Method, apparatus and system for biodiesel production from algae
First Claim
1. A method for algal culture comprising:
- a) placing algae in aqueous medium in a closed system bioreactor, the bioreactor comprising one or more flexible tubes operably coupled to one or more peristaltic rollers;
b) exposing the algae to sunlight;
c) culturing the algae under conditions allowing algal reproduction and growth;
d) using the rollers to move the medium through the tubes, wherein the movement of the rollers removes photosynthetic oxygen from the tubes and scrubs the surface of the tubes to reduce biofilm on the tube surfaces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure concerns methods, apparatus, compositions and systems relating to closed bioreactors for algal culture and harvesting. In certain embodiments, the system may comprise bags with various layers, including a thermal barrier layer, that may be used to contain the algal culture and/or to thermally regulate the temperature of the algal culture. The system may comprise various mechanisms for moving fluid within the system, such as a roller type mechanism, and may provide temperature regulation by compartmentalization of the fluid to regulate absorption of solar radiation and/or conductive or emissive heat loss and gain. Various mechanisms may be used to harvest and process the algae and/or to convert algal oil into biodiesel and other products.
334 Citations
47 Claims
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1. A method for algal culture comprising:
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a) placing algae in aqueous medium in a closed system bioreactor, the bioreactor comprising one or more flexible tubes operably coupled to one or more peristaltic rollers;
b) exposing the algae to sunlight;
c) culturing the algae under conditions allowing algal reproduction and growth;
d) using the rollers to move the medium through the tubes, wherein the movement of the rollers removes photosynthetic oxygen from the tubes and scrubs the surface of the tubes to reduce biofilm on the tube surfaces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A system for producing biodiesel from algae comprising:
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a) a closed bioreactor comprising two flexible tubes operably coupled to two peristaltic rollers, the tubes containing a suspension of algae in aqueous medium;
b) a mechanism for harvesting the algae from the medium;
c) a device for separating oil from the algae;
d) an apparatus for converting the oil into biodiesel. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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Specification