JP2010045983A - Apparatus for recovering plankton alga - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for recovering plankton algae, advantageous for the recovery, workability and cost for the plankton algae. <P>SOLUTION: The recovery apparatus 100 for recovering plankton algae cultured in a culture liquid from the culture liquid includes pipe routes 110 for forming the flow route of the culture liquid containing the plankton algae, and a belt conveyer 140 for separating the plankton algae from the culture liquid flowing in the second pipe route 130 among the pipe routes 110. For example, the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyer 140 is formed of a net-like mesh fabric, and plankton algae having a prescribed size or more can be taken out of the culture liquid of the second pipe route 130. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a collection device capable of continuously collecting plankton algae in a culture solution.

  Conventionally, in a culture system for culturing plankton algae, a recovery device for recovering cultured plankton is provided. For example, there is a recovery device connected to a culture tank by an introduction tube and a lead-out tube (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The introduction tube is for introducing the culture solution from the culture tank to the collection device, and the lead-out tube is for guiding the culture solution from the collection device to the culture vessel. By using these introduction pipes and outlet pipes, a circulation path through which the culture solution containing plankton algae circulates in the culture tank and the recovery device.

  The treatment process by this collection device is roughly divided into three processes: a culture process for culturing plankton algae, a concentration process for concentrating the cultured plankton algae, and a collection process for collecting plankton algae.

  First, in the culture process, the culture solution is circulated between the collection device and the culture tank with the introduction tube and the lead-out tube being opened. This process is repeated until a predetermined amount of plankton algae in the culture tank is cultured.

  Next, in the concentration step, the culture solution is introduced from the culture tank to the collection device with the introduction tube open and the outlet tube closed. The introduced culture solution is separated into a culture solution and plankton algae by a plankton net provided in the collection device. And the plankton algae in a circuit apparatus are concentrated by draining the culture solution which became surplus in the collection | recovery apparatus to the drainage installation provided in the exterior of the circuit apparatus.

  Finally, in the collection process, plankton algae are discharged out of the collection device together with the culture solution in a state where the introduction tube and the discharge tube are closed. The discharged culture solution is drained to a drainage facility, and plankton algae are collected by a collection net installed outside the collection device.

JP 2005-261342 A

  However, the recovery device connected to the culture tank as described above may have various problems with respect to the recovery, workability, and cost of plankton algae.

  First, regarding the recoverability of plankton algae, in the collection process, the recovery of plankton algae from the culture solution in the recovery device was performed in a state where the inlet tube and the outlet tube were closed. That is, since the recovery device and the culture device were recovered by discontinuous processing, it was difficult to increase the recovery efficiency of plankton algae.

  Regarding the workability, when collecting plankton algae in the collection step, the culture solution in the collection device is led out of the collection device together with the plankton algae and discharged to the drain. Thereby, in the culture tank that continues to send the culture solution to the recovery device, the amount of water in the culture tank was significantly reduced compared to before the recovery. Therefore, after collecting plankton algae, there is a problem that it takes a lot of time to return the amount of water in the culture tank to a predetermined state in order to start the culture process again.

  In terms of cost, in the concentration step and the collection step, the culture solution in the recovery device must be drained to the outside of the recovery device, and a drainage facility must be provided separately from the recovery device. Therefore, there has been a problem that the installation cost of facilities other than the recovery device is generated.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at providing the collection apparatus of plankton algae advantageous to the collection | recovery property of plankton algae, workability | operativity, and cost efficiency.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 1 is a recovery device for recovering the plankton algae cultured in the culture solution from the culture solution. And a conduit that forms a flow path for the culture solution containing the plankton algae, and a separating means for separating the plankton algae from the culture solution that flows through the conduit.

  Further, the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 2 is the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the separation means is a plankton algae having a predetermined size or more from the culture solution in the duct. It is characterized by comprising a sorting means for taking out.

  Further, the plankton algae collection device according to claim 3 is the plankton algae collection device according to claim 2, wherein the sorting means continuously moves the plankton algae in a direction along a longitudinal direction of the pipe line. A belt conveyor to be conveyed is provided, and at least a part of the belt portion of the belt conveyor is formed with mesh mesh having a mesh size smaller than the predetermined size, and is disposed at a position facing the water passage cross section of the pipe. It is characterized by.

  Further, the plankton algae collection device according to claim 4 is the plankton algae collection device according to claim 2, wherein the sorting means is a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe line. And a screw conveyor for continuous conveyance.

  Further, the plankton algae collection device according to claim 5 is the plankton algae collection device according to claim 2, wherein the sorting means precipitates the plankton algae having a predetermined size or more in the culture solution. The plankton algae precipitated in the precipitation means are taken out.

  Further, the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 6 is the plankton algae recovery device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sorting means is configured to remove the plankton algae attached to the sorting means. And a separating means for separating from the sorting means.

  Further, the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 7 is the plankton algae recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined gas contained in the culture solution is supplied from the pipe line. A gas leakage preventing means for preventing leakage to the outside is provided.

  Further, the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 8 is the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 7, wherein the gas leakage preventing means is surrounded by the side wall of the pipe line and the liquid level of the culture solution. A partition material for partitioning the space portion in a sealed manner is provided.

  According to the plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 1, by using the pipe line and the separation means, the recovery process by the recovery apparatus and the culture process by the culture tank can be performed continuously, and the plankton algae recovery Efficiency can be improved. In addition, by arranging the culture tank and the pipe line so as to form a circulation path, the plankton algae can be collected while circulating the culture solution, and the workability after the plankton algae collection can be improved. it can. Furthermore, when collecting plankton algae, there is no drainage to the outside of the collection device, so there is no need to provide a drainage facility, and the installation cost can be reduced.

  Further, according to the plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 2, by providing the separation means with the sorting means, plankton algae having a predetermined size or more can be taken out, and the plankton algae suitable for the user's purpose can be extracted. Can be recovered.

  Moreover, according to the plankton algae collection device according to claim 3, the plankton algae attached to the belt part of the belt conveyor by rotating the belt part of the belt conveyor by providing the belt conveyor in the sorting means. Can be recovered continuously. For example, it becomes easy to transport plankton algae from a pipeline, and even when a large amount of plankton algae is introduced into the pipeline, it can be efficiently recovered by rotating the belt portion of the belt conveyor. Moreover, when the belt part of a belt conveyor rotates, even when clogging has generate | occur | produced in the net | network of the belt part of the said belt conveyor, the fall of collection | recovery efficiency can be suppressed.

  Moreover, according to the plankton algae collection device according to claim 4, by providing the sorting means with a screw conveyor, the plankton algae deposited on the bottom of the pipeline can be collected without omission by rotating the screw conveyor. And recovery efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since a screw conveyor can be arrange | positioned along a perpendicular direction, the freedom degree of the layout of a collection | recovery apparatus can be raised.

