JP2016158511A - Method for accepting and concentrating algae water containing cultured algae from culture pond, cultured algae water concentration system, and operation method of cultured algae water concentration system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for accepting and concentrating algae water containing cultured algae from a culture pond while an affect of algae mucus is reduced in concentrating algae water of the culture pond by using a filter, a cultured algae water concentration system, and an operation method of the cultured algae water concentration system.SOLUTION: A method for accepting and concentrating algae water containing cultured algae from a culture pond comprises: a process of pooling algae water 10 containing cultured algae for a predetermined time in the state of blocked light and no water flow, and no nutrient given to the water; a process of introducing the pooled algae water 10 into a lower space of a concentration container 1 which is sectioned into upper and lower spaces by a filter 3; a process of vibrating the filter 3 toward the outside of its surface and processing the algae water 10, which is introduced into the concentration container 1, by the filter; and a process of separating the algae water 11 having passed the filter 3 and recovering the algae water 13 containing algae which do not pass the filter 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for receiving and concentrating algae water containing cultured algae from a culture pond, a cultured algae water concentration system, and a method for operating the cultured algae water concentration system.

  In recent years, algae has attracted attention as a raw material for supplements such as EPA and DHA. In addition, there is a growing interest in algae as food. Furthermore, research has been conducted on the use of algae as a biofuel as an alternative energy to fossil fuels. In this way, the demand for algae is expected to increase, and construction of algae production plants is underway at home and abroad. Starting in 2020, EU and other countries have been obligated to mix 20% of biofuel with jet fuel. However, for jet fuel purified from cultured algae water, the current production method for algae water has a low production cost. There is a problem that it is expensive and inferior to fossil fuels in terms of cost.

  There are many types of algae, and their sizes vary. Nannochloropsis is 5μ, Botryococcus, Auranthiochytrium is about 50μ, and the size varies greatly depending on the type.

  In the algae water plant, the algae are cultured in the culture pond, and the algae that have grown up are collected and sent to the next process for drying and oil extraction. However, the algae collected together with water from the culture pond contains algae of less than specified size, and there is too much water to be used in the drying and oil extraction process. However, it is necessary to concentrate the algae water. At present, the algae water concentration is generally performed by a method of separating and concentrating with a centrifugal separator, or a method of separating and concentrating algae and water with a flat membrane, a hollow fiber membrane or an RO membrane. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In the case of the separation and concentration method using a centrifugal separator, the capital investment is large, and the equipment maintenance cost and operation cost are high. In the case of a separation / concentration method using a flat membrane, a hollow fiber membrane, or an RO membrane, it is necessary to apply a high pressure to the separation / concentration. In addition, the membrane must be periodically cleaned (backwashed) with high-pressure water or gas, and high-pressure equipment such as a high-pressure compressor is required. As a result, the amount of capital investment, equipment maintenance cost, and operation cost increase.

  In addition, in the case of the hollow fiber membrane and the RO membrane, the culture algae of all sizes are captured due to the characteristics of the opening structure of the membrane, and the algae having a size less than the standard is separated and re-released to the culture pond. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to culture and the production efficiency of algae culture is reduced.

  The present inventors have invented an algae water concentration system that concentrates algae water in a culture pond into algae water containing a desired size of algae using a vibration filter (Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-204743). However, it is known that algae secrete mucus (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). When algae secretes mucus, there is a concern that the mucus gets entangled with the filter and the filter becomes clogged. Therefore, it is desirable to remove mucus from the algae algae concentrated by the algae concentration system. Although the literature regarding algae mucus was not found, there is a detailed report about coral mucus (for example, refer nonpatent literature 2).

  In corals, it is said that secreting mucus is for self-defense. Self-defense includes defense against the growth of organisms and bacteria attached to the coral surface, protection from ultraviolet rays, defense from pollutants, and protection from drying when exposed to air at low tide. In addition, it is thought that mucus is secreted also by interlocking with predation and photosynthesis of zooxanthellae symbiotic in corals.

  Based on the assumption that the algae secrete mucus in the same way as corals, the inventors give the algae an environment in which the corals do not secrete mucus, causing the mucus to get entangled in the filter and clogging the filter It came to the idea that an algal water concentration system can be provided.

JP 2014-76016 A

Edited by Teruzo Hori, Masao Ohno, Takeo Horiguchi, “Current Status of Algalogy at the Beginning of the 21st Century”, 2002 Japanese Algae Society, Yamagata, p. 57-58 Ryota Nakajima and Yasuaki Tanaka “The Role of Sand Mucus in the Material Circulation of Coral Reef Ecosystems”, 2014, Journal of the Japanese Coral Reef Society, Vol. 16, p.3-27

  Therefore, the present invention includes cultured algae from a culture pond that can reduce the influence of algal mucus when the algae water in the culture pond is concentrated to algae water containing a desired size algae using a filter. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for receiving and concentrating algae water, a culture algae water concentration system, and a method for operating the culture algae water concentration system.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a method for receiving and concentrating algae water containing cultured algae from the culture pond according to the first aspect of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. A step of storing the algae water 10 containing light for a predetermined period of time in a state where there is no water flow and no water flow; and the stored algae water 10 is divided into upper and lower spaces by the filter 3; A step of introducing into the space below the concentrated container 1; a step of vibrating the filter 3 in the out-of-plane direction to filter the algae water 10 introduced into the concentrated container 1; and algae water 11 that has passed through the filter 3. And recovering algae water 13 containing algae that does not pass through the filter 3.

