Polymeric Flocculant Preparation for On-Site Microalgae Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for harvesting microalgae are inefficient due to the diversity of microalgal species and environments, requiring batch preparation of polymeric flocculants that are hazardous, space-intensive, and have limited effectiveness and stability, making on-site application challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the continuous preparation of polymeric flocculants by mixing monomers, photoinitiators, and deoxygenation systems, followed by UV exposure to form aqueous solutions, which are then introduced into microalgal suspensions for flocculation, allowing for in situ harvesting and optimization of flocculant types and doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch processing of polymeric flocculants is used, then flocculation effectiveness can be achieved, but the process becomes hazardous, space-intensive, and cannot be carried out on location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares polymeric flocculants in advance as concentrated solutions and stores them for later use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site batch processing, allowing direct application in the field while maintaining effectiveness. The pre-prepared solutions are stable and can be stored until needed, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and on-site operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hazardous and complex batch processing steps from the on-site operation. By separating the polymer synthesis and concentration preparation from the field application, the method allows simple, safe on-site dosing while the complex preparation is done beforehand in a controlled environment.
2Reliability
If batch preparation of flocculant solutions is used, then adequate concentration can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and the solution becomes ineffective due to hydrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares flocculant solutions in advance at optimal concentrations and stabilizes them to prevent hydrolysis. These pre-prepared, stabilized solutions are stored and can be applied immediately when needed, eliminating the time delay between preparation and use while maintaining reliability through proper stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter by preparing highly concentrated stock solutions that are then diluted as needed. This allows small volumes of stable, concentrated polymer to be stored indefinitely, and fresh working solutions to be prepared immediately before use, resolving the contradiction between stability and timely application.
3Productivity
If different flocculants are selected for different microalgal species, then harvesting efficiency is improved, but the complexity of selection and optimization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal polymeric flocculant composition that can be effectively applied across multiple microalgal species and environmental conditions. By creating a multi-functional flocculant that works broadly rather than requiring species-specific optimization, the method maintains high harvesting efficiency while dramatically reducing the complexity of selection and optimization procedures.
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
This approach enables the production of optimized, ready-to-use flocculants that enhance harvesting efficiency, reduce chemical wastage, and allow for cost-effective, on-site application, overcoming the limitations of batch processing.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the mixture to UV light so as to form an aqueous solution of one or more polymers
Implementation Method 2
mixing one or more monomers, a photoinitiator, water and a deoxygenation system to form a mixture
Implementation Method 3
Flocculation is a process that involves adding a flocculant to destabilise the microalgal suspension into larger flocs thereby permitting solid-liquid separation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for harvesting microalgae, the method comprising (i) mixing one or more monomers, a photoinitiator, water and a deoxygenation system to form a mixture; (ii) exposing the mixture to UV light so as to form an aqueous solution of one or more polymers; (iii) introducing the aqueous solution of one or more polymers to a suspension comprising microalgae in an amount sufficient to produce flocculated microalgae; and (iv) harvesting the flocculated microalgae. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing and selecting a polymeric flocculant for use in harvesting microalgae and a related apparatus.