Mobile Microalgae Harvesting with Combustible Filter Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for collecting algae from water bodies are inadequate for harvesting microalgae, particularly cyanobacteria, and often introduce contaminants that render the collected algae unsuitable for biomass energy production.
Innovation Solution
A mobile microalgae harvesting apparatus and system that includes a harvesting boom, separator, and microalgae collector, which skim microalgae from the water surface, separate them from water, and collect them as a combustible biomass using filter aids to produce a concentrated, usable biomass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing filtering systems are used to separate contaminants from liquid, then separation is achieved, but additional materials are introduced that render the collected contaminants unsuitable for biomass energy production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filter aid assembly that adds a combustible filter aid (intermediary material) to the microalgae mixture during filtration. This intermediary substance enables effective separation of microalgae from water while the filter aid itself can be combusted along with the microalgae, thus not contaminating the biomass energy product. The filter aid acts as a mediator that facilitates separation without creating harmful contamination.
2Productivity
If existing systems designed for macroalgae collection are used, then collection is achieved, but they are inadequate for collecting microalgae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the collection system parameters by introducing a filter aid assembly and adjusting the filtration process specifically for microalgae. The system changes from direct collection (suitable for macroalgae) to filtration-assisted collection (suitable for microalgae). This parameter change in the collection method enables effective microalgae harvesting while maintaining system productivity.
3Reliability
If a filter assembly is used to separate microalgae from water, then separation is achieved, but the filter requires scraping to remove accumulated biomass
Solution Approach 1:
The filter aid serves as an intermediary that accumulates on the filter surface along with microalgae, forming a combined layer that can be easily scraped off. The filter aid particles interlock with microalgae cells, creating a cohesive biomass-filter aid matrix that adheres to the filter and can be removed as a single unit, simplifying the scraping process and improving separation 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
Effectively removes microalgae from water bodies, reduces nutrient loads, and produces a carbon-neutral, renewable biomass fuel, while ensuring the collected microalgae are suitable for energy production without introducing contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a harvesting boom that skims the microalgae mixture from the water surface
Implementation Method 2
a harvesting boom that skims the microalgae mixture from the water surface
Implementation Method 3
a separator that separates water from the microalgae mixture
Implementation Method 4
a filter aid assembly that combines a combustible filter aid with the microalgae mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile microalgae harvesting apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the mobile microalgae harvesting apparatus includes a harvesting boom coupled to a harvesting vessel, where the harvesting boom skims a microalgae mixture of microalgae and water from a surface of a body of water down to a predetermined depth below the surface. In the embodiment, the mobile microalgae harvesting apparatus also includes a separator aboard the harvesting vessel that separates water from the microalgae mixture and a microalgae collector that collects microalgae from the separator, wherein the microalgae collector deposits the collected microalgae on a transfer vessel coupled to the harvesting vessel. A mobile microalgae harvester and a system for harvesting microalgae are also disclosed.