  When configured in this way, the algae water containing the cultured algae from the culture pond is stored for a predetermined time without blocking the light, without water flow, and without providing nutrients. Secretion stops and becomes algae without mucus. Then, it is guided to the space below the filter of the concentration container. Among the algae water in the space below the filter of the concentration container, the algae and water smaller than a predetermined size pass through the filter and are discharged from the filtrate outlet. Algae larger than the predetermined size does not pass through the filter and remains in the lower space. At that time, since the filter vibrates in the out-of-plane direction by the vibration device, large algae are reflected by the filter and do not adhere to the filter surface. Furthermore, since mucus has been removed, the filter is not clogged with mucus. Therefore, an apparatus for cleaning the filter surface is unnecessary. In this way, it is possible to take out concentrated algae water from the concentrated algae water outlet by reducing algae and water smaller than a predetermined size. Therefore, it becomes the method of concentrating the algae water of a culture pond to the algae water containing algae of a desired size efficiently with a simple structure and low cost.

  The method for receiving and concentrating the algae water containing the cultured algae from the culture pond according to the second aspect of the present invention is the method according to the first aspect, wherein the predetermined time is between 3 and 5 days. When configured in this way, the algae are stored for 3 to 5 days with light blocking, no water flow, no nutrients, and no mucus secretion from the algae. The algae is completely free of mucus.

  The culture algae water concentration system according to the third aspect of the present invention is an algae water storage unit 52 that receives and stores algae water 10 containing culture algae from a culture pond 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, for example. The algae water 10 is stored in a state where the algae water 10 is blocked for light, in a state where there is no water flow, and no nutrients are provided, and for a predetermined time; An algae water concentrating section 16 for concentrating 10, a concentration container 1 for receiving and concentrating the algae water 10, and a filter 3 for dividing the concentration container 1 into upper and lower spaces, wherein algae having a predetermined size or more A filter 3 that does not pass, a vibration device 5 that vibrates the filter 3 in an out-of-plane direction, and an algae water intake 7 that takes in the algae water 10 stored in the concentration container 1, below the filter 3 of the concentration container 1. The arranged algae water intake 7 and the concentration container 1 The concentrated algae water outlet 9 for taking out the algae water 13 concentrated in the concentration container 1 and disposed below the filter 3, and the filtered water 12 disposed above the filter 3 in the concentration container 1 and passed through the filter 3. And an algae water concentrating part 16 having a filtered water discharge port 8 for discharging water.

  When configured in this way, the algae water containing the cultured algae from the culture pond is stored in the algae water storage part for a predetermined time without light and without providing nutrients. , Mucus secretion from algae stops, and algae without mucus is obtained. Then, it is guided to the space below the filter of the concentration container. Among the algae water in the space below the filter of the concentration container, the algae and water smaller than a predetermined size pass through the filter and are discharged from the filtrate outlet. Algae larger than the predetermined size does not pass through the filter and remains in the lower space. At that time, since the filter vibrates in the out-of-plane direction by the vibration device, large algae are reflected by the filter and do not adhere to the filter surface. Furthermore, since the algae are in a state free from mucus, the mucus does not clog the filter. Therefore, an apparatus for cleaning the filter surface is unnecessary. In this way, it is possible to take out concentrated algae water from the concentrated algae water outlet by reducing algae and water smaller than a predetermined size. Therefore, it becomes the system which concentrates the algae water of a culture pond to the algae water containing algae of a desired size efficiently with a simple structure and low cost.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the cultured algal water concentration system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a concentrated algae water 13 flowing out from the concentrated algae water outlet 9 in the system 100 according to the third aspect. A flow rate adjusting device 40 for adjusting the amount is provided. If comprised in this way, the quantity of the concentrated algae water which flows out from a concentrated algae water outlet can be adjusted with respect to the quantity of the algae water supplied to a concentration container from a culture pond via an algae water storage part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of the algae water flowing out from the concentrated algae water outlet from excessively increasing the level of the algae water from the filter in the concentration container. Furthermore, adjusting the amount of the algae water flowing out from the concentrated algae water outlet will adjust the amount of the filtered water discharged from the filtered water outlet, so that the algae water can be concentrated to a desired concentration. .

  The cultured algae water concentration system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is stored in the algae water storage section 52 in the cultured algae water concentration system 100 according to the third or fourth aspect, for example, as shown in FIG. The algae water supply unit 17 that receives and stores the algae water 10, the algae water supply container 18 that stores the algae water 10, the supply container intake 21 through which the algae water supply container 18 takes in the algae water 10, and the algae water The algae water supply part 17 which has the supply container outlet 19 which takes out the algae water 10 from the supply container 18 is further provided. If comprised in this way, the algae water containing the culture algae from a culture pond will be guide | induced to the space under the filter of a concentration container through an algae water supply container. By adjusting the liquid level of the algae water in the algae water supply container, the force with which the concentrated algae water pushes up the filter of the concentration container can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the algal water from pushing up the filter with such a large force that the vibration device cannot vibrate the filter.

