WO2014172587A1 - Élimination de composés de l'eau par une série de tubes réactionnels contenant des cathodes en oxyde métallique mixte - Google Patents

Élimination de composés de l'eau par une série de tubes réactionnels contenant des cathodes en oxyde métallique mixte Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014172587A1
WO2014172587A1 PCT/US2014/034573 US2014034573W WO2014172587A1 WO 2014172587 A1 WO2014172587 A1 WO 2014172587A1 US 2014034573 W US2014034573 W US 2014034573W WO 2014172587 A1 WO2014172587 A1 WO 2014172587A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
biofilm
growth medium
anode
cathode
voltage differential
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/034573
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nicholas Eckelberry
Jose Sanchez
Original Assignee
Originoil, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/865,097 external-priority patent/US20130228464A1/en
Priority claimed from US13/872,044 external-priority patent/US20130288329A1/en
Priority claimed from US13/942,348 external-priority patent/US20130299434A1/en
Priority claimed from US14/109,336 external-priority patent/US20140106437A1/en
Application filed by Originoil, Inc. filed Critical Originoil, Inc.
Publication of WO2014172587A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014172587A1/fr

Links

Classifications

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

Definitions

  • a SERIES OF REACTOR TUBES CONTAINING CATHODES COMPRISED OF A MIXED METAL OXIDE Algae are currently being grown for use in various different industries including the biofuel, pharmaceutical, and algae-to-food industries.
  • a suitable growth medium must be maintained.
  • One major problem that algae growers face is the buildup of a biofilm within the growth medium.
  • a biofilm comprises the buildup of invasive species such as bacteria, low value filamentous algae, and protein strands.
  • the biofilm interferes with growth in various ways including: by utilizing resources such as C0 2 and food that the algae require for growth; by blocking light from reaching the algae thereby limiting photosynthesis; in the case of bacteria, by directly attacking the algae cells; and by creating anaerobic conditions in the growth medium which can result in the production of harmful substances.
  • biofilm buildup Many techniques have been employed to attempt to address the biofilm problem. These techniques include the use of bio-engineered algae, modified feeding regimens, chemicals, and changes to the salinity or acidity of the growth medium. In many cases, these techniques do not produce desirable results or may require an unsatisfactory amount of time to correct a biofilm buildup.
  • a protein skimmer functions by using the polarity of proteins to cause the proteins to accumulate. Due to their intrinsic charge, water-borne proteins are either repelled or attracted by the air/water interface. Accordingly, protein skimmers generate a large air/water interface by injecting large numbers of bubbles into the water. By increasing the number of bubbles in the water (and particularly, the number of small bubbles), the total surface area of the air/water interface is increased thereby creating a larger interface to which the proteins may attach. The end result is that the organic and inorganic compounds aggregate at the air/water interface and eventually float to the surface where they can be skimmed from the water.
  • protein skimmers are effective at removing a biofilm, they require a substantial amount of time to do so. In particular, the process of forming sufficient bubbles, attracting the compounds to the bubbles, and floating the compounds to the surface can require an unsatisfactory amount of time for many applications.
  • the present invention is generally directed to employing a series of reactor tubes to remove a biofilm from an algae growth medium.
  • Each reactor tube may comprise a cathode and an anode.
  • Each reactor tube can comprise a cathode and/or an anode comprised of a blend of transition metal oxides.
  • a specific voltage and amperage can be applied to the reactor tubes to cause the biofilm to aggregate without damaging the algae. The aggregated biofilm can then be easily removed from the growth medium.
  • the system can function as a protein skimmer. However, the system does not require the generation of micro-bubbles to effectuate the aggregation of the biofilm. In contrast, the system of the present invention can immediately cause the aggregation of the biofilm via the ionic exchange that occurs at the mixed metal oxide cathode. By employing specific voltages and amperages, the biofilm can be caused to aggregate without damaging the algae. In additional embodiments this process at the applied voltages and amperages can kill bacteria present within the growth medium. As a result, after passing through the system of the present invention, the growth medium can be free of the biofilm and bacteria leaving an environment ideally suited for continued growth of the algae.
  • the present invention is implemented as a system for removing a biofilm from a growth medium.
