WO1994009112A1 - Device for cleaning photobioreactor tubes and photobioreactor comprising said device - Google Patents

Device for cleaning photobioreactor tubes and photobioreactor comprising said device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994009112A1
WO1994009112A1 PCT/FR1993/001008 FR9301008W WO9409112A1 WO 1994009112 A1 WO1994009112 A1 WO 1994009112A1 FR 9301008 W FR9301008 W FR 9301008W WO 9409112 A1 WO9409112 A1 WO 9409112A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
photobioreactor
cleaning
cleaning device
pipe
pipes
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1993/001008
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Arnaud Muller-Feuga
Daniel Chaumont
Claude Gudin
Original Assignee
Heliosynthese
Institut Français Pour L'exploitation De La Mer (Ifremer)
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 Heliosynthese, Institut Français Pour L'exploitation De La Mer (Ifremer) filed Critical Heliosynthese
Publication of WO1994009112A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994009112A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
    • F28G1/00—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances
    • F28G1/12—Fluid-propelled scrapers, bullets, or like solid bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/057—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices being entrained discrete elements, e.g. balls, grinding elements, brushes
    • 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
    • C12M39/00—Means for cleaning the apparatus or avoiding unwanted deposits of microorganisms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for cleaning the pipes of a photobioreactor, as well as to the photobioreactor provided with this device.
  • the cultivated microorganisms are, for example, microalgae (Porphyridium cruentum) or cyanobacteria (chlorella, spirulina, scenedesmus, etc.).
  • the main parameters of the culture of these microorganisms are temperature, light, pH, CO2 and O2 pressures in the culture medium, as well as the composition of the nutrient medium.
  • photobioreactors consist of a set of tubes transparent to light, made for example of plastic material and inside which circulates a liquid culture medium loaded with microorganisms.
  • tubes can be flexible and arranged in the form of a raft, above a large body of water such as a lagoon, a pond, the sea or a swimming pool and serving as a source of cooling of the liquid culture medium.
  • An example of this type of photobioreactor is described in document FR-A-2 621 323.
  • the tubes can also be rigid. They are then produced for example in plastic panels transparent to light radiation and extruded so as to form parallel longitudinal cells.
  • photobio-reactor is described in documents FR-A-2 564 855 and FR-A-2 662 705. These panels then rest on a hard surface and preferably inclined so as to present an angle of 90 ° by relation to the sun.
  • photobioreactors are generally provided with a carbonator making it possible to ensure a sufficient transfer of CO2 to the liquid culture medium, so that the biological demand for CO2 is always satisfied.
  • the culture device also requires the presence of means for continuously circulating the culture medium between the tubes of the photobio-reactor and said carbonator. These means are for example a pump.
  • photobioreactors also require cleaning devices because they tend to clog quickly, if no special precautions are taken.
  • micro-algae naturally tend to adhere to the internal walls of the photobioreactor tubes.
  • the deposits thus formed considerably reduce the transparency to light of the upper wall of the tubes, (that is to say, the wall directed towards the sun), and therefore cause less efficient use of solar energy.
  • these deposits make the dispersion of cells inside the medium less homogeneous.
  • the connecting pieces such as the elbows, for example, between the different tubes straight lines of the device further increase the risk of sedimentation and therefore contamination of the culture medium. This explains why it is necessary to provide devices for cleaning the tubes of the photobioreactor.
  • a cleaning device making it possible to circulate balls inside the cylindrical tubes of a photobio-reactor, under the action of a pump.
  • this device is not completely satisfactory because it does not allow effective cleaning of tubes whose cross-section is square or rectangular, since the corners are not reached by the balls.
  • a photobioreactor comprising a gas lift device for simultaneously charging the culture medium with CO2 and ensuring the circulation of this liquid medium, so as to avoid stagnation and therefore the formation of deposits inside the tubes.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks. It aims in particular to produce a device making it possible to effectively clean the internal walls of the pipes of a photobioreactor.
  • the invention also makes it possible to provide this cleaning even when the section of the pipes is square or rectangular.
  • the invention relates to a device for cleaning the pipes of a photobio ⁇ reactor, this device comprising at least one movable cleaning element, intended to circulate inside said pipes; storage means and drive means of said movable cleaning elements.
  • this mobile cleaning element comprises a magnetosensitive core covered with a material which is chemically stable vis-à-vis the culture medium and the drive means comprise at least one magnet. able to propel this mobile element in the pipes of the photo ⁇ bioreactor so that this element cleans the internal walls of these pipes.
  • This cleaning device is simple to implement and easy to manufacture at low cost.
  • the magnetic drive means are efficient and allow cleaning elements to be sent to the pipes at selected intervals.
  • the movable cleaning element has dimensions corresponding substantially to those of the section of the pipes of the photobioreactor and ensures the circulation of the culture medium in said pipes.
  • the drive means comprise a launching pipe in the form of an open circular loop, connected at one of its ends to the storage means and at its other end to the input of the photobioreactor and at least one rotary arm, the end of which is provided with at least one magnet, this arm being arranged in the vicinity of the launch pipe, so that the rotation of the magnet causes the displacement of an element magneto-sensitive mobile, inside said launch pipe, towards the entrance of the photobioreactor.
  • the photobio-reactor no longer requires either a pump or a gas lift, which constitutes an advantageous simplification of the circuit for circulating the culture medium.
  • the reduction in mechanical stresses created essentially by the pump and the reduction in turbulence generated by the gas lift allow- are trying to consider the culture of fragile cells.
  • the drive means also has the advantage of being more compact than the second embodiment.
  • the drive means comprise a straight launching pipe, connected at one of its ends to the inlet of the photobioreactor and at its other end to the storage means, and a belt endless, rotary, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of said lan ⁇ cement pipe.
  • This belt is provided with at least one magnet which, during the rotation of said belt, moves along the launch pipe, causing the moving cleaning element, magné ⁇ to-sensitive, to move. inside said launch pipe, from one end to the other thereof.
  • the culture medium is set in motion without shearing effort and without turbulence. Furthermore, this second embodiment requires a smaller number of cleaning elements than that using the rotary arm.
  • the invention also relates to a photobio ⁇ culture reactor for photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a series of pipes mounted in series, produced in a zatière transparent to light radiation and inside which said microorganisms are suspended in a liquid culture medium, this photobioreactor being equipped with the aforementioned cleaning device.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, mounted in a photobioreactor
  • - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the cleaning device of the figure
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view along line IV-IV of Figure 3.
  • the photobioreactor consists of an extruded panel 1, made of a material transparent to light radiation, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride , for example, inside which are arranged a number of pipes 3 parallel to each other. These pipes have a section in the shape of a parallelogram, preferably square or rectangular. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each pipe 3 has an upper wall referenced 5 and a lower wall referenced 7. The upper wall is the wall directed towards the sun, while the lower wall corresponds to that directed towards the ground.
  • the panel 1 has at each of its two ends, a connecting piece 9, preferably made of material transparent to light radiation and having internally a series of semi-cylindrical cavities 11 of the same thickness as the pipes 3. These cavities 11 are intended to connect two by two the ends of two neighboring pipes 3, so as to form a coil inside which circulate, in one direction, the liquid culture medium and the cultivated microorganisms.
  • the cleaning device comprises at least one movable cleaning element 15 and preferably several, intended to circulate inside the pipes 3.
  • the cleaning device also comprises storage means 17 and means of drive 19 of said movable elements 15.
  • the mobile cleaning element 15 is intended to circulate in pipes 3 whose section is preferably rectangular and for this purpose, it has the shape of a thin disc whose height H corresponds substantially to the thickness E of pipes 3, with a functional clearance and whose diameter D also corresponds substantially to the width L of the pipes 3, (see FIGS. 4 and 1).
  • This movable element internally comprises a core 21 made of a magneto-sensitive material, that is to say a material capable of being attracted by a magnet.
