WO2016168871A2

WO2016168871A2 - Method for obtaining, in particular for harvesting, algae and microorganisms

Info

Publication number: WO2016168871A2
Application number: PCT/AT2016/000039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Emminger
Original assignee: Ecoduna Ag
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2016-10-27
Also published as: AT517188A1; WO2016168871A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for obtaining, in particular for harvesting, algae and/or microorganisms (3) from a reaction medium (4), for example for harvesting from a suspension consisting of microorganisms (3) and a nutrient solution, in particular in a cultivation and production or hydrocultivation. A concentration of the reaction medium (4) is carried out by means of a filter system (14, 15) which is designed in the form of a hollow fiber membrane. In the first stage, the reaction medium (4) is continuously fed, particularly also during a cleaning cycle for the filter system (14, 15), to a collecting container (16) of a cultivation station (1). In the second stage, the reaction medium (4) passes through a plurality of filter stages, in particular at least one additional filter stage (11, 12), for increasing the concentration of the reaction medium (4) by separation of liquid, in particular the nutrient solution, from the reaction medium (4).

Description

METHOD OF PRODUCTION, ESPECIALLY FOR HARVESTING, ALGAE AND MICROORGANISMS

The invention relates to a method for the production, in particular for harvesting, of algae and / or microorganisms from a reaction medium, for example for harvesting from a microorganism and nutrient solution

Suspension, in particular in a breeding and production or hydrocultivation, wherein a concentration of the reaction medium over a as

Hollow fiber membrane formed filter system takes place.

Microorganisms, preferably phototrophic and especially microalgae as sustainable biogenic raw materials for the production of protein, high-quality materials for the pharmaceutical industry, biofuel, biochemicals are not in competition with food production in the field and can close existing and future supply gaps. Industrially produced C02 can be used by their metabolism as well for recovery of valuable material, as well as slurries from fermentation processes or for example

Wastewater from aquaculture. For the production of high-quality and therefore high-priced products, a number of harvesting methods are already available today, which allow economic operation of algae production as a whole. For the application in the bulk and low price ranges, such as bio-energy, bio-fuel, bio-plastic on the basis of microorganisms, proves so far in particular the high energy expenditure and with it

associated costs as a market entry barrier. In particular, the bioenergy sector requires an overall positive energy balance in the production chain, which is currently practically impossible to achieve.

However, after algae are 50 to 100 times more effective than oilseed rape in the oil production, the present invention and the associated energy savings and the low technical effort is an essential step towards better efficiency and better energy balance in industrial algae production set. Usually, for harvesting algae or microorganisms

energy-intensive centrifuges used. Disadvantage next to the high

Energy consumption is also that of centrifuges by the high

Compressive stress may cause damage to the algae or microorganisms.

DE 10 2009 039 554 A describes a method for harvesting algae from an algal suspension in which a concentration of the algae or microorganisms takes place by means of a membrane filter. For filtering, several stages are run through, using different systems. The disadvantage here is that a very high cost of filtering through the use of different systems is required. This also results in high spare parts costs and a high expenditure of training for the personnel, who must be trained for the most different systems.

The object of the invention is to provide a method of the type cited above, which on the one hand avoids the above disadvantages and on the other hand, a continuous, efficient and economic growth process

guaranteed

The inventive method is characterized in that

- In the first step, the reaction medium continuously, especially during a cleaning cycle for the filter system, a

Collection container is supplied by a breeding station and

in the second step, the reaction medium more, in particular at least one further filter stage for increasing the concentration of

Reaction medium, in particular with algae and / or microorganisms by separation of liquid, in particular the nutrient solution from the reaction medium passes.

It is advantageous that by the continuous feeding of the

Reaction medium from the breeding station, the promotion in the breeding station not is interrupted. If the production in a biosolar system for a photochemical, such as photocatalytic and / or photosynthetic process come to a standstill, so would significant damage to the algae or

Microorganisms occur. Thus, it is extremely important that the harvest must take place during the operation of the breeding station. However, since a breeding station preferably consists of many extraction modules, it is necessary to operate the harvesting unit or the harvesting module with the least possible effort and at the same time to increase the yield. This is realized according to the invention for the first time, with a multi-stage, in particular a two-stage harvest unit.