  • the system comprises a plurality of reactor tubes connected in series, each reactor tube comprising an outer anode and an inner cathode being positioned centrally within the outer anode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface of the cathode and the inner surface of the anode, each inner cathode comprising a mixed metal oxide.
  • the system comprises a plurality of reactor tubes connected in series, each reactor tube comprising an outer cathode and an inner anode being positioned centrally within the outer cathode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface of the anode and the inner surface of the cathode, each inner anode comprising a mixed metal oxide.
  • this space can be between .5 mm and 200 mm wide.
  • the space between the anode and cathode may be 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm or any iterative spacing up to 200 mm.
  • the system may also comprise a pump connected to an input of the plurality of reactor tubes, the pump configured to receive a growth medium having a biofilm and to pump the growth medium through the series of reactor tubes; a power supply for supplying a voltage differential to the anode and the cathode in each reactor tube, the voltage differential causing the generation of ions within the growth medium, the ions causing compounds within the biofilm to aggregate into an aggregated biofilm; and a filter for removing the aggregated biofilm from the growth medium.
  • a pump connected to an input of the plurality of reactor tubes, the pump configured to receive a growth medium having a biofilm and to pump the growth medium through the series of reactor tubes; a power supply for supplying a voltage differential to the anode and the cathode in each reactor tube, the voltage differential causing the generation of ions within the growth medium, the ions causing compounds within the biofilm to aggregate into an aggregated biofilm; and a filter for removing the aggregated biofilm from the growth medium.
  • the present invention is implemented as a method for removing a biofilm from a growth medium.
  • a growth medium having a biofilm is supplied to one or more reactor tubes, each reactor tube comprising an outer anode and an inner cathode (or outer cathode and inner anode) being positioned centrally within the outer anode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface of the cathode and the inner surface of the anode, each inner cathode.
  • the anode and/or cathode may comprise a mixed metal oxide.
  • a voltage differential is supplied between the anode and the cathode in each reactor tube to cause the generation of ions within the growth medium, the ions causing compounds within the biofilm to aggregate into an aggregated biofilm.
  • the aggregated biofilm is then filtered from the growth medium.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an example system for removing a biofilm from a growth medium using a series of reactor tubes employing MMO cathodes
  • Figure 2A illustrates a cross-sectional front view of a reactor tube containing an inner cathode centered between an outer anode
  • Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the reactor tube.
  • the present invention is generally directed to employing a series of reactor tubes to remove a biofilm from an algae growth medium.
  • Each reactor tube can contain a cathode comprised of a blend of transition metal oxides.
  • a specific voltage and amperage can be applied to the reactor tubes to cause the biofilm to aggregate without damaging the algae. The aggregated biofilm can then be easily removed from the growth medium.
  • the system can therefore, in essence, function as a protein skimmer.
  • the system does not require the generation of micro-bubbles to effectuate the aggregation of the biofilm.
  • the system of the present invention can immediately cause the aggregation of the biofilm via the ionic exchange that occurs at the mixed metal oxide cathode.
  • the biofilm can be caused to aggregate without damaging the algae.
  • a further benefit of this process is that the applied voltages and amperages can kill bacteria present within the growth medium.
  • the growth medium can be free of the biofilm and bacteria leaving an environment ideally suited for continued growth of the algae.
  • the present invention is implemented as a system for removing a biofilm from a growth medium.
  • the system comprises a plurality of reactor tubes connected in series, each reactor tube comprising an outer anode and an inner cathode being positioned centrally within the outer anode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface of the cathode and the inner surface of the anode, each inner cathode comprising a mixed metal oxide.
  • each reactor tube comprises an outer anode and an inner cathode being positioned centrally within the outer anode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface anode and the inner surface of the cathode.
