WO2023010153A1 - A distributed algae manufacturing assembly - Google Patents
A distributed algae manufacturing assembly Download PDFInfo
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- WO2023010153A1 WO2023010153A1 PCT/AU2022/050526 AU2022050526W WO2023010153A1 WO 2023010153 A1 WO2023010153 A1 WO 2023010153A1 AU 2022050526 W AU2022050526 W AU 2022050526W WO 2023010153 A1 WO2023010153 A1 WO 2023010153A1
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- Prior art keywords
- algae
- assembly
- growth
- distributed
- bioreactor
- Prior art date
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- 241000195493 Cryptophyta Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 134
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 60
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 142
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 239000001963 growth medium Substances 0.000 claims description 42
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000012621 metal-organic framework Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N alstonine Natural products C1=CC2=C3C=CC=CC3=NC2=C2N1C[C@H]1[C@H](C)OC=C(C(=O)OC)[C@H]1C2 WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 7
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 abstract description 7
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000003795 desorption Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000005431 greenhouse gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005791 algae growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019688 fish Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009309 intensive farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015927 pasta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G33/00—Cultivation of seaweed or algae
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/02—Form or structure of the vessel
- C12M23/06—Tubular
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/22—Transparent or translucent parts
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/44—Multiple separable units; Modules
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/58—Reaction vessels connected in series or in parallel
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- 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
- C12M31/00—Means for providing, directing, scattering or concentrating light
- C12M31/02—Means for providing, directing, scattering or concentrating light located outside the reactor
-
- 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
- C12M47/00—Means for after-treatment of the produced biomass or of the fermentation or metabolic products, e.g. storage of biomass
- C12M47/02—Separating microorganisms from the culture medium; Concentration of biomass
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- 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
- C12M47/00—Means for after-treatment of the produced biomass or of the fermentation or metabolic products, e.g. storage of biomass
- C12M47/14—Drying
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2253/00—Adsorbents used in seperation treatment of gases and vapours
- B01D2253/20—Organic adsorbents
- B01D2253/204—Metal organic frameworks (MOF's)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
- B01D2257/50—Carbon oxides
- B01D2257/504—Carbon dioxide
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
- B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
- B01D2259/40083—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption
- B01D2259/40088—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption by heating
- B01D2259/40096—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption by heating by using electrical resistance heating
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
- B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
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- B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
- B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
- B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
- B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
- B01D53/0462—Temperature swing adsorption
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/52—Mobile; Means for transporting the apparatus
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- 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
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
Definitions
- the present invention is broadly directed to a distributed algae manufacturing assembly.
- the invention is also generally directed to a method of producing algae typically as a source for protein and other food substances for consumption.
- a distributed algae manufacturing assembly comprising: an atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) extractor sub-assembly configured for direct capture of CO2 from air; a bioreactor including:
- a growth chamber adapted to contain algae within a liquid growth medium, said chamber arranged to cooperate with the atmospheric CO2 extractor sub-assembly for enriching the liquid growth medium in the directly captured CO2 which stimulates growth of the algae;
- a light source associated with the growth chamber for exposing the algae within the growth chamber to light emitted from the light source thereby promoting growth of the algae within the bioreactor.
- the distributed algae manufacturing assembly also comprises an algae processing sub-assembly arranged to cooperate with the bioreactor to separate the algae grown within the growth chamber from an algae mixture obtained from the bioreactor.
- said processing sub-assembly includes a centrifuge for separating an algae slurry including the grown algae from the algae mixture.
- said processing sub-assembly also includes a drying unit associated with the centrifuge for drying of the algae slurry to provide the grown algae in the form of an algae powder.
- the distributed algae manufacturing assembly further comprises a liquid medium recovery sub-assembly associated with the algae processing sub- assembly wherein liquid growth medium separated from the algae mixture and/or the algae slurry in said processing sub-assembly is returned to the growth chamber of the bioreactor.
- said recovery sub-assembly is associated with the centrifuge and/or the drying unit to recover liquid growth medium from either or both of said centrifuge and drying unit.
- the liquid growth medium is water- based.
- the growth chamber includes one or more growth tubes formed in a spiral or serpentine arrangement within the bioreactor. More preferably each of said tubes is constructed from a transparent material thereby permitting exposure of the algae within the tube(s) to light emitted from the light source located outside of said tube(s).
- the light source is an artificial light source including a plurality of LED light sources interposed between the growth tubes formed in the spiral or serpentine arrangement. More preferably the plurality of LED light sources are arranged in strips of LED lights.
- the distributed algae manufacturing assembly also comprises a water capture generator operatively coupled to the bioreactor and designed for directly capturing water from atmosphere to provide the liquid growth medium in the form of liquid water for the growth chamber of the bioreactor.