According to a particular feature of the invention, at least in the first filter stage, but preferably in both filter stages, the reaction medium is transported from the collecting container into the filter system, to which a high proportion of

Liquid, in particular nutrient solution is separated and the emerging from the filter system, highly concentrated, the reaction medium is in turn fed to the collecting container until a defined concentration of the

Reaction medium, in particular with algae and / or microorganisms, is achieved in the collecting container. This ensures that the concentrate of algae or microorganisms is always concentrated higher.

According to a further special feature of the invention, upon reaching a predefined concentration of the reaction medium, in particular of an algal and / or microorganism content of 10 to 50 g / l, in particular 30 g / l, the reaction medium in the collecting container is conveyed into the further filter stage and preferably, a cleaning process for the filter system is started simultaneously. Thus, a controlled concentration of algae or

Microorganisms possible before the first stage is completed and the

concentrated reaction medium is transferred to the second stage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the supply of the

Reaction medium in the collection container of the first filter stage with a

Speed according to the speed in the breeding station, in particular of 7.2 l / min. Thus, the feed rate in the first stage always corresponds to the flow rate in the breeding station, so that it is continuously in operation and the best possible growth of algae is achieved.

According to one development of the invention, a hollow-fiber membrane is used as filter system, preferably in both filter stages, in which in the first filter stage a solids content between 15 l / min and 50 l / min, in particular 30 l / min and in the second filter stage between 0, 3 l / min and 2 l / min, in particular 1, 0 l / min, is excreted. This ensures that the training required for the maintenance work by the same filter stages can be kept low. Another advantage is that this allows experience during operation in one of the two filter stages can be transferred to the other filter stage, so that the best and maximum yield can be achieved.

According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the promotion of the reaction medium from the collecting container to the filter system via a pump, in particular a paddle wheel, with the lowest possible pressure for

Prevention of destruction of algae and / or microorganisms

carried out. As a result, the quality of the algae or microorganisms can be increased or maintained.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention is for the filter system, a pressure, preferably a differential pressure, for acting on the

Hollow fiber membrane of 0.3 to 2 bar, preferably 0.7 to 1, 5 bar, in particular about 0.7 to 1, 3 bar, selected. It is advantageous hereby that thereby the destruction of the algae or the microorganisms is avoided and thus the failure rate is kept low. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, upon reaching a predefinable input pressure of the reaction medium over a defined period of time on the filter system, in particular at the entrance of the filter system of preferably 1, 5 bar, initiated a cleaning process in which the Disconnected catchment container from the rest of the pipeline system and at the same time the cleaning process for the filter system is started. This will be a

Clogging of the filter prevented. At the same time it ensures that the pressure on the algae can not rise above a defined value, resulting in significant damage to the algae.

According to a further feature of the invention, the transfer of the reaction medium takes place from the collecting container of the first filter stage in the

Collection container of the second filter stage with a speed between 20 l / min and 60 l / min, in particular with 25 l / min. Thus, the by

disregarding the resulting dilution. Of course, it would be possible in a pre-tank, based on the amount of inflowing

Reaction medium is designed for the overfeed period, the

Reaction medium to catch and then after completed

Transfer this to fill in the collection container. However, this would result in a considerable additional expenditure, in particular additional costs, for the materials and controllers for the large number of harvesting stations.

According to a further feature of the invention takes place when reaching a defined backpressure or upon reaching a predefined concentration of the reaction medium, a transfer of the reaction medium from

Collection container of the first filter stage in the collecting container of the second

Filter stage and a cleaning of the first filter stage is performed. This ensures that the harvesting unit or the harvesting module on two

different types can initiate a transfer of the reaction medium, so that a very high process reliability is ensured. The damage to the algae or microorganisms is thus kept very low, so that the

Yield at such a plant is unusually high. According to a further embodiment of the invention is for cleaning the

Filter system, in particular the hollow fiber membrane, carried out a cleaning purge with air, in particular with compressed air, or a cleaning liquid. As a result, the small openings for leaving the regular

Liquid cleaned so that a very high process reliability is given. This is necessary because the flow rate of the reaction medium in the

Breeding station, from which the reaction medium is continuously withdrawn, must not be interrupted. Thus, it is necessary to keep the structure of the filter stages as simple as possible, so that a self-contained automatic cleaning is feasible.

