 40, pump 42), the drain valve 30, multiple recovery valves 32, and the water supply valve 48. As will be described later, the control unit 18 performs flushing control, water filling control, and algae liquid recovery control. The control unit 18 includes an arithmetic unit 50 and a storage unit 52. The arithmetic unit 50 is composed of a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), i.e., a processing circuitry. A predetermined control is performed by executing a program stored in the storage unit 52 by the arithmetic unit 50.

[0034] The culture device 10 operates as follows:

[0035] The culture apparatus 10 supplies algal solution ML (culture solution and microalgae before cultivation) from the tank 16 to the storage section 12 via the piping section 14, with the drain valve 30 closed and the recovery valve 32 open. In this case, the water supply valve 48 is closed. In the flow path switching mechanism 38, the pump 42 is driven with the first switching valve 401 and the fourth switching valve 404 closed and the second switching valve 402 and the third switching valve 403 open. As a result, the storage section 12 is filled with algal solution ML. Gas is also supplied into the storage section 12 from the gas supply pipe 20. Thus, the culture apparatus 10 supplies light and gas to the microalgae in the culture solution to cultivate the microalgae.

[0036] Once the cultivation of microalgae in the containment section 12 is complete, the culture device 10 performs an operation to recover the algal solution ML from the containment section 12 (recovery operation). As shown in Figure 4, the recovery operation includes a flushing step S1, a water filling step S2, and an algal solution recovery step S3.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, in the flushing process S1, the control unit 18 performs flushing control to clean the inside of the piping section 14 by supplying water to the piping section 14 with the drain valve 30 open. In flushing control, the control unit 18 supplies water to the piping section 14 with the drain valve 30 and the recovery valve 32 open.

[0038] In the flushing process S1, since the drainage piping section 26 is positioned higher than the main piping section 24, water flows from the main piping section 24 into the outer pipe section 280 and rises to an intermediate position in the outer pipe section 280 (at the same height as the drainage piping section 26). In this case, since the recovery valve 32 is open, the water can push up the air inside the outer pipe section 280 and rise smoothly to an intermediate position in the outer pipe section 280. This allows the inside of the outer pipe section 280 to be effectively cleaned.

[0039] After the flushing process S1, as shown in Figure 3, the culture apparatus 10 performs a water filling process S2. In the water filling process S2, the control unit 18 performs water filling control to fill the piping section 14 with water by supplying water to the piping section 14. In the water filling control, the control unit 18 supplies water to the recovery piping section 28 with the drain valve 30 closed and the recovery valve 32 open.

[0040] In the water filling process S2, water flows from the main piping section 24 into the inner piping section 284 via the outer piping section 280 and the bridge piping section 282. At this time, the algal liquid ML and air present in the recovery piping section 28 are pushed by the water and discharged into the algal liquid ML through the opening of the inner piping section 284. As a result, the entire interior of the recovery piping section 28 is filled with water. Once the entire interior of the recovery piping section 28 is filled with water, the control unit 18 closes the water supply valve 48. This stops the supply of water to the recovery piping section 28.

[0041] In the water filling process S2, the method for determining whether or not the recovery piping section 28 is filled with water (the state of water filling in the recovery piping section 28) is not limited to a specific method. The state of water filling in the recovery piping section 28 can be detected, for example, based on the amount of water, time, or the water level in the containment section 12 (the liquid level of algae solution ML). It should be noted that the mixing of water into the algae solution ML in the containment section 12 is permissible. Therefore, as long as the algae solution ML does not overflow from the containment section 12 or the concentration of the algae solution ML does not become extremely low, water may flow out from the recovery piping section 28 into the containment section 12 (into the algae solution ML).

[0042] When determining the water filling state in the recovery piping section 28 based on the water volume, a flow meter is installed at an appropriate location in the piping section 14. The control unit 18 acquires the cumulative water volume since the start of water filling control and determines whether the water volume has reached or exceeded a set water volume (a pre-set threshold water volume) sufficient to fill the recovery piping section 28 with water. If the control unit 18 determines that the cumulative water volume has reached or exceeded the set water volume, the control unit 18 closes the water supply valve 48. This stops the supply of water to the recovery piping section 28.

[0043] When determining the water filling state in the recovery piping section 28 based on time, the control unit 18 obtains the elapsed time since the start of water filling control. The control unit 18 determines whether the elapsed time has exceeded a set time (a pre-set threshold time) sufficient to fill the recovery piping section 28 with water. If the control unit 18 determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the set time, the control unit 18 closes the water supply valve 48. This stops the supply of water to the recovery piping section 28.

[0044] When determining the water filling state in the recovery piping section 28 based on the liquid level of the algae solution ML in the storage section 12, a liquid level sensor (water level sensor) is placed in the storage section 12. The control unit 18 acquires the change in the height of the algae solution ML (liquid level change) since the start of water filling control. The control unit 18 determines whether the amount of liquid level change has exceeded a set displacement amount (a pre-set threshold displacement amount) sufficient to fill the recovery piping section 28 with water. If the control unit 18 determines that the amount of liquid level change has exceeded the set displacement amount, the control unit 18 closes the water supply valve 48. This stops the supply of water to the recovery piping section 28.

