Boat-Mounted Dissolved Air Flotation for Algae Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dissolved air flotation technologies are not capable of directly removing algae from open bodies of water on an in-lake basis, limiting their application in harvesting algae for biofuel and nutrient extraction.
Innovation Solution
Mounting dissolved air floatation equipment on a boat with a process channel system that uses diffused air piping to create bubbles, causing algae to float to the surface, where it is skimmed and stored for further processing, allowing for efficient removal and collection of algae and phosphorus from large volumes of water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dissolved air flotation equipment is mounted on a boat for in-lake algae removal, then algae harvesting capability from open bodies of water is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DAF system is divided into modular components including air injection system, flotation tank, and skimming mechanism that can be independently assembled and maintained on the boat platform
Solution Approach 2:
The boat-mounted DAF system serves multiple functions: algae harvesting, water clarification, and phosphorus removal, making the complex device versatile for various water treatment applications
2Productivity
If diffused air piping is used to create bubbles for algae flotation, then algae separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses diffused air piping that injects compressed air through multiple small pores to create fine bubbles, utilizing pneumatic principles to achieve efficient algae flotation with optimized energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The diffused air piping employs porous structures with multiple small openings that generate numerous fine bubbles, increasing the surface area for algae attachment and improving separation efficiency per unit of energy consumed
3Productivity
If the process channel is divided into multiple sections in series, then algae removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The process channel is segmented into multiple sections arranged in series, with each section containing deflector plates, scum beaches, and diffused air piping, allowing progressive algae removal while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
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 solution enables the removal of 98% of algae blooms within two and a half minutes, with the collected algae being usable as a renewable biofuel and nutrient-rich organic product, while reducing phosphorus levels in the water by 3% by weight.
Implementation Method 1
dissolved air floatation (DAF) technology. The lake water passes through a channel under the boat that allows for the processing of large volumes of water at low energy costs. The diffused air piping is in fluid communication with a dissolved air flotation system
Implementation Method 2
The released air forms tiny bubbles which adhere to the suspended matter causing the suspended matter to float to the surface of the water
Implementation Method 3
The feed water to the DAF float tank is often (but not always) dosed with a coagulant (such as ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate) to flocculate the suspended matter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for harvesting algae from an open body of water includes a boat having a pair of spaced apart parallel flotation members and a deck disposed on and connected to the members. The spaced apart members define an area therebetween forming a process channel. A separating mechanism disposed on the boat separates the process channel into a plurality of process channel sections arranged in series. The process channel sections are disposed intermediate the flotation members. Each of the process channel sections include a deflector plate, a scum beach, a scum trough, and diffused air piping. The diffused air piping is in fluid communication with a dissolved air flotation system.