According to a development of the invention, in the cleaning process for the filter system, the filter system is separated from the remaining components, in particular from the collecting container. As a result, it is possible to work within the closed system with very high pressures during the cleaning process, thus ensuring that the filter can be reused for the next harvesting process. Of course, it would be possible to use a parallel second or more filters, so that it can be switched to the filter used. As a result, however, increase the acquisition and

Maintenance costs for a variety of harvesting modules for a single breeding station.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the membrane filtration system designed as a hollow fiber membrane is formed in a housing corresponding to a three-way valve, wherein the reaction medium laden with algae and / or microorganisms is fed to an inlet and at the other end of the hollow-fiber membrane via an outlet, the concentrated reaction medium to be applied, is applied and at the periphery between the two ends of the hollow fiber membrane via a third outlet, the liquid, in particular the nutrient solution, is applied. This ensures that the algae or microorganisms can flow in the direction of flow through the filter with minimal damage and drain the nutrient solution through the fine pores laterally outward. Thus, within the filter, the concentration of the

Reaction medium, which is very high at repeated pass through the algae and only little liquid is present. It is essential in the case of the filter that the algae are preferably transported in the direction of flow, since in the case of a lateral escape they would be pressed against a wall and thus would burst. Strong directional changes should be avoided if possible for the algae.

After a particularly advantageous measure of the invention, the

Feeding the reaction medium from a plant, in particular a biosolar plant designed as a breeding plant, for a photochemical, such as photocatalytic and / or photosynthetic process, in particular for a breeding and production or hydroculturing of, preferably phototrophic, microorganisms, continuously, wherein the reaction medium in a meandering The reactor unit formed of a plurality of reactor elements is guided, wherein the meandering guide of the reaction medium is inclined perpendicularly or at an angle, preferably at least once from bottom to top or against the direction of gravity (ascending branch) and from top to bottom or in the direction of gravity (falling branch), is transported and that at least one, preferably a plurality of reactor units are closed together to form a storage module in which the reaction medium is transported in an endless loop, wherein on a reactor unit of the storage module, preferably Preferably via a removal device, preferably a so-called "Desmodrom", a freely selectable defined proportion of

Is removed reaction medium and in a preferably formed from a plurality of series-closed reactor units line module is passed, at the same time the lack of reaction medium on the

Original quantity is filled, whereupon after passing through the reactor units of the line module at the last reactor unit via another

Entnahmevorrichtung the reaction medium is divided, whereupon

optionally followed by a respective growth module is operated in which the missing portion of the reaction medium is filled to the original amount and / or a removal module for the production of algae and / or

Microorganisms is operated. As a result, a breeding station is used, in which a very rapid growth of algae or microorganisms is achieved, so that the reaction medium already has a breeding station for high percentage of algae or microorganisms. Also, such a breeding station for different types of algae or microorganisms can be used. A further object of the invention is to provide a device with which the economic implementation of the above method is ensured.

This object of the invention is achieved by a device for harvesting algae and / or microorganisms from a reaction medium, according to the invention, a collecting container for continuously supplying a

Reaction medium with a plant, in particular a breeding plant, connected and that for harvesting the reaction medium of algae and / or

Microorganisms several, in particular two, filter stages are arranged.