  The cultured algal water concentration system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is stored in the algal water supply container 18 in the cultured algal water concentration system 100 according to the fifth aspect, for example, as shown in FIGS. A liquid level gauge 24 for measuring the liquid level of the algae water 10; according to the liquid level measured by the liquid level gauge 24, the flow rate of the algae 10 water sent from the algae water reservoir 52 to the algae water supply container 18 is adjusted. A flow rate adjusting device 25 or 29 for adjustment is provided. With this configuration, the level of the algae water in the algae water supply container can be adjusted accurately, so that the algae water can be surely prevented from being pushed up with such a large force that the vibration device cannot vibrate the filter. .

  The cultured algae water concentration system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the cultured algae water concentration system 100 according to any of the third to sixth aspects, The filter 3 that vibrates by the vibration device 5 is disposed at a position higher than the highest position. If comprised in this way, a filter will not become above the liquid level of concentrated algae water or filtered water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the filter from being exposed to air, and the algal water remaining in the filter opening from blocking the opening, thereby preventing the filter from functioning.

  In the cultured algal water concentration system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined time is between 3 and 5 days in the cultured algal water concentration system 100 according to any of the third to seventh aspects. When configured in this way, the algae are stored for 3 to 5 days with light blocking, no water flow, no nutrients, and no mucus secretion from the algae. The algae is completely free of mucus.

  The culture algae water concentration system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the culture algae water concentration system 100 according to any one of the third to eighth aspects, wherein the algae water storage unit receives the algae water from the culture pond 50. 10 is a container 52 for storing 10. If comprised in this way, since algae water storage part is a container, it will be easy to store without blocking light, without giving a nutrient, and without a water flow.

  In the cultured algae water concentration system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the cultured algae water concentration system 100 according to any of the third to eighth aspects, for example, as shown in FIG. This is a pond 52 for storing the algae water 10 received from the culture pond 50. If comprised in this way, since an algae water storage part is a pond, an algae water storage part can be created largely cheaply.

  The operation method of the culture algae water concentration system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the culture algae water concentration system 100 according to any one of the third to tenth aspects. The algae water 10 is supplied from the storage unit 52 to the algae water concentration unit 16. If comprised in this way, since algae water will be supplied after a filter is vibrated with a vibration apparatus and will come to be filtered with a filter, it can prevent that algae adheres to a filter.

  According to the method for accepting and concentrating the algae water containing the cultured algae from the culture pond of the present invention, the algae water containing the cultured algae from the culture pond blocks light, is free of water flow, and provides nutrients. However, since it is stored for a predetermined time, the secretion of mucus from the algae stops and the algae without mucus is obtained. In addition, since the filter is vibrated in the out-of-plane direction, the filter is not attached to the filter surface, and the filter can be prevented from being clogged with mucus from the algae.

  According to the algae water concentrating system of the present invention, the algae water containing the cultured algae from the culture pond is blocked by the algae water reservoir, in a state where there is no water flow, and no nutrients are supplied for a predetermined time. Since it is stored, secretion of mucus from algae stops, and algae without mucus is obtained. Then, it is guided to the space below the filter of the concentration container and concentrated by a filter that vibrates in the out-of-plane direction. Therefore, the filter can be prevented from being clogged with mucus from algae without adhering to the filter surface.

  According to the operation method of the algae water concentration system of the present invention, since the algae water is supplied from the algae water storage part to the algae water concentration part after operating the vibration device, the algae can be prevented from adhering to the filter.

It is the schematic of the algae water concentration part and the algae water supply part of the algae water concentration system which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic of embodiment of the flow volume adjustment apparatus which adjusts the flow volume of the algae water sent from a culture pond to the algae water supply container. It is a top view explaining the structure of a filter. It is a vertical sectional view explaining the composition of the algae water concentrating part. It is the schematic of the culture pond of the algae concentration system which concerns on this invention, and shows an example provided with a shading roof in a culture pond. It is the schematic of the culture pond and the algae water supply part of the algae water concentration system which concerns on this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or equivalent devices are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the algae water concentration part 16 and the algae water supply part 17 of the algae water concentration system 100 which concern on embodiment of this invention are demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the algae water concentration unit 16 and the algae water supply unit 17.

  The algae water supply unit 17 receives the algae water 10 containing the cultured algae from the culture pond 50 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) for culturing the algae. The algae water concentrating unit 16 concentrates the algae water 10 supplied from the algae water supply unit 17 and supplies the concentrated concentrated algae water 13 to the downstream process, and also includes a filter containing algae and water smaller than a predetermined size. Drain water 12. A concentrated algae water flow rate adjusting device 40 that adjusts the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out of the algae water concentration unit 16 is installed on the downstream side of the algae water concentration unit 16.

