EP2986706A1 - Production de biomasse d'algue à concentration réduite en contaminants - Google Patents

Production de biomasse d'algue à concentration réduite en contaminants

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Publication number
EP2986706A1
EP2986706A1 EP14785244.6A EP14785244A EP2986706A1 EP 2986706 A1 EP2986706 A1 EP 2986706A1 EP 14785244 A EP14785244 A EP 14785244A EP 2986706 A1 EP2986706 A1 EP 2986706A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
algae
wastewater
tank
anode
electric field
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14785244.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2986706A4 (fr
Inventor
Jose L. SANCHEZ PINA
Nicholas Eckelberry
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Originclear Inc
Original Assignee
Originclear Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/865,097 external-priority patent/US20130228464A1/en
Priority claimed from US13/872,044 external-priority patent/US20130288329A1/en
Priority claimed from US13/942,348 external-priority patent/US20130299434A1/en
Priority claimed from US14/109,336 external-priority patent/US20140106437A1/en
Application filed by Originclear Inc filed Critical Originclear Inc
Publication of EP2986706A1 publication Critical patent/EP2986706A1/fr
Publication of EP2986706A4 publication Critical patent/EP2986706A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N1/00—Microorganisms, e.g. protozoa; Compositions thereof; Processes of propagating, maintaining or preserving microorganisms or compositions thereof; Processes of preparing or isolating a composition containing a microorganism; Culture media therefor
    • C12N1/12—Unicellular algae; Culture media therefor
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/463—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrocoagulation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/465—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electroflotation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/32—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage characterised by the animals or plants used, e.g. algae
    • C02F3/322—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage characterised by the animals or plants used, e.g. algae use of algae
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M21/00—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses
    • C12M21/02—Photobioreactors
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M33/00—Means for introduction, transport, positioning, extraction, harvesting, peeling or sampling of biological material in or from the apparatus
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M39/00—Means for cleaning the apparatus or avoiding unwanted deposits of microorganisms
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M43/00—Combinations of bioreactors or fermenters with other apparatus
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N1/00—Microorganisms, e.g. protozoa; Compositions thereof; Processes of propagating, maintaining or preserving microorganisms or compositions thereof; Processes of preparing or isolating a composition containing a microorganism; Culture media therefor
    • C12N1/04—Preserving or maintaining viable microorganisms
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N13/00—Treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic waves
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
    • C02F1/4674—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
    • C02F1/46109—Electrodes
    • C02F2001/46133—Electrodes characterised by the material
    • C02F2001/46138—Electrodes comprising a substrate and a coating
    • C02F2001/46142—Catalytic coating
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2101/00—Nature of the contaminant
    • C02F2101/10—Inorganic compounds
    • C02F2101/16—Nitrogen compounds, e.g. ammonia
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
    • C02F2201/46125—Electrical variables
    • C02F2201/4614—Current
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2305/00—Use of specific compounds during water treatment
    • C02F2305/06—Nutrients for stimulating the growth of microorganisms
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
    • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy

Definitions

  • a metal ion or cation is added to improve flocculation by increasing conductivity of the matrix.
  • the following cations have lower electrode potential than H+ and are therefore considered suitable for use as electrolyte cations in these processes: Li+, Rb+, K+, Cs+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+ (sodium and lithium are frequently used as they form inexpensive salts).
  • Other metals are used in conjunction with electro- flocculation to assist in precipitation of solids from the waste water, such as iron oxides and other oxidants. These metals are extremely effective at precipitating solids out of solution; however, they taint the product and the water itself with an inorganic chemical that then must be removed or otherwise processed in the tertiary waste treatment phase.
  • DAF Dissolved Air Flotation
  • microorganisms and intracellular products of microorganisms shows promise as a partial or full substitute for fossil oil derivatives or other chemicals used in manufacturing products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial products, biofuels, synthetic oils, animal feed, and fertilizers.
  • methods for harvesting the cells including steps of recovering and processing of intracellular products must be efficient and cost-effective in order to be competitive with the refining costs associated with fossil oil derivatives.
  • Current extraction methods used for harvesting microorganisms such as algae to ultimately yield products for use as fossil oil substitutes are laborious and yield low net energy gains, rendering them unviable for today's alternative energy demands.
  • the plasma membrane is composed of a double layer (bi-layer) of lipids, an oily or waxy substance found in all cells. Most of the lipids in the bilayer can be more precisely described as phospholipids, that is, lipids that feature a phosphate group at one end of each molecule.
