Algae Culture Patents (Class 47/1.4)
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Patent number: 7997025Abstract: A photo-bioreactor module adapted for stacking a plurality of such modules for producing algal bioproducts includes at least an upper and a lower light-transmitting member each having a plurality of openings. The upper and lower light-transmitting members are spaced apart from one another and at least one of the upper and lower light-transmitting members includes at least one light connection terminal for coupling in light from a light source and transmitting the light laterally. A plurality of photobioreactor conduits each extending from respective openings in the upper and lower light-transmitting member define algae containment interior spaces, wherein the plurality of photobioreactor conduits contact the upper and a lower light-transmitting members along areas of contact. The light transmitted laterally by the upper and lower light-transmitting members couples into the plurality of photobioreactor conduits along the areas of contact.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Trinitas, LLCInventor: Arthur W. P. Masse
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Publication number: 20110197317Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistory system for using waste carbon dioxide and waste heat to facilitate cultivation of photosynthetic organisms. In particular, the present invention relates to a multistory system with the incorporation of upconverting and downconverting luminescent materials and other components suitable for enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventor: Lan WONG
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Patent number: 7980024Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Algae Systems, Inc.Inventors: Isaac Berzin, Javier de Luis, David Fair, Joe Parrish, Keith Richtman, Fan Chen, Benjamin F. Polito, Miles Walker, Ben Fowler, Kevin Lockwood, Miguel Olaizola
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Publication number: 20110138682Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for growing algae while maintaining culture selectivity. Algae that can be grown include, for example, green algae such as those of the genus Scenedesmus. Lipid obtained from the algae can be used to produce biofuels such as biodiesel or polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids. Feedstocks such as animal feed and aquaculture feed can also be produced as can phytonutrients such as asataxanthin and beta-carotene.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: AQUATIC ENERGY LLCInventors: Priscila B. Demaris, Ramanujam Ravikumar, Philippe Vandevivere
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Patent number: 7950181Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: MIP, LLCInventor: Joe McCall
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Publication number: 20110119999Abstract: A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Erik T. Adey, Walter H. Adey
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Publication number: 20110113682Abstract: A bubble column for facilitating algae growth comprised a tank adapted to contain a volume of growth medium with algae growing therein, with a light pipe disposed centrally therein and extending from near the top surface of the growth medium in the tank to near the bottom of the tank. The light pipe illuminates substantially the entire volume of the growth medium. A diffuser is positioned at or near the bottom of the tank and receives a gas stream, and converts the gas stream to a stream of bubbles that agitate the algae without creating a fluid flow within the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: BIOVANTAGE RESOURCES, INC.Inventors: Ari MA'AYAN, Nicholas Arthur RANCIS, Michael Edward VERES, Matthew Edward DONHAM, David George Peter DESCHENES
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Publication number: 20110113681Abstract: Carbon dioxide that is collected as a by-product of hydrogen production from a steam methane reformer (SMR) is used as a feed stock for growth of algae biomass for various purposes, e.g. biofuel production, chemical intermediates, nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals. This invention helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas, and helps to optimize algae growth that is used for the production clean biofuel to reduce the dependence on petroleum and fossil fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Mathias Mostertz, John J. Brull
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Publication number: 20110107664Abstract: A nutrient system for automatically supplying growth medium to an algae growth system comprises a tank for mixing nutrients, together with a plurality of computer-controlled pumps for supplying metered amounts of selected constituents to the tank. The nutrient mix is heated to a preselected temperature under computer control, and recirculated until the desired uniformity is achieved. The nutrient mix is then supplied to the algae growth system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: BIOVANTAGE RESOURCES, INC.Inventors: Nicholas Arthur RANCIS, Michael Edward VERES, Matthew Edward Donham, Ari MA'AYAN
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Patent number: 7921595Abstract: A water based biomass producing system that is disposed in a body of water, for example a freshwater lake or a sea, and is capable of producing a biomass that can be converted into a biofuel. The system relies on a pool of freshwater that is suspended in the body of water to grow the biomass. The pool is contained within a flexible polymeric membrane that is impermeable to the water of the body of water. The membrane is suspended in the body of water by a float. A filtration system is connected to the float that has an inlet that is for introduction of water from the body of water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the pool. A biomass extractor is provided to harvest the biomass from the freshwater pool. The harvested biomass can then be converted into a biofuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Robert J. Monson, Howard J. Schantz