  Further, according to the plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 5, since the sorting means is provided with the precipitation means, it is possible to sort by the specific gravity of the plankton algae, so that the plankton of a desired size can be obtained without using power. Algae can be collected and energy efficiency can be increased.

  Further, according to the plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 6, by providing the separation means with the separation means, the plankton algae attached to the belt conveyor can be easily separated, and the recovery rate is further improved. It is possible to prevent clogging of the belt portion of the belt conveyor.

  In addition, according to the plankton algae recovery device according to claim 7, by providing the gas leakage prevention means, it is possible to improve the hermeticity of the space portion of the duct and maintain the properties of the culture solution. In addition, the predetermined gas contained in the culture solution can be prevented from escaping.

  Moreover, according to the plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 8, by providing the gas leakage prevention means with the partition material, gas leakage can be prevented by a simple structure for partitioning the space in the pipeline. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a special member etc., and installation cost can also be suppressed.

  Embodiments of a plankton algae recovery apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, [I] the basic concept common to each embodiment was explained, then [II] the specific contents of each embodiment were explained, and [III] finally, a modification to each embodiment was explained. To do. However, the present invention is not limited to each embodiment.

[I] Basic concept common to the embodiments First, the basic concept common to the embodiments will be described. The plankton algae recovery apparatus according to each embodiment recovers plankton algae in a culture solution flowing through a pipeline.

  Here, the plankton algae to be collected in the present embodiment is a general term for plankton and algae that perform photosynthesis. Plankton is a floating organism that floats in the water or on the surface of the water. For example, phytoplankton such as diatoms and cyanobacteria and zooplankton that performs photosynthesis are applicable. Algae are organisms that mainly live in water or on the water surface among organisms that perform photosynthesis, and exclude moss plants, fern plants, and seed plants that inhabit the ground. For example, microalgae such as green algae, and new microalgae that are resistant to high-concentration carbon dioxide, such as Chlorococcum, Dolciventrale, or the microalgae belonging to the genus Gardieria, are applicable.

  The installation range of the plankton algae collection device according to each embodiment is arbitrary. Installed. And this collection | recovery apparatus is connected so that a flow path may be formed with a culture tank etc., and planktonic algae are collect | recovered, introducing the culture solution etc. of a culture tank into a collection | recovery apparatus.

  One of the features of the plankton algae recovery device according to each embodiment is to separate the plankton algae from the culture line that forms a flow path of the culture solution containing plankton algae and the culture solution that flows through the pipeline And a separating means. Thereby, the continuous process from the said collection | recovery apparatus to a culture tank can be performed by using a pipe line and a isolation | separation means, and the collection efficiency of plankton algae can be improved. In addition, by arranging the culture tank and the pipe line so as to form a circulation path, the plankton algae can be collected while circulating the culture solution, and the workability after the plankton algae collection can be improved. it can. Furthermore, when collecting plankton algae, there is no drainage to the outside of the collection device, so there is no need to provide a drainage facility, and the installation cost can be reduced.

[II] Specific Contents of Each Embodiment Next, specific contents of each embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In each of these embodiments, a belt conveyor is provided as the separating means. First, an outline of the overall configuration of the carbon dioxide regeneration system will be described. Next, details of the configuration of the plankton algae recovery device, which is a feature of the carbon dioxide regeneration system according to each embodiment, will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
(Configuration of carbon dioxide regeneration system)
The carbon dioxide regeneration system fixes a gas containing carbon dioxide such as exhaust gas from a thermal power plant to plankton algae. This carbon dioxide regeneration system is roughly divided into a plankton algae culture process and a biofuel production process. Here, the biofuel is 1) a fuel produced by dehydrating and drying plankton algae, 2) a biodiesel fuel produced using an esterification reaction using plankton algae that produce lipids, Or 3) Bioethanol produced by ethanol fermentation of plankton algae is included. In this embodiment, the type of gas including carbon dioxide to be regenerated and the generation source thereof are arbitrary, and the exhaust gas from the thermal power plant is described here as an example. Gases containing carbon dioxide generated by combustion gases from incineration facilities and other various industrial activities can be targeted for regeneration.

  The plankton algae culture process is a treatment process for immobilizing carbon dioxide input to the carbon dioxide regeneration system, a dissolution process for dissolving carbon dioxide in a predetermined liquid, a culture solution in which carbon dioxide is dissolved, and natural light. And the like, and the like.

  The biofuel production process is a bioethanol process. The separation process for separating the culture solution from the growth process and plankton algae, the saccharification process for saccharifying plankton algae, and the saccharified plankton algae using yeast It includes a fermentation process for fermentation, and a distillation process for distilling ethanol produced in the fermentation process. Here, since the collection device according to the present invention is installed in the plankton algae culture step, the plankton algae culture step will be described in detail below.

(Configuration of plankton algae culture process)
Next, the configuration of the plankton algae culture step 1 according to each embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plankton algae culture step 1 of the carbon dioxide regeneration system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, among the plankton algae culture process 1, the dissolution process includes an eliminator 20, a storage tank 30, a compressor 40, a dissolution apparatus 50, and an adjustment tank 60, and the growth process includes a culture tank 70. It is configured with. These parts are connected to each other by pipes as shown in the figure.

(Dissolution process)
The eliminator 20 gas-liquid separates the exhaust gas from the combustion apparatus 10. The storage tank 30 stores the exhaust gas introduced from the eliminator 20 via a pipeline. The compressor 40 compresses the exhaust gas sent from the storage tank 30 and leads it to the melting device 50. The dissolving device 50 dissolves exhaust gas in a predetermined liquid to generate a carbon dioxide adjusting liquid. The adjustment tank 60 is a storage tank for managing the carbon dioxide in the culture solution in the culture tank 70 to a predetermined concentration.

(Proliferation process)
The culture tank 70 is a storage tank for growing plankton algae. The culture tank 70 is provided with a lid 71, an LED 72, a reflector 73, a nutrient supply device 74, a return water port 75, filters 76 and 77, and a recovery device 100. Here, the configuration of the collection device 100 will be described later.

  The lid | cover 71 is provided in the position which covers the open port of the culture tank 70, traps the carbon dioxide released from the culture solution of the culture tank 70, and uses the culture tank 70 as a sealed container. The LED 72 irradiates the plankton algae with light at night when the amount of solar radiation is small, and is disposed on the inner surface of the lid 71. The reflection plate 73 is for guiding light such as natural light to the lower part of the culture tank 70, and is disposed on the bottom or bottom surface of the culture tank 70. The nutrient supply device 74 supplies nutrient salts as nutrients to the culture tank 70, and is disposed on the lid 71 or the wall of the culture tank 70. The return water port 75 is an open port for circulating the culture solution and seawater in the culture tank 70, and is disposed on the wall of the culture tank 70. The filters 76 and 77 are for preventing plankton algae in the culture tank 70 from flowing out, and are provided in the vicinity of the return water port 75 and the connection port leading to the adjustment tank 60.

