Abstract: A system and method for non-sterile heterotrophic algae growth is provided. The system includes a first Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR), kept under sterile conditions, for mixing a full load nutrient with algae cells to create a culture. After being transferred to a first Plug Flow Reactor (PFR), a nutrient is depleted from the culture to create an effluent. By depleting the nutrient, algae cells are able to grow more rapidly without having to compete with other microbes for available nutrients. Once the effluent is created, it is transferred to a second PFR where organic carbon is added. By adding organic carbon, the algae cells grow intracellular oil rapidly. Algae cells are then removed for processing into biofuel.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for producing biofuel from cellulosic feedstock. In the method, the cellulosic feedstock is pretreated to separate cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Thereafter, the cellulose and hemicellulose are converted into sugars through enzymatic hydrolysis. Then, the sugars are converted into lipids, e.g. triglycerides, through a microbial process. Specifically, heterotrophic microalgae is grown on the triglycerides and forms triglycerides. While triglycerides are formed from the cellulose and hemicellulose, the lignin is converted into ringed hydrocarbons, such as aromatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes, e.g., cycloparaffins. To form the biofuel, the triglycerides and ringed hydrocarbons are processed together. During this step, the triglycerides are converted into straight chain paraffins and esters. Preferably, the biofuel is a surrogate for jet quality JP-8 fuel.

Abstract: A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided for circulating a fluid medium. To reduce manufacturing and maintenance expenses, the bioreactor is formed from two sheets of transparent plastic. Structurally, each sheet has first and second edges extending in an axial direction between proximal and distal ends. To form the bioreactor, the sheets are sealed to one another along their respective first edges, distal ends, and second edges. Also, the sheets are sealed to one another along an axially-extending boundary positioned between the first and second edges. As a result, a substantially U-shaped channel is defined between the first and second sheets. Further, two side-by-side openings to the channel are defined by the proximal ends of the sheets. Also, the bioreactor includes a conduit interconnecting the first opening and the second opening. A pump is positioned in the conduit to circulate the fluid medium through the channel.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting the growth of algae cells. In the method, an inoculum of algae cells are grown in a closed bioreactor. Thereafter, the inoculum of algae cells is passed into an open system. Specifically, the inoculum is passed into an expanding plug flow reactor (EPFR) having an increasing width from its first to its second end. Further, medium is introduced into the EPFR to maintain a selected shallow depth. Importantly, the medium provides sufficient nutrients to support logarithmic growth of the algae cells to maintain a high concentration of algae cells, i.e., at least 0.5 grams per liter of medium, in the EPFR. After the desired level of growth is reached, the algae cells are transferred to a standard plug flow reactor wherein oil production is activated in the algae cells.

Abstract: A system is provided for moderating the temperature of a medium for growing microalgae and for distilling fresh water. In the system, the medium flows through a conduit having two ends and a bottom. As the sunlight passes into the medium, the algae grows and the medium is heated. For the system, an impermeable first liner is extended across the conduit to cover the bottom of the conduit. Further, a gas permeable/liquid impermeable second liner is extended across the conduit to cover the bottom of the conduit. With the second liner positioned on top of the first liner, vapor medium is only able to pass through the second liner. Also, a condensing mechanism is positioned between the first and second liners. Any vapor medium that passes through the second liner is condensed into fresh water. As a result, fresh water is distilled and the medium is cooled through condensation.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting algae growth with adsorbed carbon dioxide. In the system, a channel such as a raceway is provided and holds bicarbonate solution. As algae grows in the solution, it is converted into carbonate solution. Therefore, the system provides a high surface area liquid gas contact medium for converting the carbonate solution back into bicarbonate solution. Specifically, the carbonate solution from the channel is delivered to the contact medium. At the contact medium, the carbonate solution drips or slowly moves along while air, containing carbon dioxide, moves across the solution. As carbon dioxide is adsorbed by the solution, it converts back into bicarbonate solution. Then, the bicarbonate solution is fed back into the channel to support further algae growth.

Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.

Abstract: A raceway pond for circulating microalgae in a fluid medium includes a plurality of interconnected channels. Each channel is straight and has a structured gradient, due to tilt or terracing, that moves the fluid medium along the raceway. In operation, the concentration of microalgae in the fluid medium is maintained substantially constant, and the depth of the fluid medium in the raceway is maintained below a pre-determined level.

Abstract: A system for chemically disposing energetic material enclosed in assembled devices includes a porous basket. The porous basket forms an enclosed chamber for receiving the assembled devices. Further, the basket is supported by a rotatable basket arm that is, in turn, connected to a lifting arm. In addition to these structures, the system includes a tank that holds a hydrolysis solution. The tank is positioned to allow the lifting arm to submerge the basket into the solution. After submersion, the basket arm rotates the basket in the solution to flow the hydrolysis solution into contact with the assembled devices therein. As a result, the assembled devices react with the solution so that the solution penetrates the assembled devices, allowing the solution to contact and react with the energetic material to render the energetic material non-energetic.