  The algae water supply unit 17 includes an algae water supply container 18 that stores the algae water 10, a supply container inlet 21 that takes the algae water 10 from the culture pond into the algae water supply container 18, and the algae water supply container 18 from the algae water supply container 18. And a supply container outlet 19 for taking out the water into the algae water concentrating unit 16. The algae water supply container 18 is a container that can store the algae water 10, and is opened to the atmosphere so that the internal pressure is atmospheric pressure. The supply container inlet 21 may be a nozzle installed on the side wall, ceiling, or bottom plate of the algae water supply container 18. A tube 26 (see FIG. 2) for conveying the algae water 10 from the culture pond is connected to the supply container inlet 21. The “tube” may be a pipe or a hose. The supply container outlet 19 is a nozzle fixed to the side wall or bottom plate of the algae water supply container 18 and is installed below the lowest liquid level during operation of the algae water 10 in the algae water supply container 18. In order to extract all the algae water 10 from the algae water supply container 18 for maintenance or the like, the supply container outlet 19 may be provided at the lowest position of the algae water supply container 18 or a drain nozzle may be provided separately. Good. A tube 20 for conveying the algae water 10 to the algae water concentration unit 16 is connected to the supply container outlet 19.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid level gauge 24 that measures the liquid level of the stored algae water 10 is disposed in the algae water supply container 18. A pump 25 is disposed in a tube 26 that conveys the algae water 10 from the culture pond to the algae water supply container 18. The algae water 10 is pumped from the culture pond 50 to the algae water supply container 18 by the pump 25. Then, based on the liquid level measured with the liquid level gauge 24 by the water level control device 29, the number of rotations of the pump 25 is adjusted to adjust the amount of the algae water 10 conveyed. The water level control device 29 and the pump 25 constitute an alga water flow rate adjusting device. However, the configuration of the algae water flow control device is not limited to the above. When the culture pond 50 is located higher than the algal water supply container 18 and flows by gravity flow, a flow rate control valve may be provided in the tube 26 and the flow rate may be adjusted by the flow rate control valve. The flow rate may be adjusted by other means.

  The algae water concentration unit 16 is a concentration container 1 for receiving and concentrating the algae water 10, a filter for dividing the concentration container 1 into upper and lower spaces, a filter 3 that does not pass algae of a predetermined size or more, and a filter 3 is a concentrating container algae water intake 7 that communicates with a vibrating device 5 that vibrates 3 in an out-of-plane direction and a supply container outlet 19 and takes in the algae water 10 into the concentration container 1, below the filter 3 of the concentration container 1. A concentrated container algae water intake 7 disposed in the concentration container 1, a concentrated algae water intake 9 for taking out the algae water 13 disposed below the filter 3 of the concentrated container 1 and concentrated in the concentrated container 1, and the concentrated container 1 And a filtered water discharge port 8 for discharging the filtered water 12 that has passed through the filter 3.

  The concentration container 1 is a container that can store the algae water 10, and is opened to the atmosphere so that the internal pressure is atmospheric pressure. Typically, it is a cylindrical container, but other shapes are possible. Inside the concentration container 1, there is disposed a filter 3 that divides the internal space (when the upper portion is open, it is a space when the upper portion is closed) into upper and lower spaces. .

  The filter 3 does not pass algae of a predetermined size or larger and has an opening through which algae and water smaller than the predetermined size and other substances smaller than the predetermined size pass. Here, the predetermined size varies depending on the type of algae to be cultured, but is usually about 1 μm to 50 μm. For example, an electroformed sheet filter or a mesh is used as the filter 3. Among them, a metal electroformed sheet filter that is not corroded by the algae water 10 is particularly suitable. The electroformed sheet filter is less entangled with algae than the mesh. In addition, it is preferable that the metal is made of metal because the algae are less likely to be entangled as compared with the fiber, and further, as will be described later, even if the filter 3 is vibrated, it is not plastically deformed.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the filter 3 is sandwiched and held by two filter frames 4 from above and below together with the flexible sealing material 2. The flexible sealing material 2 is an annular plate formed of, for example, a stainless sheet. The outer periphery of the flexible sealing material 2 is fixed to the concentration container 1 as shown in FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the filter 3. FIG. 4 shows the concentrated container 1, concentrated container algae water intake 7, filtered water discharge port 8, concentrated algae water of the algae water concentrating unit 16. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the outlet 9, the filter 3, the flexible sealing material 2, the filter frame 4, the vibration device 5, the coupling mechanism 6, and the filter drive arm 45. FIG. Further, the algae water 10 is prevented from passing between the concentration container 1 and the flexible sealing material 2. The filter frame 4 is an annular plate that is formed of, for example, a stainless sheet and has substantially the same outer shape as the filter 3. Furthermore, in order to suppress excessive deformation at the time of vibration of the filter 3, it is preferable to have a reinforcing plate that connects the inner periphery of the circular ring of the filter frame 4 to the cross. If comprised in this way, the filter 3 will be hard to receive damage with the force pushed up with the algae water 10. FIG. When the filter 3 is fixed to the concentration container 1 via the flexible sealing material 2, the flexible sealing material 2 is deformed, so that the filter 3 is likely to vibrate in the out-of-plane direction. In addition, since the filter is held between two filter frames 4, the filter 3 can be easily replaced. Therefore, by exchanging the filter 3 with the same algae water concentration system 100, the algae water of various sizes can be easily concentrated.