  • the system may also comprise a pump connected to an input of the plurality of reactor tubes, the pump configured to receive a growth medium having a biofilm and to pump the growth medium through the series of reactor tubes; a power supply for supplying a voltage differential to the anode and the cathode in each reactor tube, the voltage differential causing the generation of ions within the growth medium, the ions causing compounds within the biofilm to aggregate into an aggregated biofilm; and a filter for removing the aggregated biofilm from the growth medium.
  • a pump connected to an input of the plurality of reactor tubes, the pump configured to receive a growth medium having a biofilm and to pump the growth medium through the series of reactor tubes; a power supply for supplying a voltage differential to the anode and the cathode in each reactor tube, the voltage differential causing the generation of ions within the growth medium, the ions causing compounds within the biofilm to aggregate into an aggregated biofilm; and a filter for removing the aggregated biofilm from the growth medium.
  • the present invention is implemented as a method for removing a biofilm from a growth medium.
  • a growth medium having a biofilm is supplied to one or more reactor tubes, each reactor tube comprising an outer anode and an inner cathode being positioned centrally within the outer anode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface of the cathode and the inner surface of the anode, each inner cathode comprising a mixed metal oxide.
  • each reactor tube comprises an outer anode and an inner cathode being positioned centrally within the outer anode such that a spacing between 3 mm and 10 mm exists between the outer surface anode and the inner surface of the cathode.
  • a voltage differential is supplied between the anode and the cathode in each reactor tube to cause the generation of ions within the growth medium, the ions causing compounds within the biofilm to aggregate into an aggregated biofilm.
  • the aggregated biofilm is then filtered from the growth medium.
  • the series of reactor tubes employed in the system of the '348 application can be powered at specific voltages and amperages to cause the aggregation of a biofilm.
  • the present invention can be implemented in systems similar to those described in the '348 application.
  • the present invention can also be implemented in other more general systems. An example of such a system is provided below.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 that can be used to aggregate and remove a biofilm from a growth medium.
  • System 100 includes a growth medium source 101 that supplies the growth medium containing the biofilm.
  • Growth medium source 101 can be any source of a growth medium including a pond or tank.
  • the growth medium can be fed through a series of reactor tubes 120a- 120d (which will generally be identified with 120). Although four reactor tubes are shown in system 100, other numbers of reactor tubes can be used to accomplish a desired level of biofilm aggregation. In some embodiments, two reactor tubes in series may be sufficient.
  • Each reactor tube 120 is comprised of an outer anode forming the tube shape and an inner cathode positioned centrally within the tube.
  • each reactor tube 120 comprises an outer cathode forming a tube shape and an inner anode positioned centrally within the tube.
  • the inner cathode is positioned no more than 10 mm from the outer anode. In some embodiments, this space can be between .5 mm and 200 mm wide.
  • the space between the anode and cathode may be 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm or any iterative spacing up to 200 mm.
  • the outer anode can be comprised of stainless steel and the inner cathode can be comprised of a MMO.
  • both the anode and cathode may comprise a MMO coating.
  • MMOs are compounds composed of oxygen atoms bound to transition metals. MMOs have a wide variety of surface structures which affect the surface energy of these compounds and influence their chemical properties. The relative acidity and basicity of the atoms present on the surface of metal oxides is also affected by the coordination of the metal cation and oxygen anion, which alter the catalytic properties of these compounds.
  • the blend of MMOs that can be used to cause the ionic exchange to destroy nuclei free species and aggregate or flocculate the biofilm can be a blend of the six platinum group metals layered onto a titanium core. These metals include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. A particular blend of metals can be created for a desired result. For example a weighted blend of ruthenium will generate a plurality of protons, whereas weighing the blend towards iridium will generate a plurality of hydroxyls. In any case, the biofilm is aggregated or flocculated by cationic or anionic reactions.
  • the system of the present invention can cause the protein-based compounds (or biofilm) to attract and aggregate without the production of micro-bubbles.
  • the system of the present invention does not require a source of bubbles.