  • glycoproteins Within the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane, many diverse, useful proteins are embedded while other types of mineral proteins simply adhere to the surfaces of the bilayer. Some of these proteins, primarily those that are at least partially exposed on the external side of the membrane, have carbohydrates attached and therefore are referred to as glycoproteins.
  • the positioning of the proteins along the internal plasma membrane is related in part to the organization of the filaments that comprise the cytoskeleton, which helps anchor them in place. This arrangement of proteins also involves the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of the cell.
  • Intracellular extraction methods can vary greatly depending on the type of organism involved, their desired internal component(s), and their purity levels. However, once the cell has been fractured, these useful components are released and typically suspended within a liquid medium which is used to house a living microorganism biomass, making harvesting these useful substances difficult or energy-intensive.
  • the viability of a harvested algae biomass is closely tied to the amount of bacteria or other harmful contaminants that are present within the biomass.
  • contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, rotifers, ciliates, or adverse algae strains can limit the lifetime of the harvesting biomass.
  • the algae biomass can be treated with antibiotics, chemicals, or changes in salinity, pH, or other environmental factor to minimize the contamination.
  • antibiotics, chemicals, or changes in salinity, pH, or other environmental factor have some beneficial effect on extending the life of the algae biomass, the treatments add additional cost, time, and complexity to various processes in which the biomass is used.
  • the present invention is generally directed to a system for producing an algae biomass and wastewater that have reduced concentrations of contaminants.
  • the algae and wastewater treated by the system of the present invention can be combined in a heterotrophic growth system in which the growth of the algae is increased due to the reduced concentration of contaminants.
  • the algae grown in this manner also has a longer shelf life due to the lack of contaminants within the harvested algae.
  • the present invention is implemented as a method for producing an algae biomass and wastewater having a reduced concentration of contaminants for use in a heterotrophic growth system.
  • a growth medium containing suspended algae is supplied into a first flocculation tank.
  • the first flocculation tank comprises a reactor tube for creating an electric field within the growth medium, the electric field causing the algae to flocculate.
  • the growth medium containing flocculated algae is transferred into a first flotation tank.
  • the first flotation tank comprises a tank containing a plurality of electrodes which cause the formation of gas bubbles which attach to the flocculated algae and lift the flocculated algae to the surface of the growth medium.
  • the floating algae are removed from the surface of the growth media and transferred to a heterotrophic growth system.
  • Wastewater is supplied into a second flocculation tank.
  • the second flocculation tank comprises a second reactor tube for creating an electric field within the wastewater.
  • the second reactor tube includes a cathode and an anode which comprises a titanium ruthenium alloy.
  • the anode causes the creation of free chlorine within the fluid leading to the oxidation of the ammonia into nitrite and nitrate.
  • the wastewater is transferred to the heterotrophic growth system such that the wastewater can act as a food for the growth of the algae in the heterotrophic growth system.
  • the present invention is implemented as an apparatus for removing ammonia from wastewater.
  • the apparatus comprises a reactor tube for creating an electric field within wastewater containing ammonia.
  • the reactor tube comprises at least one cathode and one anode.
  • the cathode and/or the anode may comprise a mixed metal oxide (MMO) coating.
  • the anode may comprise a MMO coating, the cathode may comprise a MMO coating, or both the anode and cathode may comprise a MMO coating.
  • the cathode and/or anode may comprise stainless steel.
  • MMO may refer to an oxide comprised of metals in the platinum family including, but not limited to, iridium and ruthenium.
  • an anode and/or a cathode may comprise a titanium core with a MMO coating.
  • the reactor tube may include a cathode and an anode comprised of a titanium ruthenium alloy. When the electric field is created, the anode causes the creation of free chlorine within the wastewater leading to the oxidation of the ammonia into nitrite and nitrate.
  • the apparatus also comprises a flotation tank connected to the reactor tube.
  • the flotation tank comprises a tank containing a plurality of electrodes which cause the formation of gas bubbles.
  • the present invention is implemented as a system for producing an algae biomass and wastewater having a reduced concentration of contaminants for use in a heterotrophic growth system.
  • the system comprises a first apparatus for removing ammonia from wastewater.
  • the first apparatus comprises a first reactor tube for creating an electric field within wastewater containing ammonia.