It is advantageous that thus the supply from the breeding station does not have to be interrupted, that is, that the breeding station, in particular the

Reaction medium in the breeding station, is operated continuously and constantly taken out of the extraction modules reaction medium at the end of the breeding station and fed to the harvesting module. It is essential in such systems that the flow in the breeding station is not interrupted, since in this case the algae or microorganisms would sink to the ground and they are destroyed by the building up pressure on the lower algae or microorganisms. Thus, it must be ensured that there is always a flow in the breeding system even during the harvesting process. With such a device a very high reliability is guaranteed.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention in one, in particular in both filter stages a collecting container with the interposition of a

Conveyor, such as a pump, in particular a paddle wheel, arranged, which is connected to a filter system, in particular a hollow fiber membrane, and an outlet for the algae and / or microorganisms of

Filter system is connected to the collecting container for returning the reaction medium and another outlet is on the filter system for the discharge of liquid, in particular the nutrient solution, for reuse in a breeding plant, arranged. This ensures that a very high proportion of algae or microorganisms after the harvesting module is fed to the drying, so that the yield is very high, but the operating and

Manufacturing costs can be kept low by the simple and parallel structure. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

1 is a schematic representation of a breeding station with associated harvesting modules or harvesting stations,

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the individual filter stages. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a plant, in particular a cultivation plant 1 and a harvesting module 2 for harvesting algae and / or microorganisms 3 from a reaction medium 4 is shown.

The cultivation plant 1 can be constructed as desired from the prior art, but preferably the plant developed by the applicant is used. The breeding plant 1 consists of a biosol solar system for a photochemical, such as photocatalytic and / or photosynthetic process, in particular for a breeding and production or hydroculturing of, preferably phototrophic, algae or microorganisms 3, wherein the

Reaction medium 4, for example, one of a suspension consisting of microorganisms and nutrient solution, meander-shaped in a reactor unit 6 formed from a plurality of reactor elements is performed. The meandering guide of the reaction medium 4 is preferably transported vertically or at an angle at least once from bottom to top or against the direction of gravity (ascending branch) and from top to bottom or in the direction of gravity (falling branch). Preferably, at least one, preferably a plurality of reactor units 5 are closed together to form a storage module 6, in which the reaction medium 4 is transported in an endless loop. At a reactor unit 5 of the storage module 6 a freely selectable defined proportion of the reaction medium 4 is removed and in a, preferably formed from a plurality of closed reactor units in series 5 line module 7 passed. At the same time, the missing proportion of reaction medium 4 is filled up to the original quantity. After passing through the reactor units 5 of the Line module 7, the reaction medium 4 is again divided at the last reactor unit 5 and optionally then each supplied to a growth module 8. After the growth module 8, the reaction medium 4 is fed to a removal module 9 for the recovery of the algae or microorganisms 3. Of course, the removal module 9 could also already be arranged behind the line module 7.

Of course, it is possible that smaller modules 1 fewer modules are used, whereas larger systems can be present more modules. The illustrated breeding plant 1 is intended to illustrate that the reaction medium 4 in the breeding plant 1 is constantly in motion, wherein the reaction medium 4 preferably via gravity and the

Influence of gases as growth-promoting agent is kept in motion. By such a pressureless delivery of the reaction medium 4 is a

Disconnection of the breeding plant 1 not possible because the reaction medium 4 is difficult to bring back to flow, especially only by using pumps again. This must ensure that when harvesting in a harvesting module 2, a continuous feed of reaction medium 4 from the

Breeding plant 1 is possible.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the harvesting module 2 are connected to all extraction modules 9 via a connecting line 10. In the first step, the reaction medium 4 is continuously supplied via the connecting line 10 to the harvesting module 2, whereupon in the second step, the reaction medium 4 more, in particular a further filter stages 11, 12, to increase the

Concentration of the reaction medium 4, in particular of the algae and / or microorganisms 3, passes through. This means that the reaction medium 4 constantly flows out of the breeding station 1 and passes via the connecting line 10 into the harvesting module 2, so that the harvesting of the algae or microorganisms 3 takes place without switching off or interrupting the breeding station 1. The first filter stage 1 1 is dimensioned such that so much reaction medium 4 from the

Connecting line 10, in particular the attached breeding station 1, can be included, as long as a cleaning process lasts, so that too during a cleaning process in the first filter stage 1 1 the

Reaction medium 4 is supplied. The second filter stage 12 is used for

Processing of the highly concentrated reaction medium 4, wherein in this filter stage 12 as possible, the remaining portion of nutrient solution is eliminated, which then preferably in turn for the breeding of the algae or

Microorganisms 3 is returned via a return line 13. In this case, the nutrient solution for filling missing liquid in the reactor units 5 or for preparing a new breeding process, ie for filling the

Reactor units 5, are used.

