JP4079878B2 - Microalgae culture apparatus and microalgae culture method - Google Patents

Microalgae culture apparatus and microalgae culture method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP4079878B2
JP4079878B2 JP2003502142A JP2003502142A JP4079878B2 JP 4079878 B2 JP4079878 B2 JP 4079878B2 JP 2003502142 A JP2003502142 A JP 2003502142A JP 2003502142 A JP2003502142 A JP 2003502142A JP 4079878 B2 JP4079878 B2 JP 4079878B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
culture
microalgae
culture vessel
vessel
culture solution
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP2003502142A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPWO2002099032A1 (en
Inventor
徹 佐藤
好寛 土屋
真介 臼井
征四郎 平林
裕 近藤
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Yamaha Motor Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Yamaha Motor Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yamaha Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Yamaha Motor Co Ltd
Publication of JPWO2002099032A1 publication Critical patent/JPWO2002099032A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP4079878B2 publication Critical patent/JP4079878B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M21/00—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses
    • C12M21/02—Photobioreactors
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
    • C12M23/02—Form or structure of the vessel
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
    • C12M23/26—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges flexible
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M29/00—Means for introduction, extraction or recirculation of materials, e.g. pumps
    • C12M29/06—Nozzles; Sprayers; Spargers; Diffusers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
    • C12M41/06—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of illumination
    • C12M41/08—Means for changing the orientation