- the directly captured liquid water from said water generator at least in part supplements the liquid growth medium within which the algae is grown within the growth chamber.
- the atmospheric CO2 extractor sub-assembly includes a metalorganic framework (MOF) lattice capable of directly adsorbing CO2 from the air. More preferably said extractor sub-assembly also includes resistive heating means associated with the composite MOF lattice for resistive heating of said lattice whereby directly adsorbed CO2 is desorbed from said lattice for delivery to the bioreactor for CO2 enrichment of the liquid growth medium within the growth chamber.
- MOF metalorganic framework
- a method of producing algae comprising the steps of: directly capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from air; containing algae and an associated liquid growth medium within a growth chamber; exposing the growth medium to the directly captured CO2 to enrich said growth medium to stimulate growth of the algae within the growth chamber; exposing the algae within the growth chamber to light thereby promoting growth of the algae.
- CO2 carbon dioxide
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a distributed algae manufacturing assembly according to a first aspect of the invention
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the distributed manufacturing assembly of figure 1 shown in its open configuration exposing its bioreactor and associated sub-assemblies;
- Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the distributed manufacturing assembly of the preferred embodiment of figures 1 and 2 schematically depicting a preferred embodiment of a method of producing algae according to a second aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 1 there is an embodiment of a first aspect of the invention broadly directed to a distributed algae manufacturing assembly 10 for producing algae typically as a source for protein for human consumption. It is to be understood that the invention extends to the distributed manufacture of algae and its various derivatives.
- the distributed assembly 10 may be of a portable benchtop design intended to be located indoors in food preparation and consumption areas at home, business or community places.
- the benchtop assembly 10 for distributed manufacture is typically in the form of an appliance electrically powered by grid electricity via a conventional AC power point.
- the distributed algae manufacturing assembly 10 broadly comprises:
- an atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) extractor sub-assembly 12 configured for direct capture of CO2 from air;
- a bioreactor 14 including (a) a growth chamber 16 arranged to cooperate with the CO2 extractor sub-assembly 12 to stimulate growth of algae, and (b) a light source 18 associated with the growth chamber 16 to promote growth of the algae within the bioreactor 14.
- the distributed manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 also comprises an algae processing sub-assembly 20 arranged to cooperate with the bioreactor 14.
- the processing sub-assembly 20 is designed to separate the algae grown within the growth chamber 16 from an algae mixture obtained from the bioreactor 14.
- the growth chamber 16 of the bioreactor 14 of this example is adapted to contain algae within a liquid growth medium.
- the directly captured CO2 from the CO2 sub-assembly 12 enriches the growth medium within the growth chamber 16 to stimulate growth of the algae.
- the light source 18 of the bioreactor 14 exposes the algae within the growth chamber 16 to light emitted from said light source 16 thereby promoting growth of the algae.
- the growth chamber 16 includes a growth tube 22 formed in a serpentine arrangement within the bioreactor 14.
- the growth tube 22 is constructed from a transparent material thereby facilitating exposure of the algae within the growth tube 22 to light emitted from the light source 18.
- the light source 18 includes a plurality of LED light sources such as 24 interposed between banks of the growth tube 22.
- the LED light source 24 is in this example arranged in the form of a strip of LED lights.
- the bioreactor 14 may be configured for the addition of nutrients to the growth chamber 16.
- the algae processing sub-assembly 20 includes a centrifuge 26 for separating an algae slurry from the algae mixtures obtained from the bioreactor 14.
- the algae slurry includes the grown algae from the growth chamber 16 of the bioreactor 14.
- the processing sub-assembly 20 also includes a drying unit or spray dryer 28 associated with the centrifuge 26 for drying of the algae slurry to provide the grown algae in the form of an algae powder.
- the processing subassembly 20 may also include a dispenser 30 associated with the spray dryer 28 for dispensing the dried algae powder.
- the distributed algae manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 further comprises a liquid medium recovery sub-assembly depicted generally at 32.
- the liquid growth medium is typically water-based and the recovery sub-assembly 32 is associated with the algae processing sub-assembly 20 wherein said water-based growth medium separated from the algae mixture and/or the algae slurry in said processing subassembly 20 is returned to the growth chamber 16 of the bioreactor 14.
- the water-based recovery sub-assembly 32 is associated with:
- the centrifuge 26 to recover water-based growth medium from the algae mixture obtained from the bioreactor 14 for return of the recovered growth medium to the growth chamber 16 via a first recovery line at 34;
- the drying unit or spray dryer 28 to recover water-based growth medium separated from the algae slurry obtained from the centrifuge 26, the recovered growth medium returned to the growth chamber 16 of the bioreactor 14 via a second recovery line at 36.