As can now better be seen from FIG. 2, the individual stages, in particular the two filter stages 11 and 12, have the same design. The filter stages 1 1 and 12 differ only with respect to the dimensioning of Nährlösungs- or liquid deposition via a filter system 14, 15. In the first filter stage 1 1 namely more liquid is discharged from the reaction medium 4, as in the further filter stage 12th This is the reason that in the second

Filter stage 12 is already such a high concentration of algae or microorganisms 3, as shown schematically, with very low liquid content is present, whereas in the first filter stage 1 1 continuously fresh not so highly concentrated reaction medium 4 is supplied from the breeding station 1.

Essential in the construction and the design of the harvesting module 2 is that in the first step, the reaction medium 4 continuously, in particular during a cleaning cycle for the filter system 14,15, a collecting container 16 is supplied from the breeding station 1. In the second step, that goes through

Reaction medium 4 more, in particular at least one further filter stage 1 1, 12 for increasing the concentration, in particular of the algae and / or

Microorganisms 3 by secretion of liquid, in particular the

Nutrient solution. In the harvesting module 2, an endless cycle is thereby created in the first filter stage 1 1, in which although continuous reaction medium 4 from the breeding station 1, but the filter system 14 separates more liquid than flows, so that in the collecting container 16, an increase in concentration Algae 3 or microorganisms 3 is created. In the second Filter stage 12, the reaction medium 3 is passed only once from the first filter stage 1 1 in a collecting container 17, as shown in Fig. 2. This means that the transfer time from filter stage 1 1 to filter stage 12 is shown, in which approximately half of the reaction medium 4 has already been transferred. Subsequently, the reaction medium 4 without additional supply of new reaction medium 4 from the first filter stage 1 1 again in one

Pumped endless cycle, wherein the filter system 15 as much liquid is eliminated. The more liquid is eliminated in this filter stage 12, the higher the concentration of undamaged algae or

Microorganisms 3 and the shorter the subsequent (not shown) drying process can fail.

In the first filter stage 1 1, but preferably in both filter stages 1 1 and 12, the reaction medium 4 is transported from the collecting container 16,17 to the filter system 14, 15, at which a high proportion of liquid, in particular the

Nutrient solution is deposited. That from the filter system 14, 15th

emerging, higher concentration reaction medium 4 is again the

Receiving container 16,17 supplied until a defined concentration of the

Reaction medium 4, in particular of algae and / or microorganisms 3, in the collecting container 16,17 is achieved, as shown by arrows 18. The promotion of the reaction medium 4 from the collecting tank 16,17 to the

Filter system 14, 15 via a pump 19,20, in particular a

Paddle wheel pump with the lowest possible pressure. In particular, it is only used with gravity to avoid damage to the algae and / or

Microorganisms 3 worked. In this case, the pressure for the filter system 14,15, preferably the differential pressure, for acting on the filter system 14,15, in particular a hollow fiber membrane, 0.3 to 2 bar, preferably 0.7 to 1, 5 bar, in particular about 0.7 to 1, 3 bar. From the output of the filter system 14,15 the reaction medium 4 is again via a pipe 21, 22 for

Collecting container 16, 17 back and occurs, as shown schematically, higher concentration than it is passed from the breeding station 1 or at the second filter stage 12 of the first filter stage 1 1. The separated from the filter system 14, 15 liquid is at a side exit over the Return line 13 passed back to the breeding station 1, so that this liquid, the nutrient solution, can be used again.

Thus, the pumps 19, 20 and the filter system 14, 15 can be decoupled from the collecting container 16,17 are in the pipes 21, 22 between

Collecting container 16, 17 and pump 19, 20 and in the return line 13, a valve 23 is arranged. In this case, for a cleaning process, ie with activated valves 23, as shown by dashed arrows 24, at a valve 23, a liquid, in particular cleaning liquid, introduced, which subsequently flows through the pump 19, 20 and the filter system 14,15 and to the other Valves 23 exits again. Thus, a cleaning circuit is constructed, which can be carried out independently of the collecting container 16,17.

