Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor for Algae Biomass Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating fluids in aquaculture systems are capital intensive and require significant operating costs, and existing bioreactors fail to efficiently produce photosynthetic microorganisms like algae due to lack of sunlight and CO2, limiting pollutant removal and fish production.

Innovation Solution

A bioreactor system that uses a moving bed biofilm reactor with a microorganism growing apparatus, providing inert carriers for microorganisms to grow on, and exposing them to light and CO2-rich conditions to stimulate pollutant uptake and release, allowing for efficient pollutant removal and algae biomass production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wastewater treatment processes are used to remove pollutants from aquaculture fluid, then pollutant removal is achieved, but capital costs and operating costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant removal effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of treatment processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple treatment functions (pollutant removal and algae biomass production) into a single integrated MBBR system. The reactor simultaneously performs nitrogen removal, phosphorus removal, and carbon dioxide conversion while producing harvestable algae biomass, eliminating the need for separate treatment units and reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MBBR system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon dioxide from aquaculture water, produces oxygen through photosynthesis, and generates harvestable algae biomass. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized treatment processes with a single versatile system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If algae are cultivated in the MBBR system to consume pollutants, then pollutant removal efficiency increases, but adequate sunlight and CO2 supply becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant consumption rateVSAvoidlight and CO2 availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a feedback loop where algae consume carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and the same algae produce oxygen that is supplied back to the aquaculture system. Additionally, the system monitors and adjusts CO2 injection rates based on algae growth stages and light availability, optimizing resource utilization and preventing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including light intensity, CO2 injection rate, and reactor aeration levels based on algae growth phase, season, and water quality conditions. This parameter optimization ensures maximum photosynthetic efficiency while maintaining appropriate conditions for both algae growth and fish health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If microorganisms are grown on inert carriers in the MBBR system, then pollutant uptake capacity increases, but system footprint and capital investment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant uptake capacityVSAvoidreactor footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses porous inert carriers with high surface area to volume ratios that provide extensive attachment surfaces for microorganisms and algae. This high surface area density allows maximum biomass cultivation within a compact reactor volume, increasing pollutant uptake capacity without proportionally increasing reactor footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 effectively removes pollutants such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Carbon from aquaculture fluids, enhancing fish production while reducing operational costs and system footprint, and allows for disease control and environmental management.

Implementation Method 1

exposing the microorganisms to light and air (which may be a CO2-rich gaseous phase or an O2-rich gaseous phase, among other compositions)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 2

the microorganisms uptake the pollutant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

An aeration grid located in the basin circulates the fluid and carriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12091647B2Moving bed biofilm reactor system for production of algae biomass

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 KIMLE AQUACULTURE LLC

AI summary

A moving bed biofilm reactor system for growing microorganisms comprising a reservoir containing a fluid that contains nutrients conducive to growth of microorganisms and a plurality of inert biomass carriers having a surface area configured to support growth of microorganisms is provided. The microorganisms may be used to remove a pollutant from a fluid. Furthermore, the microorganisms may be harvested and used as a foodstuff fertilizer, biofuels, and bioplastics.