  • This core 21 is covered with a layer 23 of a material which is chemically stable vis-à-vis the culture medium, that is to say generally an elastic polymer, of the polyethylene type.
  • Movable elements 15 thus produced advantageously have a density greater than that of the culture medium in which they circulate.
  • At least one of the two circular faces of this movable element 15, or even both, or even the lateral faces of this element, are covered with a layer 25 of a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the disc shape of the movable elements 15 is particularly suitable for circulation in the cavities or elbows 11. However, if photobioreactors with cavities 11 and / or pipes 3 of different shapes were used, it would be possible to 'Adapt the shape of the movable elements 15 accordingly.
  • the output 27 of the photobioreactor is connected directly by a connecting pipe 29, to the storage means 17.
  • These consist of a pipe 18 defining an inclined plane.
  • the width L1 of the pipe 18 is approximately twice the width L of the pipes 3, so that the liquid culture medium circulating inside this pipe 18 is not braked by the mobile elements 15.
  • the mobile cleaning elements 15 descend by gravity to the base 31 of the inclined pipe 18, then stack one behind the other along the slope.
  • the fact that the elements 15 are of a density slightly greater than that of the culture medium facilitates this movement.
  • the base 31 is connected to the drive means 19.
  • These storage means 17 comprise at in addition to a loading channel 33 closed by a plug 35. This loading channel 33 opens into the inclined canali ⁇ tion 18 and allows the mobile elements 15 to be introduced into the circulation of the photobioreactor, as well as the liquid culture medium.
  • the storage means 17 are identical but are not connected to the photobioréac ⁇ tor exactly the same way.
  • the base 31 is connected to the drive means 19 ', while the output 27 of the photobioreactor is connected, via a connecting pipe 36 to the top of the inclined pipe 18.
  • the drive means 19 comprise one or more magnets capable of propelling a mobile magneto-sensitive element 15 in the pipes 3 of the photobioreactor.
  • a mobile magneto-sensitive element 15 capable of propelling a mobile magneto-sensitive element 15 in the pipes 3 of the photobioreactor.
  • FIG. 1 A first embodiment of these drive means 19 is illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • These drive means 19 comprise a launch pipe 37 whose section is identical to that of the pipes 3.
  • This launch canali ⁇ 37 has a form of open circular loop. It is connected on the one hand to the base 31 of the storage means 17 and on the other hand to its other end, to a rectilinear connection pipe 39 which is connected to the inlet 41 of the photobioreactor.
  • At least one rotary arm 43 is mounted in the vicinity of the launching channel 37.
  • This rotary arm pivots about an axis 45 placed at the center of the circle defined by the launch pipe 37.
  • the shaft 45 is rotated by a motor not shown.
  • the rotary arm 43 has at its free end at least one magnet 47 which can be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
  • the length of the arm 43 corresponds to the radius of the circle defined by said pipe 37 so that the magnet 47 is constantly moving above or below this pipe 37, (depending on the embodiment).
  • each rotation of the arm 43 makes it possible to drive a mobile cleaning element 15.
  • the mobile element 15 arriving at the outlet of the launching channel 37 escapes the magnetic field of the magnet 47 and continues its travel in the connecting pipe 39, (arrow Fl).
  • the length of the launch pipe 37 corresponds to the distance between two successive moving elements 15. The choice of this length, the length of the rotary arm 43 and the number of arms makes it possible to adapt the distance between two consecutive elements. After having circulated inside the photobioreactor, the elements 15 return to standby in the inclined pipe 18 of the storage means 17.
  • the second embodiment of the drive means 19 ′ is illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • This drive means is adapted on the first pipe 3 for entering the photobioreactor.
  • This pipe 3 is called launch pipe and bears the reference 49.
  • This launch pipe is connected at one of its ends to the base 31 of the means of storage 17 and at its other end to a cavity 11, itself connected to the second pipe 3, that is to say at the input 41 proper of the photobioreactor.
  • An endless belt 51 placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of this launch pipe 49 passes outside and above the wall 5 (see FIG. 4). This belt 51 is rotated around two pulleys 53 'and 53 "which appear better in FIG. 4. These pulleys are placed substantially at the two ends of the launch pipe 49.
  • the endless belt 51 is provided with at least one permanent magnet 59, but preferably, at least two, spaced regularly to ensure good circulation of the culture medium. These magnets 59 are fixed on the external face of the belt 51 placed opposite the upper wall of the launching tube 5 49.
  • the upper wall 5 of the launching pipe 49 preferably comprises on its external face an anti-friction coating 5a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) type.
  • the endless belt 51 starts to rotate in the direction of the arrow F2 and when a magnet 59 arrives above the base 31 of the storage means 17, it attracts by its magnetic field, the one of the mobile magneto-sensitive cleaning elements 15 which is stored there.
  • the magnet 59 moves the element 15 inside the launch pipe 49 to the opposite end of the latter.
  • the magnet 59 begins to pivot around the pulley 53 ', the magneto-sensitive mobile element 15 escapes the magnetic field of the magnet and continues to run. inside the pipes 3.
  • the magnet 59 returns (arrow F3), but being far enough from the upper wall 5 so as not to act on a new element 15 driven towards the pulley 53 '(direction F2).
  • the endless belt 51 could also be placed under the lower wall 7 of the launch pipe 49.
  • the choice of the number of magnets 59 and their spacing on the belt 51 determines the interval between two successive moving elements 15, flowing in the pipes 3.
  • the minimum number N of mobile cleaning elements 15 required to ensure continuity in pumping and movement of the culture medium inside the lines 3 of the photobioreactor is as follows:
  • N (Ln a ) / e
  • n a representing the number of active magnets of the drive device 19, 19 '.
  • this number n a is identical to the total number of magnets, on the other hand in the case of the device 19 ', using the belt 51, this number n a corresponds only to 'to half the total number of magnets.
  • the photobioreactor of FIG. 1 comprises forty-two pipes 3, with a unit length of 1.7 m each. It is equipped with a drive device provided with a single magnet 47.
  • the length of the launch pipe 37 is 0.75 m and that of the connection pipe 39 is 2.2 m.
  • the minimum number N of mobile elements 15 required is:
  • This device makes it possible to obtain a speed of circulation of the culture medium of between 5 and 50 cm / s.

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Abstract

Device for cleaning photobioreactor tubes and photobioreactor comprising said device. The object of the invention is the effective cleaning of the inner walls of photobioreactor tubes, including tubes of square or rectangular cross-section. The device must also circulate the liquid culture medium inside the photobioreactor. The object is attained using a device comprising at least one mobile cleaning element (15) having a magnetosensitive core covered with a material chemically stable in relation to the culture medium and magnetic driving means (19) capable of propelling the mobile element (15) inside the photobioreactor tubes (3) for cleaning of the inner walls thereof.

Description

DISPOSITIF DE NETTOYAGE DES CANALISATIONS D'UN PHOTOBIOREACTEUR ET PHOTOBIOREACTEUR MUNI DE CE DISPOSITIF DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE PIPES OF A PHOTOBIOREACTOR AND PHOTOBIOREACTOR PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
La présente invention concerne un dispositif de nettoyage des canalisations d'un photobioréacteur, ainsi que le photobioréacteur muni de ce dispositif.The present invention relates to a device for cleaning the pipes of a photobioreactor, as well as to the photobioreactor provided with this device.