  • the flow of an electric current through the MMO cathode produces free ions which interact with the compounds in the biofilm to cause the biofilm to aggregate together. These interactions occur immediately as the growth medium passes through the reactor tubes resulting in quick aggregation of the biofilm.
  • the biofilm can therefore be aggregated sufficiently for removal as the growth medium exits the series of reactor tubes.
  • FIGS 2A and 2B illustrate a cross-sectional front and side view respectively of a reactor tube 120.
  • an inner cathode 202 is centrally positioned within an outer anode 201 to create a narrow pathway around the circumference of cathode 202 through which the growth medium can flow (as indicated by the arrow).
  • Inner cathode 202 is coated with a MMO.
  • the spacing between anode 201 and cathode 202 can be between 3 and 10 mm with an optimal exact spacing being dependent on the conductivity of the growth medium. In some embodiments, this space can be between .5 mm and 200 mm wide. In some embodiments the space between the anode and cathode may be 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm or any iterative spacing up to 200 mm. A spacing within the 3-10 mm range has proven to be optimal for causing the necessary cationic or anionic reactions to aggregate the biofilm.
  • a strainer 150 can be used to remove the aggregated biofilm from the growth medium.
  • the growth medium can then be routed back to the source 101 or diverted to another location (e.g. for algae harvesting, growth, etc.).
  • the ideal voltage and amperage will vary based on the conductivity of the growth medium.
  • the growth medium has a conductivity between 0 and 2000 mS, 15 volts and between 5 to 10 amps (DC) is suitable.
  • the growth medium has a conductivity between 200 and 10,000 mS, 10 volts and 5 amps (DC) is suitable.
  • the growth medium has a conductivity between 10,000 and 20,000 mS, 5 volts and less than 3 amps (DC) is suitable.
  • DC 3 amps
  • the growth medium has a conductivity in excess of 20,000 mS, 1.3 volts and 1 amp (DC) is suitable.
  • the electrodes can be made of a metal, composite, or other material known to impart conductivity, such as, but not limited to silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, lead, platinum group metals, steel, stainless steel, carbon allotropes, and/or combinations thereof.
  • conductive carbon allotropes can include graphite, graphene, synthetic graphite, carbon fiber (iron reinforced), nano-carbon structures, and other form of deposited carbon on silicon substrates.
  • a 200 gallon growth medium of a photo-bioreactor growing Scenedesmus that showed extensive rotifer contamination was processed through a system in accordance with the present invention.
  • the system was powered at 10 volts and 10 amps (DC) while the 200 gallons were pumped through the reactor tubes.
  • the growth medium was then passed through a 5 micron sieve. Prior to treatment, the growth medium has an algae growth yield of 80 mg/liter. Within 48 hours after treatment, the yield had increased to 120mg/liter in 48 hours.
  • a microscope analysis of the post treatment growth medium showed an absence of rotifers
  • a 2000 liter open pond of fresh water Haematococcus pluvialis was divided in two ponds and fed with the same amount of nutrients.
  • the two ponds were adjacent one another and subject to the same environmental conditions.
  • One of the ponds was left untreated while the other pond was treated by passing its whole volume through the system.
  • the system was powered at 7.5 volts and 10 amps (DC) at a flow of 4 liters per minute every 6 hours.
  • the untreated tank did not present growth for two days and crashed by bacterial attack.
  • the treated tank presented an average net algae growth rate of 50 mg/L the first day, 87 mg/L the second day, and 113 mg/L the third day and did not crash.
  • 200 gallons of salt water Nanochloropsis was processed using the system of the present invention.
  • the system was powered at 1.2 volts and .02 amps (DC). Within 48 hours of treatment, the growth yield had increased by 50%.
  • the system of the present invention therefore provides a quick and efficient means to enhance the growth of an algae biomass by removing a biofilm.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Tropical Medicine & Parasitology (AREA)
  • Virology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Cell Biology (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une série de tubes réactionnels servant à éliminer un biofilm d'un milieu de croissance. Chaque tube réactionnel peut contenir une cathode faite d'un mélange d'oxydes de métaux de transition. Lorsque le milieu de croissance passe par la série de tubes réactionnels, une tension et une intensité spécifiques peuvent être appliquées sur les tubes pour provoquer l'agrégation du biofilm sans abîmer les algues. Le biofilm regroupé peut alors facilement être éliminé du milieu de croissance.
PCT/US2014/034573 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Élimination de composés de l'eau par une série de tubes réactionnels contenant des cathodes en oxyde métallique mixte WO2014172587A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