- the liquid medium recovery sub-assembly 32 supplements or tops up the liquid growth medium which is initially supplied via tap water.
- the distributed manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 may also comprise a water capture generator (not shown) arranged to provide either the initial supply of liquid growth medium in the form of liquid water and/or top-up supplies for the growth chamber 16 of the bioreactor 14.
- the water capture generator is for this purpose operatively coupled to the bioreactor 14 and designed for directly capturing water from atmosphere.
- the water capture generator may be constructed in accordance with the disclosures and teachings of the applicant’s International patent application no. PCT/AU2019/05046 which although it is directed to a renewable methane production module is applicable in the context of this distributed algae manufacturing assembly.
- the disclosures of this International patent application are to be considered included herein by way of this reference.
- the atmospheric CO2 extractor sub-assembly 12 includes:
- a plurality of CO2 adsorption stations 42b to 42d configured to permit air to flow through select of the cartridges 40b to 40d for direct adsorption of CO2 from air;
- a CO2 desorption station 42a arranged to contact a remaining one of the CO2 extraction cartridges 40a for resistive heating whereby the directly adsorbed CO2 is desorbed for extraction from the air.
- each of the CO2 extractor cartridges such as 40b includes a metal-organic framework (MOF) lattice such as 44b capable of directly adsorbing CO2 from the air.
- the extractor sub-assembly 12 also includes resistive heating means associated with the composite MOF lattice 44a of the CO2 extractor cartridge 40a at the CO2 desorption station 42a.
- the resistive heating means (not shown) is effective in resistive heating of the MOF lattice 44a whereby directly adsorbed CO2 is desorbed from said lattice 44a.
- the desorbed CO2 is delivered to the bioreactor 14 for CO2 enrichment of the liquid growth medium within the growth chamber 16.
- the CO2 extractor sub-assembly 12 is otherwise constructed in accordance with the disclosures and teachings of the applicant’s co-pending Australian provisional patent application nos. 2021900383 and 2021902305.
- the disclosures of the specification and drawings for each of these co-pending patent applications are to be considered included herein by way of these references.
- a method of producing algae typically for human consumption as a protein-source there is a method of producing algae typically for human consumption as a protein-source. It is generally understood that on average 40 to 50 grams of protein per day per person is a healthy level of consumption and the preferred method and distributed manufacturing assembly are sized accordingly. It is expected that the algae powder produced from the preferred manufacturing assembly and methodology will yield protein levels of greater than around 70 percent with the remainder containing other healthy components such as Omega 3. It is to be understood that some strains of algae inherently have high levels of Omega 3 which augment the nutritional value of the algae (and derivatives) powder produced by the present technology.
- the method of this embodiment of the second aspect broadly comprises the steps of:
- Figure 3 schematically illustrates the preferred method for producing algae according to this aspect of the technology.
- step 1 carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air at 50 is drawn into the CO2 extractor sub-assembly 12.
- the CO2 within the air 50 is directly adsorbed by the MOF lattice such as 44b of the corresponding CO2 extractor cartridge 40b at an associated adsorption station 42b.
- indoor levels of CO2 are relatively high from exhaled human breath and/or ventilation with outside air which means that the distributed manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 lends itself to location indoors.
- the adsorbed CO2 is desorbed from its associated MOF lattice such as 40a by heating it to release the directly adsorbed CO2.
- step 2 the growth chamber such as 16 of the bioreactor 14 is seeded with microalgae for growth within a liquid growth medium, typically water.
- a liquid growth medium typically water.
- the waterbased growth medium is provided via the water capture generator and/or tap water or alternatively the distributed manufacturing assembly or appliance is plumbed to mains water for supply of the water-based growth medium.
- step 3 the growth medium within the growth chamber 16 of the bioreactor 14 is exposed to the directly captured CO2 from the CO2 extractor subassembly to enrich the growth medium in CO2.
- the directly captured CO2 is at 52 delivered to the growth tube 22 of the bioreactor 14 to enrich the growth medium with CO2 to stimulate growth of the algae.
- step 4 the algae within the CO2-enriched growth medium in the growth chamber 16 is at 54 exposed to light to promote growth of the algae.
- the transparent tube 22 of the growth chamber 16 enables light exposure to the algae within said tube 22 via the light source such as the strip of LED lights 24.
- the method of producing algae also comprises the steps of separating, drying and dispensing depicted broadly at 56. These algae processing steps are more specifically described in the context of the preferred embodiment of the distributed algae manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 of the first aspect of the invention.
- both aspects of the technology in the preferred embodiment may comprise a food production unit depicted generally at 60.
- the food production unit 60 is in this example an additive manufacturing or 3D printing module associated with the algae processing sub-assembly 20.
