Upflow Algae Scrubber Vertical Growth Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently removing nutrients and promoting controlled growth of algal biomass, leading to uncontrolled algae growth and difficulty in harvesting, particularly in industries like aquaria, aquaculture, and biofuel production, where both nutrient removal and biomass growth are necessary for clean water and product generation.
Innovation Solution
An upflow algae scrubber system that uses an 'airlift' process to move water over a macroalgal growth surface, incorporating a bubbling component to produce gas bubbles that flow rapidly along a rough surface, promoting the growth of solidly attached macroalgae, which consumes nutrients and allows for easy harvesting by eliminating the need for separation and reducing the risk of algae matting or drying out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional algae filtration methods are used to remove nutrients from water, then clean water is achieved, but algae growth becomes uncontrolled and difficult to harvest
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides algae growth into two distinct zones: a growth zone where algae are cultivated on vertical surfaces, and a filtration zone where algae consume nutrients from water. This segmentation allows controlled growth in one area while achieving water purification in another, resolving the contradiction between reliable water quality and ease of harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal algae mats to vertical surface growth. By utilizing vertical surfaces (walls, screens, or panels) for algae attachment, the system increases harvesting efficiency and controls growth distribution, making algae easier to harvest while maintaining effective nutrient removal from water.
2Reliability
If algae are allowed to grow freely in water to consume nutrients, then water quality improves, but algae dispersal becomes uncontrolled making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments algae growth into attached populations on vertical surfaces rather than free-floating dispersion. This segmentation keeps algae confined to specific growth zones where they can be easily accessed and harvested, eliminating the need for complex removal systems while maintaining effective nutrient consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical surfaces (screens, panels, or walls) serve as intermediaries that support algae growth in a controlled manner. These intermediary structures allow algae to access nutrients from water while remaining attached and localized, simplifying the removal process compared to free-floating algae systems.
3Reliability
If algae mats are used for nutrient filtration, then water is cleaned, but algae matting and drying out occurs requiring complex drainage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for horizontal algae mats by transitioning to vertical surface growth. This dimensional change allows water to flow continuously over the vertical surfaces without pooling, preventing matting and drying out issues that require complex drainage systems in traditional horizontal configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical surface configuration enables the system to self-regulate water flow and prevent algae matting without requiring external drainage pumps or complex water management systems. Gravity naturally prevents water accumulation, and algae remain attached to vertical surfaces without forming problematic mats.
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 nutrients, promotes efficient algal growth, and facilitates easy harvesting, eliminating the need for drains, pumps, separators, and sumps, while ensuring consistent water quality and increased biomass production, even during power failures, and allows for remote placement of air pumps without water contact.
Implementation Method 1
an 'airlift' process to move water over a macroalgal growth surface, incorporating a bubbling component to produce gas bubbles that flow rapidly along a rough surface
Implementation Method 2
macroalgae, which consumes nutrients and allows for easy harvesting
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for water filtration, that includes a macroalgal attachment means defining a first macroalgal attachment surface and a bubbling means including, a housing defining a gas inlet and a set of gas bubble ports, and a coupling means. The coupling means secures the macroalgal attachment means to the bubbling means and aligns the first macroalgal attachment surface with the set of gas bubble ports such that a first portion of the gas bubbles to be produced by the gas bubble ports are directed to travel along the first macroalgal attachment surface in contact with the first macroalgal attachment surface.