Description

＜技術分野＞
本発明は、光合成生物である微細藻類を培養するためのクローズド型の微細藻類培養装置、及び、微細藻類培養方法に関する。
＜背景技術＞
光合成生物である微細藻類は、二酸化炭素を吸収して光合成作用によってビタミン類、アミノ酸、色素類、タンパク質、多糖類、脂肪酸等の有用成分を製造するため、養殖の飼料用等として培養されている。又、この種の微細藻類は、地球温暖化の原因の１つとされる二酸化炭素を処理する手段としても利用され、近年、これを大量に培養する培養装置が研究されている。
ところで、培養装置は、培養液中で微細藻類を培養するものであって、光合成に必要な光は主に太陽光線を利用し、二酸化炭素は空気又は二酸化炭素と空気との混合気体を培養液に吹き込むことによって供給する。
而して、培養装置において太陽エネルギーを効率良く利用して微細藻類を効率良く培養するためには、
（１）受光量が多いこと
（２）培養液を十分に撹拌し、微細藻類に効率良く光を当て、栄養分と二酸化炭素を均一に供給するとともに、微細藻類から排出される酸素を除去すること
（３）培養液の滞留のない撹拌を実現し、微細藻類の壁面付着による光透過の低下やコロニーの形成による沈殿防止を図ること
が必要となる。
従来、微細藻類の培養法として、培養池やレースウェイ型培養池等を利用したオープン型培養方式が実施されているが、この方式では培養液の十分な撹拌ができないために光が表層にしか到達せず、培養濃度が低く、埃やゴミ或は空気中の浮遊微生物等の混入を防ぐことができないために高ｐＨ、高塩分濃度等の特殊な条件下での培養が可能な微細藻類しか培養できず、更には培養液の温度調整が困難である等の問題がある。
そこで、培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって培養容器内で微細藻類を培養するクローズド型の培養装置が種々提案されている。
ところで、クローズド型の培養装置の設置面積当たりの容量はオープン方培養方式のそれに比して小さく、高い生産性を上げるには高濃度培養が必要である。
しかしながら、クローズド型の培養装置においては、光は受光壁面側から内部に至るに連れて減衰するため、光に当たる藻類と当たらない藻類ができてしまい、従って、装置内での培養液の十分な撹拌がなければ公平に藻類に受光させることができず、高生産性を達成することができないという問題がある。
又、クローズド型の培養装置においては、培養容器の内壁に微細藻類が付着したり、培養容器内で微細藻類がコロニーを形成して沈殿するため、光の透過が遮られて培養効率が著しく低下するという問題がある。更に、培養容器内で微細藻類が沈殿するとバクテリアの温床となり、培養液が腐敗する原因にもなる。
本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的とする処は、培養液の十分な撹拌を実現して高い生産性を得ることができるとともに、微細藻類の培養容器壁面への付着や培養容器底面への沈殿を防いで長期に亘って高い培養効率を維持することができる微細藻類培養装置、及び、微細藻類培養方法を提供することにある。
＜発明の開示＞
上記目的を達成するため、請求の範囲第１項に記載の発明は、頂部に開口部を有する培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって前記培養容器内で微細藻類を培養する微細藻類培養装置において、前記培養容器を内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形するとともに、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成し、前記培養容器内に前記培養液の旋回流を形成するためのガスを吹き込むガス吹込口を培養容器内下部に開口せしめたことを特徴とする。
請求の範囲第２項に記載の発明は、請求の範囲第１項に記載の発明において、前記培養容器の正面視外形形状を円、楕円又は長円としたことを特徴とする。
請求の範囲第３項に記載の発明は、請求の範囲第１項又は第２項記載の発明において、前記培養容器を水平面に対して傾斜させて設置したことを特徴とする。
請求の範囲第４項に記載の発明は、請求の範囲第１項〜第３項の何れかに記載の発明において、前記培養容器の少なくとも外側の曲面壁の外面に沿って流れる温調水を散水するための散水口を前記培養容器の上部に開口せしめたことを特徴とする。
請求の範囲第５項に記載の発明は、頂部に開口部を有する培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって前記培養容器内で微細藻類を培養する微細藻類培養方法において、内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形され、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成して成る培養容器の下部中央部から前記ガスを吹き込むことによって、幅方向中心に沿って上昇し、上部で左右に分かれて外周に沿って下降する培養液の旋回流を形成することを特徴とする。
請求の範囲第６項に記載の発明は、請求の範囲第５項に記載の発明において、前記培養容器への温調水の散水によって前記培養液の温度をコントロールすることを特徴とする。
従って、請求の範囲第１項に記載の発明によれば、前記培養容器内に前記培養液の旋回流を形成するためのガスを吹き込むガス吹込口を培養容器内下部に開口せしめるようにしたため、ガスの吹き込みによって培養容器中に培養液の旋回流を形成して、培養液の十分な撹拌がなされて微細藻類が公平に受光することができ、これによって高生産性を達成することができる。又、気泡通過時の混相乱流と壁面における乱流境界層及びパラボラ状の培養容器の曲面壁に沿って培養液が流れることによるゲルトラー渦によって、外側の曲面壁から内側の曲面壁及び内側の曲面壁から外側の曲面壁に向かう渦が発生し、この渦によって培養液が滞留することなく十分に撹拌されるため、微細藻類が培養容器の壁面に付着したりコロニーを形成して沈殿することがなくなり、微細藻類によって光の透過が遮られることがなく、微細藻類は効率良く且つ均一に受光するために微細藻類を効率良く培養することができ、長期に亘って高い培養効率を維持することができる。更に、培養容器を耐圧強度の高い曲面壁で構成したため、その板厚を小さく抑えて装置の軽量化及びコストダウンを図ることができる。
請求の範囲第２項に記載の発明によれば、培養容器の正面視外形形状として円、楕円又は長円の左右対称形状を採用したため、該培養容器内にその外周に沿って旋回する培養液の流れを容易に形成することができるとともに、培養容器の製造が容易化する。
請求の範囲第３項に記載の発明によれば、培養容器を水平面に対して傾斜させて設置したため、太陽光線の利用効率が高められるとともに、培養容器内での培養液の滞留が一層確実に防がれ、微細藻類の壁面への付着が確実に防がれる。
請求の範囲第４項に記載の発明によれば、培養容器の少なくとも外側の曲面壁の外面に沿って流れる温調水を散水するための散水口を培養容器の上部に開口せしめたため、培養容器への温調水の散水によって培養液の温度をコントロールすることによって、培養液を季節によらず一年中適温に保つことができ、特に夏期における培養液の過昇温による藻類成長への悪影響を効果的に解消することができる。
請求の範囲第５項に記載の発明によれば、内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形され、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成して成る培養容器の下部中央部から前記ガスを吹き込むことによって、幅方向中心に沿って上昇し、上部で左右に分かれて外周に沿って下降する培養液の旋回流を形成するため、培養液の十分な撹拌が簡易になされて微細藻類が公平に受光することができ、これによって高生産性を達成することができる。又、気泡通過時の混相乱流と壁面における乱流境界層及びパラボラ状の培養容器の曲面壁に沿って培養液が流れることによるゲルトラー渦を簡易に発生させることによって、外側の曲面壁から内側の曲面壁及び内側の曲面壁から外側の曲面壁に向かう渦を簡易に発生させ、この渦によって培養液が滞留することなく十分に撹拌されるため、微細藻類が培養容器の壁面に付着したりコロニーを形成して沈殿することがなくなり、微細藻類によって光の透過が遮られることがなく、微細藻類は効率良く且つ均一に受光するために微細藻類を効率良く培養することができ、長期に亘って高い培養効率を維持することができる。
請求の範囲第６項に記載の発明によれば、培養容器への温調水の散水によって培養液の温度をコントロールするようにしたため、培養液を季節によらず一年中適温に保つことができ、特に夏期における培養液の過昇温による藻類成長への悪影響を効果的に解消することができる。
＜発明を実施するための最良の形態＞
以下に本発明の実施の形態を添付図面に基づいて説明する。
図１は本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置の斜視図、図２は同微細藻類培養装置の正面図、図３は同微細藻類培養装置の側断面図、図４は図３のＡ部拡大詳細図である。
本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置１は、外形形状が正面視円形を成すパラボラ状の培養容器２を支持台３上に所定角度α（図３参照）だけ傾けて設置して構成されている。
上記培養容器２は、中央部が凸球面状を成す内側の曲面壁４の外側に同じく凸球面状を成す曲面壁５を同心的に組み合わせてパラボラ状に成形されており、該培養容器２内に形成された両曲面壁４，５によって囲まれる空間内には培養液６が注入されている（図３参照）。
尚、本実施の形態では、培養容器２の外形形状を正面視円形としたが、正面視楕円形又は長円形としても良い。又、培養容器２を構成する内外二重曲面壁４，５を凸球面状としたが、これらを凹曲面状としても良い。更に、本実施の形態では、太陽に対面する側を外側と定義することとし、従って、４が内側の曲面壁、５が外側の曲面壁となる。
ここで、培養容器２を構成する内外の曲面壁４，５は太陽光（可視光線）を透過する透明材料で構成されており、本実施の形態では、透明材料としてアクリル樹脂を用いている。尚、透明材料としては、光透過性に優れ、耐候性及び耐紫外線の高い材料であれば任意のものを使用することができ、例えばポリカーボネート、ポリプロピレン、ポリエチレン、ポリ塩化ビニル等の樹脂、ガラス等を選定することができる。
而して、培養容器２を構成する内外の曲面壁４，５は、図４に示すように、各外周縁に形成された扁平なリング状のフランジ部４ａ，５ａ同士を重ね合わせ、重ね合わされた両フランジ部４ａ，５ａをリング状の金属製バックプレート７，８によって両側から挟み込み、これらに挿通する複数のボルト９とこれに螺合するナット１０によってフランジ部４ａ，５ａを締着することによって組み付けられ、これによってパラボラ状の培養容器２が構成される。また、四組のフランジ部４ａ，５ａは支持台３と共にボルト９にて締着されており、内外の曲面壁４，５が支持台３に対して固定されている。尚、内外の曲面壁４，５の重ね合わされたフランジ部４ａ，５ａの間にはＯリング１１が介設され、このＯリング１１のシール作用によって培養液６の培養容器２外への漏出が防がれている。
又、図４に詳細に示すように、培養容器２の内側の曲面壁４の幅方向中央下部には円孔状のドレン孔４ｂが穿設されており、このドレン孔４ｂには外側からドレンパイプ１２が差し込まれて結着されている。そして、このドレンパイプ１２の途中にはドレンバルブ１３が設けられており、このドレンバルブ１３を開けることによって培養容器２内の培養液６を外部に排出することができる。
更に、培養容器２の外側（受光側）の曲面壁５の下部外周の３箇所（曲面壁５の中心を通る鉛直下方位置とこれの左右の位置の３箇所）には円孔状のガス吹込口５ｂ（図４には１つのみ図示）が穿設されている。
一方、培養容器２の下部前面側（外側の曲面壁５の外方）にはガス導入パイプ１４が左右方向に水平に延設されており、このガス導入パイプ１４から分岐して培養容器２側に向かって延びる３本の枝管１５は、培養容器２の外側の曲面壁５の下部外周に穿設された前記ガス吹込口５ｂに差し込まれて結着されている。尚、図示しないが、ガス導入パイプ１４は、空気又は二酸化炭素と空気との混合気体を供給するコンプレッサ等のガス供給源に接続されている。
他方、培養容器２の頂部（つまり、外側の曲面壁５の頂部）には、円筒状のガス排出筒１６が取り付けられており、その内部は培養容器２内に開口するガス排出用開口部１７が形成されている。そして、ガス排出筒１６の上部には、下向きに開口する逆皿状のキャップ１８が被着されており、ガス排出用開口部１７がキャップ１８によって覆われることによって培養容器２内の培養液６への埃やゴミ或は空気中の浮遊微生物等の混入を防ぐことができる。尚、キャップ１８に代えてガス排出用開口部１７にフィルタを設けることによっても同様の効果が得られる。
又、培養容器２の上部前面側には温調水導入パイプ１９が前記ガス導入パイプ１４と平行に左右方向に延設されており、この温調水導入パイプ１９は左右一対の支持ブラケット２０によって培養容器２に取り付けられている。そして、この温調水導入パイプ１９の下部には、図２に示すように、複数（図示例では、５つ）の散水口１９ａが穿設されており、温調水導入パイプ１９は冷却水ポンプ等の不図示の温調水供給源に接続されている。
而して、以上の構成を有する培養容器２は、枠体構造を成す前記支持台３の斜面部に支持されており、外側の曲面壁５が太陽に対面するように所定角度α（本実施の形態では、α＝６０°）だけ傾けて設置されている。
次に、本実施の形態に係る微細藻類培養装置１の作用について説明する。
当該微細藻類培養装置１を屋外に設置するとともに、培養容器２に培養すべき微細藻類と培養液６を入れ、不図示のガス供給源を駆動して二酸化炭素を含むガス（空気又は二酸化炭素と空気との混合気体）をガス導入パイプ１４に流すと、ガスは３本の枝管１５から培養容器２内に供給される。
培養容器２内に供給されたガスは、培養容器２の底部３箇所から図３に示すように気泡となって外側の曲面壁５の内面に沿って上昇し、その過程で培養液６中の微細藻類に二酸化炭素を供給する。このガスの気泡の上昇によって、培養容器２内には、図２に矢印にて示すように、幅方向中心に沿って上昇し、上部で左右に分かれて外周に沿って下降する培養液６の旋回流が形成される。
又、太陽に対面する培養容器２の外側の曲面壁５を透過して太陽光線が培養容器２内に入射するとともに、内側の曲面壁４からも直射光及び散乱光が入射するため、培養容器２内の微細藻類の各細胞当たりの受光量が多くなり、微細藻類は光合成作用によってビタミン類、アミノ酸、色素類、タンパク質、多糖類、脂肪酸等の有用成分を製造するとともに、地球温暖化の一因となっている二酸化炭素を吸収処理する。そして、光合成作用によって発生した酸素は、培養容器２の頂部に形成されたガス排出用開口部１７及びガス排出筒１６とキャップ１８の間の隙間を通って大気中に排出される。
そして、必要に応じて、温調水供給源を駆動して温調水（冷却水）を温調水導入パイプ１９に流せば、温調水は温調水導入パイプ１９に穿設された複数の散水口１９ａから散水されて外側の曲面壁５の外面に沿って流れ、培養容器２内の培養液６を冷却等してその温度をコントロールするため、培養液６を季節によらず一年中適温に保つことができ、特に夏期における培養液６の過昇温による微細藻類成長への悪影響を効果的に解消することができる。
以上において、本実施の形態に係る微細藻類培養装置１においては、ガスの吹き込みによって培養容器２中に培養液６の旋回流を形成するようにしたため、培養液６の十分な撹拌がなされて微細藻類が公平に受光することができ、これによって高生産性を達成することができる。
又、培養液６における気泡通過時の混相乱流と壁面における乱流境界層及びパラボラ状の培養容器２の曲面壁４，５に沿って培養液６が流れることによるゲルトラー渦によって、外側の曲面壁５から内側の曲面壁４及び内側の曲面壁４から外側の曲面壁５に向かう渦が発生し、この渦によって培養液６が滞留することなく十分に撹拌されるため、微細藻類が培養容器２の壁面に付着したりコロニーを形成して沈殿することがなくなり、微細藻類によって光の透過が遮られることがなく、微細藻類は効率良く且つ均一に受光するために微細藻類を効率良く培養することができ、長期に亘って高い培養効率を維持することができる。
微細藻類が培養容器２の壁面に付着したりコロニーを形成して沈殿すると、微細藻類の受光が妨げられるので好ましくないが、微細藻類培養装置１によれば、種類の異なる混相乱流と乱流境界層とゲルトラー渦（以下に詳述）とが発生するので、曲面壁４，５の間に渦や乱れが発生して、微細藻類によって光の透過が遮られることがない。
混相乱流：液相中を運動する気泡が引き起こす乱流
乱流境界層：壁面付近を流れが通過するとき、流れの相似側を表すパラメータであるＲｅｙｎｏｌｄｓ数が高くなる（壁面上方の流れが速くなるか、流れが壁面に接する距離が長くなる）と、壁面付近に形成される速度の遅い層である境界層が乱流化する。この乱流化された層を乱流境界層という。
ゲルトラー渦：凹曲面を曲率に並行に流れがあるとき、流れの相似則を表すパラメータであるＲｅｙｎｏｌｄｓ数が高くなる（壁面上方の流れが速くなるか、流れが壁面に接する距離が長くなる）と、流れに垂直な回転渦を生じる。この回転渦をゲルトラー渦という。
