Magnetic Algae Harvesting System for Biofuel Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for harvesting algae for biofuel production are energy-intensive and inefficient, particularly at commercial scales, and nuisance algal blooms pose health and economic hazards, necessitating improved collection and harvesting techniques.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing magnetic particles to bind with algae, forming conjugates that are then attracted to and removed by magnetic discs, followed by separation and potential reintegration of particles, allowing for efficient algae harvesting and addressing toxic bloom issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centrifugation or filtration is used to harvest algae, then algae can be separated from water, but the process becomes too energy- and capital-intensive for commercial scale production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgae separation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic particles are introduced as an intermediary substance that binds to algae cells, enabling their separation from water through magnetic attraction rather than energy-intensive centrifugation or filtration. The magnetic particles act as a mediator that facilitates low-energy separation at commercial scales

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical separation methods (centrifugation and filtration) with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic discs with alternating poles create magnetic gradients that attract magnetized algae conjugates, substituting high-energy mechanical processes with lower-energy magnetic field interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If chemical flocculation is used at large scales, then algae can be harvested, but the water requires treatment before reuse or environmental release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting scaleVSAvoidwater pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical flocculation processes with magnetic field-based separation. By magnetizing algae cells and using magnetic discs to attract and remove them, the system avoids chemical additives entirely, eliminating the need for water treatment before reuse or environmental release while maintaining large-scale harvesting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If magnetic particles are used to bind algae, then harvesting efficiency improves, but additional separation steps are required to remove particles from algae conjugates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting efficiencyVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a particle recovery system where magnetic particles are separated from harvested algae using magnetic attraction, then regenerated and reused in subsequent harvesting cycles. This recovery process reduces operational costs and minimizes waste, transforming a potential complexity into an efficient resource management strategy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 enables cost-effective and efficient algae harvesting, reducing energy consumption and enabling the removal of toxic algae, with recovery rates stabilizing at approximately 80% and potential for repeated cycles to enhance algae loading.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one magnetic particle binds to the at least one algae organism to form at least one algae conjugate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

at least one magnetic disc adapted or configured to attach, via a surface of the at least one magnetic disc, to the at least one algae conjugate when the at least one algae conjugate comes in contact with the at least one magnetic disc

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11904326B2System for collecting and harvesting algae for biofuel conversion

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 MANTA BIOFUEL

AI summary

Systems and methods for harvesting algae is de-scribed herein. The system can include an algae pool containing at least one algae organism; a magnetic particle storage unit adapted or configured to introduce at least one magnetic particle into the algae pool, wherein the at least one magnetic particle binds to the at least one algae organism to form at least one algae conjugate; and an algae harvester, including: at least one magnetic disc adapted or configured to attach, via a surface of the at least one magnetic disc, to the at least one algae conjugate when the at least one algae conjugate comes in contact with the at least one magnetic disc; and at least one scraper adapted or configured to: remove the at least one algae conjugate from the surface of the at least one magnetic disc; and transport the at least one algae conjugate from the algae harvester.