Photo-bioreactor for mass production of photosynthetic organisms

• US 9,315,767 B1
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 04/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Georgiy V. Vozhdayev
• Original Assignee: Georgiy V. Vozhdayev
• Inventors: Vozhdayev, Georgiy V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Alexander, Lyle
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mull, Holly
• Application Number:
  US13/828,324
• Time in Patent Office: 1,132 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 21/02 Photobioreactors culturing algae A01G33/00, A01H4/001, C12N1/12
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/22 Transparent or translucent parts glassware for laboratory use B01L3/00
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 25/06 Plates; Walls; Drawers; Multilayer plates
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 29/00 Means for introduction, extraction or recirculation of materials, e.g. pumps pumps per se F04B
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 33/04 by injection or suction, e.g. using pipettes, syringes, needles pipettes in general B01L3/02
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 41/48 Automatic or computerized control automatic analysis G01N35/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/185 Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systemsH04B7/204 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18563 Arrangements for interconnecting multiple systems data switching networks H04L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/12 for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0022 for transferring data sessions between adjacent core network technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/14 Reselecting a network or an air interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/18 for allowing seamless reselection, e.g. soft reselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/30 by measured or perceived connection quality data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/36 by user or terminal equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 Gateway arrangements

Abstract

The apparatus herein relates to the large-scale production of photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae. More particularly it relates to control of large size aqueous photosynthetic bioreactor systems to obtain such products from many microbial strains, which have heretofore only been cultured in laboratory environments in small containers.

Claims

1. A photo-bioreactor system for producing biomass comprising

a) a tubular growth chamber comprising:

i) a plurality of elongated transparent panels arranged edgewise, wherein at least two angled sides of the panels intersect at an apex;

ii) a generally flat bottom; and

iii) two end panels affixed to the plurality of elongated transparent panels to enclose the tubular growth chamber;

b) at least one guide wire extending between the two end panels;

c) a harvest manifold engaged to the guide wire and movable along the flat bottom of the tubular growth chamber, the harvest manifold comprising a plurality of hollow fingers, wherein a vacuum is drawn through the hollow fingers; and

d) a vacuum pump, wherein the vacuum draws the biomass into the harvest manifold.

2. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 1, wherein the system lacks a cooling system.

3. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 1 further comprising sampling instrumentation that measures conditions within the tubular growth chamber.

4. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 1 further comprising a nutrient delivery system.

5. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 4, wherein the nutrient delivery system comprises at least one nutrient delivery tube.

6. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 5, wherein the nutrient delivery tube is proximate to the apex of the tubular growth chamber.

7. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 4, wherein the nutrient delivery system provides even distribution of nutrient throughout the entire length of the photo-bioreactor.

8. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 1 further comprising a support structure comprising a plurality of intersecting beams.

9. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 1 further comprising an exhaust assembly operably linked to the tubular growth chamber proximate to the apex.

10. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 9, wherein the exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust filter.

14. A method of producing a biomass comprising mixing a microbial culture of photosynthetic organisms and a nutrient solution in a photo-bioreactor system of claim 1.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising drawing a biomass into the harvest manifold.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising collecting the biomass via the harvest manifold.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising a) measuring carbon dioxide levels in the photo-bioreactor system;

and b) optionally, increasing air delivered to the photo-bioreactor system if the carbon dioxide falls beneath a predetermined threshold.

11. A photo-bioreactor system for producing biomass comprising

a) a tubular growth chamber comprising:

i) a plurality of elongated transparent panels arranged edgewise, wherein at least two angled sides of the panels intersect at an apex;

ii) a generally flat bottom; and

iii) two end panels affixed to the plurality of elongated transparent panels to enclose the tubular growth chamber;

b) at least one guide wire extending between the two end panels;

c) a harvest manifold engaged to the guide wire and movable along the flat bottom of the tubular growth chamber, the harvest manifold comprising a plurality of hollow fingers, wherein a vacuum is drawn through the hollow fingers; and

d) at least one air sparger extending along the intersection of one of the sides and the bottom.

12. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 11, wherein the air sparger comprises a plurality of perforations that expel air into the tubular growth chamber.

13. The photo-bioreactor system of claim 12, wherein the perforations are oriented to Previously Presented air against the angled sides of the tubular growth chamber.