  The configuration for holding the filter 3 is not limited to the above. Any structure may be used as long as the algae water 10 does not pass between the filter 3 and the concentration container 1 and the filter 3 can vibrate in the out-of-plane direction. For example, the periphery of the filter 3 may be fixed by an annular ring that slides on the inner surface of the concentration container 1. The shape of the filter 3 is not limited to a circle, and may be a polygon or other shapes.

  A vibration device 5 that vibrates the filter 3 out of the plane is disposed above the concentration container 1. Although the position of the vibration device 5 is not limited to the upper side of the concentration container 1, the vibration device 5 is not exposed to the droplets of the algae water 10 or the filtered water 12, and maintenance is easy. Is preferred. In particular, it is suitable when the upper part of the concentration container 1 is opened. To vibrate the filter 3 out of the plane means that the vibration of the filter 3 arranged almost horizontally includes a vertical component, and includes a case where the filter 3 vibrates in an oblique direction including the horizontal component. The vibration device 5 is typically an electromagnetic vibration generator, but may be another vibration generator. When an electromagnetic vibration generator is used as the vibration device 5, it is preferable to generate electromagnetic vibration at a commercial power supply voltage (100 V or 200 V) and frequency (50 Hz to 60 Hz). This is because the filter 3 can exhibit the effects described below with vibrations having a frequency of about 50 Hz to 60 Hz, eliminates the need for an inverter for frequency conversion, and simplifies the apparatus. Furthermore, since it has a relatively low frequency of about 50 Hz to 60 Hz, the algae are not damaged by vibration. The amplitude is about 0.1 to 1 mm, for example.

  The vibration generated by the vibration device 5 is transmitted to the filter 3 through the coupling mechanism 6. The coupling mechanism 6 includes, for example, a vertical rod that is coupled to the output shaft of the vibration device 5 and a filter drive arm 45 that disperses and transmits the vibration of the rod to the filter frame 4. The filter drive arm 45 includes an upper portion connected to a rod and four arms that connect the upper portion and the annular portion of the filter frame 4. Further, the lower portion of the rod is connected to the center of the cross reinforcing plate of the filter frame 4. If comprised in this way, a vibration force will be transmitted uniformly to the filter frame 4, and the filter 3 will be easy to vibrate uniformly. In addition, the structure of the connection mechanism 6 is not restricted above. The number of arms may be 3 or 5 or more. Further, another known configuration that can transmit the vibration generated in the vibration device 5 to the filter 3 may be used.

  The concentration container algae water intake 7 is disposed below the filter 3 of the concentration container 1. A tube 20 is connected to the concentrated container algae water inlet 7 and communicates with the supply container outlet 19. Therefore, the algae water 10 in the algae water supply container 18 can be taken into the concentration container 1. A supply alga water flow meter 36 that measures the flow rate of the algae water flowing from the algae water supply container 18 to the concentration container 1 through the tube 20 between the supply container outlet 19 and the concentration container algae water intake 7. Is installed.

  The concentrated algae water outlet 9 is disposed below the filter 3 of the concentration container 1. As will be described later, the algae water 10 taken into the concentration container 1 from the concentration container algae water intake 7 is filtered by the filter 3, and the algae water in the space below the filter 3 is concentrated with algae over a predetermined size. Therefore, the concentrated algae water 13 is removed from the concentration container 1. A concentrated algae water tube 41 is connected to the concentrated algae water outlet 9 to convey the concentrated algae water 13 to the next step.

  A concentrated algae water tube 41 is connected to the concentrated algae water outlet 9, and the concentrated algae water tube 41 measures the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 conveyed from the algae water concentration system 100 to the next process. A total of 43 is provided. Moreover, the flow control valve 42 which adjusts the flow volume of the concentrated algae water 13 conveyed from the algae water concentration system 100 to the next process is provided. The amount of concentrated algae water 13 taken out from the concentration container 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 42 based on the flow rate measured by the concentrated algae water flow meter 43 by the concentrated algae water control device 44. That is, the concentrated algae water flow rate adjustment device 40 can be configured by the concentrated algae water flow meter 43, the flow rate adjustment valve 42, the concentrated algae water control device 44, and the like. In addition, the structure of the concentrated algae water flow control apparatus 40 is not restricted above. For example, the flow rate may be adjusted by changing the height at which the concentrated algae water 13 is conveyed, or by preparing a plurality of paths having different flow path resistances and selecting an appropriate path to flow. And other known flow rate adjusting means can be used.