  • the first reactor tube includes a first cathode and a first anode, each of which or both may comprise a titanium ruthenium alloy.
  • the first anode causes the creation of free chlorine within the wastewater leading to the oxidation of the ammonia into nitrite and nitrate.
  • the system includes a second apparatus for harvesting algae using a two-stage process.
  • the second apparatus comprises a second flocculation tank in which the first stage of the two stage process occurs.
  • the second flocculation tank comprises a second reactor tube for creating an electric field within a growth medium containing suspended algae, the electric field causing the algae to flocculate.
  • the second apparatus also includes a second flotation tank in which the second stage of the two stage process occurs.
  • the second flotation tank comprises a second tank containing a plurality of second electrodes which cause the formation of gas bubbles which attach to the flocculated algae and lift the flocculated algae to the surface of the growth medium.
  • the second flotation tank is connected to the second flocculation tank to allow the flocculated algae to flow from the second flocculation tank into the second flotation tank.
  • Figure 1A illustrates a two-stage algae harvesting apparatus having a first stage flocculation tank and a second stage flotation tank
  • Figure IB illustrates side views of various possible configurations of electrodes within the second stage flotation tank
  • Figure 1C illustrates a side view of the first stage flocculation tank
  • Figure 2A illustrates the first stage flocculation tank when filled with a growth medium containing suspended algae
  • Figure 2B illustrates the first stage flocculation tank when the algae is flocculated in a batch mode
  • Figure 2C illustrates the first stage flocculation tank when the algae is flocculated in a continuous flow mode
  • Figures 3A-3D illustrate the process, performed within the second stage flotation tank, of dewatering the flocculated algae using hydrogen bubbles to float the flocculated algae to the surface;
  • Figure 4 illustrates an actual implementation of a two- stage algae harvesting apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates how a two-stage apparatus can be used to produce an algae biomass and treated wastewater having reduced concentrations of contaminants to enhance the growth of the algae during a heterotrophic growth phase
  • Figure 6 illustrates how the first stage tank of the two-stage apparatus can be used to eliminate contaminants from wastewater.
  • the Parent Application also describes that by using an electrode made of a titanium ruthenium alloy, wastewater can be treated using the two-stage process to remove ammonia and other contaminants from the wastewater.
  • the use of an electrode made of a titanium ruthenium alloy within the two-stage apparatus is described below under the heading: "Additional Features or Variations.”
  • the algae biomass generated by the two-stage harvesting process can be used in a heterotrophic growth phase during which wastewater treated using the two-stage process can supply the necessary food to the algae to allow the algae to reproduce.
  • Wastewater contains a substantial amount of desirable compounds to encourage algae growth including oxygen, organic carbon, and fertilizers.
  • untreated wastewater also contains significant contaminants that are harmful to the algae. Accordingly, for wastewater to be a viable option for use in a heterotrophic growth phase, it must be treated to reduce the contaminant concentration.
  • the two-stage process can be used to cheaply and efficiently treat the wastewater so that it can be used in the heterotrophic growth phase. Because the algae biomass and the wastewater generated using the two-stage process have reduced concentrations of contaminants than algae biomasses and wastewater treated using other methods, a heterotrophic growth phase can be implemented more quickly and efficiently than in previous solutions.
  • the present invention is generally directed to an apparatus for harvesting algae using a two-stage approach.
  • the two-stage approach includes a flocculation stage and a dewatering stage.
  • the flocculation stage is implemented within a first-stage flocculation tank in which algae suspended within a growth medium is flocculated.
  • the flocculated algae is then fed to a second-stage flotation tank in which electrodes are used to produce hydrogen and oxygen bubbles which attach to the flocculated algae causing the flocculated algae to float to the surface.
  • the mat of floating algae can then be skimmed off the surface of the growth medium.
  • the algae harvested in this manner are free of harmful substances that are often required in other algae harvesting methods. Additionally, because harmful substances are not used in the two-stage process, the nutrient-rich growth medium can be reused in subsequent algae harvesting.
  • the apparatus of the present invention can be configured in various sizes. However, in many embodiments, the apparatus can be sized so that it is relatively portable to allow its use in virtually any location. In this way, many entities can employ the apparatus to produce an algae biomass without requiring a large area of land and/or large amounts of electricity as is often required in other harvesting approaches.
  • Figure 1A illustrates an example configuration of an apparatus 100 that harvests algae using the two-stage approach.