[0045] After the water filling process S2, the culture apparatus 10 performs the algal sap recovery process S3 (see Figure 4). In the algal sap recovery process S3, the control unit 18 performs algal sap recovery control to recover the algal sap ML from the storage section 12 via the piping section 14 by driving the pump 42. In the algal sap recovery control, the control unit 18 drives the pump 42 with the drain valve 30 closed and the recovery valve 32 open. The water supply valve 48 is kept closed. In the flow path switching mechanism 38 shown in Figure 1, the pump 42 is driven with the second switching valve 402 and the third switching valve 403 closed and the first switching valve 401 and the fourth switching valve 404 open. As a result, the algal sap ML in the storage section 12 is sucked up by the recovery piping section 28 and returned to the tank 16 via the piping section 14. At the start of the algae liquid recovery process S3 (at the completion of the water filling process S2), the recovery piping section 28 is filled with water, so there are no air pockets inside the recovery piping section 28. As a result, the pump 42 can effectively suck up the algae liquid ML from the storage section 12 via the recovery piping section 28.

[0046] This embodiment provides the following effects.

[0047] The control unit 18 of the culture apparatus 10 performs water filling control (water filling step S2), which fills the piping section 14 with water by supplying water to the piping section 14, and algae liquor recovery control (algae liquor recovery step S3), which recovers the algae liquor ML from the storage section 12 via the piping section 14 by driving the pump 42 after the water filling control. As a result, the algae liquor ML can be efficiently recovered with a simple configuration without using a vacuum pump.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, in water filling control, the control unit 18 supplies water to the recovery piping section 28 with the drain valve 30 closed and the recovery valve 32 open. This prevents water from flowing out of the drain valve 30 and effectively fills the recovery piping section 28 with water.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 18 performs a flushing control (flushing process S1) before the water filling control by supplying water to the piping section 14 with the drain valve 30 open to clean the inside of the piping section 14. With this configuration, the water used for flushing can be effectively utilized to recover the algal solution ML.

[0050] The drainage piping section 26 is positioned higher than the main piping section 24. With this configuration, the recovery piping section 28 can be filled with water to a position higher than the main piping section 24, thus enabling effective flushing. Furthermore, since the main piping section 24 can be positioned at a lower location, the overall device configuration can be simplified.

[0051] In flushing control, the control unit 18 supplies water to the piping section 14 with the drain valve 30 and the recovery valve 32 open. With this configuration, during flushing, the recovery piping section 28 can be filled with water up to the height of the drain piping section 26 without allowing water to flow into the containment section 12. Therefore, flushing can be performed effectively.

[0052] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[0053] (Note 1) The culture apparatus (10) of the present disclosure is a culture apparatus for culturing microalgae in a culture medium, comprising: a storage section (12) capable of containing the culture medium and algal fluid (ML) containing the microalgae; a recovery piping section (14) having a recovery piping section (28) inserted into the storage section from the upper part of the storage section for recovering the algal fluid from the storage section; a pump (42); and a control unit (18), wherein the control unit performs water filling control, which fills the piping section with water by supplying water to the piping section, and algal fluid recovery control, which recovers the algal fluid from the storage section via the piping section by driving the pump after the water filling control. With this configuration, algal fluid can be recovered with a simple configuration without using a vacuum pump.

[0054] (Note 2) In the culture apparatus described in Note 1, the piping section comprises a main piping section (24), a drainage piping section (26) communicating with the main piping section, a recovery piping section branching from the main piping section and communicating with the storage section, a drain valve (30) which is an on / off valve provided in the drainage piping section, and a recovery valve (32) which is an on / off valve provided in the recovery piping section. In the water filling control, the control unit may supply water to the recovery piping section with the drain valve closed and the recovery valve open. With this configuration, water can be effectively filled into the recovery piping section by preventing water from flowing out of the drain valve.

[0055] (Note 3) In the culture apparatus described in Note 2, the control unit may perform flushing control before the water filling control by supplying water to the piping section with the drain valve open to clean the inside of the piping section. With such a configuration, the water used for flushing can be effectively utilized to recover the algal solution.

[0056] (Note 4) In the culture apparatus described in Note 3, the drainage piping section may be positioned higher than the main piping section. With this configuration, the recovery piping section can be filled with water to a position higher than the main piping section, thus enabling effective flushing. Furthermore, since the main piping section can be positioned at a lower position, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

[0057] (Note 5) In the culture apparatus described in Note 4, the drain valve is positioned lower than the recovery valve, and in the flushing control, the control unit may supply water to the piping section with the drain valve and the recovery valve open. With this configuration, during flushing, the recovery piping section can be filled with water up to the height of the drain piping section without allowing water to flow into the containment section. This allows for effective flushing.