On réalise depuis quelques années déjà des cultures de microorganismes photosynthétiques, à l'inté¬ rieur de photobioréacteurs. Ces derniers permettent la production de toute matière photosynthétique, c'est- à-dire toute forme de vie susceptible de se développer et de réaliser une réaction de photosynthèse dans un milieu liquide nutritif approprié, en présence de rayon¬ nement solaire et de dioxyde de carbone. Les micro- organismes cultivés sont par exemple, des micro-algues (Porphyridium cruentum) ou des cyanobactéries (chlo- relles, spirulines, scenedesmus, etc...).Cultures of photosynthetic microorganisms have already been carried out for a few years, inside photobioreactors. The latter allow the production of any photosynthetic material, that is to say any form of life capable of developing and of carrying out a photosynthesis reaction in a suitable nutritive liquid medium, in the presence of solar radiation and of dioxide. carbon. The cultivated microorganisms are, for example, microalgae (Porphyridium cruentum) or cyanobacteria (chlorella, spirulina, scenedesmus, etc.).
Les principaux paramètres de la culture de ces microorganismes sont la température, la lumière, le pH, les pressions en CO2 et en O2 dans le milieu de culture, ainsi que la composition du milieu nour¬ ricier.The main parameters of the culture of these microorganisms are temperature, light, pH, CO2 and O2 pressures in the culture medium, as well as the composition of the nutrient medium.
En conséquence, les photobioréacteurs actuel¬ lement connus sont constitués d'un ensemble de tubes transparents à la lumière, réalisés par exemple en matière plastique et à l'intérieur desquels circule un milieu de culture liquide chargé en microorganismes.Consequently, currently known photobioreactors consist of a set of tubes transparent to light, made for example of plastic material and inside which circulates a liquid culture medium loaded with microorganisms.
Ces tubes peuvent être souples et disposés sous forme d'un radeau, au-dessus d'une étendue d'eau importante comme une lagune, un étang, la mer ou une piscine et servant de source de refroidissement du milieu de culture liquide. Un exemple de ce type de photobioréacteur est décrit dans le document FR-A-2 621 323. Les tubes peuvent également être rigides. Ils sont alors réalisés par exemple dans des panneaux en matière plastique transparente aux rayonnements lumineux et extrudés de façon à former des alvéoles longitudinales parallèles. Un tel exemple de photobio- réacteur est décrit dans les documents FR-A-2 564 855 et FR-A-2 662 705. Ces panneaux reposent alors sur une surface dure et de préférence inclinée de façon à présenter un angle de 90° par rapport au soleil.These tubes can be flexible and arranged in the form of a raft, above a large body of water such as a lagoon, a pond, the sea or a swimming pool and serving as a source of cooling of the liquid culture medium. An example of this type of photobioreactor is described in document FR-A-2 621 323. The tubes can also be rigid. They are then produced for example in plastic panels transparent to light radiation and extruded so as to form parallel longitudinal cells. Such an example of photobio-reactor is described in documents FR-A-2 564 855 and FR-A-2 662 705. These panels then rest on a hard surface and preferably inclined so as to present an angle of 90 ° by relation to the sun.
Afin de se développer correctement, et de réaliser la photosynthèse, ces microorganismes ont besoin de la présence de CO2 dans le milieu de culture. A cet effet, les photobioréacteurs sont généralement munis d'un carbonateur permettant d'assurer un transfert suffisant de CO2 vers le milieu de culture liquide, de façon que la demande biologique en CO2 soit toujours satisfaite.In order to develop properly, and to carry out photosynthesis, these microorganisms need the presence of CO2 in the culture medium. To this end, photobioreactors are generally provided with a carbonator making it possible to ensure a sufficient transfer of CO2 to the liquid culture medium, so that the biological demand for CO2 is always satisfied.
Le dispositif de culture nécessite également la présence de moyens pour faire circuler continuel¬ lement le milieu de culture entre les tubes du photobio- réacteur et ledit carbonateur. Ces moyens sont par exemple une pompe.The culture device also requires the presence of means for continuously circulating the culture medium between the tubes of the photobio-reactor and said carbonator. These means are for example a pump.
En outre, les photobioréacteurs nécessitent également des dispositifs de nettoyage car ils ont tendance à s'encrasser rapidement, si l'on ne prend pas de précautions particulières. En effet, les micro-algues ont naturellement tendace à adhérer sur les parois internes des tubes du photobioréacteur. Les dépôts ainsi formés diminuent considérablement la transparence à la lumière de la paroi supérieure des tubes, (c'est-à-dire, la paroi dirigée vers le soleil), et entraînent donc une moins bonne utilisation de l'énergie solaire. De plus, ces dépôts rendent la dispersion des cellules à l'intérieur du milieu, moins homogène. Enfin, les pièces de liaison comme les coudes, par exemple, entre les différents tubes rectilignes du dispositif augmentent encore les risques de sédimentation et donc de contamination du milieu de culture. Ceci explique qu'il soit nécessaire de prévoir des dispositifs de nettoyage des tubes du photobioréacteur.In addition, photobioreactors also require cleaning devices because they tend to clog quickly, if no special precautions are taken. In fact, micro-algae naturally tend to adhere to the internal walls of the photobioreactor tubes. The deposits thus formed considerably reduce the transparency to light of the upper wall of the tubes, (that is to say, the wall directed towards the sun), and therefore cause less efficient use of solar energy. In addition, these deposits make the dispersion of cells inside the medium less homogeneous. Finally, the connecting pieces such as the elbows, for example, between the different tubes straight lines of the device further increase the risk of sedimentation and therefore contamination of the culture medium. This explains why it is necessary to provide devices for cleaning the tubes of the photobioreactor.
On connaît déjà dans l'art antérieur, d'après le document FR-A-2 576 034, un exemple de dispositif de nettoyage permettant de faire circuler des billes à l'intérieur des tubes cylindriques d'un photobio- réacteur, sous l'action d'une pompe. Toutefois, ce dispositif n'est pas complètement satisfaisant car il ne permet pas de nettoyer efficacement des tubes dont la section est carrée ou rectangulaire, puisque les coins ne sont pas atteints par les billes. On connaît également d'après l'art antérieur, un photobioréacteur comprenant un dispositif d'ascenseur à gaz permettant simultanément de charger le milieu de culture en CO2 et d'assurer la circulation de ce milieu liquide, de façon à éviter la stagnation et donc la formation de dépôts à l'intérieur des tubes.Already known in the prior art, from document FR-A-2 576 034, an example of a cleaning device making it possible to circulate balls inside the cylindrical tubes of a photobio-reactor, under the action of a pump. However, this device is not completely satisfactory because it does not allow effective cleaning of tubes whose cross-section is square or rectangular, since the corners are not reached by the balls. Also known from the prior art, a photobioreactor comprising a gas lift device for simultaneously charging the culture medium with CO2 and ensuring the circulation of this liquid medium, so as to avoid stagnation and therefore the formation of deposits inside the tubes.
On connaît aussi d'après un article de M.R. TREDICI et al. , 1991, "A vertical alveolar panel for outdoor mass cultivation of microalgae and cyanobac- teria", Bioresource Technology 38, un photobioréacteur comprenant un panneau où la culture est mise en circu¬ lation par une diffusion d'air dans les alvéoles verti¬ cales de section rectangulaire.We also know from an article by M.R. TREDICI et al. , 1991, "A vertical alveolar panel for outdoor mass cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria", Bioresource Technology 38, a photobioreactor comprising a panel in which the culture is circulated by air diffusion in the vertical cells of rectangular section.
I.A.J. RATCHFORD et al. dans "Performance of a flat plate, air lift reactor for the gro th of high biomass algal cultures", Journal of Applied Phy- cology 4:1-9, décrit également les performances d'un panneau dont les alvéoles de section rectangulaire sont montées en série et où la culture circule sous l'action d'un dispositif externe de type ascenseur à air. Toutefois, ce type de dispositif à circulation d'air, s'il permet de faire circuler le milieu de cul¬ ture, ne permet pas de réaliser un nettoyage efficace de la paroi interne des alvéoles du photobioréacteur.IAJ RATCHFORD et al. in "Performance of a flat plate, air lift reactor for the gro th of high biomass algal cultures", Journal of Applied Physics 4: 1-9, also describes the performance of a panel whose cells of rectangular section are mounted in series and where the culture circulates under the action of an external device such as an air lift. However, this type of circulation device air, if it allows the cul¬ ture medium to circulate, does not allow effective cleaning of the internal wall of the cells of the photobioreactor.
