SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR CULTIVATING MICROORGANISMS AND MITIGATION OF GASES

• US 20100279395A1
• Filed: 04/27/2010
• Published: 11/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bioprocessh20, LLC (Parker-Hannifin Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Bioprocessh20, LLC (Parker-Hannifin Corporation)
• Inventors: Haley, John W. III
• Application Number:
  US12/768,361
• Publication Number:
  US 20100279395A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/292.1
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 21/02 Photobioreactors culturing algae A01G33/00, A01H4/001, C12N1/12
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 21/12 for producing fuels or solvents C12M21/04 takes precedence; liquid carbonaceous fuels C10L1/00, solid fuels C10L5/00
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/06 Tubular C12M23/08, C12M23/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/56 Floating elements
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/58 Reaction vessels connected in series or in parallel combinations of bioreactors with other apparatus, C12M43/00
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 25/00 Means for supporting, enclosing or fixing the microorganisms, e.g. immunocoatings
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 27/14 Rotation or movement of the cells support, e.g. rotated hollow fibers
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 27/22 Perforated plates, discs or walls
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 31/12 Rotating light emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 43/04 Bioreactors or fermenters combined with combustion devices or plants, e.g. for carbon dioxide removal C12M43/06 takes precedence; recovery of carbon dioxide C12F3/02

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for cultivating microorganisms. In one example, a system may include a plurality of containers for cultivating microorganisms therein. Each container may be adapted to contain water and may include media disposed therein and at least partially submerged in the water. The media may be adapted to support microorganisms during cultivation and a concentration of microorganisms supported by the media may be higher than a concentration of microorganisms suspended in the water.

Claims

1. A container for cultivating a microorganism, comprising:

a housing adapted to contain liquid;

a plurality of rotatable frames at least partially positioned within the housing and each frame including

a first portion,

a second portion spaced apart from the first portion,

a media at least partially positioned within the housing and supported by and extending between the first and second portions, and

a fin coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion;

at least one drive mechanism for rotating the frames; and

a light element at least partially positioned within the housing and adapted to be engaged by at least one of the fins of the plurality of frames.

2. A system for cultivating a microorganism, comprising:

a wall defining a cavity adapted to contain liquid;

a plurality of rotatable frames at least partially positioned within the cavity and each frame including

a first portion,

a second portion spaced apart from the first portion,

a media at least partially positioned within the cavity and supported by and extending between the first and second portions, and

a fin coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion;

a liquid movement assembly for moving liquid within the cavity into engagement with the fins of the frames to rotate the frames.