(Overall configuration of collection device)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the plankton algae recovery apparatus according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. The plankton algae collection apparatus 100 includes a pipe line 110 and a belt conveyor 140.

(Configuration of recovery device-pipeline)
The pipe line 110 forms a flow path for a culture solution containing plankton algae. The installation method of the pipe line 110 is arbitrary. For example, the pipe line 110 is arranged so as to form a circulation path with the culture tank 70. The pipeline 110 includes a first pipeline 120 and a second pipeline 130.

  The 1st pipe line 120 is for conveying the culture solution containing plankton algae. The first conduit 120 is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having a substantially circular longitudinal section, and both ends of the first conduit 120 are connected to the culture tank 70. As shown in FIG. 1, an inlet 121 for introducing a culture solution from the culture tank 70 to the first conduit 120 is provided at one end of both ends of the first conduit 120, The other end portion is provided with a lead-out port 122 for leading the culture solution from the first conduit 120 to the culture tank 70, and the culture tank 70 and the first conduit 120 are continuous. . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a space portion 123 surrounded by the side wall of the first conduit 120 and the liquid level of the culture solution is formed inside the first conduit 120.

  The 2nd pipe line 130 forms the space for performing the collection | recovery operation | work of plankton algae. The second duct 130 is a hollow body having a substantially rectangular longitudinal section, and is formed of an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls, and is disposed between the first ducts 120. The size of the second pipeline 130 is arbitrary. For example, in order to secure a space for collecting plankton algae, the longitudinal section of the second pipeline 130 or the longitudinal direction of the second pipeline 130 is used. The length is set larger than that of the first pipe line 120. Inside the second duct 130, a pair of side walls, an upper wall of the second duct 130 and a space 131 surrounded by the liquid level of the culture solution are formed.

  One of the pair of side walls of the second conduit 130 is provided with an inlet 132 for introducing the culture solution from the first conduit 120 to the second conduit 130, and the other sidewall. Is provided with a lead-out port 133 for leading the culture solution from the second pipe 130 to the first pipe 120, and the first pipe 120 and the second pipe 130 are continuous. A recovery port 134 for transporting plankton algae to the outside of the second pipeline 130 is provided on the upper wall of the second pipeline 130.

  Further, a partition member 136 is provided in the vicinity of the recovery port 134 of the second pipeline 130. The partition member 136 is a member for partitioning the space 131 surrounded by the upper wall, the side wall, and the liquid surface of the culture medium in a hermetically sealed state, and means for preventing gas leakage in the claims. Corresponding to The partition member 136 is formed in a substantially plate-like body, and is arranged so that the surface direction of the partition member 136 is along the longitudinal section of the second pipeline 130, and is formed on the upper wall or the side wall of the second pipeline 130. It is fixed.

  The size of the partition member 136 is arbitrary, but is set to a size that maintains the space portions 123 and 131 in a sealed state. That is, in order to maintain the spaces 123 and 131 in a sealed state, the partition member 136 is formed so as to continuously extend downward from the inner upper surface of the second duct 130, and the lower end of the partition member 136 is , Always located below the lowest water level of the second conduit 130. Further, in order to maintain the spaces 123 and 131 in a sealed state, the water level of the second pipeline 130 may be adjusted. For example, a water level sensor is provided in the second pipeline 130 and the water level sensor The water level of the second conduit 130 may be positioned above the lower end of the partitioning material 136 by controlling the flow rate of the culture solution introduced from the adjustment tank 60 to the culture tank 70 according to the output. In addition, although the fixing method of the partition material 136 is arbitrary, for example, the partition material 136 is fixed to the upper wall or the side wall of the second pipeline 130 by welding or the like, or is attached to the side wall of the second pipeline 130. A concave portion may be provided and the partition member 136 may be fitted and fixed. Moreover, although the kind of partition material 136 is arbitrary, since the partition material 136 is exposed to a culture solution, it is desirable that the material is excellent in rust prevention. For example, a steel material, stainless steel material, This applies to high-strength plastic materials.

  Here, the first pipe 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the second pipe 130 is formed in a rectangular tube shape. However, the longitudinal sectional shape of the first pipe 120 and the second pipe 130 is used. The planar shape (arrangement) and structure are basically arbitrary. For example, the first pipe line 120 and the second pipe line 130 can be formed using a pipe having an arbitrary vertical cross-sectional shape including a circle. In order not to cause the culture fluid to stay in the first pipe line 120 or the second pipe line 130, it is more preferable that the vertical cross-sectional shape is circular, but the vertical cross-sectional shape is rectangular. However, it is possible to prevent the stagnation of the culture solution by providing the guide vanes around the corners where stagnation is likely to occur to generate turbulent flow. Moreover, when forming the 1st pipe line 120 and the 2nd pipe line 130 in the shape of a pipe line, the planar shape (arrangement | positioning) of these 1st pipe lines 120 and the 2nd pipe line 130 is made into a ring shape or a square ring shape. Thus, the plankton algae can be fluidly circulated with the culture solution inside the first pipeline 120 and the second pipeline 130, and the plankton algae can be grown in this circulation process. In this growth method, the small plankton algae that were not to be collected by the collection device 100 provided in the second pipe line 130 further circulate the culture tank 70 from one to several turns (the number of turns depends on the type of plankton algae). It can be different depending on the growth rate) and is collected in the collection device 100 and collected in the collection device 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to keep the plankton algae in one place for growth. is there. In addition, the planar shape (arrangement) of the first conduit 120 and the second conduit 130 can be a shape that matches the installation location of the culture tank 70. Moreover, although the 1st pipe line 120 and the 2nd pipe line 130 may be formed in the water channel shape which opened the upper part, in order to maintain the sealing property of the 1st pipe line 120 or the 2nd pipe line 130 It is preferable that the pipe is closed at the top.

(Configuration of collection device-belt conveyor)
The belt conveyor 140 is for continuously taking out plankton algae from the culture solution, and corresponds to the sorting means in the claims. The belt conveyor 140 is provided from the inside of the second pipeline 130 to the outside of the second pipeline 130 via the recovery port 134. The belt conveyor 140 includes a belt conveyor oblique portion 140a disposed obliquely upward with respect to the direction from the inlet 132 of the second conduit 130 toward the outlet 133 of the second conduit 130, and the belt conveyor oblique A belt conveyor upper part 140b bent substantially horizontally from the upper end of the part 140a is integrally provided. The belt conveyor 140 includes a belt part 141 and a driving roller part 142.