De ce fait, la solution retenue en pratique pour éviter les dépôts, consiste souvent à choisir des microorganismes ayant une faible tendance à adhérer aux parois, ce qui restreint le champ des applications possibles.Therefore, the solution adopted in practice to avoid deposits, often consists in choosing microorganisms having a weak tendency to adhere to the walls, which restricts the field of possible applications.
En conséquence, l'invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients. Elle a notamment pour but de réaliser un dispositif permettant de nettoyer efficacement les parois internes des canalisations d'un photobioréacteur. L'invention permet également d'assurer ce nettoyage même lorsque la section des canalisations est carrée ou rectangulaire.Consequently, the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks. It aims in particular to produce a device making it possible to effectively clean the internal walls of the pipes of a photobioreactor. The invention also makes it possible to provide this cleaning even when the section of the pipes is square or rectangular.
A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispo¬ sitif de nettoyage des canalisations d'un photobio¬ réacteur, ce dispositif comprenant au moins un élément mobile de nettoyage, destiné à circuler à l'intérieur desdites canalisations ; des moyens de stockage et des moyens d'entraînement desdits éléments mobiles de nettoyage.To this end, the invention relates to a device for cleaning the pipes of a photobio¬ reactor, this device comprising at least one movable cleaning element, intended to circulate inside said pipes; storage means and drive means of said movable cleaning elements.
Selon les caractéristiques de l'invention, cet élément mobile de nettoyage comprend un noyau magné- to-sensible recouvert d'un matériau chimiquement stable vis-à-vis du milieu de culture et les moyens d'entraî¬ nement comportent au moins un aimant apte à propulser cet élément mobile dans les canalisations du photo¬ bioréacteur de façon que cet élément nettoie les parois internes de ces canalisations.According to the characteristics of the invention, this mobile cleaning element comprises a magnetosensitive core covered with a material which is chemically stable vis-à-vis the culture medium and the drive means comprise at least one magnet. able to propel this mobile element in the pipes of the photo¬ bioreactor so that this element cleans the internal walls of these pipes.
Ce dispositif de nettoyage est simple à mettre en oeuvre et facile à fabriquer à faible coût. Les moyens d'entraînement magnétiques sont efficaces et permettent d'envoyer à des intervalles choisis, les éléments de nettoyage dans les canalisations. De façon avantageuse, l'élément mobile de nettoyage présente des dimensions correspondant sensi¬ blement à celles de la section des canalisations du photobioréacteur et assure la circulation du milieu de culture dans lesdites canalisations.This cleaning device is simple to implement and easy to manufacture at low cost. The magnetic drive means are efficient and allow cleaning elements to be sent to the pipes at selected intervals. Advantageously, the movable cleaning element has dimensions corresponding substantially to those of the section of the pipes of the photobioreactor and ensures the circulation of the culture medium in said pipes.
Cette caractéristique de l'invention permet d'assurer deux fonctions avec un seul dispositif. Dans l'art antérieur, (voir notamment la demande de brevet FR-A-2 576 034), les billes assuraient le nettoyage des parois tandis que la pompe assurait la circulation du milieu nutritif et des billes se trouvant dans celui-ci. Dans l'invention, au contraire, ce sont les éléments mobiles de nettoyage qui après avoir été propulsés par les moyens magnétiques d'entraînement chassent devant eux le milieu de culture par un effet de piston.This characteristic of the invention makes it possible to ensure two functions with a single device. In the prior art, (see in particular patent application FR-A-2 576 034), the balls ensured the cleaning of the walls while the pump ensured the circulation of the nutritive medium and of the balls being therein. In the invention, on the contrary, it is the mobile cleaning elements which, after having been propelled by the magnetic drive means, drive out the culture medium before them by a piston effect.
Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'in¬ vention, les moyens d'entraînement comprennent une canalisation de lancement en forme de boucle circulaire ouverte, reliée à l'une de ses extrémités aux moyens de stockage et à son autre extrémité à l'entrée du photobioréacteur et au moins un bras rotatif dont l'extrémité est munie d'au moins un aimant, ce bras étant disposé au voisinage de la canalisation de lancement, de façon que la rotation de l'aimant entraîne le déplacement d'un élément mobile magnéto-sensible, à l'intérieur de ladite canalisation de lancement, en direction de l'entrée du photobioréacteur.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the drive means comprise a launching pipe in the form of an open circular loop, connected at one of its ends to the storage means and at its other end to the input of the photobioreactor and at least one rotary arm, the end of which is provided with at least one magnet, this arm being arranged in the vicinity of the launch pipe, so that the rotation of the magnet causes the displacement of an element magneto-sensitive mobile, inside said launch pipe, towards the entrance of the photobioreactor.
Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le photobio- réacteur ne nécessite plus ni pompe, ni ascenseur à gaz, ce qui constitue une simplification avantageuse du circuit de circulation du milieu de culture. En outre, la diminution des sollicitations mécaniques créées essentiellement par la pompe et la diminution des turbulences engendrées par l'ascenseur à gaz permet- tent d'envisager la culture de cellules fragiles. Ce mode de réalisation des moyens d'entraînement présente en outre l'avantage d'être plus compact que le deuxièm mode de réalisation. Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, les moyens d'entraînement comprennent une canalisation de lancement rectiligne, reliée à l'une de ses extrémités à l'entrée du photobioréacteur et à son autre extrémité aux moyens de stockage, et une courroie sans fin, rotative, disposée parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal de ladite canalisation de lan¬ cement. Cette courroie est munie d'au moins un aimant qui au cours de la rotation de ladite courroie se dépla¬ ce le long de la canalisation de lancement en entraînant le déplacement de l'élément de nettoyage mobile, magné¬ to-sensible, à l'intérieur de ladite canalisation de lancement, d'une extrémité à l'autre de celle-ci.Thanks to these characteristics, the photobio-reactor no longer requires either a pump or a gas lift, which constitutes an advantageous simplification of the circuit for circulating the culture medium. In addition, the reduction in mechanical stresses created essentially by the pump and the reduction in turbulence generated by the gas lift allow- are trying to consider the culture of fragile cells. This embodiment of the drive means also has the advantage of being more compact than the second embodiment. According to a second embodiment of the invention, the drive means comprise a straight launching pipe, connected at one of its ends to the inlet of the photobioreactor and at its other end to the storage means, and a belt endless, rotary, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of said lan¬ cement pipe. This belt is provided with at least one magnet which, during the rotation of said belt, moves along the launch pipe, causing the moving cleaning element, magné¬ to-sensitive, to move. inside said launch pipe, from one end to the other thereof.
Ainsi, le milieu de culture est mis en mou¬ vement sans effort de cisaillement et sans turbulences. Par ailleurs, ce deuxième mode de réalisation nécessite un nombre moins important d'éléments de nettoyage que celui utilisant le bras rotatif.Thus, the culture medium is set in motion without shearing effort and without turbulence. Furthermore, this second embodiment requires a smaller number of cleaning elements than that using the rotary arm.
L'invention concerne également un photobio¬ réacteur de culture de microorganismes photosynthétiques comprenant une série de canalisations montées en série, réalisées dans une zatière transparente aux rayonnements lumineux et à 1'intérieur desquelles se trouvent lesdits microorganismes en suspension dans un milieu de culture liquide, ce photobioréacteur étant équipé du dispositif de nettoyage précité.The invention also relates to a photobio¬ culture reactor for photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a series of pipes mounted in series, produced in a zatière transparent to light radiation and inside which said microorganisms are suspended in a liquid culture medium, this photobioreactor being equipped with the aforementioned cleaning device.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention, donné à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif, cette description étant faite en faisant référence aux dessins joints, dans lesquels : - la figure 1 est un schéma représentant un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de net¬ toyage selon l'invention, monté dans un photobioréac¬ teur, - la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'une partie du dispositif de nettoyage de la figureThe invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, this description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, mounted in a photobioreactor, - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the cleaning device of the figure
1,1,
- la figure 3 illustre un deuxième mode de réalisation du dispositif de nettoyage selon l'inven- tion, etFIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, and
- la figure 4 est une vue en coupe, partielle selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3.- Figure 4 is a partial sectional view along line IV-IV of Figure 3.
Selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'in¬ vention illustré en figure 1, le photobioréacteur se compose d'un panneau extrudé 1, réalisé dans une matière transparente aux rayonnements lumineux, comme le polymétacrylate de méthyle, le polycarbonate ou le chlorure de polyvinyle, par exemple, à l'intérieur duquel sont aménagées un certain nombre de canalisations 3 parallèles entre elles. Ces canalisations présentent une section en forme de parallélogramme, de préférence carrée ou rectangulaire. Comme illustré en figure 4, chaque canalisation 3 présente une paroi supérieure référencée 5 et une paroi inférieure référencée 7. La paroi supérieure est la paroi dirigée vers le soleil, tandis que la paroi inférieure correspond à celle diri¬ gée vers le sol.According to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the photobioreactor consists of an extruded panel 1, made of a material transparent to light radiation, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride , for example, inside which are arranged a number of pipes 3 parallel to each other. These pipes have a section in the shape of a parallelogram, preferably square or rectangular. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each pipe 3 has an upper wall referenced 5 and a lower wall referenced 7. The upper wall is the wall directed towards the sun, while the lower wall corresponds to that directed towards the ground.
Bien que cela ne soit pas illustré sur la figure 4, il est également possible comme cela est décrit dans la demande de brevet FR-A-2 662 705, de réaliser un panneau comprenant deux couches superposées de canalisations, les canalisations supérieures servant à la circulation du milieu de culture et les canali¬ sations inférieures servant à la circulation d'un fluide de régulation thermique. Le panneau 1 présente à chacune de ses deux extrémités, une pièce de raccordement 9, réalisée de préférence en matière transparente aux rayonnements lumineux et présentant intérieurement une série de cavités 11 hémicylindriques de même épaisseur que les canalisations 3. Ces cavités 11 sont destinées à relier deux à deux les extrémités de deux canalisations 3 voisines, de façon à former un serpentin à l'intérieur duquel circulent, en sens unique, le milieu de culture liquide et les microorganismes cultivés.Although this is not illustrated in FIG. 4, it is also possible, as described in patent application FR-A-2 662 705, to produce a panel comprising two superposed layers of pipes, the upper pipes serving for the circulation of the culture medium and the lower canalizations used for the circulation of a thermal regulation fluid. The panel 1 has at each of its two ends, a connecting piece 9, preferably made of material transparent to light radiation and having internally a series of semi-cylindrical cavities 11 of the same thickness as the pipes 3. These cavities 11 are intended to connect two by two the ends of two neighboring pipes 3, so as to form a coil inside which circulate, in one direction, the liquid culture medium and the cultivated microorganisms.
Plusieurs de ces panneaux 1 peuvent être disposés côte à côte et reliés entre eux par des pièces de liaison 13 de façon à former une canalisation d'une longueur totale plus importante. Le dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention comprend au moins un élément mobile de nettoyage 15 et de préférence plusieurs, destinés à circuler à l'in¬ térieur des canalisations 3. Le dispositif de nettoyage comprend également des moyens de stockage 17 et des moyens d'entraînement 19 desdits éléments mobiles 15.Several of these panels 1 can be arranged side by side and interconnected by connecting pieces 13 so as to form a pipe of a greater total length. The cleaning device according to the invention comprises at least one movable cleaning element 15 and preferably several, intended to circulate inside the pipes 3. The cleaning device also comprises storage means 17 and means of drive 19 of said movable elements 15.
L'élément mobile de nettoyage 15 est destiné à circuler dans des canalisations 3 dont la section est de préférence rectangulaire et à cet effet, il présente la forme d'un disque de faible épaisseur dont la hauteur H correspond sensiblement à l'épaisseur E des canalisations 3, au jeu fonctionnel près et dont le diamètre D correspond également sensiblement à la largeur L des canalisations 3, (voir figures 4 et 1). Cet élément mobile comprend intérieurement un noyau 21 réalisé dans un matériau magnéto-sensible, c'est-à-dire un matériau susceptible d'être attiré par un aimant. Ce noyau 21 est recouvert d'une couche 23 d'un matériau chimiquement stable vis-à-vis du milieu de culture, c'est-à-dire généralement un polymère élastique, du type polyéthylène. Les éléments mobiles 15 ainsi réalisés présentent avantageusement une densité supérieure à celle du milieu de culture dans lequel ils circulent.The mobile cleaning element 15 is intended to circulate in pipes 3 whose section is preferably rectangular and for this purpose, it has the shape of a thin disc whose height H corresponds substantially to the thickness E of pipes 3, with a functional clearance and whose diameter D also corresponds substantially to the width L of the pipes 3, (see FIGS. 4 and 1). This movable element internally comprises a core 21 made of a magneto-sensitive material, that is to say a material capable of being attracted by a magnet. This core 21 is covered with a layer 23 of a material which is chemically stable vis-à-vis the culture medium, that is to say generally an elastic polymer, of the polyethylene type. Movable elements 15 thus produced advantageously have a density greater than that of the culture medium in which they circulate.
De façon avantageuse, au moins l'une des deux faces circulaires de cet élément mobile 15, voire même les deux, ou même les faces latérales de cet élé¬ ment, sont recouvertes d'une couche 25 d'un matériau à faible coefficient de frottement, tel que du PTFE (polytétrafluoroéthylène) . La forme en disque des éléments mobiles 15 est particulièrement adaptée à la circulation dans les cavités ou coudes 11. Toutefois, si l'on utilisait des photobioréacteurs avec des cavités 11 et/ou des canalisations 3 de formes différentes, il serait pos- sible d'adapter en conséquence la forme des éléments mobiles 15.Advantageously, at least one of the two circular faces of this movable element 15, or even both, or even the lateral faces of this element, are covered with a layer 25 of a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The disc shape of the movable elements 15 is particularly suitable for circulation in the cavities or elbows 11. However, if photobioreactors with cavities 11 and / or pipes 3 of different shapes were used, it would be possible to 'Adapt the shape of the movable elements 15 accordingly.
Comme illustré en figure 1, la sortie 27 du photobioréacteur est reliée directement par une canalisation de raccord 29, aux moyens de stockage 17. Ceux-ci sont constitués par une canalisation 18 définissant un plan incliné. La largeur Ll de la cana¬ lisation 18 est environ le double de la largeur L des canalisations 3, de façon que le milieu de culture liquide circulant à l'intérieur de cette canalisation 18 ne soit pas freiné par les éléments mobiles 15. Après avoir circulé à l'intérieur des canalisations 3 du photobioréacteur, les éléments mobiles de nettoyage 15 descendent par gravité jusqu'à la base 31 de la canalisation inclinée 18, puis s'empilent les uns der- rière les autres le long de la pente. Le fait que les éléments 15 soient d'une densité légèrement supérieure à celle du milieu de culture facilite ce mouvement. La base 31 est connectée aux moyens d'entraînement 19. Ces moyens de stockage 17 comprennent en outre un canal de chargement 33 fermé par un bouchon 35. Ce canal de chargement 33 débouche dans la canali¬ sation inclinée 18 et permet d'introduire les éléments mobiles 15, dans la circulation du photobioréacteur, ainsi que le milieu de culture liquide.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the output 27 of the photobioreactor is connected directly by a connecting pipe 29, to the storage means 17. These consist of a pipe 18 defining an inclined plane. The width L1 of the pipe 18 is approximately twice the width L of the pipes 3, so that the liquid culture medium circulating inside this pipe 18 is not braked by the mobile elements 15. After having circulated inside the pipes 3 of the photobioreactor, the mobile cleaning elements 15 descend by gravity to the base 31 of the inclined pipe 18, then stack one behind the other along the slope. The fact that the elements 15 are of a density slightly greater than that of the culture medium facilitates this movement. The base 31 is connected to the drive means 19. These storage means 17 comprise at in addition to a loading channel 33 closed by a plug 35. This loading channel 33 opens into the inclined canali¬ tion 18 and allows the mobile elements 15 to be introduced into the circulation of the photobioreactor, as well as the liquid culture medium.