更に、培養容器２を耐圧強度の高い曲面壁４，５で構成したため、その板厚を小さく抑えて培養装置１の軽量化及びコストダウンを図ることができる。
又、培養容器２の正面視外形形状として円形の左右対称形状を採用したため、該培養容器２内にその外周に沿って旋回する培養液６の流れを容易に形成することができるとともに、培養容器２の製造が容易化する。
更に又、本実施の形態では、培養容器２を水平面に対して所定角度αだけ傾斜させて設置したため、太陽光線の利用効率が高められるとともに、培養容器２内での培養液６の滞留が一層確実に防がれ、微細藻類の壁面への付着が更に確実に防がれる。尚、可変機構を付設して培養容器２の傾斜角度αを可変とすれば、太陽光を常に最大限に受光することができるよう太陽高度の変化に追従して培養容器２の傾斜角度αを変えることができ、より高い培養効率を確保することができる。又、光が強過ぎることによって光合成の光阻害が発生する可能性がある場合には、培養容器２の傾斜角度αを変えることによって、そのような光阻害の発生を防ぐことができる。
又、本実施の形態では、培養容器２の幅方向中心に沿って上昇し、上部で左右に分かれて外周に沿って下降する培養液６の流れを形成したため、培養液の旋回流を容易に発生できるとともに、混相乱流、乱流境界層、ゲルトラー渦の発生が容易であるので、培養液６を均一かつ簡易に攪拌してその滞留を防ぐことができ、培養液６中のどの藻類にも公平に光を当てて高生産性を実現することができる。
ここで、本実施の形態に係る微細藻類培養装置１を用いた実際の生産設備例を図５に示すが、実際の生産設備においては、図示のように複数の微細藻類培養装置１を一列に連続して繋げたものが数列に亘って配設される。この場合、各列においてガス導入パイプ１４と温調水導入パイプ１９は各１本ずつが各培養装置１について共用される。
次に、本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置を用いて行った培養実験の結果について説明する。
微細藻類としてクロロコッカムリトラーレ（Ｃｈｌｏｒｏｃｏｃｃｕｍ ｌｉｔｔｏｒａｌｅ）を用いて培養実験を１３日間に亘って行った。この場合の日照時間は１０時間／日、南中時光量子量８００μｍｏｌ／ｍ２／ｓ、日中平均光量子量３４０μｍｏｌ／ｍ２／ｓ、培養液量７０リットルであり、培養結果は平均増殖速度０．０９ｇ乾燥重量／リットル／日であった。又、培養期間中に微細藻類の培養容器壁面への付着は発生しなかった。
又、別の培養実験において、微細藻類としてスピルリナ・プラテンシス（Ｓｐｉｒｕｌｉｎａ ｐｌａｔｅｎｃｉｓ）を培養した結果、従来の培養池方式では培養濃度０．３〜０．５ｇ／リットル、一日あたりの生産性０．１〜０．２ｇ／リットルであるのに対して、本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置では培養濃度１０〜２０ｇ／リットル、一日あたりの生産性１．８〜４．５ｇ／リットルという好結果が得られた。
＜産業上の利用可能性＞
以上の説明で明らかなように、本発明によれば、頂部に開口部を有する培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって前記培養容器内で微細藻類を培養する微細藻類培養装置において、前記培養容器を内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形するとともに、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成し、前記培養容器内に前記培養液の旋回流を形成するためのガスを吹き込むガス吹込口を培養容器内下部に開口せしめたため、培養液の十分な撹拌を実現して高い生産性を得ることができるとともに、微細藻類の培養容器壁面への付着や培養容器底面への沈殿を防いで長期に亘って高い培養効率を維持することができるという効果が得られる。
また、本発明によれば、頂部に開口部を有する培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって前記培養容器内で微細藻類を培養する微細藻類培養方法において、内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形され、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成して成る培養容器の下部中央部から前記ガスを吹き込むことによって、幅方向中心に沿って上昇し、上部で左右に分かれて外周に沿って下降する培養液の旋回流を形成するため、培養液の十分な撹拌を簡易に実現して高い生産性を得ることができるとともに、微細藻類の培養容器壁面への付着や培養容器底面への沈殿を防いで長期に亘って高い培養効率を維持することができるという効果が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
図１は、本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置の斜視図である。
図２は、本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置の正面図である。
図３は、本発明に係る微細藻類培養装置の側断面図である。
図４は、図３のＡ部拡大詳細図である。
図５は、本実施の形態に係る微細藻類培養装置を用いた実際の生産設備例を示す斜視図である。
なお、図中の符号、１は微細藻類培養装置、２は培養容器、４は内側の曲面壁、５は外側の曲面壁、５ｂはガス吹込口、６は培養液、１４はガス導入パイプ、１７はガス排出用開口部、１８はキャップ、１９は温調水導入パイプである。<Technical field>
The present invention relates to a closed-type microalgae culture apparatus and a microalgae culture method for culturing microalgae that are photosynthetic organisms.
<Background technology>
Microalgae that are photosynthetic organisms are cultivated for aquaculture feed, etc., because they absorb carbon dioxide and produce useful components such as vitamins, amino acids, pigments, proteins, polysaccharides, and fatty acids by photosynthesis. . In addition, this type of microalgae is also used as a means for treating carbon dioxide, which is one of the causes of global warming, and recently, a culture apparatus for culturing this in large quantities has been studied.
By the way, the culture apparatus is for culturing microalgae in a culture solution, and the light necessary for photosynthesis mainly uses sunlight, and carbon dioxide is air or a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and air. Supply by blowing into.
Thus, in order to efficiently cultivate microalgae using solar energy efficiently in the culture device,
(1) Large amount of light received (2) Thoroughly agitate the culture, efficiently illuminate the microalgae, supply nutrients and carbon dioxide uniformly, and remove oxygen discharged from the microalgae (3) It is necessary to achieve agitation without stagnation of the culture solution, and to prevent precipitation due to the decrease in light transmission due to the adhesion of the wall surface of microalgae and the formation of colonies.
Conventionally, as a method for culturing microalgae, an open culture method using a culture pond, a raceway culture pond, or the like has been implemented. However, since this method does not allow sufficient agitation of the culture solution, light is only on the surface layer. Only microalgae that can be cultured under special conditions such as high pH and high salinity because the culture concentration is low, the culture concentration is low, and dust and dirt or airborne microorganisms cannot be prevented. There is a problem that the culture cannot be performed and the temperature of the culture solution is difficult to adjust.
Therefore, various types of closed-type culture devices for culturing microalgae in a culture vessel by putting visible light into the culture solution while injecting a gas containing carbon dioxide into the culture solution are proposed. Has been.
By the way, the capacity per installation area of the closed type culture apparatus is smaller than that of the open culture method, and high concentration culture is required to increase high productivity.
However, in a closed type culture apparatus, light attenuates as it reaches from the light receiving wall side to the inside, so that algae that strikes the light and algae that do not strike are formed. Therefore, sufficient agitation of the culture solution in the apparatus is achieved. Without this, there is a problem that the algae cannot receive light fairly and high productivity cannot be achieved.
In a closed type culture device, microalgae adhere to the inner wall of the culture vessel, or microalgae form colonies in the culture vessel and precipitate, thereby blocking the transmission of light and significantly reducing the culture efficiency. There is a problem of doing. Furthermore, when microalgae settle in the culture vessel, it becomes a hotbed of bacteria, which also causes the culture solution to rot.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the intended treatment is that sufficient agitation of the culture solution can be realized to obtain high productivity, and adhesion of microalgae to the culture vessel wall surface and An object of the present invention is to provide a microalgae culture apparatus and a microalgae culture method that can prevent precipitation on the bottom surface of a culture vessel and maintain high culture efficiency over a long period of time.
<Disclosure of invention>
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention described in claim 1 includes a culture solution placed in a culture vessel having an opening at the top, and a gas containing carbon dioxide is blown into the culture solution while being visible. In the microalgae culture apparatus for culturing microalgae in the culture vessel by making light incident thereon, the culture vessel is shaped like a parabola with inner and outer double curved walls, and at least the outer curved walls are transmitted with visible light It is made of a transparent material, and a gas blow-in port for blowing a gas for forming a swirling flow of the culture solution into the culture vessel is opened at the lower part in the culture vessel.
The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, characterized in that the outer shape of the culture container when viewed from the front is a circle, an ellipse or an ellipse.
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the culture vessel is installed inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature-controlled water flowing along the outer surface of at least the outer curved wall of the culture vessel is adjusted. A water spout for sprinkling water is opened at the top of the culture vessel.