  The belt portion 141 is for taking out plankton algae having a predetermined size or more from the culture solution. The belt portion 141 is formed of a mesh-like mesh, and is arranged along an elliptical direction having the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor oblique portion 140a or the belt conveyor upper portion 140b as a major axis. The mesh size of the belt portion 141 is determined by the desired size of the plankton algae to be collected. Since the desired size of the plankton algae may vary depending on the type of plankton algae or the plankton algae recovery cycle, the size of the mesh of the belt portion 141 may be changed according to these parameters. The type of the belt part 141 is arbitrary, but plankton algae are pressed against the belt part 141 or the belt part 141 is exposed to the culture solution, so that a material having high rigidity and resistance to rust is obtained. Preferably, for example, stainless steel, copper, or high-strength polyester fiber is applicable.

  The drive roller portion 142 is a cylindrical body for rotating the belt portion 141 and is provided inside the annular belt portion 141. The drive roller unit 142 includes a motor unit (not shown).

  The belt conveyor 140 is provided with blades 150a and 150b and sub-belt conveyors 160a and 160b. The blades 150a and 150b are for peeling plankton algae attached to the belt conveyor 140 from the belt conveyor 140, and correspond to the peeling means in the claims.

  The blade 150a is a substantially plate-like body, and is arranged above the belt conveyor upper portion 140b so as to be substantially orthogonal to the surface direction of the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor upper portion 140b. Standing in contact. The blade 150 a is disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 140. Thereby, plankton algae after peeling can be prevented from accumulating in the vicinity of the blade 150a.

  The blade 150b is a substantially plate-like body, and below the belt conveyor upper portion 140b, the belt conveyor 140 is arranged such that the plate surface of the blade 150b is substantially orthogonal to the surface direction of the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140. The belt portion 141 is erected in contact with the belt portion 141. Thereby, the plankton algae peeled off by the blade 150b are dropped from the belt conveyor upper part 140b and can be smoothly sent to the sub-belt conveyor 160b.

  The type of the blades 150a and 150b is arbitrary, but a material that does not damage the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 is preferable. For example, stainless steel, copper, or high strength that is lower in strength than the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 is used. For example, high-strength polyester fiber. The specific shapes of the blades 150a and 150b are arbitrary. For example, in order to effectively peel plankton algae adhering to the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140, the tips of the blades 150a and 150b are brush-shaped. This is the case.

  The sub belt conveyors 160a and 160b are for conveying plankton algae taken out by the belt conveyor 140 to the next process. The sub-belt conveyor 160a is arranged side by side at a position substantially parallel to the belt conveyor 140 along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 140. The sub-belt conveyor 160b is provided below the belt conveyor upper portion 140b so as to be along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 140.

  The sub belt conveyor 160a is provided with a belt portion 161a, a driving roller portion (not shown), and a motor portion (not shown), and the sub belt conveyor 160b is provided with a belt portion 161b, a driving roller portion 162b, and a motor portion (not shown). Yes. The belt portions 161a and 161b are for loading plankton algae. The belt portions 161a and 161b are formed of a planar face material, and are arranged along an elliptical direction having the longitudinal direction of the sub-belt conveyor 160a as a major axis. The belts 161a and 161b can be of any type, but plankton algae contain moisture, and are therefore preferably resistant to rust. Examples include stainless steel plates, rubber plates, and plastic plates.

(Function of collection device)
The function of the collection apparatus 100 configured as described above is as follows. First, the collection port 134 of the second conduit 130 is opened, and the motor units (not shown) of the belt conveyor 140 and the sub belt conveyors 160a and 160b are driven, so that the belt conveyor 140 and the sub belt conveyors 160a and 160b rotate. .

  Next, the culture solution is introduced from the culture tank 70 into the duct 110. Since this pipe line 110 is arranged so as to form a circulation path with the culture tank 70 for culturing plankton algae, the culture solution containing plankton algae passes through the first pipe 120 from the culture tank 70 to the second pipe. It is conveyed to the channel 130 and conveyed from the second pipeline 130 to the culture tank 70 via the first pipeline 120. In the second pipeline 130 that collects plankton algae, the culture solution introduced from the inlet 132 of the second pipeline 130 is inclined by a belt conveyor provided at a position facing the water passage cross section of the second pipeline 130. It passes through the direction part 140a and is led out to the lead-out port 133 of the second pipe line 130. Here, the flow rate of the culture solution in the second pipeline 130 is set to such an extent that the culture solution is immersed in a part of the partition material 136 fixed to the upper wall or side wall of the second pipeline 130. The space part 123 of the pipe line 120 and the space part 131 of the second pipe line 130 can be kept sealed.

  In the second pipeline 130, the travel route of plankton algae in the culture solution introduced from the inlet 132 is roughly divided into a passage route and a recovery route depending on the size of the plankton algae.

  First, in the passage route, when the plankton algae do not have a predetermined size, the plankton algae pass through the mesh of the belt part 141 of the belt conveyor 140 and are led to the outlet 133 along with the culture solution.

  Next, the recovery route is as follows. First, when the plankton algae have a predetermined size, the plankton algae adhere to the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140. The adhered plankton algae are conveyed from the belt conveyor oblique portion 140a to the belt conveyor upper portion 140b by the rotation of the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140. The plankton algae adhering to the belt part 141 of the belt conveyor 140 is peeled from the belt part 141 of the belt conveyor 140 by coming into contact with the blades 150a and 150b installed on the belt conveyor upper part 140b. Finally, the peeled plankton algae are sent out to the sub-belt conveyors 160a and 160b by the blades 150a and 150b, and conveyed to the next process by the sub-belt conveyors 160a and 160b.

  Through the above operation, plankton algae having a predetermined size are collected. This operation is continuously performed, and is repeated until a predetermined amount of plankton algae in the culture solution in the culture tank 70 is recovered. Although the operation method of the belt conveyor 140 is arbitrary, the clogging of the belt part 141 is prevented, or plankton algae having a predetermined size or less adhering to the belt part 141 are separated and flowed to the passage route. For example, the belt part 141 of the belt conveyor 140 may be vibrated by repeating the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the belt part 141 of the belt conveyor 140 every set interval.

(Effect of Embodiment 1)
As described above, according to the first embodiment, by including the pipe line 110 and the belt conveyor 140, the recovery process by the recovery device 100 and the culture process by the culture tank 70 can be continuously performed, and the recovery efficiency is improved. Can be made. In particular, the rotation of the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 facilitates the transportation of plankton algae, and when a large amount of plankton algae is introduced into the pipeline 110, the belt conveyor 140 can be efficiently recovered and the belt conveyor 140 can be recovered. In the case where clogging occurs in the mesh of the belt portion 141, a reduction in recovery efficiency can be suppressed. Further, by arranging the culture tank 70 and the pipeline 110 so as to form a circulation path, the plankton algae can be collected without draining the culture solution to the outside of the collection device 100. Workability of the culture process can be improved. Furthermore, since it is a structure using the pipe line 110 and the belt conveyor 140, a large apparatus is not required and the installation cost can be reduced, such as being able to flexibly cope with the installation environment.