Dans le mode de réalisation de l'invention illustré en figure 3, les moyens de stockage 17 sont identiques mais ne sont pas connectés au photobioréac¬ teur exactement de la même façon. La base 31 est con- nectée aux moyens d'entraînement 19', tandis que la sortie 27 du photobioréacteur est reliée, via une cana¬ lisation de liaison 36 au sommet de la canalisation inclinée 18.In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, the storage means 17 are identical but are not connected to the photobioréac¬ tor exactly the same way. The base 31 is connected to the drive means 19 ', while the output 27 of the photobioreactor is connected, via a connecting pipe 36 to the top of the inclined pipe 18.
Les moyens d'entraînement 19 comprennent un ou plusieurs aimants aptes à propulser un élément mobile 15 magnéto-sensible dans les canalisations 3 du photobioréacteur. Ainsi, lors de son passage, non seulement l'élément 15 nettoie les parois internes 5, 7 des canalisations 3 mais il déplace devant lui un certain volume de milieu de culture liquide pour assurer la circulation de celui-ci.The drive means 19 comprise one or more magnets capable of propelling a mobile magneto-sensitive element 15 in the pipes 3 of the photobioreactor. Thus, during its passage, not only does the element 15 clean the internal walls 5, 7 of the pipes 3 but it displaces in front of it a certain volume of liquid culture medium to ensure the circulation thereof.
Un premier mode de réalisation de ces moyens d'entraînement 19 est illustré à la figure 1.A first embodiment of these drive means 19 is illustrated in FIG. 1.
Ces moyens d'entraînement 19 comprennent une canalisation de lancement 37 dont la section est identique à celle des canalisations 3. Cette canali¬ sation de lancement 37 a une forme de boucle circulaire ouverte. Elle est reliée d'une part à la base 31 des moyens de stockage 17 et d'autre part à son autre extré- mité, à une canalisation de liaison rectiligne 39 qui est reliée à l'entrée 41 du photobioréacteur.These drive means 19 comprise a launch pipe 37 whose section is identical to that of the pipes 3. This launch canali¬ 37 has a form of open circular loop. It is connected on the one hand to the base 31 of the storage means 17 and on the other hand to its other end, to a rectilinear connection pipe 39 which is connected to the inlet 41 of the photobioreactor.
Comme illustré aux figures 1 et 2, au moins un bras rotatif 43 est monté au voisinage de la canali¬ sation de lancement 37. Ce bras rotatif pivote autour d'un axe 45 placé au centre du cercle défini par la canalisation de lancement 37. L'arbre 45 est entraîné en rotation par un moteur non représenté. Le bras rota¬ tif 43 présente à son extrémité libre au moins un aimant 47 qui peut être soit un aimant permanent, soit un électro-aimant. Sur la figure 2, il n'y a qu'un seul aimant 47 et il se trouve sous la canalisation de lance¬ ment 37, mais il pourrait également être au-dessus. La longueur du bras 43 correspond au rayon du cercle défini par ladite canalisation 37 de façon que l'aimant 47 se déplace en permanence au-dessus ou au-dessous de cette canalisation 37, (suivant le mode de réalisa¬ tion). Il serait également possible d'avoir plusieurs bras rotatifs 43 répartis autour de l'axe 45 ou d'avoir un bras en fourche portant plusieurs aimants. Chaque tour de rotation du bras 43 permet d'entraîner un élément mobile de nettoyage 15. En outre, l'élément mobile 15 arrivant à la sortie de la canali¬ sation de lancement 37, échappe au champ magnétique de l'aimant 47 et poursuit sa course dans la canali- sation de liaison 39, (flèche Fl) . On notera que la longueur de la canalisation de lancement 37 correspond à la distance entre deux éléments mobiles 15 successifs. Le choix de cette longueur, de la longueur du bras rotatif 43 et du nombre de bras permet d'adapter la distance entre deux éléments 15 consécutifs. Après avoir circules à l'intérieur du photobioréacteur, les éléments 15 reviennent en attente dans la canalisation inclinée 18 des moyens de stockage 17.As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one rotary arm 43 is mounted in the vicinity of the launching channel 37. This rotary arm pivots about an axis 45 placed at the center of the circle defined by the launch pipe 37. The shaft 45 is rotated by a motor not shown. The rotary arm 43 has at its free end at least one magnet 47 which can be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. In FIG. 2, there is only one magnet 47 and it is located under the lance 37 pipe, but it could also be above. The length of the arm 43 corresponds to the radius of the circle defined by said pipe 37 so that the magnet 47 is constantly moving above or below this pipe 37, (depending on the embodiment). It would also be possible to have several rotary arms 43 distributed around the axis 45 or to have a fork arm carrying several magnets. Each rotation of the arm 43 makes it possible to drive a mobile cleaning element 15. In addition, the mobile element 15 arriving at the outlet of the launching channel 37, escapes the magnetic field of the magnet 47 and continues its travel in the connecting pipe 39, (arrow Fl). Note that the length of the launch pipe 37 corresponds to the distance between two successive moving elements 15. The choice of this length, the length of the rotary arm 43 and the number of arms makes it possible to adapt the distance between two consecutive elements. After having circulated inside the photobioreactor, the elements 15 return to standby in the inclined pipe 18 of the storage means 17.
