Multi-Stage Algae Biomass Conversion Using Rumen Microorganisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utilizing biomass from algal oil production are inefficient, as they primarily rely on one-stage processes that do not fully exploit the energetic potential of the biomass, limiting the production of usable products.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage process is introduced, where the first stage involves aerobic phototrophic production of biofuels from algae and archaea, followed by a second stage of anaerobic metabolism in an artificial rumen reactor using rumen microorganisms, allowing for the conversion of biomass into low-molecular compounds like methane, hydrogen, and organic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If single-stage biotechnological production of oils from algae is used, then oil production is achieved, but the energetic potential of biomass remains largely untapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the biomass utilization process into multiple stages: first stage produces oils from algae through phototrophic processes, while the second stage converts the remaining biomass into usable products like methane, ethanol, or other chemicals through anaerobic digestion. This segmentation allows both oil production and biomass energy utilization to occur separately and efficiently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining oil production and exploiting biomass energy potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous multi-stage process where biomass flows sequentially from the oil production stage to the anaerobic digestion stage. The biomass that would otherwise be discarded or underutilized is continuously processed in the second stage to produce additional usable products, ensuring continuous extraction of energy value and eliminating the loss of energetic potential.
2Ease of manufacture
If biomass is used as fertilizer or animal feed, then immediate utilization is achieved, but the high energy potential remains untapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the utilization parameter of biomass from direct application as fertilizer or feed to biochemical conversion through anaerobic digestion. By altering the processing parameter (from direct use to controlled microbial decomposition), the system unlocks the energy potential trapped in the biomass, converting it into usable fuels and chemicals while still maintaining ease of operation through established biotechnological processes.
3Loss of energy
If multi-stage process is implemented to fully utilize biomass energy, then energy yield is enhanced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two distinct biotechnological processes (phototrophic oil production and anaerobic digestion) into an integrated multi-stage system. By combining these processes in sequence, the system achieves enhanced energy yield from the same biomass input while managing complexity through modular design, where each stage can be independently optimized and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal biomass utilization system that can produce multiple types of usable products (oils, methane, ethanol, other chemicals) from the same algae biomass through different pathways. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different market demands and energy needs while maintaining a relatively standardized process framework, thus managing complexity through versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances energy yield and energy balance by effectively utilizing the biomass to produce a variety of biofuels and chemicals, such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas, while recycling metabolites to sustain the production process.
Implementation Method 1
The production of oils from algae and archaea has so far also been a single-stage process, whereby oil and biomass are produced from CO2 and sunlight via photosynthesis (phototrophic process).
Implementation Method 2
in a second stage, the conversion of the biomass from the first stage into low-molecular-weight compounds in a reactor containing microorganisms found in the rumen of ruminants
Implementation Method 3
the first aerobic stage is separated from the second anaerobic stage by a device which allows diffusion of the metabolites produced in the second stage into the first stage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for utilizing biomass generated during the production of biofuels from algae. For this purpose, the biomass is metabolized into usable products in a reactor containing microorganisms found in the rumen of ruminants. This two-stage process leads to an improvement in energy yield and energy balance, as it allows the energy potential of the biomass from algal oil production to be utilized. The biomass metabolism can be carried out in a reactor equipped with quasi-real-time biosensors, enabling timely monitoring and evaluation of the process.