Of course, it is possible that the liquid flow during

Cleaning process can also be reversed. If the valves 23 are deactivated again, then the normal cycle, as shown by the arrows 18, can be carried out so that a concentration of the reaction medium 4 in the collecting container 16, 17 is carried out.

The supply of the reaction medium 4 in the collecting container 16 of the first filter stage 1 1 is carried out at a speed corresponding to the speed in the breeding station 1, in particular of 7.2 l / min. As a filter system 14,15 is preferably used in two filter stages 1 1, 12, a hollow fiber membrane, in which in the first filter stage 1 1, a liquid content between 15 l / min and 50 l / min, in particular 30 l / min and in the second filter stage 12th between 0.3 l / min and 2 l / min, in particular 1, 0 l / min, is excreted. Thus, it can be seen that in the first filter stage 1 1, a smaller amount of reaction medium 4 flows in as liquid is removed from the filter system 14, so that a concentration of the reaction medium 4 takes place. Upon reaching a predefined

Concentration of the reaction medium 4, in particular of an algae and / or microorganisms 3-component of 30 g / l, the reaction medium 4 is transported from the collecting container 16 into the collecting container 17 in the further filter stage 12, preferably at the same time a cleaning process for the filter system 14th is started. Of course it is also possible, even more filter stages Use 1 1, 12 with the same structure or to integrate a special filter stage for special algae or microorganisms 3.

The cleaning process can be triggered manually or automatically in a variety of ways. A cleaning process is triggered, for example, when a predefinable inlet pressure of the reaction medium 4 over a defined period of time at the Filterystemi, 15 in particular at the entrance of the filter system 1 1, 12, preferably of 1, 5 applied bar. At this pressure, the collecting container 16 or 17 is disconnected from the rest of the line system via the valves 23 and at the same time the cleaning process for the filter system 14,15 started. On the other hand, the cleaning process can also be triggered when a defined back pressure arises or a predefined concentration of the reaction medium 4 is reached, in which a transfer of the

Reaction medium 4 from the collecting container 16 of the first filter stage 1 1 into the collecting container 17 in the second filter stage 12 and carried out a cleaning of the first filter stage 1 1 or initiated. Of course, also in the second filter stage 12, an automatic cleaning process can be initiated, but for this purpose a corresponding warning signal or

Cleaning signal is sent out or the appropriate maintenance personnel are informed so that they are the algae or microorganisms 3 from the

Remove collecting container 17.

The transfer of the reaction medium 4 from the collecting container 16 of the first filter stage 1 1 in the collecting container 17 of the second filter stage 12 is carried out at a rate between 20 l / min and 60 l / min, in particular with 25 l / min. The faster the reaction medium 4 is transferred, the less fresh

Reaction medium 4 flows from the breeding station 1 into the collecting container 16. This means that with a very rapid transfer, only a very small admixture of fresh, not very highly concentrated, reaction medium 4 takes place from the breeding station 1, so that the share for the transfer can be disregarded. It is essential that during the cleaning process, however

Reaction medium 4 from the breeding station 1 continues to flow continuously into the collecting container 16. That is, the discharge from the breeding station 1 and thus the supply to the harvesting module 2 is not interrupted, so that it is always ensured that in the breeding station 1, a corresponding

Liquid flow for the algae or microorganisms 3 is present. The collecting container 16 is dimensioned such that in the period of time as long as the cleaning process lasts, the reaction medium 4 from the breeding station 1 can be received by the collecting container 16. This means that when starting a cleaning process, the valves 23 are activated, at the same time the reaction medium 4 is transferred from the collecting container 16 of the first filter stage 1 1 in the further filter stage 12 and the collecting container 16 is filled with fresh incoming reaction medium 4 from the breeding station 1 again. In the process of cleaning the filter system 14, 15, the filter system 14, 15 is separated from the remaining components, in particular from the collecting container 16.