  Further, by forming the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 with a mesh-like mesh ground, the mesh of the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 can be set to a predetermined size, and the plankton algae to be collected Flexible selection according to the type and plankton algae recovery cycle.

  Further, by providing the belt conveyor 140 with the blades 150a and 150b, the plankton algae attached to the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 can be easily peeled off by the blades 150a and 150b. Further, the recovery rate of plankton algae can be improved, and a reduction in recovery efficiency due to clogging of the belt portion 141 of the belt conveyor 140 can be prevented.

  Moreover, by providing the partition material 136, the airtightness of the space part 123 of the 1st pipe line 120 and the space part 131 of the 2nd pipe line 130 is maintained, and while maintaining the property of a culture solution, a culture solution It is possible to prevent the predetermined gas contained therein from escaping. Moreover, since it is a structure which adheres to the upper wall or side wall of the pipe line 110, installation is easy, it is not necessary to provide a special member etc., and installation cost can also be suppressed.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a screw conveyor is provided as a separating means. The configuration of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified, and the configuration substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment is the same as that used in the first embodiment. And the description thereof will be omitted (the same applies to the third embodiment).

(Constitution)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plankton algae collection apparatus according to Embodiment 2, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. The plankton algae collection apparatus 200 includes a pipe line 210, a screw conveyor 260, and a belt conveyor 270.

(Configuration of the pipeline)
The pipe line 210 forms a flow path for a culture solution containing plankton algae. This pipe line 210 includes a first pipe line 220 and a second pipe line 230, and after being pulled out from the culture tank 70, is introduced into the culture tank 70 again to collect the culture solution in the culture tank 70. Circulate continuously through the apparatus 200.

  The first pipe line 220 is for conveying a culture solution containing plankton algae, and is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having a substantially circular longitudinal section, and both ends of the first pipe line 220 are formed in the culture tank 70. Connected to form a circulation path. As shown in FIG. 1, an inlet 221 is provided at one end of the both ends of the first conduit 220, and an outlet 222 is provided at the other end. In addition, the first pipeline 220 is continuous. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a space 223 surrounded by the side wall of the first conduit 220 and the liquid level of the culture solution is formed inside the first conduit 220.

  Further, a partition material 224 is provided in the vicinity of the second pipeline 230 in the first pipeline 220. The partition material 224 is a member for partitioning the space 223 surrounded by the side wall of the first pipe line 220 and the culture solution into a sealed state. The partition member 224 is formed of a substantially plate-like body, is disposed along the longitudinal section of the first pipeline 220, and is fixed to the side wall of the first pipeline 220. Although the size of the partition member 224 is arbitrary, it is set to a size that keeps the space 223 sealed. That is, in order to maintain the space 223 in a sealed state, the partition member 224 is formed so as to continuously extend downward from the inner upper surface of the first conduit 220, and the lower end of the partition member 224 is It is always located below the lowest water level of one pipeline 220. In order to maintain the space 223 in a sealed state, the water level of the first pipeline 220 may be adjusted. For example, a water level sensor is provided in the first pipeline 220, and the output of the water level sensor is used. Accordingly, the water level of the first pipeline 220 may be positioned above the lower end of the partition member 224 by controlling the flow rate of the culture solution introduced from the adjustment tank 60 to the culture tank 70. In particular, in the second embodiment, since the culture solution is transported upward together with plankton algae by the screw conveyor 260, it is considered that the fluctuation of the water level of the first pipeline 220 is likely to occur. Therefore, as described above, the first pipeline It is preferable to adjust the water level of 220.

  The second pipeline 230 forms a space for performing a plankton algae collection operation, and is provided between the first pipelines 220. The second pipe 230 includes a second pipe outer pipe 240 and a second pipe inner pipe 250.

  The second outer pipe 240 is for storing the culture solution introduced from the first pipe 220. The second pipe outer tube 240 is a hollow cylindrical body having a substantially circular longitudinal section, and is formed from a lower wall and a side wall. The longitudinal direction of the second pipe outer tube 240 is the first pipe 220. It arrange | positions so that it may cross substantially orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal direction. In addition, the size of the second pipe outer tube 240 is arbitrary. For example, the inner diameter and the vertical length of the second pipe outer tube 240 take into account the difference in the sedimentation rate depending on the size and type of plankton algae. Thus, the plankton algae having a predetermined size are set to settle on the bottom of the second outer pipe 240.

  In addition, on the side wall of the second outer pipe 240, an inlet 241 for introducing a culture solution from the first pipe 220 to the second outer pipe 240 and the second outer pipe 240. A lead-out port 242 for leading the culture solution from the first pipe 220 to the first pipe 220 is provided, and the first pipe 220 and the second pipe outer pipe 240 are continuous. In addition, a water receiving port 243 is provided at the upper end of the second pipe outer tube 240 to return the culture solution spilled during transportation of plankton algae to the second pipe outer tube 240.

  The second inner pipe 250 is for transporting plankton algae stored in the second outer pipe 240 to the outside. The second pipe inner pipe 250 is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having a substantially circular vertical cross section, and extends from the second pipe outer part 240 to the second pipe outer part 240 through the water receiving port 243. The second pipe inner pipe 250 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the second pipe inner pipe 250 is along the longitudinal direction of the second pipe outer pipe 240. Specifically, the second pipe inner pipe 250 is arranged such that the lower end of the second pipe inner pipe 250 is arranged in a non-contact manner with the lower wall of the second pipe outer pipe 240, and The side wall of the pipe 250 is fixed to the plurality of connecting members 255 protruding from the side wall of the second outer pipe 240 by welding or the like. The size of the second pipe inner pipe 250 is arbitrary. For example, the inner diameter of the second pipe inner pipe 250 is set from a transport amount capable of transporting a predetermined amount of plankton algae. Further, the vertical length of the second pipe inner pipe 250 is set so as to be positioned above the second pipe outer pipe 240 when the second pipe inner pipe 250 is installed.

  The second conduit pipe 250 is provided with a first recovery port 251 and a second recovery port 252. The first recovery port 251 is for transporting the culture solution inside the second outer pipe 240 to the second inner pipe 250 and is provided at the lower end of the second inner pipe 250. Yes. The second recovery port 252 is for conveying plankton algae together with the culture solution from the inside of the second pipe inner pipe 250 to the outside of the second pipe inner pipe 250, and the upper end of the second pipe inner pipe 250. To the upper side of the screw conveyor 260.