Le second mode de réalisation des moyens d'entraînement 19' est illustré en figure 3. Ce moyen d'entraînement est adapté sur la première canalisation 3 d'entrée du photobioréacteur. Cette canalisation 3 est appelée canalisation de lancement et porte la référence 49. Cette canalisation de lancement est reliée à l'une de ses extrémités à la base 31 des moyens de stockage 17 et à son autre extrémité à une cavité 11, elle-même connectée à la deuxième canalisation 3, c'est-à-dire à l'entrée 41 proprement dite du photobioréacteur. Une courroie sans fin 51 placée parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal de cette canalisation de lancement 49 passe à l'extérieur et au-dessus de la paroi 5 (voir figure 4). Cette courroie 51 est menée en rotation autour de deux poulies 53' et 53" qui apparaissent mieux en figure 4. Ces poulies sont placées sensiblement aux deux extrémités de la canalisation de lancement 49. L'une des poulies 53' est munie d'un axe 55 entraîné en rotation par un moteur 57 (voir figure 1). L'autre poulie 53" tourne librement autour d'un axe 58. La courroie sans fin 51 est munie d'au moins un aimant permanent 59, mais de préférence, d'au moins deux, espacés régulièrement afin d'assurer une bonne circulation du milieu de culture. Ces aimants 59 sont fixés sur la face externe de la courroie 51 placée en regard de la paroi supérieure du tube 5 de lancement 49. La paroi supérieure 5 de la canalisation de lance¬ ment 49 comporte de préférence sur sa face extérieure un revêtement antifriction 5a du type PTFE (polytétra- fluoroéthylène) . Lorsque le moteur 57 fonctionne, la courroie sans fin 51 se met à tourner dans le sens de la flèche F2 et lorsque un aimant 59 arrive au-dessus de la base 31 des moyens de stockage 17, il attire par son champ magnétique, l'un des éléments mobiles de nettoyage 15, magnéto-sensible qui y est stocké. L'aimant 59 déplace l'élément 15 à l'intérieur de la canalisation de lancement 49 jusqu'à l'extrémité opposée de celle-ci. Lorsque l'aimant 59 commence à pivoter autour de la poulie 53', l'élément mobile 15 magnéto-sensible échappe au champ magnétique de l'aimant et poursuit sa course à l'intérieur des canalisations 3. L'aimant 59 revient (flèche F3), mais en étant suffisamment éloigné de la paroi supérieure 5 pour ne pas agir sur un nouvel élément 15 entraîné vers la poulie 53' (sens F2). On notera que la courroie sans fin 51 pourrait également être disposée sous la paroi inférieure 7 de la canalisation de lancement 49.The second embodiment of the drive means 19 ′ is illustrated in FIG. 3. This drive means is adapted on the first pipe 3 for entering the photobioreactor. This pipe 3 is called launch pipe and bears the reference 49. This launch pipe is connected at one of its ends to the base 31 of the means of storage 17 and at its other end to a cavity 11, itself connected to the second pipe 3, that is to say at the input 41 proper of the photobioreactor. An endless belt 51 placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of this launch pipe 49 passes outside and above the wall 5 (see FIG. 4). This belt 51 is rotated around two pulleys 53 'and 53 "which appear better in FIG. 4. These pulleys are placed substantially at the two ends of the launch pipe 49. One of the pulleys 53' is provided with a axis 55 driven in rotation by a motor 57 (see FIG. 1). The other pulley 53 "rotates freely around an axis 58. The endless belt 51 is provided with at least one permanent magnet 59, but preferably, at least two, spaced regularly to ensure good circulation of the culture medium. These magnets 59 are fixed on the external face of the belt 51 placed opposite the upper wall of the launching tube 5 49. The upper wall 5 of the launching pipe 49 preferably comprises on its external face an anti-friction coating 5a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) type. When the motor 57 is running, the endless belt 51 starts to rotate in the direction of the arrow F2 and when a magnet 59 arrives above the base 31 of the storage means 17, it attracts by its magnetic field, the one of the mobile magneto-sensitive cleaning elements 15 which is stored there. The magnet 59 moves the element 15 inside the launch pipe 49 to the opposite end of the latter. When the magnet 59 begins to pivot around the pulley 53 ', the magneto-sensitive mobile element 15 escapes the magnetic field of the magnet and continues to run. inside the pipes 3. The magnet 59 returns (arrow F3), but being far enough from the upper wall 5 so as not to act on a new element 15 driven towards the pulley 53 '(direction F2). It will be noted that the endless belt 51 could also be placed under the lower wall 7 of the launch pipe 49.
Le choix du nombre d'aimants 59 et de leur espacement sur la courroie 51 détermine l'intervalle entre deux éléments mobiles 15 successifs, circulant dans les canalisations 3.The choice of the number of magnets 59 and their spacing on the belt 51 determines the interval between two successive moving elements 15, flowing in the pipes 3.
Le nombre N minimum d'éléments mobiles de nettoyage 15 requis pour assurer une continuité du pompage et du déplacement du milieu de culture à l'inté- rieur des canalisations 3 du photobioréacteur est le suivant :The minimum number N of mobile cleaning elements 15 required to ensure continuity in pumping and movement of the culture medium inside the lines 3 of the photobioreactor is as follows:
N=(L.na)/e,N = (Ln a ) / e,
L représentant la longueur totale des canali¬ sations 3 du photobioréacteur et de la canalisation de liaison 36 ou 39, e représentant la longueur de la canalisation de lancement 37 ou 49, suivant le mode de réalisation et na représentant le nombre d'aimants actifs du dispositif d'entraînement 19, 19'. Dans le cas du dispositif d'entraînement 19, utilisant le bras rotatif, ce nombre na est identique au nombre total d'aimants, par contre dans le cas du dispositif 19', utilisant la courroie 51, ce nombre na ne correspond qu'à la moitié du nombre total d'aimants.L representing the total length of the channelings 3 of the photobioreactor and the connecting pipe 36 or 39, e representing the length of the launching pipe 37 or 49, according to the embodiment and n a representing the number of active magnets of the drive device 19, 19 '. In the case of the drive device 19, using the rotary arm, this number n a is identical to the total number of magnets, on the other hand in the case of the device 19 ', using the belt 51, this number n a corresponds only to 'to half the total number of magnets.
On donnera ci-après un exemple chiffré, à titre purement illustratif. Le photobioréacteur de la figure 1 comprend quarante-deux canalisations 3, d'une longueur unitaire de 1,7 m chacune. Il est équipé d'un dispositif d'entraînement muni d'un seul aimant 47. La longueur de la canalisation de lancement 37 est de 0,75 m et celle de la canalisation de liaison 39 est de 2,2 m. Le nombre minimum N d'éléments mobiles 15 nécessaires est de :A numerical example will be given below, for purely illustrative purposes. The photobioreactor of FIG. 1 comprises forty-two pipes 3, with a unit length of 1.7 m each. It is equipped with a drive device provided with a single magnet 47. The length of the launch pipe 37 is 0.75 m and that of the connection pipe 39 is 2.2 m. The minimum number N of mobile elements 15 required is:
N=(L.na)/e soit N=(l,7.42+2,2) .1/0,75=98.N = (Ln a ) / e or N = (l, 7.42 + 2.2). 1 / 0.75 = 98.
Le même photobioréacteur équipé du dispositif d'entraînement illustré à la figure 3 comprenant deux aimants d'entraînement 59 fixés sur la courroie 51, (mais un seul aimant actif), une canalisation de lan¬ cement 49 d'une longueur de 1,7 m et une canalisation de liaison 36 de 2,2 m, nécessite un nombre minimum N d'éléments mobiles 15 de :The same photobioreactor equipped with the drive device illustrated in FIG. 3 comprising two drive magnets 59 fixed on the belt 51, (but only one active magnet), a lan¬ cement pipe 49 with a length of 1.7 m and a connecting pipe 36 of 2.2 m, requires a minimum number N of mobile elements 15 of:
(1,7.42 + 2,2) .1/1,7 ≈ 43. Ce dispositif permet d'obtenir une vitesse de circulation du milieu de culture comprise entre 5 et 50 cm/s. (1.7.42 + 2.2) .1 / 1.7 ≈ 43. This device makes it possible to obtain a speed of circulation of the culture medium of between 5 and 50 cm / s.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de nettoyage des canalisations (3) d'un photobioréacteur, ce dispositif comprenant au moins un élément mobile de nettoyage (15) destiné à circuler à l'intérieur desdites canalisations (3) ; des moyens de stockage (17) et des moyens d'entraînement (19, 19') desdits éléments mobiles de nettoyage (15), caractérisé en ce que cet élément mobile de nettoyage (15) comprend un noyau (21) magnéto-sensible recouvert d'un matériau (23) chimiquement stable vis-à-vis du milieu de culture et en ce que les moyens d'entraînement (19, 19') comportent au moins un aimant (47, 59) apte à propulser cet élément mobile (15), dans les canali- sations (3) du photobioréacteur de façon que cet élément (15) nettoie les parois internes (5, 7) de ces canali¬ sations.1. A device for cleaning the pipes (3) of a photobioreactor, this device comprising at least one mobile cleaning element (15) intended to circulate inside said pipes (3); storage means (17) and drive means (19, 19 ') of said mobile cleaning elements (15), characterized in that this mobile cleaning element (15) comprises a magneto-sensitive core (21) covered with of a material (23) chemically stable with respect to the culture medium and in that the drive means (19, 19 ') comprise at least one magnet (47, 59) capable of propelling this mobile element ( 15), in the pipes (3) of the photobioreactor so that this element (15) cleans the internal walls (5, 7) of these pipes.
2. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile de nettoyage (15) présente des dimensions correspondant sensiblement à celles de la section des canalisations (3) du photobioréacteur et assure la circulation du milieu de culture dans lesdites canalisations.2. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the mobile cleaning element (15) has dimensions corresponding substantially to those of the section of the pipes (3) of the photobioreactor and ensures the circulation of the culture medium. in said pipes.
3. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi- cation 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'entraînement (19) comprennent une canalisation de lancement (37) en forme de boucle circulaire ouverte, reliée à l'une de ses extrémités aux moyens de stockage (17) et à son autre extrémité à l'entrée (41) du photobioréacteur et au moins un bras rotatif (43) dont l'extrémité est munie d'au moins un aimant (47), ce bras (43) étant disposé au voisinage de la canalisation de lancement (37) de façon que la rotation de l'aimant (47) entraîne le déplacement d'un élément mobile (15) magnéto-sensible, à l'intérieur de ladite canalisation de lancement (37), en direction de l'entrée (41) du photobioréacteur.3. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive means (19) comprise a launch pipe (37) in the form of an open circular loop, connected at one of its ends to the storage means (17) and at its other end at the inlet (41) of the photobioreactor and at least one rotary arm (43) the end of which is provided with at least one magnet (47), this arm (43) being arranged in the vicinity of the launch pipe (37) so that the rotation of the magnet (47) causes the displacement of a mobile element (15) magneto-sensitive, inside said pipe launch (37), towards the entrance (41) of the photobioreactor.
4. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'entraînement (19') comprennent une canalisation de lancement (49) rectiligne, reliée à l'une de ses extrémités à l'entrée (41) du photobioréacteur et à son autre extrémité aux moyens de stockage (17), et une courroie sans fin (51), rotative, disposée parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal de ladite canalisation de lancement (49), cette courroie (51) étant munie d'au moins un aimant (59) qui au cours de la rotation de ladite courroie se déplace le long de la canalisation de lancement (49), en entraînant le déplacement de l'élément de nettoyage mobile (15), magnéto-sensible, à l'intérieur de ladite canalisation de lancement, d'une extrémité à l'autre de celle-ci.4. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive means (19 ') comprise a straight launching pipe (49), connected at one of its ends to the inlet ( 41) of the photobioreactor and at its other end to the storage means (17), and an endless belt (51), rotatable, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of said launch pipe (49), this belt (51) being provided with at least one magnet (59) which, during the rotation of said belt, moves along the launch pipe (49), causing the displacement of the mobile, magneto-sensitive cleaning element (15) , inside said launch pipe, from one end to the other thereof.
5. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 4, caractérisé en ce que la courroie (51) munie d'au moins un aimant (59) se déplace le long de la face extérieure de la paroi supérieure (5) de la cana¬ lisation de lancement (49).5. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the belt (51) provided with at least one magnet (59) moves along the outside face of the upper wall (5) of the cana¬ launch launch (49).
6. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que la courroie (51) se déplace autour de deux poulies (53', 53") disposées aux deux extrémités de la canalisation de lancement (49), l'une (53') de ces poulies étant entraînée en rotation par un moteur (57).6. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the belt (51) moves around two pulleys (53 ', 53 ") arranged at the two ends of the launching pipe (49), l 'one (53') of these pulleys being rotated by a motor (57).
7. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendica- tion 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant (47, 59) est un aimant permanent.7. Cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the magnet (47, 59) is a permanent magnet.
8. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendica¬ tion 3, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant (47) est un électro-aimant. 8. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the magnet (47) is an electromagnet.
9. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendica- tion 1, 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de stockage (17) comprennent une canalisation inclinée (18) dont la largeur (Ll) est supérieure ou égale à deux fois la largeur (L) des canalisations (3) du photo- bioréacteur, dont la base (31) est reliée aux moyens ^.'entraînement (19, 19') et dont le sommet est relié à la sortie (27) du photobioréacteur.9. Cleaning device according to the claim tion 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the storage means (17) comprise an inclined pipe (18) whose width (L1) is greater than or equal to twice the width (L) of the pipes (3) in the photo - bioreactor, whose base (31) is connected to the means ^ .'entraînement (19, 19 ') and whose top is connected to the output (27) of the photobioreactor.
10. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de stockage (17) comprennent un canal de chargement (33) pour l'introduction dans le milieu de culture, des éléments mobiles de nettoyage (15), ce canal débouchant dans ladite canalisation inclinée (18).10. Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the storage means (17) comprise a loading channel (33) for the introduction into the culture medium, mobile cleaning elements (15), this channel opening into said inclined pipe (18).
11. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi- cation 1, caractérisé en ce que le matériau (23) chimi¬ quement stable est un polyéthylène.11. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chemically stable material (23) is a polyethylene.
12. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 1 ou 11, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile de nettoyage (15) est recouvert au moins partiellement d'un matériau (15) à faible coefficient de frottement.12. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 or 11, characterized in that the movable cleaning element (15) is at least partially covered with a material (15) with a low coefficient of friction.
13. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 12, caractérisé en ce que le matériau (15) à faible coefficient de frottement est du polytétrafluoro- éthylène. 13. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the material (15) with a low coefficient of friction is polytetrafluoroethylene.
14. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 1, 11, 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile de nettoyage (15) a une densité supérieure à celle du milieu de culture dans lequel il circule.14. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the mobile cleaning element (15) has a density greater than that of the culture medium in which it circulates.
15. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi- cation 1, 11, 12, 13 ou 14, caractérisé en ce que l'élé¬ ment mobile de nettoyage (15) a la forme d'un disque.15. Cleaning device according to claim 1, 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the mobile cleaning element (15) has the shape of a disc.
16. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendi¬ cation 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que le nombre minimum (N) d'éléments mobiles de nettoyage (15) nécessaire correspond au rapport entre le produit du nombre (na) d'aimants actifs (47, 59) du dispositif d'entraînement (19, 19') par la longueur totale (L) des canalisations (3) du photobioréacteur et de la canalisation de liaison (36, 39) et la longueur (e) de la canalisation de lance- ment (37, 49).16. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the minimum number (N) of mobile cleaning elements (15) required corresponds to the ratio between the product of the number (n a ) of active magnets (47, 59) of the drive device (19, 19 ') by the total length (L) of the lines (3) of the photobioreactor and the connecting line (36, 39) and the length (e ) of the launch pipe (37, 49).
17. Photobioréacteur de culture de micro¬ organismes photosynthétiques comprenant une série de canalisations (3) montées en série, réalisées dans une matière transparente aux rayonnements lumineux et à l'intérieur desquelles se trouvent lesdits micro¬ organismes en suspension dans un milieu de culture liquide, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes. 17. Photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a series of pipes (3) mounted in series, made of a material transparent to light radiation and inside which said micro¬ organisms are suspended in a liquid culture medium , characterized in that it comprises a cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims.
PCT/FR1993/001008 1992-10-13 1993-10-12 Device for cleaning photobioreactor tubes and photobioreactor comprising said device WO1994009112A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR92/12224 1992-10-13
FR9212224A FR2696753B1 (en) 1992-10-13 1992-10-13 Device for cleaning the pipelines of a photobioreactor and photobioreactor provided with this device.

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EP3290506A1 (en) 2016-08-30 2018-03-07 ecoduna AG Photobioreactor with movable maintenance device
WO2018041859A1 (en) 2016-08-30 2018-03-08 Ecoduna Ag Photobioreactor having movable maintenance device
US11098276B2 (en) 2016-08-30 2021-08-24 Beco Invest B.V. Photobioreactor having movable maintenance device
US11976260B2 (en) 2016-08-30 2024-05-07 Ecoduna Ag Photobioreactor and method for the cultivating of microalgae

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FR2696753B1 (en) 1995-01-20
FR2696753A1 (en) 1994-04-15
IL107243A0 (en) 1994-01-25

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