Algae Separation via Metal Screen Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating algae from culture liquids, such as using plankton nets or centrifugal separators, are costly due to low durability, high equipment costs, and the need for coagulants, which also require additional processing steps.
Innovation Solution
An algae separating device comprising a metal screen with through holes and a spraying device that sprays the algal solution onto the screen, concentrating the algae by removing liquid through the holes and allowing the concentrated algae to be collected and dried at a lower cost without the need for coagulants or high-maintenance equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plankton net is used to filter algae, then algae can be separated from culture liquid, but the net is easily damaged due to low durability and maintenance costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, durable equipment (centrifugal separators) and fragile, low-cost equipment (plankton nets) with a metal screen that offers both durability and low cost. The screen can be easily replaced and cleaned, combining the advantages of both approaches while eliminating their respective disadvantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from resin (plankton net) to metal (screen), fundamentally improving durability while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This material parameter change resolves the contradiction between durability and maintenance cost.
2Reliability
If a centrifugal separator is used to centrifuge algae, then algae can be separated from culture liquid, but the equipment cost and running costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive centrifugal separation equipment with a simple, inexpensive metal screen system. The screen provides effective separation at a fraction of the cost, eliminating the need for expensive machinery while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical centrifugal separation system with a simple filtration system using a metal screen. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive centrifugal equipment while achieving the same separation goal through a simpler, cheaper mechanism.
3Reliability
If a coagulant is added to perform coagulation and sedimentation, then algae can be separated from culture liquid, but the cost of the coagulant is high and a process of removing the coagulant is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for coagulants from the separation process. By using a metal screen for direct filtration, the process removes the harmful chemical addition step entirely, simplifying the process and eliminating coagulant removal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical coagulation process with a physical filtration process using a metal screen. This substitution eliminates the need for coagulants and the complex removal process, achieving separation through mechanical filtration alone.
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 method effectively separates algae at a lower cost compared to traditional techniques, reducing maintenance and running costs while improving durability and eliminating the need for coagulant removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
a metal screen including a main body and a plurality of through holes passing through the main body from a front face to a back face; and a spraying device configured to spray the algal solution toward the front face of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is an algae separating device configured to separate algae from an algal solution in which algae are suspended. The algae separating device includes: a metal screen having a main body and a plurality of through holes passing through the main body from a front face to a back face; and a spraying device configured to spray the algal solution toward the front face of the main body.