(Configuration of screw conveyor)
The screw conveyor 260 is for continuously taking out plankton algae having a predetermined size or more from the culture solution, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the second pipe inner pipe 250 inside the second pipe inner pipe 250. Is provided. The screw conveyor 260 includes a screw part 261 and a motor part (not shown).

  The screw part 261 is for conveying plankton algae deposited on the bottom of the second outer pipe 240 to the outside of the second inner pipe 250. The screw portion 261 is formed of a non-mesh surface material and is arranged in a spiral shape along the longitudinal direction of the second pipe-inner tube 250. Although the size of the screw portion 261 is arbitrary, for example, the outer diameter of the screw portion 261 is set so that the plankton algae taken in the second pipe inner tube 250 can be collected without leakage. It is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the pipe 250. Further, the vertical length of the screw part 261 is set so that the plankton algae are not scattered in the vicinity of the second conduit pipe 250 when the plankton algae are carried out from the second recovery port 252 of the second conduit pipe 250. The length is set shorter than the vertical length of the second pipe 250.

(Configuration of belt conveyor)
The belt conveyor 270 is for selecting the plankton algae taken out from the screw conveyor 260. From below the second collection port 252 of the second pipe inner pipe 250, the belt conveyor 270 is arranged outside the second pipe inner pipe 250. It is arranged substantially horizontally so as to reach. The belt conveyor 270 includes a belt portion 271 formed of a mesh mesh and a driving roller portion 272. The drive roller unit 272 includes a motor unit (not shown). Here, the combination of the screw conveyor 260 and the belt conveyor 270 corresponds to the selection means in the claims.

  The belt conveyor 270 is provided with blades 280a and 280b. These blades 280a and 280b are for peeling plankton algae adhering to the belt portion 271 of the belt conveyor 270, and are formed as a substantially plate-like body, and above and below the belt conveyor 270, the belt of the belt conveyor 270. The belt portion 271 is erected in contact with the belt portion 271 of the belt conveyor 270 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the surface direction of the portion 271. The blade 280b is disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 270.

  The belt conveyor 270 is provided with a sub-belt conveyor 290. The sub-belt conveyor 290 is for conveying plankton algae selected by the belt conveyor 270 to the next process, and is arranged in parallel with the belt conveyor 270 along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 270. Has been. The sub-belt conveyor 290 includes a planar belt portion 291, a driving roller portion (not shown), and a motor portion (not shown).

(Function of collection device)
The function of the collection apparatus 200 configured as described above is as follows. First, the water receiving port 243 of the second outer pipe 240 and the second recovery port 252 of the second inner pipe 250 are opened, and motor units (not shown) of the screw conveyor 260, the belt conveyor 270, and the sub-belt conveyor 290 are opened. Is driven, the screw conveyor 260 and the sub-belt conveyor 290 rotate.

  Next, by introducing the culture medium from the culture tank 70 to the pipe line 210, the culture liquid containing plankton algae is conveyed from the culture tank 70 to the second pipe line 230 via the first pipe line 220, and It is conveyed from the two pipelines 230 to the culture tank 70 via the first pipeline 220. In the second conduit 230 for collecting plankton algae, the culture solution introduced from the inlet 241 of the second outer conduit 240 passes through the second inner conduit 250 through the second outer conduit 240. It leads to the outlet 242 or leads to the outlet 242 of the second outer pipe 240 without going through the second inner pipe 250. Here, the flow rate of the culture solution flowing through the first pipeline 220 is set to a flow rate such that the culture solution is immersed in a part of the partition material 224 standing on the side wall of the first pipeline 220. The space part 223 of the pipe line 220 can be kept sealed.

  In this second pipeline 230, the progression route of plankton algae in the culture solution introduced from the inlet 241 of the second outer pipe 240 is divided into a passage route and a recovery route depending on the size of the plankton algae. Broadly divided.

  First, when the plankton algae does not have a predetermined size, the plankton algae flow in the vicinity of the liquid surface (water surface) of the second pipe outer tube 240, and the second pipe along with the culture solution. It leads to the outlet 242 of the outer tube 240.

  Next, the recovery route is as follows. First, when the plankton algae have a predetermined size, the plankton algae settle into the second outer pipe 240 by their own weight after flowing into the second outer pipe 240. Precipitated plankton algae accumulate on the bottom of the second pipe outer pipe 240 and are pumped up from below the second pipe inner pipe 250 together with the culture solution by the rotation of the screw part 261 of the screw conveyor 260. The plankton algae pumped up above the second inner pipe 250 are sent to the belt conveyor 270 through the second recovery port 252 together with the culture solution. At this time, the plankton algae and the culture solution that do not have a predetermined size fall below the belt conveyor 270 by the belt portion 271 of the mesh-shaped belt conveyor 270, and The water is returned to the second outer pipe 240 through the water receiving port 243. The plankton algae adhering to the belt portion 271 of the belt conveyor 270 is peeled from the belt portion 271 of the belt conveyor 270 by coming into contact with the blades 280a and 280b installed on the belt conveyor 270. Finally, the peeled plankton algae are sent out to the sub-belt conveyor 290 by the blade 280b and conveyed to the next process by the sub-belt conveyor 290.

  Through the above operation, plankton algae having a predetermined size are collected. This operation is continuously performed, and is repeated until a predetermined amount of plankton algae in the culture solution in the culture tank 70 is recovered.

  In addition, the screw conveyor 260 can be configured in an arbitrary structure as long as plankton algae having a predetermined size can be selected. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a screw conveyor 260 according to a modification, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the second pipe inner pipe 250 and the screw portion 261 of the screw conveyor 260 are disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second pipe outer pipe 240. The installation angle of the second pipe inner pipe 250 and the screw portion 261 of the screw conveyor 260 is arbitrary, but may be set to 45 degrees with respect to the installation surface, for example.

  According to this structure, the load of the screw part 261 of the screw conveyor 260 can be reduced at the time of conveyance of a culture solution and plankton algae, and the conveyance property of the said culture solution and plankton algae can be improved.

(Effect of Embodiment 2)
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the plankton algae deposited on the bottom of the second outer pipe 240 are collected without leakage by providing the screw conveyor 260 in addition to the effects substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. And the recovery efficiency of plankton algae can be improved. Moreover, by adjusting the size of the second outer pipe 240 and the installation position of the screw conveyor 260, it is possible to cope with the sedimentation rate due to the difference in the size and type of plankton algae, and the plankton size selection accuracy is improved. be able to. Moreover, since the screw conveyor 260 can be arrange | positioned along a perpendicular direction, the freedom degree of the layout of the collection | recovery apparatus 200 can be raised.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the third embodiment, precipitation means is provided as separation means.

(Constitution)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the plankton algae collection apparatus according to Embodiment 3, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. The plankton algae collection device 300 includes a pipe 310 and a belt conveyor 370.

