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Method of growing and harvesting microorganisms

  • US 4,958,460 A
  • Filed: 05/09/1988
  • Issued: 09/25/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A process for the reproduction and harvesting of algae of the genus Dunaliella and associated bacteria, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a culture zone of a saline liquid growth medium having a cross-sectional width to depth ratio of at least about 500 to 1 and a length allowing sufficient production of algae for harvest;

    providing a harvest zone having a cross-sectional width to depth ratio of about within the ranges of 1 to 1 and 1 to 4;

    providing a graduated transition zone fluidly communicating said culture zone and said harvest zone;

    exposing said production, transition, and harvest zones to light to allow said algae to agglomerate and remain near the surface of said medium;

    flowing the medium through said culture, transition, and harvest zones, whereby said agglomerated algae is concentrated into a horizontal band having vertical depth at the surface of the medium; and

    ,separating said band from the remainder of said medium to effect harvest of said algae.

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