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Publication number: 20110078949Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the breeding and reproduction of microorganisms, comprising a basin system (10) and a nutrient suspension (12) disposed in the basin system (10), wherein the basin system (10) comprises a vertical meandering system formed by partition walls (14) in order to achieve a substantially vertical flow of the nutrient suspension (12) in the basin system (10). The invention further relates to a method for the breeding and reproduction of microorganisms by means of a system in which light is introduced into a basin system (10) comprising a nutrient suspension (12), wherein the introduction of the light is carried out by way of partition walls (14) projecting into the nutrient suspension (12), said walls being filled with a dispersive liquid. In this manner an improved yield of microorganisms per hectare can be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Alge Oil GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Juergen Schuster, Horst Kurzweil
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Publication number: 20110081712Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Klaus S. Lackner, Ursula Ginster
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Publication number: 20110081710Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Klaus S. Lackner, Ursula Ginster
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Publication number: 20110073542Abstract: A three-dimensional grid for use as an algal turf growing surface contains a horizontal planar basal net containing a series of horizontal planar members and upwardly directed members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Walter H. Adey, Erik Thane Adey, Robinson Bazurto
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Publication number: 20110061295Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of sustainable economic development, such as development through an integrated production of renewable energy, material resources, and nutrient regimes. In some embodiments, the system utilizes resources extracted from renewable energy sources to assist in the capture of energy from other renewable energy sources. In some embodiments, the system utilizes energy from renewable energy sources to extract resources from other renewable energy sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 7905049Abstract: Methods and systems for algae production are provided, the methods and systems generally comprising providing at least one body of water having an algae population in suspension, growing algae, heating the body of water with a heat source, heating the algae process with a heat source, drying the algae with a heat source, and covering the body of water with a cover. Heat recovery systems, algae processing, and covers are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Independence Bio-Products, Inc.Inventor: Ronald A. Erd
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Patent number: 7895790Abstract: An algae cultivation apparatus includes a light guide plate, at least one transparent circulating channel, at least one light emission module, an algae guide-in module, an algae collection module, a gas guide-in module, a gas collection module, a culture medium guide-in module, a temperature control module and a pH value control module. With the installation of the light guide plate and at least one light emission module, a 24-hour light source can be introduced to improve the production efficiency of an algae.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Chien-Feng Lin
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Publication number: 20110041395Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for the production of high yield agricultural and aquaculture products using separate, discrete and scalable production units that cooperate to provide a low carbon food production facility. A combination of greenhouses, hydroponic farms, fish hatcheries and on-site pyrolysis-gasification generators is used to produce and consume almost all the necessary materials from a feed stock of municipal waste, and other forms of carbon-containing waste feed stocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: BioSynEnergy LLCInventors: Richard Newbold, Janusz Kozinski
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Publication number: 20110023565Abstract: A method for producing biomass and sequestering greenhouse gas includes providing a greenhouse gas, providing light energy, and growing algae in a growth container with the greenhouse gas and the light energy. The algae can be processed into a biomass feedstock. The biomass feedstock can be converted into a fuel or specialty chemical. At least a portion of the algae can be used as a fertilizer for a biomass growth source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: KiOR Inc.Inventors: STEVE YANIK, Robert Bartek
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Publication number: 20110016773Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth and biomass of algae and algae lipids by growing the algae in the presence of a polycationic substance such as soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting algae from an aqueous environment by growing the algae in aggregated clumps and/or mats (formed by the inclusion of soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin or other polycationic or cationic substances) that can be easily removed from the aqueous environment either by filtration, surface skimming, and/or growing in a porous containment device, such as a natural or synthetic fabric, and removing the fabric from the aqueous environment containing the aggregated algae. The methods disclosed have direct applications in biofuel and energy production, agricultural feedstock production, nutrient production, greenhouse gas reduction, removal of microconstituents from water, and water reclamation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: HaloSource, Inc.Inventors: Everett J. Nichols, James R. Scott