(Configuration of the pipeline)
The pipe line 310 forms a flow path for a culture solution containing plankton algae. The pipeline 310 includes a first pipeline 320 and a second pipeline 330.

  The first pipe line 320 is for conveying a culture solution containing plankton algae, and is formed of a hollow cylindrical body having a substantially circular longitudinal section, and both ends of the first pipe line 320 are formed in the culture tank 70. Connected to form a circulation path. As shown in FIG. 1, an inlet 321 is provided at one end of the both ends of the first conduit 320, and an outlet 322 is provided at the other end. And the said 1st pipe line 320 is continuing. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a space portion 323 surrounded by the side wall of the first conduit 320 and the liquid level of the culture solution is formed inside the first conduit 320.

  The 2nd pipe line 330 forms the space for performing the collection | recovery operation | work of plankton algae. The second pipeline 330 is formed of a hollow body having a substantially rectangular longitudinal section and is disposed between the first pipelines 320. The second pipeline 330 includes a sedimentation section 340, a connection section 350, and a collection section 360.

  The precipitation part 340 is for precipitating plankton algae contained in the culture solution, and corresponds to the precipitation means in the claims. The sedimentation part 340 is formed from an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls, and is disposed at a position where the pair of side walls are connected to the first pipe line 320. Although the size of the sedimentation part 340 is arbitrary, for example, when the range of the size of the plankton algae to be collected is widened, the length in the connection direction between the first pipeline 320 and the sedimentation part 340 is increased, or When the range of the size of the plankton algae to be collected is narrowed, the length in the connecting direction between the first pipeline 320 and the settling portion 340 is reduced. Inside the precipitation part 340, a space part 341 surrounded by the upper wall of the precipitation part 340, a pair of side walls, and the liquid level of the culture solution is formed.

  Of the pair of side walls of the sedimentation section 340 connected to the first pipe line 320, an inlet 342 for introducing the culture solution from the first pipe line 320 to the second pipe line 330 is formed on one side wall. The other side wall is provided with a lead-out port 343 for leading the culture solution from the second pipe 330 to the first pipe 320. The first pipe 320 and the second pipe 330 is continuous.

  The connection part 350 is for connecting the precipitation part 340 and the collection | recovery part 360, and respond | corresponds to the gas leak prevention means in a claim. The connecting portion 350 is formed of an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls, and is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the connecting direction of the first pipe line 320 and the settling portion 340. Are connected to the side wall of the precipitation portion 340 by welding or the like. Although the size of the connecting portion 350 is arbitrary, it is set to a size that maintains the airtightness of the space portion 323 of the first pipe line 320 and the space portion 341 of the settling portion 340. That is, in order to maintain the space portions 323 and 341 in a sealed state, the upper wall of the connection portion 350 is always positioned below the lowest water level of the precipitation portion 340 so that the connection portion 350 is fully filled with the culture solution. To be. Further, in order to maintain the space portions 323 and 341 in a sealed state, the water level of the sedimentation portion 340 may be adjusted. For example, a water level sensor is provided in the sedimentation portion 340 and the water level sensor is output according to the output of the water level sensor. By controlling the flow rate of the culture solution introduced from the adjustment tank 60 to the culture tank 70, the water level of the precipitation unit 340 is positioned above the upper wall of the connection unit 350.

  A connection port 351 for circulating the culture solution of the precipitation unit 340 and the culture solution of the connection unit 350 is provided on the side wall of the connection unit 350.

  The collection unit 360 forms a space for performing a plankton algae collection operation. The collection unit 360 is formed of a lower wall and a pair of side walls, and is provided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the connection direction between the first pipe line 320 and the settling unit 340, and the side wall of the collection unit 360 is It is connected to the side wall of the connecting portion 350 by welding or the like. The size of the collection unit 360 is arbitrary, but is set to a size that can secure a space for collecting plankton algae, for example.

  A connection port 362 for circulating the culture solution of the connection unit 350 and the culture solution of the recovery unit 360 is provided on the side wall of the recovery unit 360. In addition, a recovery port 363 for transporting plankton algae to the outside of the second pipeline 330 is provided at the upper end of the recovery unit 360.

(Configuration of belt conveyor)
The belt conveyor 370 is for continuously taking out plankton algae from the culture solution, and corresponds to the sorting means in the claims. The belt conveyor 370 is provided from the inside of the second pipeline 330 to the outside of the second pipeline 330 via the recovery port 363. Specifically, the belt conveyor 370 has a belt conveyor lower portion 370a disposed substantially horizontally from the bottom of the sedimentation section 340 to the connecting section 350, and a direction from the belt conveyor lower section 370a toward the upper end of the collection section 360. The belt conveyor oblique portion 370b bent obliquely upward and the belt conveyor upper portion 370c bent substantially horizontally from the upper end of the belt conveyor oblique portion 370b are integrally provided. The belt conveyor 370 includes a belt portion 371 and a driving roller portion 372 formed of a mesh mesh. The drive roller unit 372 includes a motor unit (not shown).

  The belt conveyor 370 is provided with a blade 380 and a sub belt conveyor 390. The blade 380 is for peeling plankton algae attached to the belt portion 371 of the belt conveyor 370. The blade 380 is a substantially plate-like body, and the belt conveyor 370 is disposed above the belt conveyor upper portion 370c so that the plate surface of the blade 380 is substantially orthogonal to the surface direction of the belt portion 371 of the belt conveyor 370. The belt portion 371 is erected in contact. Further, the blade 380 is disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 370.

  The sub-belt conveyor 390 is for conveying plankton algae taken out by the belt conveyor 370 to the next process, and is arranged in a position substantially parallel to the belt conveyor 370 along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor 370. It is installed. The sub-belt conveyor 390 includes a planar belt portion 391, a driving roller portion (not shown), and a motor portion (not shown).

(Function of collection device)
The function of the collection apparatus 300 configured in this way is as follows. First, the collection port 363 of the collection unit 360 is opened, and the belt conveyor 370 and the sub-belt conveyor 390 are rotated by driving the motor units (not shown) of the belt conveyor 370 and the sub-belt conveyor 390.

  Next, by introducing the culture medium from the culture tank 70 to the pipe line 310, the culture liquid containing plankton algae is conveyed from the culture tank 70 to the second pipe line 330 via the first pipe line 320, and The two pipes 330 are conveyed to the culture tank 70 through the first pipe 320. In the second pipeline 330 that collects plankton algae, the culture solution introduced from the inlet 342 of the sedimentation section 340 is led to the outlet 343 of the sedimentation section 340 via the sedimentation section 340, or the sedimentation section 340, It is led out to the outlet 343 of the precipitation part 340 through the connecting part 350 and the recovery part 360. Here, the flow rate of the culture solution flowing through the second pipeline 330 is set to a flow rate at which the connecting portion 350 is full, so that the space portion 323 of the first pipeline 320 and the space portion 341 of the sedimentation portion 340 are set. It can be kept sealed.