  The filtered water discharge port 8 is disposed above the filter 3 of the concentration container 1 and discharges the filtered water 12 that has passed through the filter 3 from the concentration container 1. However, if the filter 3 is disposed at a position that is too high, the weight of the filtered water 12 on the filter 3 increases, and the vibration device 5 does not easily vibrate the filter 3 in the out-of-plane direction. Therefore, for example, the filter 3 is disposed at a position 1 to 5 mm higher, preferably 1 to 2 mm higher. Typically, a tube is connected to the filtrate outlet 8 to return the filtrate 12 to the culture pond 50. The filtered water 12 may be used for other purposes or discarded. It is preferable that the filtrate water discharge port 8 allows the filtrate water 12 to flow at a flow rate larger than a necessary flow rate so that the liquid level of the filtrate water 12 that has passed through the filter 3 coincides with the height of the filtrate water discharge port 8. . A filtered water drainage flow meter 37 that measures the flow rate of the filtered water 12 flowing out from the filtered water discharge port 8 is provided, and the flow rate of the filtered water 12 is transmitted to the concentrated algae water control device 44. Therefore, the concentrated algae water control device 44 can calculate the total flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 and filtered water 12 flowing out from the concentration container 1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an apparatus for storing the algae water 10 containing cultured algae in a predetermined time without light and without supplying nutrients will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example in which a shading roof 54 is installed in the culture pond 50. The culture pond 50 is provided with a light-shielding roof 54 that covers its upper surface and shields sunlight. The shading roof 54 can be opened and closed. When the shading roof 54 is opened, it takes in sunlight into the culture pond 50, and when it is closed, it blocks out sunlight. The shading roof 54 can be opened and closed by sliding the shading roof 54 on a rail (not shown) laid on the culture pond 50, or a plurality of plates, like a camera shutter, having one end shaft. It may be opened and closed by swinging around and may be opened and closed by other known methods.

  The culture pond 50 is provided with a water flow generator 56 that generates a water flow in the culture pond 50. By circulating the water in the culture pond 50, the nutrients are distributed uniformly, the growth is made uniform, and the distribution of the grown algae is made uniform.

  In the culture pond 50, while the algae are being cultured, the shading roof 54 is opened and sunlight is taken into the culture pond 50. Further, the water flow generator 56 is operated to generate a water flow, and the necessary nutrients are provided to culture the algae. When the algae are cultured to a predetermined degree, the light-shielding roof 54 is closed and light-shielded, and the water flow generator 56 is stopped so that there is no water flow and no nutrients are given. That is, the culture pond 50 is used as the algae water reservoir. Then, when a predetermined time, for example, about one week has passed since 3 days, the algae water 10 is sent from the tube 58 to the algae water supply unit 17 via the pump 25.

  FIG. 6 shows another example of an apparatus for storing algae water 10 containing cultured algae for a predetermined period of time without light, without water flow, and without providing nutrients. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a stress-free pond 52 that stores the algae water 10 is provided in a tube 58 that extends from the culture pond 50 to the algae water supply unit 17. The unstressed pond 52 stores the algal water 10 for a predetermined period of time without light, without water flow, and without giving nutrients. That is, it is an algae water storage part. The unstressed pond 52 is provided with a light-shielding roof 54 that covers the upper surface and shields sunlight. The structure of the shading roof 54 is the same as that described for the culture pond 50. Even when the no-stress pond 52 is provided, the water flow generator 56 is installed in the culture pond 50. Therefore, if the inflow of the algae water 10 from the culture pond 50 and the outflow of the algae water to the algae water supply unit 17 are stopped, there is no water flow. The algal water 10 may be sent from the culture pond 50 to the no-stress pond 52 by a pump (not shown) or by a difference in height. When sending the algae water 10 by the height difference, a valve or a sluice (not shown) for stopping the flow of the algae water 10 is installed. The tube 58 extending from the culture pond 50 to the algae water supply unit 17 may be a groove through which the algae water 10 flows.

  Instead of the stress-free pond 52, a container may be installed as the algae water reservoir. The container lid or roof may be opened and closed. The shape of the container is arbitrary. When a container is used as the algae water storage part, it is easy to store light without light, no water flow, no nutrients, and easy to install the shading roof 54 or lid. On the other hand, when the stress-free pond 52 is used, the algae water reservoir can be made large at low cost.

  Next, the operation of the algae water concentration system 100 will be described. First, algae are cultured in the culture pond 50. When culturing, it is preferable to circulate water by applying sunlight, providing nutrients, and operating the water flow generator 56 to generate a water flow. When the algae grows, the algae water 10 is concentrated.

  Therefore, first, the algae water 10 is stored for a predetermined period of time with no light flow, no water flow, and no nutrients. As shown in FIG. 5, the light-shielding roof 54 of the culture pond 50 is closed and light-shielded, and the water flow generator 56 is stopped so that there is no water flow and no nutrients are applied. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the algal water 10 is stored in the no-stress pond 52, the light-shielding roof 54 is closed and light-shielded, and no water is supplied and no nutrient is applied. You may store in a container instead of the stress-free pond 52. The predetermined time is preferably within 3 months to 1 month. When stored for 3 days, mucus almost disappears. In order to make mucus disappear more, it is preferable to store for about 5 days, and it is more preferable to store for 1 week. If the storage period is too long, the operation status of the equipment is deteriorated, which is not economically preferable. For this reason, the storage period is preferably shorter, for example, within 2 weeks, within 1 week, or even within 5 days.

  When the algae water 10 is stored for a predetermined period of time without light, without water flow, and without nutrients, it is taken into the algae water supply container 18. The intake of the algae water 10 into the algae water supply container 18 may be performed by a pump (not shown) or by a height difference. The algae water 10 is taken into the concentration container 1 from the algae water supply container 18. In the concentration container 1, the algae water is taken in until the filter 3 is immersed in the algae water 10. When the algae water concentration system 100 is operated and then stopped, if the filter 3 is at a position higher than the liquid level of the filtered water 12, the filter 3 is exposed to air. Then, surface tension is generated in the algae water 10 remaining in the opening of the filter 3. Therefore, the algal water 10 remaining in the opening closes the opening, and the air that has entered between the filter 3 and the concentrated algal water 13 or the algal water 10 below the filter 3 cannot be removed. Then, the concentrated algae water 13 or the algae water 10 cannot contact the filter 3. Therefore, the concentration operation of the algae water cannot be resumed. That is, it is preferable that the filter 3 is always immersed in the algae water 10 or the filtered water 12. Therefore, the filtered water discharge port 8 is disposed at a position higher than the highest position of the vibrating filter 3.