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Publication number: 20100325948Abstract: Systems, methods and media for carbonation of fluid in an algae cultivation pond via the use of jets are disclosed. Carbon dioxide is provided to a pressurized fluid. A jet of carbonated fluid is generated from the pressurized fluid and the carbon dioxide. Circulation of the fluid in the algae cultivation pond is initiated via the jet of carbonated fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Mehran Parsheh, Jordan Smith, Stephen Strutner, Guido Radaelli
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Patent number: 7854090Abstract: Through a low-dose irradiation, a seaweed's growth becomes fast and its production is improved as well. By doing so, a material for biomass energy is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Atomic Energy Council-Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Yean-Chang Chen, Chia-Chieh Chen, Kuan-Yin Chen, Hsueh-Hsuan Liu, Bin Lin, Meng-Chou Lee, Ming-Chao Kuo, Wen-Song Hwang, Ying-Kai Fu, Wuu-Jyh Lin, Lie-Hang Shen
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Publication number: 20100287829Abstract: Floating ponds for the cultivation of algae are disclosed. The floating ponds consist of a buoyant framework, a liner, a culture, and a mooring system. Submersible floating ponds are disclosed with a buoyant framework built from tubes that may be filled or partially filled with, for example, air, or water, or the surrounding water, or the culture, and thereby the present invention provides a framework in which the buoyancy may be modulated. Use of submerging lines and spools are disclosed to control the orientation and depth of the floating pond during submersion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: Stuart Bussell
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Patent number: 7833782Abstract: An apparatus for growing biological mass has a container for accommodating a biological mass in liquid to be grown in presence of light, a plurality of light sources in an interior of the container, a first movable plate which has passages for the light sources and which is reciprocatingly movable along the light sources to clean the latter, the first plate also having a first openings permeable for the liquid and for the biological mass, and a second plate located under the first plate and configured so that it is permeable for water and small algae fraction which have still to be grown but not permeable for the biological mass with fully grown algae, so that for discharging the biological mass the first and second plates are placed over one another and together moved toward a discharge so that the water can pass through both plates, while the biological mass is held on the first plate and moved toward the discharge to be discharged outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventors: Oleg Shvabsky, Jacob Gitman
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Patent number: 7824904Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photobioreactor comprising: (a) a tank for containing a liquid microbial culture; (b) a rotating mixing system contained within the tank, the rotating mixing system comprising one or more motors, and one or more shafts connected to the one or more motors, and a plurality of mixing blades attached to the one or more shafts, wherein the mixing blades are capable of mixing the microbial culture throughout the volume of the tank; (c) a lighting system, comprising a light source located outside the tank; a light emitting device mounted on the blades; and a conduit that transfers light from the light source to the light emitting device, wherein the lighting system is capable of providing sufficient light for growth of the microbial culture throughout the volume of the tank. The rotating system may be replaced with an oscillating system, and either system can be mounted on a moveable raceway.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: Felix Dimanshteyn
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Patent number: 7824905Abstract: A biological reactor for growing a biological mass has a tank with an interior for growing the biological mass, a plate movable in a substantially vertical direction and an interior of the tank, and a valve means provided with the plate and configured so that in a lower position of the plate the valve means are open, so that during displacement of the plate upwardly and downwardly, a solution in the interior of the tank is thoroughly fixed, while an upper position of the plate, the valve means are closed and the plate during movement downwardly provides a collection of a concentrated solution to be removed from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventors: Oleg Shvabsky, Jacob Gitman
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Publication number: 20100257781Abstract: Stack gases of a burner, such as a power plant or other combustion source, may be remediated by a captive algae farm cycling some portion of the stack gases through a scrubber, and ultimately out into a manifold feeding a farm composed of tubes hosting the growth of algae. Liquids from the scrubber, including water capturing volatile organic compounds, solid particulates, nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, carbon dioxide, and the like, remediate the water and feed the algae farm. Meanwhile, the vapors and other gases provide an environment rich in water vapor, nitrogen compounds acting as fertilizer, and carbon dioxide to feed the algae to promote increased rates of growth. The algae may be recycled as a fuel itself, or may be harvested for use as a soil amendment to enrich the organic content of soils.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: J. Clair Batty, Craig E. Cox, David A. Bell
