Algae Turf Plate Scrubber for Compact Water Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological water treatment systems using algae are large, costly, and have a negative impact on surrounding wildlife, with filter systems prone to clogging and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact algae turf scrubber system comprising algae turf plates within near-neutrally buoyant frames, illuminated by thin profile LED lighting-arrays, adaptable to various tank sizes, and operating in a sealed environment with efficient water circulation, reducing the need for large installations and lowering operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large photo-bioreactor growth tanks with secondary collection systems are used, then algae treatment capacity is improved, but system size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places algae turf plates inside sealed tanks that can be nested or stacked, with multiple treatment stages contained within compact vertical or horizontal arrangements. This nesting approach allows significant algae treatment capacity to be achieved within a small footprint by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from large horizontal surface areas to vertical stacking of sealed tanks containing algae turf plates. By utilizing the vertical dimension and stacking multiple treatment stages, the system achieves high treatment capacity without requiring large horizontal footprints, effectively moving the solution into the third dimension.
2Productivity
If large open surface algae turf scrubbers are deployed, then pollutant removal efficiency is improved, but impact on surrounding wildlife habitat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sealed tank containers with transparent or translucent walls that enclose the algae turf plates. This containment approach allows high pollutant removal efficiency while protecting surrounding wildlife habitat, as the treatment occurs within enclosed units that can be placed in or near water bodies without requiring large open surface areas that disrupt ecosystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed tanks create an isolated treatment environment where algae growth and pollutant removal occur within a controlled space. This inert enclosure prevents direct interaction between the treatment process and surrounding wildlife, eliminating habitat disruption while maintaining high treatment productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If filter systems are used for water treatment, then water purification is improved, but system clogging increases operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs algae-based biological filtration where living algae organisms continuously consume nutrients and pollutants from the water. This self-service biological system eliminates the need for mechanical filters that clog and require replacement, providing sustained water purification capacity without degradation in operational reliability over time.
4Productivity
If traditional large-scale algae scrubber systems are installed, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but initial construction and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment system into modular sealed tanks containing individual algae turf plate assemblies. These standardized modules can be manufactured independently and assembled in various configurations to match specific treatment requirements, reducing initial construction costs through economies of scale and simplifying installation while maintaining high treatment 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
The system provides a smaller footprint with reduced environmental impact, lower costs, and efficient pollutant removal from water bodies, with algae turf plates being easily cleaned and reused, reducing operational expenses and enhancing financial accessibility for pollution reduction.
Implementation Method 1
thin profile lighting-panels which emit light from both sides of the panels
Implementation Method 2
algae turf plates which are constructed within rigid, near-neutrally buoyant frames and supports with each plate being illuminated by a fixed, thin profile lighting-array on either side
Implementation Method 3
lake or stream water is circulated by either siphon or a single pump
Implementation Method 4
lake or stream water is circulated by either siphon or a single pump
Implementation Method 5
algae turf plates which are constructed within rigid, near-neutrally buoyant frames and supports
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for the biological treatment of water using algae comprising a support frame for flat, two-sided LED lighting-panels and flat, two-sided algae turf plates, an axle, the flat, two-sided LED lighting panels and flat algae turf plates are arranged as spokes radiating from the axle in an alternating panel so that each side of each two-sided lighting panel faces and illuminates a side of a flat algae turf plate, the algae turf plates being removable from the support frame so that the collected algae can be removed from each side of each the algae turf plate.