[0058] (Note 6) The algal liquor recovery method of the present disclosure is an algal liquor recovery method for recovering an algal liquor containing a culture medium and microalgae from a storage unit, comprising: a water filling step (S2) in which water is supplied to a pipe inserted into the storage unit from the upper part of the storage unit, thereby filling the pipe with water; and an algal liquor recovery step (S3) in which the algal liquor is recovered from the storage unit via the pipe after the water filling step. With such a method, the algal liquor can be recovered with a simple configuration and without using a vacuum pump.

[0059] (Note 7) In the algae liquid recovery method described in Note 6, the piping section comprises a main piping section, a drainage piping section communicating with the main piping section, a recovery piping section branching from the main piping section and communicating with the storage section, a drain valve which is an on / off valve provided in the drainage piping section, and a recovery valve which is an on / off valve provided in the recovery piping section. In the water filling step, the water may be supplied to the recovery piping section with the drain valve closed and the recovery valve open. By this method, the recovery piping section can be filled with water.

[0060] (Note 8) In the algae liquid recovery method described in Note 7, a flushing step (S1) may be included before the water filling step, in which the inside of the piping is cleaned by supplying the water to the piping with the drain valve open. With such a method, the water used for flushing can be effectively utilized to recover the algae liquid.

[0061] (Note 9) In the algae liquid recovery method described in Note 8, the drainage piping section may be positioned higher than the main piping section. With this method, the recovery piping section can be filled with water to a position higher than the main piping section, thus enabling effective flushing. Furthermore, since the main piping section can be positioned at a lower position, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

[0062] (Note 10) In the algae liquid recovery method described in Note 9, the drain valve may be positioned lower than the recovery valve, and in the flushing step, the water may be supplied to the piping section with the drain valve and the recovery valve open. With this method, during flushing, the recovery piping section can be filled with water up to the height of the drain piping section without allowing water to flow into the containment section. Therefore, flushing can be performed effectively.

[0063] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the intent of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10...Culture apparatus 12...Storage section 14... Piping section 18... Control section 24...Main piping section 26...Drainage piping section 28... Recovery piping section 30... Drain valve 32... Recovery valve 42... Pump ML…Algae liquid

Claims

1. A culture apparatus for culturing microalgae in a culture medium, A containment section capable of containing the culture medium and the algal solution containing the microalgae, The piping section has a recovery piping section inserted into the storage section from the upper part of the storage section, and recovers the algae liquid from the storage section, Pump and It comprises a control unit and, The control unit performs water filling control, which supplies water to the piping to fill the piping with water, and algae liquid recovery control, which, after the water filling control, drives the pump to recover the algae liquid from the storage section via the piping.

2. In the culture apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned piping section is Main piping section, A drainage piping section connected to the aforementioned main piping section, The recovery piping section branches off from the main piping section and communicates with the storage section, A drain valve, which is an on / off valve, is provided in the drain piping section, The recovery piping section includes a recovery valve which is an on / off valve, In the water filling control described above, the control unit supplies the water to the recovery piping section with the drain valve closed and the recovery valve open, in a culture apparatus.

3. In the culture apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit performs a flushing control, which cleans the inside of the piping section by supplying water to the piping section with the drain valve open, before the water filling control.

4. In the culture apparatus according to claim 3, The culture apparatus is configured such that the drainage piping section is located at a higher position than the main piping section.

5. In the culture apparatus according to claim 4, The drain valve is positioned lower than the recovery valve. In the flushing control described above, the control unit supplies the water to the piping section with the drain valve and the recovery valve open, in the culture apparatus.

6. A method for recovering algal fluid containing culture medium and microalgae from a container, A water filling step involves supplying water to the piping inserted into the housing from the upper part of the housing, thereby filling the piping with water. A method for recovering algal fluid, comprising, after the water filling step, an algal fluid recovery step of recovering the algal fluid from the storage section via the piping section.

7. In the algal fluid recovery method according to claim 6, The aforementioned piping section is Main piping section, A drainage piping section connected to the aforementioned main piping section, A recovery piping section that branches off from the main piping section and communicates with the storage section, A drain valve, which is an on / off valve, is provided in the drain piping section, The recovery piping section includes a recovery valve which is an on / off valve, A method for recovering algae liquid, wherein in the water filling step, the water is supplied to the recovery piping section with the drain valve closed and the recovery valve open.

8. In the algal liquor recovery method according to claim 7, A method for recovering algae, comprising a flushing step, which involves supplying water to the piping section with the drain valve open, before the water filling step, thereby cleaning the inside of the piping section.

9. In the algal sap recovery method according to claim 8, Algae liquid recovery method wherein the drainage piping section is located at a higher position than the main piping section.

10. In the algal fluid recovery method according to claim 9, The drain valve is positioned lower than the recovery valve. Algae liquid recovery method comprising supplying the water to the piping section with the drain valve and the recovery valve open during the flushing process.

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