Preferably, the reaction medium 4 remains twice to five times as long in the first filter stage 1 1 as in the second filter stage 12. The reaction medium 4, for example, over a period of time between 2 and 3 days in the first

Filter stage 1 1, whereas in the second filter stage 12, the reaction medium 4 only lingers between 2 and 3 hours. This is sufficient time to perform a cleaning process in the second filter stage 12 before again new reaction medium 4 is passed from the first filter stage 1 1. After the second filter stage 12 has passed, the algae or microorganisms 3 are emptied and dried. The drying can take place by simple air drying or a drying plant, so that the algae or microorganisms 3 can be subsequently processed. The cleaning process per se can be carried out in such a way that for cleaning the filter system 14,15, in particular the hollow fiber membrane a

Cleaning rinsing with air, in particular compressed air, or one Cleaning liquid is performed, in which the fine pores are rinsed free with high pressure.

Preferably, the filter system 14,15 is constructed such that the

Hollow fiber membrane formed membrane filtration system is formed in a housing corresponding to a three-way valve, wherein the loaded with algae and / or microorganisms 3 reaction medium 4 is fed to an inlet and at the other end of the hollow fiber membrane via an outlet, the auszubringende concentrated reaction medium 4, is conveyed. At the circumference between the two ends of the hollow fiber membrane, the separated nutrient solution is removed via a third outlet.

For the sake of order, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but also other

May include training.

Claims

claims:

1. A method for obtaining, in particular for harvesting, algae and / or microorganisms from a reaction medium, for example for harvesting from a suspension of microorganisms and nutrient solution, in particular in a breeding and production or hydrocultivation, wherein a concentration of the reaction medium over a than

Hollow fiber membrane formed filter system, thereby

marked that

- In the first step, the reaction medium (4) continuously, in particular also during a cleaning cycle for the filter system (14,15), a collecting container (16) from a breeding station (1) is supplied and

- In the second step, the reaction medium (4) more, in particular

at least one further filter stage (1, 2) for increasing the

Concentration of the reaction medium (4), in particular with algae and / or microorganisms (3) by separation of liquid, in particular the nutrient solution from the reaction medium (4) passes through. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least in the first filter stage (1 1), but preferably in both filter stages (11, 12), the reaction medium (4) from the collecting container (16,17) in the filter system (14, 15) is conveyed, on which a high proportion of liquid, in particular nutrient solution, is deposited and that from the filter system (14,15) emerging, highly concentrated, reaction medium

(4) in turn the collecting container (16,17) is supplied until a defined concentration of the reaction medium (4), in particular with algae and / or microorganisms (3), in the collecting container (16,17) is achieved.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at

Achieving a predefined concentration of the reaction medium (4), in particular of an algae and / or microorganisms (3) content of 10 to 50 g / l, in particular 30 g / l, the reaction medium (4) in

Collecting container (16,17) is conveyed into the further filter stage (12) and that preferably at the same time a cleaning process for the filter system (14) is started.

4. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized

characterized in that the supply of the reaction medium (4) into the collecting container (16) of the first filter stage (11) at a speed corresponding to the speed in the breeding station (1), in particular of 7.2 l / min, takes place.

5. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized

characterized in that a hollow-fiber membrane is used as the filter system (14,15), preferably in both filter stages (11, 12), in which in the first filter stage (1 1) a liquid content between 15 l / min and 50 l / min, in particular 30 l / min and in the second filter stage (12) between 0.3 l / min and 2 l / min, in particular 1 l / min, is eliminated.

6. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized

characterized in that the conveying of the reaction medium (4) from the collecting container (16,17) to the filter system (14,15) via a pump (19,20), in particular a paddle wheel, with the lowest possible pressure to avoid damage to the algae and / or or microorganisms (4) is performed.

7. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized

characterized in that for the filter system (14,15) a pressure, preferably a differential pressure, for acting on the hollow fiber membrane of 0.3 to 2 bar, preferably 0.7 to 1, 5 bar, in particular about 0.7 to 1, 3 bar , is elected.

8. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized

characterized in that upon reaching a predefinable

Inlet pressure of the reaction medium (4) via a predefined Period of time at the filter system (14,15), in particular at the entrance of the

Filter system (14,15) of preferably 1, 5 bar, a cleaning process is initiated, wherein the collecting container (6,17) from the rest

Uncoupled line system and at the same time the cleaning process for the filter system (14,15) is started.

9. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized

characterized in that the transfer of the reaction medium (4) from the collecting container (16) of the first filter stage (1) into the collecting container (17) of the second filter stage (12) at a rate between 20 l / min and 60 l / min, in particular 25 l / min.

10. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized

characterized in that upon reaching a defined backpressure or upon reaching a predefined concentration of the reaction medium (4) a transfer of the reaction medium (4) from the collecting container (16) of the first filter stage (11) into the collecting container (17) of the second filter stage (12) and a cleaning of the first filter stage (12) is performed.

1 1. A method according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that for cleaning the filter system (14,15),

in particular the hollow fiber membrane, a cleaning purge with air, in particular with compressed air, or a cleaning liquid is performed.

12. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that in the cleaning process for the filter system (14,15), the filter system (14,15) from the remaining components, in particular from the collecting container (16,17), separated becomes. 3. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that designed as a hollow fiber membrane

Membrane filtration system in a housing according to a

Three-way valve is formed, with algae and / or

Microorganisms (3) loaded reaction medium (4) an inlet is supplied and at the other end of the hollow fiber membrane via an outlet, the auszubringende, concentrated reaction medium (4), is applied and the circumference between the two ends of the

Hollow fiber membrane via a third outlet, the liquid, in particular the nutrient solution, is applied.

14. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the supply of the reaction medium (4) of a plant, in particular one, as a breeding plant (1) formed,

Biosolar plant, for a photochemical, such as photocatalytic and / or photosynthetic process, in particular for a cultivation and production or hydrocultivation of, preferably phototrophic, microorganisms (3) is carried out continuously, wherein the reaction medium (4) meandering in a formed of a plurality of reactor elements

Reactor unit (5) is guided, wherein the meandering guide of the reaction medium (4) inclined perpendicularly or at an angle,

preferably at least once from bottom to top or against the direction of gravity (ascending branch) and from top to bottom or in the direction of gravity (falling branch) is transported and that at least one, preferably a plurality of reactor units (5) to a storage Module (6) are closed together in which the

Reaction medium (4) is transported in an endless loop, wherein on a reactor unit (5) of the storage module (6), preferably via a removal device, preferably a so-called "Desmodrom", a freely selectable defined proportion of the reaction medium (4) is removed and in a, preferably from a plurality of series-closed reactor units (5) formed line module (7) is passed, wherein at the same time the missing proportion of reaction medium (4) on the

Original quantity is filled up, whereupon after passing through the

Reactor units (5) of the line module (7) at the last reactor unit (5) via a further removal device, the reaction medium (4) is split, whereupon then subsequently each a growth module (8) is operated, in which the missing portion of Reaction medium (4) on the Original quantity is filled and / or a sampling module (9) for the production of algae and / or microorganisms (3) is operated.

15. Device for harvesting a reaction medium (4) of algae and / or microorganisms (3) from a reaction medium (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a collecting container (16, 17) for continuous feeding one

Reaction medium (4) with a plant, in particular a breeding plant (1), is connected and that for harvesting the reaction medium (4) of algae and / or microorganisms (3) a plurality, in particular two,

Filter stages (11, 12) are arranged.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that in one, in particular in both filter stages (11, 12) a collecting container (16,17) with the interposition of a conveying means, such as a pump (19,20), in particular a paddle wheel pump, is arranged , which is connected to a filter system (14,15), in particular a hollow fiber membrane, and an outlet for the algae and / or microorganisms (3) of

Filter system (14,15) with the collecting container (16, 7) for returning the reaction medium (4) is connected and that another output on

Filter system (14,15) for the discharge of liquid, in particular the nutrient solution, for reuse in a breeding plant (1) is arranged.