Abstract: A system for chemically disposing energetic material enclosed in assembled devices includes a porous basket. The porous basket forms an enclosed chamber for receiving the assembled devices. Further, the basket is supported by a rotatable basket arm that is, in turn, connected to a lifting arm. In addition to these structures, the system includes a tank that holds a hydrolysis solution. The tank is positioned to allow the lifting arm to submerge the basket into the solution. After submersion, the basket arm rotates the basket in the solution to flow the hydrolysis solution into contact with the assembled devices therein. As a result, the assembled devices react with the solution so that the solution penetrates the assembled devices, allowing the solution to contact and react with the energetic material to render the energetic material non-energetic.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting the growth of selected microbial cells and for obstructing the growth of contaminants in a non-sterile system. In the method, the microbial cells are pre-loaded with a surplus amount of a chosen nutrient, such as phosphorus, other macronutrients, or micronutrients. Further, the chosen nutrient is greatly reduced, or eliminated, from the non-sterile system. Thereafter, the pre-loaded selected microbial cells are introduced into the non-sterile system. In the non-sterile system, the selected microbial cells rely on the surplus amount of the chosen nutrient to survive and grow. At the same time, contaminants such as non-selected microbial strains and bacteria starve from a lack of the chosen nutrient in the non-sterile system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for growing algae with improved photoefficiency. The system includes a bioreactor formed with a conduit for growing algae cells in a medium. Further, the system is provided with a paddle wheel for moving the medium through the conduit at a predetermined fluid flow velocity. In order to ensure that algae cells are efficiently converting light energy to chemical energy, a plurality of barriers is positioned in the fluid stream. Specifically, the barriers are separated by predetermined distances to create von Karman vortices in the medium. As a result, algae cells are sequentially flowed to the surface of the fluid stream to receive light energy for predetermined intervals of time.

Abstract: A system for treating a feedstock for the purposes of waste destruction, energy generation, or the production of useful chemicals is disclosed and includes a reactor vessel. A heating lance is configured to outflow the products of a partial oxidation reaction into a reaction chamber in the vessel. The hot reaction products heat and pyrolyze the feedstock in the chamber generating a process effluent which typically includes gases (e.g. syn-gas) and carbon solids. Glasses and metals in the feedstock accumulate in the chamber in a molten state. The molten materials store thermal energy and provide thermal stability to the treatment system. A recycle loop uses carbon solids from the process effluent as an input to the lance for reaction with an oxidant therein.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing algae with high oil content. The system includes a chemostat formed with a conduit for growing algae, an input port for feeding a medium into the conduit, and an output port for passing an effluence from the conduit. Further, the chemostat includes a paddlewheel or other device that moves the medium around the conduit. Also, the system includes a plug flow reactor for receiving the effluence from the chemostat. In order to trigger high oil production in the algae, a modified nutrient mix is added to the effluence in the plug flow reactor. Specifically, the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger oil production in the algae. Further, the system includes an algae separator for removing high oil content algae from the plug flow reactor.

Abstract: A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.

Abstract: A system and method for oxidizing a feed material includes a reactor vessel that forms an enclosed chamber. The vessel includes a port for introducing the feed material into the chamber where it can be oxidized to create salts and particulates, together with a fluid effluent. After their creation, the salts and particulates flow into a brine pool maintained within the chamber. Thereafter, brine, including salts and particulates, can be removed from the chamber through a vessel outlet. Further, the vessel includes a fluid effluent discharge pipe extending from outside the vessel, through the brine pool, into the chamber. As a result of this structure, the fluid effluent can be separated from the salts and particulates and discharged from the chamber through the pipe, passing through the brine pool.

Abstract: A system and method for oxidizing a feed material includes a reactor vessel that forms an enclosed chamber. The vessel includes a port for introducing the feed material into the chamber where it can be oxidized to create salts and particulates, together with a fluid effluent. After their creation, the salts and particulates flow into a brine pool maintained within the chamber. Thereafter, brine, including salts and particulates, can be removed from the chamber through a vessel outlet. Further, the vessel includes a fluid effluent discharge pipe extending from outside the vessel, through the brine pool, into the chamber. As a result of this structure, the fluid effluent can be separated from the salts and particulates and discharged from the chamber through the pipe, passing through the brine pool.

Abstract: A system and method for processing algae cells to create biofuel are disclosed. Specifically, the system and method utilize steam to rupture algae cells in order to utilize intracellular oil therein. The system includes a conduit for growing algae cells and a generator for creating steam. Further, the system includes a lysing device that mixes the algae cells and the steam to rupture the algae cells. In order to maximize the efficiency of the lysing process, the system may further include a heat exchanger for preheating the algae cells with the lysed cells. In addition, the system includes a bioreactor to synthesize biofuel from the unbound oil.

Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.