In the invention described in claim 5, the culture solution is put into a culture vessel having an opening at the top, and a visible ray is incident while blowing a gas containing carbon dioxide into the culture solution. In the microalgae culturing method for culturing microalgae in a culture vessel, the bottom center of the culture vessel is formed in a parabolic shape with inner and outer double curved walls, and at least the outer curved wall is made of a transparent material that transmits visible light. By blowing the gas from the part, a swirl flow of the culture solution that rises along the center in the width direction and that is divided into left and right at the top and descends along the outer periphery is formed.
The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 5, the temperature of the culture solution is controlled by sprinkling the temperature-controlled water into the culture vessel.
Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 1, since the gas blowing port for blowing the gas for forming the swirling flow of the culture solution into the culture vessel is opened at the lower part in the culture vessel, By swirling the gas, a swirling flow of the culture solution is formed in the culture vessel, and the culture solution is sufficiently stirred so that the microalgae can receive the light evenly, thereby achieving high productivity. In addition, the multiphase turbulence during the passage of bubbles and the turbulent boundary layer on the wall surface and the Gertler vortex caused by the flow of the culture solution along the curved wall of the parabolic culture vessel, A vortex is generated from the curved wall to the outer curved wall, and the culture solution is sufficiently stirred without stagnation by this vortex, so that microalgae adhere to the wall surface of the culture vessel or form colonies and precipitate. The light transmission is not blocked by the microalgae, and the microalgae can cultivate the microalgae efficiently in order to receive light efficiently and uniformly, and maintain high culture efficiency over a long period of time. Can do. Furthermore, since the culture vessel is formed of a curved wall having a high pressure resistance, it is possible to reduce the thickness and cost of the apparatus by keeping the plate thickness small.
According to the invention described in claim 2, since the symmetrical shape of a circle, an ellipse, or an ellipse is adopted as the outer shape of the culture vessel in a front view, the culture solution swirling along the outer periphery of the culture vessel Can be easily formed, and the production of the culture vessel is facilitated.
According to the invention described in claim 3, since the culture vessel is installed to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the utilization efficiency of sunlight is increased, and the retention of the culture solution in the culture vessel is further ensured. This prevents the microalgae from sticking to the wall.
According to the invention described in claim 4, since the sprinkling port for sprinkling the temperature-controlled water flowing along the outer surface of at least the outer curved wall of the culture vessel is opened at the top of the culture vessel, the culture vessel By controlling the temperature of the culture solution by sprinkling the temperature-controlled water to the culture solution, the culture solution can be kept at a suitable temperature throughout the year regardless of the season. Can be effectively eliminated.
According to the invention described in claim 5, the lower center portion of the culture vessel is formed in a parabolic shape with inner and outer double curved walls, and at least the outer curved walls are made of a transparent material that transmits visible light. In order to form a swirling flow of the culture solution that rises along the center in the width direction and is divided into left and right at the top and descends along the outer periphery, the sufficient agitation of the culture solution is easily performed. Microalgae can receive light fairly, thereby achieving high productivity. In addition, it is possible to easily generate the Geltler vortex by the flow of culture along the turbulent boundary layer on the wall surface and the curved wall of the parabolic culture vessel when passing through the bubble, and from the outer curved wall to the inner side. Vortices from the curved wall and the inner curved wall to the outer curved wall can be easily generated, and the vortex can sufficiently stir without stagnation of the culture solution. The colony will not form and settle, the light transmission will not be blocked by the microalgae, and the microalgae will be able to cultivate the microalgae efficiently in order to receive light efficiently and uniformly. And high culture efficiency can be maintained.
According to the invention described in claim 6, since the temperature of the culture solution is controlled by sprinkling the temperature-controlled water to the culture vessel, the culture solution can be kept at an appropriate temperature throughout the year regardless of the season. In particular, adverse effects on algae growth due to excessive heating of the culture solution in summer can be effectively eliminated.
<Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention>
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a perspective view of the microalgae culture apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the microalgae culture apparatus, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the microalgae culture apparatus, and FIG. FIG.
The microalgae culture apparatus 1 according to the present invention is configured by installing a parabolic culture vessel 2 whose outer shape is circular when viewed from the front, on a support base 3 at a predetermined angle α (see FIG. 3).
The culture vessel 2 is formed in a parabolic shape by concentrically combining the curved wall 5 having the same convex spherical shape outside the curved surface wall 4 having the convex spherical shape at the center. The culture solution 6 is injected into the space surrounded by the two curved walls 4 and 5 formed in (see FIG. 3).
In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the culture vessel 2 is circular when viewed from the front, but may be elliptical or oblong when viewed from the front. In addition, although the inner and outer double curved walls 4 and 5 constituting the culture vessel 2 are convex spherical, these may be concave curved. Further, in the present embodiment, the side facing the sun is defined as the outside, and therefore, 4 is the inner curved wall and 5 is the outer curved wall.
Here, the inner and outer curved walls 4 and 5 constituting the culture vessel 2 are made of a transparent material that transmits sunlight (visible light), and in this embodiment, an acrylic resin is used as the transparent material. As the transparent material, any material can be used as long as it is excellent in light transmittance and has high weather resistance and high ultraviolet resistance. For example, resin such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, glass, etc. Can be selected.