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

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014172587A1 true WO2014172587A1 (fr) 2014-10-23

Family

ID=51731855

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2014/034567 WO2014172582A1 (fr) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Élimination de l'ammoniaque de l'eau
PCT/US2014/034557 WO2014172573A1 (fr) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Production de biomasse d'algue à concentration réduite en contaminants
PCT/US2014/034573 WO2014172587A1 (fr) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Élimination de composés de l'eau par une série de tubes réactionnels contenant des cathodes en oxyde métallique mixte

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2014/034567 WO2014172582A1 (fr) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Élimination de l'ammoniaque de l'eau
PCT/US2014/034557 WO2014172573A1 (fr) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Production de biomasse d'algue à concentration réduite en contaminants

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2986706A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP2016517798A (fr)
KR (1) KR20150144771A (fr)
CN (1) CN105189728A (fr)
HK (1) HK1214837A1 (fr)
WO (3) WO2014172582A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11180387B2 (en) * 2013-06-24 2021-11-23 Thought Preserve, Llc Voltage-controlled, hydrodynamically isolated, ion-generation apparatus and method
JP7007620B1 (ja) 2020-08-25 2022-01-24 株式会社ジージェーブイ 金属イオン水製造装置及び金属イオン水の製造方法

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030173300A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-09-18 New Earth Systems, Inc. Leachate and wastewater remediation system
US20120205257A1 (en) * 2011-02-11 2012-08-16 Jeffrey Allen Collier System and Method for Separating Particles from Liquid Media
WO2012129031A2 (fr) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-27 Originoil, Inc. Amélioration de la croissance des algues par réduction des microorganismes concurrents dans un milieu de croissance

Family Cites Families (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3732164A (en) * 1971-08-30 1973-05-08 Administrator Of The Environme Nitrogen removal from waste water by breakpoint chlorination
US3964991A (en) * 1975-07-28 1976-06-22 Canton Textile Mills, Inc. Method and apparatus for precipitating colloids from aqueous suspensions
JP2622808B2 (ja) * 1993-10-22 1997-06-25 株式会社共和技術研究所 湖沼・池等のアオコ処理方法と装置
US6348143B1 (en) * 1997-08-11 2002-02-19 Ebara Corporation Hydrothermal electrolysis method and apparatus
JP2001104957A (ja) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-17 Babcock Hitachi Kk アンモニア除去方法およびその装置
US6652758B2 (en) * 2000-09-26 2003-11-25 Ionics, Incorporated Simultaneous ammonia and fluoride treatment for wastewater
DE10136645B4 (de) * 2001-07-20 2005-11-03 Igv Institut Für Getreideverarbeitung Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Ernte mikrobieller Biomasse aus einem Kultivationssystem
FI115904B (fi) * 2002-01-25 2005-08-15 Bcde Group Waste Man Ltd Oy Menetelmä ja laite epäpuhtauksien poistamiseksi jätevedestä elektroflotaatiolla
JP2006305487A (ja) * 2005-04-28 2006-11-09 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 電解窒素除去システム
KR100841664B1 (ko) * 2006-05-30 2008-06-26 전치중 전기화학적 수처리장치 및 수처리방법
KR100767724B1 (ko) * 2006-07-04 2007-10-18 한국과학기술연구원 슬러지 부상분리를 통한 생물학적 하폐수 처리 방법 및 장치
WO2008150541A1 (fr) * 2007-06-04 2008-12-11 Schwartzel David T Appareil de traitement aqueux utilisant des matériaux précurseurs et des ultrasons pour produire des environnements spécifiquement adaptés à la chimie par oxydation-réduction-réactifs dans des cellules électrochimiques et/ou des dispositifs similaires
WO2009158589A2 (fr) * 2008-06-26 2009-12-30 David Rigby Système électrochimique et procédé pour le traitement de l’eau et des eaux usées
JP5261124B2 (ja) * 2008-10-10 2013-08-14 シャープ株式会社 ナノバブル含有液体製造装置及びナノバブル含有液体製造方法
EP2408294A4 (fr) * 2009-03-20 2012-06-20 Algal Scient Corp Système et procédé de traitement des eaux usées par croissance de micro-organismes hétérotrophes phototactiques
US8772004B2 (en) * 2009-06-25 2014-07-08 Old Dominion University Research Foundation System and method for high-voltage pulse assisted aggregation of algae
CN101811757B (zh) * 2010-04-26 2013-11-06 中国科学院过程工程研究所 一种气助电絮凝藻水分离装置及其使用方法
US20120129244A1 (en) * 2010-10-17 2012-05-24 Michael Phillip Green Systems, methods and apparatuses for dewatering, flocculating and harvesting algae cells
JP5817166B2 (ja) * 2011-03-25 2015-11-18 栗田工業株式会社 微細藻類の分離回収方法
CN202214239U (zh) * 2011-08-24 2012-05-09 同济大学 一种除藻及藻毒素的超声波强化气浮装置