- the 3D printing module 60 manually or automatically receives dried algae powder from the processing subassembly 20 for producing meat, fish, pasta and other food substitutes which may also involve the addition of various additives such as flavours, colours, binders and supplementary food nutrients.
- the distributed manufacturing assembly and method of both aspects are powered via an AC power point 70.
- power delivered by the power point 70 could be sourced from grid or non-distributed power (purchased as renewably-derived power) and/or off-grid power such as that derived from rooftop solar PV.
- the manufacturing assembly or appliance such as 10 may be internet enabled (via a wireless web connection) with a touch screen display seen at 62. It is to be understood that this embodiment of the manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 will be software-enabled with software updates being delivered via the internet.
- the distributed algae manufacturing assembly or appliance 10 would as such be configured for automatic operation with minimal skill required by an operator or other user.
- the present invention in both of its aspects provides a vehicle for trading carbon offsets vis-a-vis conventional and greenhouse gas intensive farming or growth practices for meat/fish as a protein source.
- This potential for selling reduced carbon associated with the present technology may assist in subsidising the cost of manufacturing the distributed algae production assembly.
- distributed algae production based on atmospherically sourced CO2 not only avoids the significant greenhouse gases, as well as water consumption and land use of meat/fish production, but also the cost and emissions and wastes from transportation and packaging of these products.
- the distributed manufacturing assembly provides efficient algae growth utilising CO2 directly captured from air;
- the manufacturing assembly effectively promotes growth of algae within a bioreactor by exposing the algae to artificial light from a light source;
- the manufacturing assembly efficiently recovers liquid medium from the algae mixture obtained from the bioreactor and returns it to the growth chamber of said reactor;
- the manufacturing assembly or appliance is typically of a standalone configuration powered via a conventional AC power point;
- said assembly lends itself to the distributed manufacture of algae and its derivatives allowing end users to make for, example, their own protein powders.
- the growth chamber of the bioreactor may vary from the growth tube of the preferred embodiment where in a batch or semi-batch configuration the growth chamber is a growth tank.
- the CO2 extractor sub-assembly may depart from the modular and relatively automated arrangement of the preferred embodiment provided it permits direct capture of CO2 from air.
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AU2022321038A AU2022321038A1 (en) | 2021-08-05 | 2022-05-31 | A distributed algae manufacturing assembly |
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AU2021902417A AU2021902417A0 (en) | 2021-08-05 | A Distributed Algae Manufactuing Assembly |
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Citations (7)
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WO2007011343A1 (en) * | 2005-07-18 | 2007-01-25 | Greenfuel Technologies Corporation | Photobioreactor and process for biomass production and mitigation of pollutants in flue gases |
US20080274494A1 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2008-11-06 | Malcolm Glen Kertz | Method and apparatus for co2 sequestration |
US20090275120A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Edward John Koch | Extraction of co2 gas from engine exhaust |
US20130115688A1 (en) * | 2010-05-03 | 2013-05-09 | Universidad Politecnica De Madrid | Laminar photobioreactor for the production of microalgae |
US20140287488A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2014-09-25 | Frances L. Wells | Algaculture system for biofuel and neutroceutical production and methods of production thereof |
US20210087513A1 (en) * | 2019-09-23 | 2021-03-25 | Exxonmobil Research And Engineering Company | Photobioreactors, gas concentrators, and periodic surfaces |
US20210093998A1 (en) * | 2017-11-04 | 2021-04-01 | One Stiftungs Gmbh | Device and method for the sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide |
-
2022
- 2022-05-31 WO PCT/AU2022/050526 patent/WO2023010153A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-05-31 AU AU2022321038A patent/AU2022321038A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007011343A1 (en) * | 2005-07-18 | 2007-01-25 | Greenfuel Technologies Corporation | Photobioreactor and process for biomass production and mitigation of pollutants in flue gases |
US20080274494A1 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2008-11-06 | Malcolm Glen Kertz | Method and apparatus for co2 sequestration |
US20090275120A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Edward John Koch | Extraction of co2 gas from engine exhaust |
US20140287488A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2014-09-25 | Frances L. Wells | Algaculture system for biofuel and neutroceutical production and methods of production thereof |
US20130115688A1 (en) * | 2010-05-03 | 2013-05-09 | Universidad Politecnica De Madrid | Laminar photobioreactor for the production of microalgae |
US20210093998A1 (en) * | 2017-11-04 | 2021-04-01 | One Stiftungs Gmbh | Device and method for the sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide |
US20210087513A1 (en) * | 2019-09-23 | 2021-03-25 | Exxonmobil Research And Engineering Company | Photobioreactors, gas concentrators, and periodic surfaces |
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