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Publication number: 20100242355Abstract: A method to improve the yield of an acre of a crop having a growing season of less than one year. The method includes the steps of providing an irrigation system for the crop, providing an ecosystem producing algal by-products, and applying the algal by-crop to the crop with irrigation water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Roger D. Blotsky
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Publication number: 20100236141Abstract: Through a low-dose irradiation, a seaweed's growth becomes fast and its production is improved as well. By doing so, a material for biomass energy is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2006Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Chia-Chieh Chen, Yean-Chang Chen, Kuan-Yin Chen, Hsueh-Hsuan Liu, Bin Lin, Meng-Chou Lee, Ming-Chao Kuo, Wen-Song Hwang, Ying-Kai Fu, Wuu-Jyh Lin, Lie-Hang Shen
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Patent number: 7770322Abstract: A process for cultivating photosynthetic microbes comprising Closed Systems for continuous cultivation and Open Systems for batch cultivation, in which (a) the Closed System Area occupies no more than 20% of the Total Land Area of the cultivation facility; (b) batch cultures in the Open Systems are initiated with an inoculum from the Closed Systems containing a cell biomass of no less than 5% of the carrying capacity of said Open System; (c) the doubling rate of said photosynthetic microbe is no less than once every 16 hours; and (d) the residence time of the batch culture in said Open System is no more than a period of 5 days.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: HR Biopetroleum, Inc.Inventors: Mark Edward Huntley, Donald G Redalje
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Publication number: 20100189806Abstract: Methods of growing and harvesting multiple species of phytoplankton are disclosed herein. The method generally includes four steps, namely: (1) collecting phytoplankton seawater containing multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton directly from a source of seawater; (2) adding nutrients to the phytoplankton seawater to proliferate the multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton to a predetermined density; (3) separating the multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton from the phytoplankton seawater to form a phytoplankton concentrate; and (4) collecting the phytoplankton concentrate such that the collected phytoplankton of the phytoplankton concentrate remain in a substantially intact cellular state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Margaret Harper, Arturo Ramirez
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Patent number: 7763457Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: General AtomicsInventors: Eric H. Dunlop, David A. Hazlebeck
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Publication number: 20100170151Abstract: An aquaculture harvesting, gas exchange, and media circulation device and method of use for the cultivation and collection of microalgae is disclosed. The current invention couples water motion, gas exchange, and harvesting into one comprehensive system. A modified airlift pump is used to circulate water, exchange gas, and facilitate harvesting. By eliminating other energy consuming components, a more energy efficient and cost effective device and method is disclosed for the production of microalgae, which can be used as a biofuel or food source while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: Matthew Peter Huber
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Publication number: 20100170149Abstract: Algae production systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an algae production system can include a plurality of elongated growth receptacles arranged in a desired configuration at a work site. The growth receptacles have a generally non-circular cross-sectional profile and are configured to hold an algae culture, and wherein the individual growth receptacles have a generally non-circular cross-sectional profile. The system can also include a carbon dioxide (CO2) subsystem configured to supply provide CO2-enriched air to the growth receptacles, a fresh medium subsystem configured to supply a fertility solution to the growth receptacles, and a harvesting subsystem.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Christopher C. Keeler, Jerry D. Stephenson, Steven W. Schenk, George Benjamin Cloud, Souren Naradikian, Stephen W. Irwin
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Publication number: 20100170150Abstract: Method and means are described that constitute systems for utilizing solar energy to facilitate the following processes: 1. Grow and collect micro-algae as a source of bio-fuel or industrial products; 2. Desalinate sea, brackish or waste water for industrial use; 3. Extract carbon dioxide from flue gas. The method employs two modified greenhouses, one for growing algae and/or preheating air and aqueous liquid mixtures, and the other for harvesting and drying algae or other finely dispersed solids content of slurries. The processes are controlled by varying the degree of atomization with linear nozzles. In the first greenhouse, linear nozzles spray liquid sheets and coarse droplets to absorb solar energy. In the second greenhouse, linear nozzles finely atomize suspensions for solar drying. The method and greenhouses are also utilized for solar desalination of water and for extraction carbon dioxide coupled with its absorption in magnesium hydroxide slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: William Arthur Walsh, JR.