  With the filter 3 immersed in the algae water 10 or the filtered water 12, the vibration device 5 is activated to vibrate the filter 3. When the filter 3 vibrates, it is possible to prevent the algae from adhering to the filter 3, but when the vibration is stopped, the algae adheres and the opening is blocked. This is the operation preparation stage of the algae water concentrating unit 16.

  In order to start the operation of the algae water concentrating unit 16, it is preferable that the liquid level 22 of the algae water 10 in the algae water supply container 18 is made higher than the height of the filter 3 by a predetermined water level difference 23. Since the height of the filter 3 is substantially determined, the liquid level 22 of the algae water 10 in the algae water supply container 18 may be adjusted as described with reference to FIG. If the water level difference 23 is too large, the force by which the algal water 10 pushes the filter 3 (including the filter frame 4 and the like) upward increases. Then, the force is transmitted from the coupling mechanism 6 to the vibration device 5, and a large driving force is required to vibrate the vibration device 5. In some cases, the vibration device 5 does not operate. Conversely, if the water level difference 23 is too small, or if the level 22 of the algae water 10 in the algae water supply container 18 is lower than the height of the filter 3, the algae water 10 from the algae water supply container 18 passes through the filter 3. No longer. Therefore, the concentration of the algae water 10 in the concentration container 1 is not performed. Therefore, the predetermined water level difference 23 varies depending on conditions such as the type of algae and the size of the opening of the filter 3, but is often set to about 100 mm to 300 mm.

  By maintaining the water level difference 23 at a predetermined value, the algae water 10 is taken into the concentration container 1 from the concentration container algae water intake 7 through the tube 20 from the algae water supply container 18. The flow rate is measured by the supply alga water flow meter 36. The measured flow rate of the algae water 10 taken into the concentration container 1 is transmitted to the concentration algae water control device 44.

  Part of the algae water 10 taken into the concentration container 1 reaches the filter 3. Among the algae water 10, algae and other suspended substances having a size smaller than the opening of the filter 3 and water 11 flow as filtered water 12 through the opening and above the filter 3. The filtered water 12 flowing above the filter 3 is discharged out of the concentration container 1 from the filtered water discharge port 8. The flow rate is measured by the filtered water drainage flow meter 37 and transmitted to the concentrated algae water control device 44.

  The algae 15 having a size larger than the opening of the filter 3 in the algae water 10 reaching the filter 3 cannot pass through the opening and remains in the space below the filter 3. At that time, even if the filter 3 is reached, the filter 3 vibrates out of the plane and is reflected by the filter 3 and does not adhere to the filter 3. Furthermore, since the algal mucus has also disappeared, the clogging of the filter 3 by mucus does not occur. Therefore, the opening is not clogged. That is, it is not necessary to clean the filter 3.

  In this way, algae and other suspended solids and water 11 having a size smaller than the opening of the filter 3 flow as filtered water 12 through the opening to the upper side of the filter 3, and an algae 15 having a size larger than the opening is below the filter 3. Since it remains in the space, concentrated algae water 13 in which algae of a predetermined size or more are concentrated is generated in the space below the filter 3. The concentrated algae water 13 in the space below the filter 3 is taken out from the concentrated algae water outlet 9 while the flow rate is adjusted by the concentrated algae water flow adjusting device 40, and then to the next step, for example, a drying step or an oil extraction step. Sent. Note that the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out from the concentrated algae water outlet 9 is measured by the concentrated algae water flow meter 43 and transmitted to the concentrated algae water control device 44.

  In the concentrated algae water control device 44, the flow rate of the algae water 10 taken into the concentration container 1 measured by the supplied algae water flow meter 36 and the concentrated container 1 measured by the filtrate drainage flow meter 37 are discharged out of the concentration container 1. The flow rate of the filtered water 12 and the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out of the concentration container 1 measured by the concentrated algae water flow meter 43 are received. Therefore, the concentration rate in the concentration container 1 is calculated from the flow rate of the algae water 10 entering the concentration container 1, the flow rate of the filtered water 12 discharged from the concentration container 1, and the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out of the concentration container 1. can do. That is, the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out of the concentration container 1 can be adjusted by the concentrated algae water flow rate adjusting device 40 so that the concentrated algae water 13 having a desired concentration is obtained. According to the algae water concentration system 100, it is possible to obtain concentrated algae water 13 having a desired concentration by continuous operation. Furthermore, from the flow rate of the algae water 10 flowing into the concentration container 1 and the flow rates of the filtered water 12 and the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out from the concentration container 1, it can be confirmed whether or not a leak has occurred in the algae water concentration system 100.