Thus, the inner and outer curved walls 4 and 5 constituting the culture vessel 2 are overlapped by overlapping the flat ring-shaped flange portions 4a and 5a formed on each outer peripheral edge as shown in FIG. The flange portions 4a and 5a are sandwiched from both sides by ring-shaped metal back plates 7 and 8, and the flange portions 4a and 5a are fastened by a plurality of bolts 9 inserted through them and nuts 10 screwed into the bolts 9. As a result, a parabolic culture vessel 2 is constructed. The four flange portions 4 a and 5 a are fastened together with the support base 3 by bolts 9, and the inner and outer curved walls 4 and 5 are fixed to the support base 3. An O-ring 11 is interposed between the overlapping flange portions 4a and 5a of the inner and outer curved walls 4 and 5, and the sealing action of the O-ring 11 causes the culture medium 6 to leak out of the culture vessel 2. It is prevented.
Further, as shown in detail in FIG. 4, a circular drain hole 4b is formed in the central lower portion of the curved wall 4 inside the culture vessel 2 in the width direction, and the drain hole 4b is drained from the outside. The pipe 12 is inserted and bound. A drain valve 13 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 12. By opening the drain valve 13, the culture solution 6 in the culture vessel 2 can be discharged to the outside.
Furthermore, a circular gas is blown into three places (a vertical downward position passing through the center of the curved wall 5 and three positions on the left and right sides thereof) on the lower outer periphery of the curved wall 5 outside the culture vessel 2 (light receiving side). A mouth 5b (only one is shown in FIG. 4) is formed.
On the other hand, a gas introduction pipe 14 extends horizontally in the left-right direction on the lower front side of the culture vessel 2 (outside the outer curved wall 5), and branches from the gas introduction pipe 14 to the culture vessel 2 side. The three branch pipes 15 extending toward the bottom are inserted into and bonded to the gas blowing port 5b formed in the lower outer periphery of the curved wall 5 outside the culture vessel 2. Although not shown, the gas introduction pipe 14 is connected to a gas supply source such as a compressor that supplies air or a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and air.
On the other hand, a cylindrical gas discharge cylinder 16 is attached to the top of the culture vessel 2 (that is, the top of the outer curved wall 5), and the inside of the gas discharge opening 17 opens into the culture vessel 2. Is formed. An inverted dish-shaped cap 18 that opens downward is attached to the upper portion of the gas discharge cylinder 16, and the gas discharge opening 17 is covered with the cap 18, whereby the culture solution 6 in the culture vessel 2 is covered. It is possible to prevent contamination of dust, dirt or airborne microorganisms in the air. A similar effect can be obtained by providing a filter in the gas discharge opening 17 instead of the cap 18.
Further, a temperature adjustment water introduction pipe 19 is extended in the left-right direction in parallel with the gas introduction pipe 14 on the upper front side of the culture vessel 2, and this temperature adjustment water introduction pipe 19 is supported by a pair of left and right support brackets 20. It is attached to the culture vessel 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality (five in the illustrated example) of water sprinkling ports 19a are formed in the lower portion of the temperature adjustment water introduction pipe 19, and the temperature adjustment water introduction pipe 19 is provided with cooling water. It is connected to a temperature control water supply source (not shown) such as a pump.
Thus, the culture vessel 2 having the above-described configuration is supported by the slope portion of the support base 3 having a frame structure, and a predetermined angle α (this embodiment) so that the outer curved wall 5 faces the sun. In this embodiment, it is tilted by α = 60 °.
Next, the effect | action of the micro algae culture apparatus 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated.
The microalgae culture apparatus 1 is installed outdoors, and the microalgae to be cultured and the culture solution 6 are placed in the culture vessel 2, and a gas supply source (not shown) is driven to provide a gas containing carbon dioxide (air or carbon dioxide and When a gas mixture with air is passed through the gas introduction pipe 14, the gas is supplied from the three branch pipes 15 into the culture vessel 2.
The gas supplied into the culture vessel 2 rises along the inner surface of the outer curved wall 5 from the three bottom portions of the culture vessel 2 as shown in FIG. Supply carbon dioxide to microalgae. Due to the rising of the gas bubbles, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, the culture solution 6 that rises along the center in the width direction and that is divided into left and right at the top and descends along the outer periphery is formed. A swirling flow is formed.
In addition, since sunlight passes through the outer curved wall 5 of the culture vessel 2 facing the sun and enters the culture vessel 2, and direct light and scattered light also enter from the inner curved wall 4, the culture vessel The amount of light received per cell by the microalgae in 2 increases, and the microalgae produce useful components such as vitamins, amino acids, pigments, proteins, polysaccharides, and fatty acids by photosynthesis, and also contribute to global warming. It absorbs carbon dioxide that is the cause. The oxygen generated by the photosynthetic action is discharged into the atmosphere through the gas discharge opening 17 formed at the top of the culture vessel 2 and the gap between the gas discharge tube 16 and the cap 18.
Then, if necessary, if the temperature adjustment water supply source is driven and the temperature adjustment water (cooling water) flows through the temperature adjustment water introduction pipe 19, the temperature adjustment water is plurally provided in the temperature adjustment water introduction pipe 19. In order to control the temperature of the culture solution 6 in the culture vessel 2 by cooling or the like, the temperature of the culture solution 6 is controlled for one year regardless of the season. The medium temperature can be maintained, and particularly the adverse effect on the growth of microalgae due to the excessive temperature increase of the culture solution 6 in the summer can be effectively eliminated.
In the above, in the microalgae culturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the swirling flow of the culture solution 6 is formed in the culture vessel 2 by blowing gas, so that the culture solution 6 is sufficiently agitated to be fine. Algae can receive light fairly, thereby achieving high productivity.
Further, the outer curved surface is caused by the mixed phase turbulent flow at the time of bubble passage in the culture solution 6, the turbulent boundary layer on the wall surface and the geltler vortex caused by the flow of the culture solution 6 along the curved walls 4 and 5 of the parabolic culture vessel 2. A vortex is generated from the wall 5 toward the inner curved wall 4 and from the inner curved wall 4 to the outer curved wall 5, and the culturing solution 6 is sufficiently agitated by the vortex without stagnation. No longer adheres to the wall of 2 or forms colonies and settles, and the light transmission is not blocked by the microalgae. The microalgae cultivate the microalgae efficiently in order to receive light efficiently and uniformly. And high culture efficiency can be maintained over a long period of time.