  • Apparatus 100 includes two primary components: a first stage flocculation tank 101, and a second stage flotation tank 102.
  • a growth medium containing suspended algae is input into first stage flocculation tank 101.
  • This growth medium can be obtained in virtually any manner.
  • a dedicated unit for growing algae within water can be connected to first stage flocculation tank 101, or a growth medium otherwise obtained can be directly supplied to first stage flocculation tank 101.
  • the suspended algae is flocculated (i.e. caused to form clumps) within first stage flocculation tank 101. This flocculation can be caused using an electric current produced by electrodes as will be further described below.
  • the growth medium containing the flocculated algae is fed into second stage flotation tank 102.
  • Second stage flotation tank 102 produces gas (e.g. hydrogen and oxygen) bubbles which rise through the growth medium. While rising, the bubbles attach to the flocculated algae and lift the flocculated algae to the surface. This process results in a mat of algae forming at the surface of the growth medium. Finally, the algae can be collected using conveyors 115 and 116 as will be further described below.
  • gas e.g. hydrogen and oxygen
  • Figure 4 illustrates an actual implementation of an apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
  • flocculation tank 101 includes two primary components: a cathode 105 formed by an outer cylinder (e.g. an enclosed pipe or tube), and an anode 106 formed by an inner cylinder (e.g. a pipe or other enclosed cylindrical shape) that is contained within the outer cylinder.
  • the cathode may form the inner cylinder and the anode may form the outer cylinder.
  • the growth medium flows between cathode 105 and anode 106 as shown by the arrows in Figure 1A.
  • Other shapes other than cylinders can also be used as long as a fluid pathway is formed between the two components.
  • multiple inner cylinders can be used for anode 106.
  • the surfaces of cathode 105 and anode 106 which are in contact with the growth medium can include grooves (e.g. rifling) which may decrease the occurrence of build-up on the surfaces.
  • Figure 1C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of flocculation tank 101.
  • a space exists between cathode 105 and anode 106 through which the growth medium flows.
  • this space can be between .5 mm and 200 mm wide.
  • the space between the anode and cathode may be 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm or any iterative spacing up to 200 mm.
  • a voltage is applied to each of cathode 105 and anode 106 to cause an electric current to pass through the growth medium.
  • This electric current causes the suspended algae in the growth medium to flocculate (i.e. to clump together).
  • the cells are exposed to both a magnetic field, causing a cellular alignment, and to an electrical field which induces cellular current absorption. These effects can cause the cells to flocculate.
  • FIGS 2A-2C illustrate how this flocculation can occur. As shown, a source
  • growth medium 210 of growth medium containing suspended algae is connected to flocculation tank 101.
  • growth medium could be supplied manually to flocculation tank 101.
  • the shading in Figure 2A indicates that the algae are initially suspended in the growth medium.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates the case where the growth medium is treated in a batch mode.
  • flocculation tank 101 is initially filled with growth medium containing suspended algae.
  • the growth medium is then subject to the electrical fields generated by cathode 105 and anode 106 until the desired level of flocculation has occurred.
  • the flocculated algae can be between 1 and 4 mm in size.
  • the growth medium with the flocculated algae is transferred to second stage flotation tank 102.
  • Figure 2B illustrates that the growth medium within flocculation tank 101 contains clumps of algae which are ready to be transferred to flotation tank 102.
  • FIG. 2C in contrast, illustrates the case where the growth medium is treated in a continuous flow mode.
  • the algae can be flocculated in the same manner as in the batch mode (e.g. by applying an electric current to the growth medium).
  • the growth medium can be continuously flowed into flocculation tank at an appropriate rate so that, by the time the growth medium reaches the opposite end of the flocculation tank, the algae has been sufficiently flocculated.
  • the growth medium at the left end having a similar degree of flocculation as the growth medium in source 210 and the degree of flocculation increasing towards the right end.
  • flocculation tank 101 can be configured with controls for automatically determining the appropriate settings to ensure that the algae is sufficiently flocculated before exiting flocculation tanks 101. For example, in batch mode, flocculation tank 101 can automatically determine an appropriate duration of time to treat the growth medium or appropriate voltage levels to apply to cathode 105 and anode 106. Similarly, in continuous flow mode, flocculation tank 101 can automatically determine an appropriate flow rate and appropriate voltage levels to apply to cathode 105 and anode 106.