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030173300A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-09-18 New Earth Systems, Inc. Leachate and wastewater remediation system
US20120205257A1 (en) * 2011-02-11 2012-08-16 Jeffrey Allen Collier System and Method for Separating Particles from Liquid Media
WO2012129031A2 (fr) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-27 Originoil, Inc. Amélioration de la croissance des algues par réduction des microorganismes concurrents dans un milieu de croissance

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
CHEN, GUOHUA: "Electrochemical technologies in wastewater treatment", SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 38, no. 1, 2004, pages 11 - 41 *
SHANTHI, V. ET AL.: "Domestic sewage treatment using batch stirred tank electrochemical reactor", INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMTECH RESEARCH, vol. 3, no. 3, 2011, pages 1711 - 1721 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20150144771A (ko) 2015-12-28
CN105189728A (zh) 2015-12-23
EP2986706A1 (fr) 2016-02-24
WO2014172582A1 (fr) 2014-10-23
WO2014172573A1 (fr) 2014-10-23
HK1214837A1 (zh) 2016-08-05
EP2986706A4 (fr) 2017-03-01
JP2016517798A (ja) 2016-06-20
WO2014172573A9 (fr) 2014-12-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN104203840B (zh) 用于藻类收获和脱水的系统以及方法
Liu et al. Carbon fiber-based flow-through electrode system (FES) for water disinfection via direct oxidation mechanism with a sequential reduction–oxidation process
CN102849878B (zh) 拟除虫菊酯生产废水的预处理方法
CN1901996A (zh) 水处理系统和方法
WO2016022817A1 (fr) Dispositif de traitement d'eau
Dassey et al. Reducing electrocoagulation harvesting costs for practical microalgal biodiesel production
CN103663838A (zh) 一种电化水集成综合水处理设备
Xu et al. Impacts of applied voltage on forward osmosis process harvesting microalgae: Filtration behaviors and lipid extraction efficiency
WO2014172587A1 (fr) Élimination de composés de l'eau par une série de tubes réactionnels contenant des cathodes en oxyde métallique mixte
Tao et al. Coal-based carbon membrane coupled with electrochemical oxidation process for the enhanced microalgae removal from simulated ballast water
US20140106437A1 (en) Removing compounds from water using a series of reactor tubes containing cathodes comprised of a mixed metal oxide
CN101723489A (zh) 一种染料中间体H酸废水的太阳光/电-Fenton处理方法
CN104529046B (zh) 处理高浓度有机废水ro浓缩液装备及组合工艺
CN1594121A (zh) 组合式微电流电解水处理技术和装置
CN114163086B (zh) 一种重金属污染废水的处理装置及方法
US20130134053A1 (en) Methods and devices for the treatment of fluids
Huber et al. Development of a field enhanced photocatalytic device for biocide of coliform bacteria
KR20190080646A (ko) 미세조류, 세포외 중합물질 및 시안계 화합물질을 제거하는 폐수처리방법
KR100887520B1 (ko) 해양 심층수 또는 해저 심층암반수로부터 유기물을 농축하는 방법
US20160362314A1 (en) Methods and devices for the treatment of fluids
US20190387722A1 (en) Water quality purification device, water purifier and aquarium using the same
Lee et al. Increased electron density and dissolved oxygen level in water through magnetic effect
Selvaraj et al. Phycoremediation: A Sustainable Alternative for Removing Emerging Contaminants from Wastewater
Nonato et al. Electroflotation treatment system with down-flow granular filtration (Electroflot-filter) for cyanobacteria removal in drinking water
Amini Electrokinetic-assisted membrane photobioreactor (EK-MPBR) for municipal wastewater treatment

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 14784838

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 14784838

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1