  The concentrated algae water 13 in the space below the filter 3 of the concentration container 1 is agitated by the flow of the algae water 10 flowing from the concentration container algae water intake 7, and the degree of concentration becomes uniform. However, the degree of concentration may be uneven depending on the capacity of the concentration container 1, the flow rate or flow rate of the flowing algal water 10, the size of the algae, and the like. In that case, a stirring device (not shown) may be installed in the space below the filter 3 of the concentration container 1.

  In the above description, the flow rate of the algae water 10 taken into the concentration container 1 measured by the supplied algae water flow meter 36, the filtered water 12 discharged from the concentration container 1 measured by the filtered water drainage flow meter 37 to the outside of the concentration container 1. And the flow rate of the concentrated algae water 13 flowing out from the concentration container 1 measured by the concentrated algae water flow meter 43 is received by the concentrated algae water control device 44 and measured by the liquid level meter 24. The liquid level was received by the water level control device 29. However, one control device may receive all of these measured values and adjust the water level difference 23 and the concentration factor.

  In the above description, the concentrated algae flowing out of the concentrated container 1 measured by the concentrated water flowmeter 43 and the flow rate of the filtered water 12 discharged from the concentrated container 1 to the outside of the concentrated container 1 measured by the filtered water drainage flow meter 37. Although both the flow rates of the water 13 are measured, only one of them may be measured to adjust the concentration ratio.

1: Concentrated container 2: Flexible sealing material 3: Filter 4: Filter frame 5: Vibration device 6: Connection mechanism 7: Concentrated container algae water intake 8: Filtrated water outlet 9: Concentrated algae water outlet 10: Algae Water 11: Algae and other suspended solids smaller than the opening and water 12: Filtered water 13: Algae concentrated water 15: Algae larger than the opening 16: Algae water concentrating unit 17: Algae water supply unit 18: Algae water supply Container 19: Supply container outlet 20: Tube 21: Supply container inlet 22: Algae water level 23: Water level difference 24: Liquid level gauge 25: Pump 26: Tube 29: Water level controller 36: Algae water supply container Supply alga water flow meter 37: Filtration water drainage flow meter 40: Concentrated algae water flow adjustment device 41: Concentrated algae water tube 42: Flow adjustment valve 43: Concentrated algae water flow meter 44: Concentrated algae water control device 45: Filter drive arm 50: Culture pond 52: No stress (Algae water storage portion)
54: Shading roof 56: Water flow generator 58: Tube 100: Algae water concentration system

Claims (11)

A method for receiving and concentrating algae water containing cultured algae from a culture pond, comprising:
Storing the algae water containing the cultured algae for a predetermined period of time without light, without water flow, and without providing nutrients;
Introducing the stored algae water into a space below a concentration container divided into upper and lower spaces by a filter;
Vibrating the filter in an out-of-plane direction to filter the algae water introduced into the concentration vessel;
Separating the algae water that has passed through the filter and recovering algae water containing algae that has not passed through the filter;
Method. The predetermined time is between 3 and 5 days;
The method of claim 1. An algae water storage unit that receives and stores algae water containing cultured algae from a culture pond. The algae water reservoir;
An algae water concentration unit for concentrating the algae water supplied from the algae water storage unit,
A concentration container for receiving and concentrating the algae water;
A filter that divides the concentration container into an upper and lower space, and a filter that does not pass algae of a predetermined size or more;
A vibration device for vibrating the filter in an out-of-plane direction;
An algae water intake for taking in the algae water stored in the concentration container, the algae water intake disposed below the filter of the concentration container;
A concentrated algae water outlet for taking out the algae water concentrated in the concentration container, disposed below the filter of the concentration container;
An algae water concentrating part that is disposed above the filter of the concentration container and has a filtrate outlet for discharging filtrate that has passed through the filter;
Culture algae water concentration system. A flow rate adjusting device for adjusting the amount of concentrated algae water flowing out from the concentrated algae water outlet;
The cultured algal water concentration system according to claim 3. An algae water supply unit that receives and stores algae water stored in the algae water storage unit,
An algae water supply container for storing algae water;
A supply container intake port through which the algae water supply container takes in the algae water;
An algae water supply part having a supply container outlet for taking out the algae water from the algae water supply container;
The culture algae water concentration system of Claim 3 or Claim 4. A liquid level gauge for measuring the liquid level of the algae water stored in the algae water supply container;
A flow rate adjusting device that adjusts the flow rate of the algae water sent from the algae water storage unit to the algae water supply container according to the liquid level of the algae water supply container measured by the liquid level gauge;
The culture algae water concentration system according to claim 5. The filtrate outlet is disposed at a position higher than the highest position of the filter vibrated by the vibration device;
The culture algae water concentration system according to any one of claims 3 to 6. The predetermined time is between 3 and 5 days;
The culture algae water concentration system according to any one of claims 3 to 7. The algae water storage unit is a container for storing the algae water received from a culture pond;
The culture algae water concentration system according to any one of claims 3 to 8. The algae water storage unit is a pond for storing the algae water received from a culture pond;
The culture algae water concentration system according to any one of claims 3 to 8. A method for operating the cultured algae water concentration system according to any one of claims 3 to 10,
Supplying the algae water from the algae water storage unit to the algae water concentration unit after operating the vibration device;
Operation method of culture algae water concentration system.

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