  • the flow rate through flocculation tank 101 can be 0.1 ml/second per ml of volume. In other embodiments, however, the flow rate is at least 0.5 ml/second per ml of volume or at least 1.0 ml/second per ml of volume. In still other embodiments, the flow rate through the volume is at least 1.5 ml/second per ml of volume. In yet other embodiments, the flow rate through the volume exceeds 1.5 ml/second per ml of volume. In at least one additional embodiment, the flow rate can be controlled by controlling the pressure using a pump or other suitable fluid flow mechanical devices.
  • the supplied voltage can be pulsed on and off repeatedly to cause extension and relaxation of the algae cells.
  • voltages can be higher and peak amperage lower while average amperage remains relatively low.
  • this condition or controlled circumstance reduces the energy requirements for operating the apparatus and reduces wear on the anode and cathode pair or pairs.
  • the frequency of the pulses is at least about 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, or 30 kHz. In other embodiments, the frequency is less than 200 kHz, 80 kHz, 50 kHz, 30 kHz, 5 kHz, or 2 kHz. Ranges for the pulse frequency can be any combination of the foregoing maximum and minimum frequencies according to various embodiments.
  • an electrical pulse is repeated in frequency to create an electromagnetic field and electrical energy transfer between the electrodes.
  • an electromagnetic field is produced resulting in the elongation of the algae cells due to their polarity according to certain embodiments.
  • the suspended algae absorb electrical input which causes internal cellular components and their liquid mass to swell in size.
  • an internal pressure is applied against the transmembrane, however this internal swelling is to be considered as only momentary according to certain embodiments as it is relieved during an off frequency phase of the pulsed electrical input.
  • rapid repeating of the on and off electrical frequency rearranges components and creates and/or increases the polar regions in the algae cells.
  • continuous frequency inputs further produce internal pressures caused by expanded internal component swelling which eventually creates the magnetic/electrostatic attraction causing coagulation/flocculation of the treated cells.
  • apparatus 100 can be used to lyse, flocculate, and dewater algae cells.
  • the growth medium is transferred to flotation tank 102.
  • An electrical field can be applied to the growth medium within flotation tank 102 using electrodes. The electric field increases interface potential between solvent and solute and creates micron-sized bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen gas which lift the flocculated algae to the surface.
  • the algae form a mat at the surface allowing for easy removal of the algae.
  • the mat of algae includes a substantial amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas.
  • the algae can be used with this gas present, or further downstream processes can be performed to recover the gas. For example, the gas can be recovered and used to power apparatus 100 thereby minimizing the energy requirements for using apparatus 100.
  • flotation tank 102 includes a cathode plate 111 and a series of stacked anode 112 and cathode 113 rods.
  • Figure IB illustrates side views of other configurations of electrodes that can be used within flotation tank 102. For example, at the top left corner of Figure IB, the configuration depicted in Figure 1A is shown. In some embodiments, a plate can be used in place of the rods. Various other configurations of electrodes can be used.
  • a single cathode and a single anode, two cathodes and a single anode, a single cathode and two anodes, two cathodes and two anodes, or other combinations include one or more cathodes and one or more anodes.
  • some embodiments provide a two-by-three electrode arrangement, with two vertical columns of three electrodes.
  • the top and bottom rows of electrodes can be cathodes and the middle row can include two anodes.
  • Various other such anode-cathode configurations can be used in embodiments of flotation tank 102.
  • combinations of between 1 and 20 anodes and between 1 and 20 cathodes can be used depending primarily on the size of flotation tank 102.
  • Flotation tank 102 also includes conveyor 115 (having rakes 115a and 115b) and conveyor 116 which are used to remove the algae cells from flotation tank 102 and into collector 114 as will be further described below.
  • conveyor 115 having rakes 115a and 115b
  • conveyor 116 which are used to remove the algae cells from flotation tank 102 and into collector 114 as will be further described below.
  • Other means for removing the algae from the surface of the growth medium can also be used as in known in the art.
  • Figures 3A-3D illustrate flotation tank 102 to provide an example of how the flocculated algae can be floated to the surface.
  • Figure 3A illustrates the state of flotation tank 102 when a growth medium containing flocculated algae is passed into flotation tank 102.
  • prior approaches for separating algae from the growth medium are difficult, expensive, and oftentimes harmful to the algae making them unsuitable to recover algae that is intended for certain purposes.
  • the present invention provides a simple and safe process for recovering the algae cells. This process includes applying an electric field to the growth medium using electrodes 111, 112, and, in some cases, 113.