If the microalgae adhere to the wall surface of the culture vessel 2 or form a colony and precipitate, it is not preferable because the light reception of the microalgae is hindered. However, according to the microalgae culture device 1, different types of mixed-phase turbulence and turbulence Since the boundary layer and the Gertler vortex (described in detail below) are generated, vortices and disturbances are generated between the curved walls 4 and 5, and light transmission is not blocked by the microalgae.
Multiphase turbulent flow: Turbulent turbulent boundary layer caused by bubbles moving in the liquid phase: When the flow passes near the wall surface, the Reynolds number, which is a parameter representing the similarity side of the flow, increases (the flow above the wall surface becomes faster) If the flow contacts the wall surface, the boundary layer, which is a slow layer formed near the wall surface, becomes turbulent. This turbulent layer is called a turbulent boundary layer.
Geltler vortex: When there is a flow in parallel with the curvature of the concave surface, the Reynolds number, which is a parameter representing the similarity law of the flow, increases (the flow above the wall becomes faster or the distance that the flow contacts the wall becomes longer) This produces a rotating vortex perpendicular to the flow. This rotating vortex is called the Gertler vortex.
Furthermore, since the culture vessel 2 is composed of the curved walls 4 and 5 having high pressure resistance, the thickness of the culture vessel 1 can be reduced and the cost of the culture device 1 can be reduced.
In addition, since a circular left-right symmetric shape is adopted as the front view outer shape of the culture vessel 2, a flow of the culture solution 6 swirling along the outer periphery thereof can be easily formed in the culture vessel 2, and the culture vessel The manufacture of 2 is facilitated.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the culture vessel 2 is installed to be inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the horizontal plane, the utilization efficiency of sunlight is increased and the retention of the culture solution 6 in the culture vessel 2 is further increased. It is reliably prevented and adhesion of microalgae to the wall surface is further reliably prevented. If the tilt angle α of the culture vessel 2 is made variable by attaching a variable mechanism, the tilt angle α of the culture vessel 2 can be changed following the change of the solar altitude so that sunlight can be always received to the maximum. It can be changed and higher culture efficiency can be secured. In addition, when there is a possibility that photoinhibition of photosynthesis occurs due to too strong light, such photoinhibition can be prevented by changing the inclination angle α of the culture vessel 2.
In the present embodiment, since the flow of the culture solution 6 that rises along the center in the width direction of the culture vessel 2 and is divided into left and right at the top and descends along the outer periphery is formed, the swirling flow of the culture solution is easily performed. Since it is possible to generate a multiphase turbulent flow, a turbulent boundary layer, and a geltler vortex, the culture solution 6 can be stirred uniformly and easily to prevent its retention. Can achieve high productivity by shining light fairly.
Here, FIG. 5 shows an example of actual production equipment using the microalgae culture apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the actual production equipment, a plurality of microalgae culture apparatuses 1 are arranged in a row as shown in the figure. Those connected continuously are arranged over several rows. In this case, one gas introduction pipe 14 and one temperature control water introduction pipe 19 are shared for each culture apparatus 1 in each row.
Next, the result of the culture experiment performed using the microalgae culture apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
Cultivation experiments were performed over 13 days using Chlorococcum litorale as a microalgae. In this case, the sunshine duration was 10 hours / day, the photon amount in the south and middle hours was 800 μmol / m 2 / s, the average photon amount during the day was 340 μmol / m 2 / s, and the culture volume was 70 liters. 0.09 g dry weight / liter / day. Also, no microalgae adhered to the culture vessel wall during the culture period.
In another culture experiment, as a result of culturing Spirulina platensis as a microalgae, the conventional culture pond system has a culture concentration of 0.3 to 0.5 g / liter and a daily productivity of 0.1. The microalgae culture apparatus according to the present invention has a good result of a culture concentration of 10 to 20 g / liter and a productivity per day of 1.8 to 4.5 g / liter, whereas it is ˜0.2 g / liter. It was.
<Industrial applicability>
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a culture solution is placed in a culture vessel having an opening at the top, and visible light is incident while blowing a gas containing carbon dioxide into the culture solution. In the microalgae culturing apparatus for culturing microalgae in the culture container, the culture container is formed into a parabolic shape with inner and outer double curved walls, and at least the outer curved wall is made of a transparent material that transmits visible light In addition, since a gas blowing port for blowing a gas for forming a swirling flow of the culture solution into the culture vessel is opened at the lower part of the culture vessel, sufficient agitation of the culture solution is realized to obtain high productivity. In addition, it is possible to prevent the microalgae from adhering to the culture vessel wall surface and to precipitate on the bottom surface of the culture vessel, and to maintain high culture efficiency over a long period of time.
Further, according to the present invention, a culture solution is placed in a culture vessel having an opening at the top, and a visible ray is incident on the culture solution by injecting a gas containing carbon dioxide into the culture solution. In the microalgae culturing method for culturing microalgae, the gas is formed from a lower central part of a culture vessel formed in a parabolic shape with inner and outer double curved walls, and at least the outer curved wall is made of a transparent material that transmits visible light. To produce a swirling flow of the culture solution that rises along the center in the width direction, splits to the left and right at the top, and descends along the outer periphery. In addition, it is possible to obtain the effect of maintaining high culture efficiency over a long period of time by preventing adhesion of microalgae to the culture vessel wall surface and precipitation on the bottom surface of the culture vessel.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microalgae culture apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the microalgae culture apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the microalgae culture apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of part A in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of actual production equipment using the microalgae culture apparatus according to the present embodiment.
In the drawings, 1 is a microalgae culture apparatus, 2 is a culture vessel, 4 is an inner curved wall, 5 is an outer curved wall, 5b is a gas inlet, 6 is a culture solution, 14 is a gas introduction pipe, Reference numeral 17 denotes a gas discharge opening, 18 denotes a cap, and 19 denotes a temperature control water introduction pipe.

