Algae Separation via pH Adjustment and Polymer Flocculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for algae separation in biofuel production are inefficient, particularly in acidic environments, and incur high costs due to the use of certain aggregating agents, limiting industrial scalability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of an alkaline inorganic aggregating agent, such as sodium aluminate, followed by a cationic polymer agent, to aggregate and separate algae effectively within a specific pH range, enabling efficient collection of algae for biofuel production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional aggregating agents (clay, aluminum sulfate, polyacrylamide) are used for algae separation, then algae can be separated from culture medium, but separation efficiency is not satisfactory for industrialization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter of the culture medium to alkaline conditions (pH 8-11) before adding the aggregating agent. This parameter change transforms the ineffective separation process into an efficient one, allowing conventional aggregating agents to work effectively on algae cells under alkaline conditions, thereby achieving industrialization-worthy separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary step of pH adjustment using alkaline substances (such as calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide) before the aggregation process. This intermediary action modifies the chemical environment to enable effective aggregation, bridging the gap between conventional agents and algae separation effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If polyaluminum chloride or poly(ferric sulfate) aggregating agents are used, then algae aggregation can be achieved, but the method is unable to aggregate algae when cultivated in acidic environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention systematically applies parameter change by adjusting pH from the natural acidic range (pH 2-4) to alkaline range (pH 8-11) before aggregation. This transforms the environmental condition to one where polyaluminum chloride and poly(ferric sulfate) can effectively aggregate algae, expanding the adaptability of these agents across different cultivation conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary pH adjustment before adding the aggregating agent. This preliminary action ensures that the culture medium is in the optimal alkaline state for aggregation to occur, preventing the failure that would occur if agents were added directly to acidic cultures
3Ease of operation
If polyamidine aggregating agent is used, then algae can be aggregated, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive polyamidine with cheaper conventional aggregating agents (clay, aluminum sulfate, polyacrylamide, polyaluminum chloride, or poly(ferric sulfate)). By combining pH adjustment with these inexpensive agents, the invention achieves effective aggregation at lower cost, making the process economically viable for industrialization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses parameter change (pH adjustment) as a low-cost alternative to expensive chemical agents. By modifying the pH environment, conventional cheap agents become effective, eliminating the need for costly polyamidine while maintaining aggregation effectiveness
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 significantly enhances algae separation efficiency, reducing costs and enabling practical industrial application of biofuel production from algae by forming larger flocs that settle easily, thus increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
adding an alkaline inorganic aggregating agent to the liquid at pH 2.0 to 4.0 in which the algae are dispersed
Implementation Method 2
algae are aggregated and separated rapidly by adding an alkaline inorganic aggregating agent followed by adding a cationic polymer aggregating agent
Implementation Method 3
forming larger flocs that settle easily
Implementation Method 4
forming larger flocs that settle easily
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for aggregating and separating algae dispersed in a liquid efficiently.According to the present invention, a method for aggregating and separating algae dispersed in a liquid, which comprises adding an alkaline inorganic aggregating agent to the liquid at pH of 2.0 to 4.0 in which algae are dispersed, followed by adding a cationic polymer aggregating agent, is provided. Further, according to the present invention, a method for producing biofuel utilizing algae is provided.