Microalgae Biomass Stabilization via Citric Acid Acidification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The seasonal variability in microalgae biomass production and susceptibility to degradation pose challenges for delivering a predictable feedstock supply to conversion facilities, as excess biomass during high productivity months requires stabilization methods like drying, which are energy-intensive and costly, and wet anaerobic storage methods are not optimized for microalgae.

Innovation Solution

A wet storage process involving the addition of citric acid to microalgae biomass to create an acidified composition, stored under anaerobic conditions, which produces succinic acid as a coproduct, stabilizing the biomass and reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If drying is used to stabilize algal biomass for long term storage, then storage stability is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter by adding citric acid to lower the pH of the algal biomass, transforming it from a neutral/alkaline state to an acidic state that inhibits microbial degradation. This chemical parameter change enables stable anaerobic storage without energy-intensive drying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Citric acid serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between the algal biomass and the storage environment. It acidifies the biomass to create anaerobic conditions that prevent degradation, acting as a chemical mediator that enables stable storage without physical drying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If wet anaerobic storage is used to preserve microalgae biomass, then energy consumption is reduced, but the method is not optimized for microalgae and degradation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpreservation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifically adjusts the pH parameter by adding citric acid to microalgae biomass, creating optimal acidic conditions for anaerobic storage. This parameter optimization makes wet storage effective specifically for microalgae, addressing the limitation that conventional wet storage methods are not optimized for this biomass type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary acidification with citric acid before storage to prevent degradation. By acidifying the biomass in advance, the method creates protective anaerobic conditions that prevent microbial degradation during storage, ensuring preservation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If algal biomass is stored during high productivity months, then feedstock supply stability is improved, but biomass degradation occurs due to oxygen and moisture exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedstock supply stabilityVSAvoidbiomass degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an inert anaerobic environment by adding citric acid, which lowers pH and prevents aerobic microbial growth. This inert acidic atmosphere protects the stored biomass from degradation by oxygen-sensitive microorganisms, enabling stable long-term storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of moisture, which normally causes degradation, into a benefit by using wet anaerobic storage. By acidifying the biomass, the method enables moisture to be retained without causing degradation, transforming a potential harm into a beneficial low-energy storage condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 process effectively stabilizes microalgae biomass for extended periods, enabling year-round operation of biorefineries at near-full capacity, reduces dry matter loss, and produces commercially valuable succinic acid as a coproduct, improving the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production.

Implementation Method 1

adding citric acid to a biomass comprising microalgae to form an acidified microalgae composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcidification:

Implementation Method 2

The acidified microalgae biomass composition is stored under anaerobic conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnaerobic storage: Anaerobic Digestion

Implementation Method 3

exposed to carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a combination thereof to produce a coproduct comprising succinic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon fixation: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentUS11952609B2Methods of producing succinic acid from a biomass

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE LLC

AI summary

A method of producing succinic acid from a biomass. The method comprises adding citric acid to a biomass comprising microalgae to form an acidified microalgae composition. The acidified microalgae biomass composition is stored under anaerobic conditions without inoculating the acidified microalgae composition with bacteria formulated to produce succinic acid. A coproduct comprising succinic acid is produced. Other methods of producing succinic acid from a biomass are also disclosed.