  In this second pipeline 330, the travel route of plankton algae in the culture solution introduced from the inlet 342 of the sedimentation section 340 is roughly divided into a passage route and a recovery route depending on the size of the plankton algae. .

  First, when the plankton algae does not have a predetermined size, the plankton algae flow near the liquid surface (water surface) of the settling part 340 and pass along the culture solution to the outlet 343 of the settling part 340. Derived.

  Next, the recovery route is as follows. First, when the plankton algae have a predetermined size, the plankton algae settles on the bottom of the settling part 340 due to its own weight, and accumulates on the belt conveyor lower part 370a disposed on the bottom of the settling part 340. The accumulated plankton algae is conveyed from the belt conveyor lower portion 370a to the belt conveyor upper portion 370c via the belt conveyor oblique portion 370b by the rotation of the belt portion 371 of the belt conveyor 370. The plankton algae conveyed to the belt conveyor upper portion 370 c are peeled off from the belt portion 371 of the belt conveyor 370 by contacting the blade 380. Finally, the peeled plankton algae are sent out to the sub-belt conveyor 390 by the blade 380 and conveyed to the next process by the sub-belt conveyor 390.

  Through the above operation, plankton algae having a predetermined size are collected. This operation is continuously performed, and is repeated until a predetermined amount of plankton algae in the culture solution in the culture tank 70 is recovered.

(Effect of Embodiment 3)
As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment, the second conduit 330 includes the settling portion 340, thereby enabling the selection based on the specific gravity of plankton algae. For example, in the case of the same type of plankton algae, it is possible to select a plankton algae of a predetermined size or more, and it is possible to select by the specific gravity of the plankton algae. It can be recovered and energy efficiency can be increased. Further, by combining the sedimentation section 340 and the belt conveyor 370, plankton algae having a predetermined size are prevented from adhering to the belt section 371 of the belt conveyor 370, and the plankton algae sorting accuracy of the belt conveyor 370 is improved. To do.

  In addition, by providing the connecting portion 350, even when the recovery port 363 of the recovery portion 360 is opened, the airtightness of the space portion 323 of the first conduit 320 and the space portion 341 of the sedimentation portion 340 is maintained, and the properties of the culture solution Can be maintained, and the predetermined gas contained in the culture medium can be prevented from escaping.

[III] Modifications to Each Embodiment While each embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention are the same as the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Modifications and improvements can be arbitrarily made within the range. Hereinafter, such a modification will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and the present invention solves the problems not described above or has the effects not described above. There are also cases where only some of the described problems are solved or only some of the described effects are achieved.

(Combination of each embodiment)
The configurations shown in the embodiments can be combined with each other, and the recovery device 100 of the first embodiment and the recovery device 200 of the second embodiment (or the recovery device 300 of the third embodiment) are connected in series. It is good also as a structure. For example, when two types of plankton algae are collected with the same size, assuming that the culture fluid flows in the direction from the collection device 200 to the collection device 100, first, the plankton algae with a high specific gravity are those of the second embodiment. The other type of plankton algae is recovered by the recovery device 200 and recovered by the recovery device 100 of the first embodiment.

(About peeling means)
The peeling means is not limited to a blade, and may be an air nozzle that ejects air or liquid at high pressure. For example, an air nozzle that can adjust the injection amount of air or liquid is installed in the belt conveyor, and the injection amount of the air nozzle is adjusted according to the size and type of plankton algae, so that the plankton adhered to the belt part of the belt conveyor Algae are effectively peeled off.

  The plankton algae recovery apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to a recovery apparatus that recovers plankton algae in a culture solution, and is useful for improving the recovery, workability, and cost of plankton algae.

It is the schematic which showed the plankton algae culture process of the carbon dioxide regeneration system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a plankton algae collection device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. 6 is a perspective view of a plankton algae collection apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the screw conveyor which concerns on a modification. It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plankton algae collection device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Plankton algae culture process 10 Combustion apparatus 20 Eliminator 30 Storage tank 40 Compressor 50 Dissolution apparatus 60 Adjustment tank 70 Culture tank 71 Lid 72 LED
73 Reflector plate 74 Nutrient supply device 75 Return water port 76, 77 Filter 100, 200, 300 Recovery device 110, 210, 310 Pipe line 120, 220, 320 First pipe line 121, 132, 221, 241, 321, 342 Inlet port 122, 133, 222, 242, 322, 343 Outlet port 123, 131, 223, 323, 341 Space portion 130, 230, 330 Second pipe 134, 363 Collection port 136, 224 Partition material 140, 270, 370 Belt conveyor 140a, 370b Belt conveyor oblique part 140b, 370c Belt conveyor upper part 141, 161a, 161b, 271, 291, 371, 391 Belt part 142, 162b, 272, 372 Driving roller part 150a, 150b, 280a, 280b, 380 Blade 16 a, 160b, 290, 390 Sub-belt conveyor 240 Second pipe outer pipe 243 Water receiving port 250 Second pipe inner pipe 251 First recovery port 252 Second recovery port 255 Connecting material 260 Screw conveyor 261 Screw unit 340 Precipitation unit 350 Connection part 351,362 Connection port 360 Collection part 370a Belt conveyor lower part

Claims (8)

A recovery device for recovering plankton algae cultured in a culture solution from the culture solution,
A conduit that forms a flow path of the culture solution containing the plankton algae;
Separation means for separating the plankton algae from the culture fluid flowing through the pipeline;
An apparatus for recovering plankton algae, comprising: The separation means comprises a selection means for taking out the plankton algae having a predetermined size or more from the culture solution in the duct;
The plankton algae collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The sorting means includes a belt conveyor that continuously conveys the plankton algae in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the pipeline,
Forming at least a part of the belt portion of the belt conveyor with a mesh mesh having a mesh size smaller than the predetermined size, and disposing the belt portion at a position facing the water passage cross section of the pipe;
The plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The sorting means includes a screw conveyor that continuously conveys the plankton algae in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe line,
The plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The selection means includes a precipitation means for precipitating the plankton algae having a predetermined size or more in the culture solution, and taking out the plankton algae precipitated in the precipitation means;
The plankton algae recovery apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The sorting means comprises a peeling means for peeling the plankton algae attached to the sorting means from the sorting means;
The plankton algae collection device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein Comprising gas leakage prevention means for preventing the predetermined gas contained in the culture medium from leaking from the pipe line to the outside;
The plankton algae collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The gas leakage preventing means includes a partition material for hermetically partitioning the space surrounded by the side wall of the pipe line and the liquid level of the culture solution;
The plankton algae collection apparatus according to claim 7.

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