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Publication number: 20100162620Abstract: In algae, the conditions for optimal production of biomass are different than the optimal conditions for oil/lipid production. Conventional processes require that both steps be optimized simultaneously which is necessarily sub optimal. The invention provides systems and processes for optimizing each type of production separately and independently, thereby improving overall production of oil, lipids and other useful products. This process is advantageous because it allows the optimization of the individual steps and growth phases in the production of oil from biomass. This allows the use of different feedstocks for various process steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: William McCaffrey, Robert Burrell, Mark Burrell
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Publication number: 20100162621Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an ultra high intensity micro algal bioreactor designed to minimize the area foot print while completely controlling and optimizing the conditions for growing one or more specific strains of micro algae at maximum efficiency and minimum cost. The innovative bioreactor is in the form of an algae growing assembly that comprises a plurality of growing trays vertically stacked together and retained within a transparent housing. Each growing tray is configured to flowingly transport nutrient enriched water to the growing tray positioned immediately beneath it. Each growing tray is composed of a stiff transparent plastic sheet having a pliable transparent gas permeable membrane affixed thereon. A carbon dioxide gas infusion system is fluidicly connected to each of the plurality of growing trays such that carbon dioxide gas is able to (1) inflate respective carbon dioxide gas chambers, and (2) diffuse into the nutrient enriched water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: H. Freeman Seebo
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Publication number: 20100154298Abstract: An open ocean floating algae farm built around a ship. The ship provides propulsion power for navigation, storage capacity for materials and algae products, machinery for harvesting and processing the algae, housing for crew, and facilities for maintenance of the floating farm. The invention is also comprised of transparent tubes that circulate a broth of seawater saturated with CO2, nutrients, and algae. The circulation path flows from the ship through the tubes and back to the ship where the algae is filtered out to be processed. The fields of transparent tubes circulating the algae broth are supported by a square matrix of pressurized tubes filled with seawater. This matrix is neutrally buoyant and submerged just below the ocean surface. The internal pressure in the tubes causes the matrix to be stiff in the horizontal plane, but flexible in the vertical dimension so as to conform to long ocean waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: James Sacra Albus, Alverto Daniel Lacaze, Karl Nicholas Murphy
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Publication number: 20100126424Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods that enhance aquaculture of valuable crops. The invention is exemplified by co-culture of Panaeus vannamei and Enteromorpha clathrata, which produced superior P. vannamei and protected the animals against pathogen infection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2005Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Benjamin Moll, Gabriel Chavez Vega, Jose Lopez Beltran
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Patent number: 7712250Abstract: A wild seaweed, like sea lettuce, is picked and germ cells are released from the seaweed. The germ cells then obtain adherence and are sprouted into youngs of the seaweed so that the seaweed can be cultivated artificially and productively and can be supplied as a material for biomass energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Atomic Energy CouncilInventors: Yean-Chang Chen, Chia-Chieh Chen, Kuan-Yin Chen, Hsueh-Hsuan Liu, Bin Lin, Meng-Chou Lee, Ming-Chao Kuo, Wen-Song Hwang, Ying-Kai Fu, Wuu-Jyh Lin, Lie-Hang Shen
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Publication number: 20100107487Abstract: A robust methodology is described herein for determining the algae biomass photoautotrophic yield (in gram of biomass synthesized per ?mole of absorbed photons), which is useful for reliable biomass productivity estimates for selecting, comparing, and optimizing algae cultures for large-scale production. Another method is provided herein to increase dissolved inorganic carbon concentration and alleviate limitations common in aerated small-scale batches. This carbonate addition method allows for a more accurate determination of the algae culture photoautotrophic yield under small-scale experimental conditions. Also provided herein is a method for estimating a light spectrum-dependent scatter-corrected algae-specific absorption cross section, which permits the use of Beer's law to estimate the fraction of photons absorbed by a given algae culture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Alexandra D. Holland