  • Figure 3C illustrates the state of flotation tank 102 after the flocculated algae cells have floated to the surface.
  • Figure 3C also illustrates that the remaining growth medium underneath the floating clumps is substantially clear to indicate that this process is highly effective at separating the algae from the growth medium.
  • the growth medium which is nutrient dense, can then be reused.
  • Figure 3D illustrates an example of how the floating algae cells can be removed. As shown, this removal can be performed using rakes 115a, 115b which are rotated over the surface of the growth medium to rake the algae cells towards conveyor 116. Conveyor 116 is rotated to transfer the raked algae cells into collector 114 where it can be retrieved for further processing. Accordingly, this process yields a highly dewatered biomass that can be easily transported and used.
  • Figures 3A-3D generally represent the process as being performed in batches (i.e. the entire growth medium is fully flocculated before any new algae cells are added). However, in some embodiments, this process can be performed on a continuous basis such as by periodically adding new growth media containing flocculated algae.
  • Gas bubble formation can be facilitated by strategically placing the electrodes in proximity to one another.
  • the cathode(s) and anode(s) are spaced between about 0.1 inches and about 36 inches apart, between about 0.2 inches and about 24 inches apart, about 0.5 inches and about 12 inches apart, about 0.5 inches and about 6 inches apart, about 3 to about 8 inches apart, about 1 inch to about 3 inches apart, or variations and combinations of these ranges or values within these ranges.
  • the ratio of separation may vary depending on the conductivity of the growth medium and/or the power levels applied to the electrodes. For example, the more saline or conductive the growth medium, the smaller the gap is required for hydrogen and/or oxygen production.
  • the placement of two or more cathodes near a single anode can increase turbulence about the anode, creating a heightened mixing effect that can assist in aggregating and lifting the algae cells.
  • An operating voltage of between about 1 and about 30 volts, about 1 and about 24 volts, about 2 to about 18 volts, about 2 to about 12 volts, or combinations and intermediate ranges within these ranges can be applied.
  • a voltage of about 4 volts, 6 volts, 8 volts, 10 volts, 12 volts, 14 volts, 16 volts, 18 volts, 20 volts, 22 volts, 24 volts, 26 volts, 28 volts, 30 volts, and/or combinations of these voltages or ranges encompassing these voltages can be applied.
  • the amperage may vary and generally be between about 1 A to about 20 A, about 2 A to about 15 A, or combinations or intermediate ranges within these ranges.
  • the actual current may reasonably vary depending on the density of the growth medium and its relative conductivity.
  • duty cycle refers to the relative lengths of the on and off portions of each power cycle, and can be expressed, for example, as a ratio of the duration of the on portion of the cycle to the total time for the cycle, or as a ratio of the duration of the on portion of the cycle to the off portion of the cycle, or by stating the on and off durations, or by stating wither the on or off duration and the total cycle duration. Unless otherwise stated or is clear from the context, duty cycle will be stated herein as the ration of on duration to off duration for a cycle.
  • the duty cycle can be about 1:1, about 1:1.1, about 1:1.2, about 1:1.3, about 1:1.4, about 1:1.5, about 1: 1.6, about 1:1.7, about 1:1.8, about 1:1.9, about 1:2, about 1:2.5, about 1:3, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, or about 1:10. Additionally, the duration of the duty cycle can be varied based upon the flow rate, volume, and/or characteristics of the growth medium.
  • the electrodes can be made of a metal, composite, or other material known to impart conductivity, such as, but not limited to silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, lead, platinum group metals, steel, stainless steel, carbon allotropes, and/or combinations thereof.
  • conductive carbon allotropes can include graphite, graphene, synthetic graphite, carbon fiber (iron reinforced), nano-carbon structures, and other form of deposited carbon on silicon substrates.
  • the anode and/or the cathode can serve as a sacrificial electrode which is used in the flocculation and/or bubble generation processes.
  • electrodes can include consumable conductive metals, such as iron or aluminum.
  • the electrodes e.g. cathodes 105, 111, 113 and anodes 106, 112
  • a catalyst-coated metal such as iridium oxide coated titanium.
  • Such metals can enhance the efficiency of the process. For example, by using iridium oxide coated titanium on the anode, the creation of gas bubbles can be facilitated.
  • one or more of the electrodes in flotation tank 102 can include numerous perforations or surface textures which allow the growth medium to pass through it. Such perforations and texturing provide an increase in the number of edges on the electrodes, which may facilitate bubble formation.
  • the one or more anodes may be formed as a mesh, grid, or other porous structure.
  • the mesh may include relatively large openings that are larger than a typical clump of algae or sludge particulates in the growth medium. This configuration can advantageously allow for faster flow rates since it allows for greater interfacial contact between the growth medium and the hydrogen generated by the anode. This configuration may be advantageous when a faster flow through is desired or when conductivity of the growth medium is low.
  • growth medium may be introduced into flotation tank 102 at the center of the anode. In this way, the growth medium will flow out one or more holes in the anode and be exposed to gas bubbles.
  • flotation tank 102 has shown flotation tank 102 as a separate elevated tank, it is also possible to form the flotation tank as a trench (e.g. in the ground). Using a trench can allow for the processing of greater amounts of growth medium.
  • the efficiency of flocculating and/or floating the algae can be increased by adding a protic solvent to the growth medium.
  • the growth medium may be injected with a dilute solution of a protic solvent such as formic acid, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, ethanol, methanol, and acetic acid, such as of approximately 0.05% by volume.
  • a protic solvent such as formic acid, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, ethanol, methanol, and acetic acid, such as of approximately 0.05% by volume.
  • This solution may be mixed into the growth medium at various times.
  • it is beneficial to add the protic solvent as the electric field of the flocculation process is generated, or just before the batch process occurs.
  • the above-described apparatus can also be used to remove ammonia from wastewater or other fluids such as in aquaculture environments.
  • the one or more anodes of flocculation tank 101 can be made of a titanium ruthenium alloy.
  • a titanium ruthenium alloy By using a titanium ruthenium alloy, free chlorine is produced in the growth medium when the voltage is applied to the cathode and anode. The free chlorine allows the ammonia to be oxidized eventually resulting in conversion of the ammonia into nitrate, nitrite, and some nitrogen gas.
  • a current density of between 30-50 mA/cm 2 of the anode is generally preferred to maximize the oxidation of the ammonia into nitrate and nitrite.
  • other current densities can also be used, and the ideal density will depend on various characteristics such as the temperature of the wastewater.
  • flotation tank 102 can still be used to remove other undesirable matter from the wastewater such as organic compounds. Enhancing a Heterotrophic Growth Phase of Algae Using Treated Wastewater
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500 that produces an algae biomass and treated wastewater having a reduced concentration of contaminants.
  • System 500 is shown as including a first apparatus 501 for treating wastewater and a second apparatus 502 for producing an algae biomass. Both apparatus 501 and apparatus 502 can be structured in the same manner as apparatus 100 described above. In other words, apparatus 502 can be used to produce an algae biomass in the same manner described above.
  • the two-stage process described above inherently reduces contaminants from a treated substance. For example, because harmful chemicals are not used in the two- stage process, and because of the effect of the flocculation stage, many different types of treated substances will have a reduced concentration of contaminants.
  • apparatus 501 is modified to further enhance the amount of decontamination on wastewater treated in the first stage flocculation tube. This modification is briefly described above as using a titanium ruthenium alloy for one or more of the electrodes.
  • the titanium ruthenium alloy produces free chlorine during operation of the electrodes which, as described above, leads to the oxidation of the ammonia in the wastewater.
  • wastewater can be easily treated to make it suitable for use as a food for the algae biomass during a heterotrophic growth phase.
  • desirable components for algae growth e.g. oxygen, organic carbon, and fertilizers
  • wastewater is a preferred food source for a heterotrophic system.
  • other methods of treated the wastewater to make it suitable for the heterotrophic growth phase have proven unsatisfactory in most cases.
  • the apparatus of the present invention can be used to both generate an algae biomass and to decontaminate wastewater that can then be combined in a heterotrophic system 503.
  • Heterotrophic system 503 can be a dark system which enables algae to be grown continuously (e.g. because no light source is required).
  • the algae biomass and the wastewater generated using an apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention contain a reduced concentration of contaminants (e.g. bacteria that would compete with the algae, ammonia that would damage the algae, etc.).
  • contaminants e.g. bacteria that would compete with the algae, ammonia that would damage the algae, etc.
  • the inputs to the heterotrophic system 503 are more pure leading to enhanced growth of the algae.
  • the algae biomass has less contaminants, it has a longer shelf life (e.g. when used to generate oil or other products).
  • FIG. 6 illustrates first stage flocculation tank 101 when it is used to treat wastewater.
  • Untreated wastewater 601 is input to flocculation tank 101 where it is exposed to the electric field between cathode 105 and anode 106.
  • one of the electrodes which is typically anode 106, is comprised of a titanium ruthenium alloy, free chlorine is produced which results in the ammonia being oxidized.
  • the electric field can eliminate other contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, etc. from the wastewater.
  • wastewater 602 with a reduced concentration of contaminants is output.
  • Wastewater 602 can be used directly after being output from flocculation tank 101, or it can continue into flotation tank 102 where additional matter can be removed from the wastewater if desired.
  • the treated wastewater can be obtained either after passing through flocculation tank 101 or after passing through flotation tank 102.
  • the present invention provides a way to grow algae in a heterotrophic system without the costly requirements of fermenters or such equipment. Because the algae biomass and waster produced by the two-stage apparatus have a reduced concentration of contaminants, the desired algae naturally grow quicker and more efficiently without the need of other equipment or additives. Accordingly, algae with a desired fat content can be produced at a much reduced overall cost.
  • one or more two-stage apparatuses can be used to produce the necessary ingredients for the heterotrophic growth phase.
  • the same apparatus can be used to produce an algae biomass and treated wastewater.
  • the same apparatus can also be used to harvest (including lysing) the algae cells after they have grown to have an adequate fat content. In this way, the requirements for implementing an algae harvesting system are greatly reduced.
  • algae grown by heterotrophic fermentation using the system of the present invention exhibit a much higher cell density and lipid percentage than those grown using autotrophic photosynthesis. Additionally, the growth rate of the algae grown using the system of the present invention is much higher.
  • the lipid percentage of the heterotrophically grown algae have a lipid percentage between 50 and 60 percent, a cell density of greater than 100 grams/L, and a growth rate of greater than 10 grams/L/day.
  • autotrophically grown algae exhibited a lipid percentage between 10 and 20 percent, a cell density less than 5 grams/L, and a growth rate of less than 1 gram/L/day.
  • the algae can be harvested using the two-stage apparatus as described above. This harvesting can include flocculating and concentrating the algae cells and in some cases lysing and/or hydrogenating the cells. The harvested cells can then be used in many different ways including as a feedstock for a hydropyrolisis refinery.
  • an algae harvesting system can include a centrifuge for harvesting algae from wastewater after a heterotrophic growth phase.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne d'une manière générale un système de production d'une biomasse d'algue et une eau usée ayant des concentrations réduites en contaminants. L'algue et l'eau usée traitées par le système selon la présente invention peuvent être combinées dans un système de culture hétérotrophe dans lequel la croissance de l'algue est accrue du fait de la concentration réduite des contaminants. L'algue cultivée de cette manière possède également une plus longue durée de conservation du fait du manque de contaminants au sein des algues récoltées.
EP14785244.6A 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Production de biomasse d'algue à concentration réduite en contaminants Withdrawn EP2986706A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/865,097 US20130228464A1 (en) 2012-01-30 2013-04-17 Harvesting and Dewatering Algae Using a Two-Stage Process
US13/872,044 US20130288329A1 (en) 2012-01-30 2013-04-26 Producing Algae Biomass Having Reduced Concentration Of Contaminants
US13/942,348 US20130299434A1 (en) 2012-01-30 2013-07-15 Removing Ammonia From Water
US14/109,336 US20140106437A1 (en) 2012-01-30 2013-12-17 Removing compounds from water using a series of reactor tubes containing cathodes comprised of a mixed metal oxide
PCT/US2014/034557 WO2014172573A1 (fr) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Production de biomasse d'algue à concentration réduite en contaminants

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EP2986706A4 EP2986706A4 (fr) 2017-03-01

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JP7007620B1 (ja) 2020-08-25 2022-01-24 株式会社ジージェーブイ 金属イオン水製造装置及び金属イオン水の製造方法

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KR20150144771A (ko) 2015-12-28
CN105189728A (zh) 2015-12-23
WO2014172573A1 (fr) 2014-10-23
HK1214837A1 (zh) 2016-08-05
WO2014172573A9 (fr) 2014-12-11
JP2016517798A (ja) 2016-06-20
WO2014172587A1 (fr) 2014-10-23
WO2014172582A1 (fr) 2014-10-23

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