Claims (6)

頂部に開口部を有する培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって前記培養容器内で微細藻類を培養する微細藻類培養装置において、
前記培養容器を内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形するとともに、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成し、前記培養容器内に前記培養液の旋回流を形成するためのガスを吹き込むガス吹込口を培養容器内下部に開口せしめたことを特徴とする微細藻類培養装置。Microalgae culture for culturing microalgae in the culture vessel by putting visible light into the culture broth while blowing a gas containing carbon dioxide into the culture solution having an opening at the top In the device
The culture vessel is shaped like a parabola with inner and outer double curved walls, and at least the outer curved wall is made of a transparent material that transmits visible light, and forms a swirling flow of the culture solution in the culture vessel. A microalgae culture apparatus characterized in that a gas injection port for injecting gas is opened at the lower part in the culture vessel. 前記培養容器の正面視外形形状を円、楕円又は長円としたことを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項に記載の微細藻類培養装置。  The apparatus for cultivating microalgae according to claim 1, wherein the outer shape of the culture container in a front view is a circle, an ellipse, or an ellipse. 前記培養容器を水平面に対して傾斜させて設置したことを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項又は第２項に記載の微細藻類培養装置。  The apparatus for cultivating microalgae according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the culture vessel is installed to be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. 前記培養容器の少なくとも外側の曲面壁の外面に沿って流れる温調水を散水するための散水口を前記培養容器の上部に開口せしめたことを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項〜第３項の何れかに記載の微細藻類培養装置。  The sprinkling port for sprinkling the temperature-controlled water flowing along the outer surface of at least the outer curved wall of the culture vessel is opened at the top of the culture vessel. The microalgae culture apparatus according to any one of the above. 頂部に開口部を有する培養容器の中に培養液を入れ、該培養液中に二酸化炭素を含むガスを吹き込みつつ、可視光線を入射させることによって前記培養容器内で微細藻類を培養する微細藻類培養方法において、内外二重曲面壁でパラボラ状に成形され、少なくとも外側の曲面壁を可視光線を透過する透明材料で構成して成る培養容器の下部中央部から前記ガスを吹き込むことによって、幅方向中心に沿って上昇し、上部で左右に分かれて外周に沿って下降する培養液の旋回流を形成することを特徴とする微細藻類培養方法。  A microalgae culture in which a culture solution is placed in a culture vessel having an opening at the top, and microalgae are cultured in the culture vessel by injecting visible light while blowing a gas containing carbon dioxide into the culture solution. In the method, the center in the width direction is formed by blowing the gas from the lower central portion of the culture vessel formed into a parabolic shape with inner and outer double curved walls and comprising at least the outer curved walls made of a transparent material that transmits visible light. A microalgae culture method characterized by forming a swirling flow of a culture solution that rises along the top and is divided into left and right at the top and descends along the outer periphery. 前記培養容器への温調水の散水によって前記培養液の温度をコントロールすることを特徴とする請求の範囲第５項に記載の微細藻類培養方法。  6. The method of culturing microalgae according to claim 5, wherein the temperature of the culture solution is controlled by sprinkling temperature-controlled water into the culture vessel.
JP2003502142A 2001-06-01 2002-05-30 Microalgae culture apparatus and microalgae culture method Expired - Fee Related JP4079878B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2001166650 2001-06-01
JP2001166650 2001-06-01
PCT/JP2002/005264 WO2002099032A1 (en) 2001-06-01 2002-05-30 Device and method for cultivating micro algae