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Patent number: 7687261Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: General AtomicsInventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Eric H. Dunlop
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Publication number: 20100071629Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure for supporting multi-layer aquaculture facilities by the usage of construction scaffold systems and other supporting structures used by commercial storage/retrieval and horticulture greenhouse systems, allowing rapid construction of multi-layer aquaculture systems to be achieved with commercially available components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Jiing-Kae Wu, Shyh-Min Hsiao
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Patent number: 7682821Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Algenol Biofuels Switzerland GmbHInventors: R. Paul Woods, Edward Legere, Benjamin Moll, Carlos Unamunzaga, Eulalia Mantecon
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Patent number: 7662616Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: General AtomicsInventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Eric H. Dunlop
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Publication number: 20100031561Abstract: A raceway for cultivating algae in a liquid medium, comprising one or more precipitators positioned along the raceway, and at which precipitators the algal biomass produced in the raceway is precipitated from the liquid medium and concentrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Patrick G. Hatcher, Aron Stubbins, Elodie Salmon
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Publication number: 20100005711Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to algae cultivation systems that include light sources and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an algae cultivation system including a tank configured to hold a liquid medium and a rotor disposed within the tank. The rotor can be configured to be rotated while disposed within the tank. The system can also include a light source coupled to the rotor such that the light source rotates within the tank when the rotor rotates within the tank. Other embodiments are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: SARTEC CORPORATIONInventor: Clayton V. McNeff
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Publication number: 20090301399Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined interdependent fish and plant factory. An embodiment of the present invention includes a fish house connected to a greenhouse, a biofuel source, and a generator connected to the biofuel source and to at least one of the fish house and the greenhouse, where the generator is adapted to utilize biofuel as a fuel source and to provide electrical power to at least one of the fish house and the greenhouse. An embodiment can also include a waste heat recovery boiler or an algae reactor. Another embodiment includes a method for growing plants and farming fish in a combined interdependent fish and plant factory including a fish house connected to a greenhouse, including the steps of utilizing biofuel from a biofuel source to create electric power, and providing the electric power to at least one of the fish house and the greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, IncInventors: Terry L. Brown, George Mezey
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Patent number: 7618813Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered photobioreactor capable of producing a useful metabolite simultaneously with the vegetative growth of a photosynthetic microorganism, including a first culture region (2) containing the microorganism and a culture medium to execute vegetative growth of the microorganism, and a second culture region (1) closely layered on a side surface of the first culture region and containing a culture medium and the microorganism to produce the useful metabolite. The two culture regions are separated from each other with a transparent partition, and the light sufficiently strong for induction of the useful metabolite production is irradiated to the first culture region, while the intensity of the light is reduced to a level proper to the microbial growth during a transmission of the light through the first culture region to arrive the second culture region. Also, the present invention discloses a method of culturing a photosynthetic microorganism using the photobioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Inha-Industry Partnership InstituteInventors: Choul-Gyun Lee, In Soo Suh, Hyun-Na Joo
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Publication number: 20090151240Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out algae intensive-cultivation while conducting an environmental control most suitable for growth of algae in an artificial environment including dissolved gas, light, temperature, nutrient source and sanitary atmosphere; and a method of intensive cultivation therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2005Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KAGOSHIMA UNIVERSITYInventors: Hiroyuki Kayama, Shusaku Kadowaki