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPWO2002099032A1 JPWO2002099032A1 (en) 2004-10-21
JP4079878B2 true JP4079878B2 (en) 2008-04-23

Family

ID=19009160

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2003502142A Expired - Fee Related JP4079878B2 (en) 2001-06-01 2002-05-30 Microalgae culture apparatus and microalgae culture method

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (1) JP4079878B2 (en)
TW (1) TWI245797B (en)
WO (1) WO2002099032A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4593244B2 (en) * 2004-11-19 2010-12-08 東芝三菱電機産業システム株式会社 Rotating electrical terminal box
JP2009106218A (en) * 2007-10-31 2009-05-21 Yukio Yoneda Photosynthesis unit system
ITCE20090007A1 (en) * 2009-07-17 2011-01-18 M2M Engineering Sas LOW-COST INDUSTRIAL PHOTOBIOREACTOR, WITH HIGH PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND HIGH GASOUS ABSORPTION FOR MASSIVE MICRO-ALGAE OR GENERIC CULTURAL ORGANISMS UNICELLULAR PHOTOSYNTHETICS
JP5720337B2 (en) * 2011-03-17 2015-05-20 株式会社Ihi Incubator
SI2751255T1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2021-04-30 Gicon Grossmann Ingenieur Consult Gmbh Method and device for feeding gases or gas mixtures into a liquid, suspension, or emulsion in a photobioreactor in a specific manner
DE102011113440A1 (en) * 2011-09-14 2013-03-14 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Method for operating a photobioreactor and photobioreactor
CN102517218B (en) * 2011-12-28 2013-05-29 广东海洋大学 Method for culturing microalgae on sea surface
BE1021386B1 (en) * 2013-05-07 2015-11-12 Agc Glass Europe DEVICE FOR CULTIVATING PHOTOTROPHIC ORGANISMS.
JP2014223024A (en) * 2013-05-15 2014-12-04 日本電信電話株式会社 Culture method and culture apparatus of microalgae
IL298175A (en) * 2020-05-19 2023-01-01 Vaxa Tech Ltd Photosynthetically controlled spirulina extracts for treating the cytokine storm syndrome
WO2023073454A1 (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Bluemater, S.A. Photobioreactor for the culture of macro or microorganisms, liquid evaporation or liquid fermentation

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03112481A (en) * 1989-09-26 1991-05-14 Hiroyuki Kikuchi Apparatus for culturing algae
JP2743316B2 (en) * 1995-10-27 1998-04-22 財団法人地球環境産業技術研究機構 Tubular photobioreactor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002099032A1 (en) 2002-12-12
TWI245797B (en) 2005-12-21
JPWO2002099032A1 (en) 2004-10-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4079877B2 (en) Microalgae culture apparatus and microalgae culture method
EP0999265B1 (en) Fine algae culture device
JP4079878B2 (en) Microalgae culture apparatus and microalgae culture method
US20210079325A1 (en) Large scale mixotrophic production systems
MX2008010770A (en) Photobioreactor and uses therefor.
WO2004074423A2 (en) Reactor for industrial culture of photosynthetic micro-organisms
CN101497473A (en) Aeration type photobioreactor and method of use thereof
CN210193886U (en) High-efficient closed marine microalgae cultivates photobioreactor
CN105143429A (en) Reactor for bulk production of photosynthetic microorganisms
KR20190094622A (en) Apparatus for cultivating microalgae
US20150175946A1 (en) Photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation having arc-type partition structure for forming vortices
MX2008010831A (en) Cooling device for use in an electric arc furnace.
CN101760429B (en) Simple and easy cylindrical reaction vessel for microalgae culture
EP2871228B1 (en) Microlalgae culture system under external conditions
JP2013506409A (en) High-mass productivity thin-layer photobioreactor
CN102746982A (en) Multilevel large capacity tank-type photobioreactor capable of inhibiting growth of microalgae on wall
US10829725B2 (en) Air accordion bioreactor
CN203462055U (en) Photobioreactor for preventing microalgae attachment to wall in airlift mixing way
JPH07289239A (en) Method for culturing photosynthetic organism
CN212199233U (en) Closed photobioreactor of ton bucket
CN219429975U (en) Microalgae photo-biological reaction container, device and system
CN213951218U (en) Cell culture dish with stable structure
KR102388601B1 (en) Light bioreactor for algae culture with circulation flow and algae production system using thereof
CN115873701A (en) Livestock feed fermentation integrated equipment and use method thereof
JPS62253372A (en) Production of algae and device therefor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20050520

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20080130

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20080205

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20110215

Year of fee payment: 3

R150 Certificate of patent or registration of utility model

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150

LAPS Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees