Abstract: A system for purifying wastewater comprising the reduction of total organic compounds in wastewater is disclosed. Chemical reducing agents are brought into contact with polluted water and through dynamically stable anode induced electro-coagulation and flotation removing natural organic material and biorefractory pollutants, decreasing competing organic matter for a secondary oxidizing step, where acids oxidize the processed wastewater through series of reactor tubes for the reduction of total organic compounds.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for extracting non-polar lipids from microalgae are achieved using a lipid extraction device having an anode and a cathode that forms a channel and defines a fluid flow path through which an aqueous slurry is passed. An electromotive force is applied across the channel at a gap distance in a range from 0 5 mm to 200 mm to cause the non-polar lipids to be released from the algae cells. The non-polar lipids can be extracted at a high throughput rate and with low concentrations of polar lipids such as phospholipids and chlorophyll.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for extracting non-polar lipids from microalgae are achieved using a lipid extraction device having an anode and a cathode that forms a channel and defines a fluid flow path through which an aqueous slurry is passed. An electromotive force is applied across the channel at a gap distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 200 mm to cause the non-polar lipids to be released from the algae cells. The non-polar lipids can be extracted at a high throughput rate and with low concentrations of polar lipids such as phospholipids and chlorophyll.

Abstract: Polluted water is emulsified at micron level in order to increase contact zones within the matrix through micro-bubble mass transfer attributes. The medium is then subjected to electro-magnetic pulses generated by catalytic multiple metal oxidizing anodes rods horizontally and centrally positioned in a cathode coated material tube generating a DC electric field in the matrix thereby coalescing particulates through catalytic reaction mechanisms. The ionized and coalesced product is then flowed to a flotation container comprised of a plurality of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles generated through a secondary set of electro- catalytic metal anodes and cathode rods at the bottom of the vessel now intermingled with cavitating micro-bubbles force the pollutants out of solution to the surface for ease of recovery. This method of handling fluids eases the pollutant load on the final filtration of water, thereby optimizing flow through filtration media or membranes for compliance to water discharge laws.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater is disclosed that includes an array of interconnected reactor tubes. Each reactor tube comprises an outer cathode and an inner anode. The inner anode is positioned within the outer cathode. A voltage differential is applied across the inner anodes and the outer cathodes as wastewater flows between the inner anodes and outer cathodes. As the wastewater flows through the reactor tubes, the water is treated. The voltage differential can cause contaminants in the wastewater to flocculate. The flocculated contaminants can then be removed from the wastewater. The voltage differential can also generate chlorine based elements that treat the water removing ammonia and controlling microorganisms. The inner anode and the outer cathode can comprise mixed metal oxide materials or non-donating conductive materials.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater is disclosed that includes a series of interconnected reactor tubes. Each reactor tube comprises an outer cathode and an inner anode. The inner anode is positioned within the outer cathode. A voltage differential is applied across the inner anodes and the outer cathodes as wastewater flows between the inner anodes and outer cathodes. As the wastewater flows through the reactor tubes, chlorine based elements are generated to treat the wastewater. The system can include an injector to add chloride salts into the wastewater to generate chlorine based elements. The system can also include a feedback path to divert a portion of the wastewater with chlorine based elements back to the influent wastewater so that the chlorine based elements are mixed with the influent wastewater. The inner anode and the outer cathode can comprise non-donating conductive materials.

Abstract: A system for culturing photosynthesizing microorganisms includes a source of a gaseous fluid a mixer that creates micron bubbles within an aqueous medium using the gaseous fluid. The mixing chamber holds the aqueous medium including the micron bubbles before the micron bubbles and aqueous medium are mixed with a culture of photosynthesizing microorganism in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system includes an ionic exchange conduit through which a flow of photosynthetic biomass is drawn capturing an electrical charge which is used to alternately power a photonic activated reservoir housing a living photosynthetic biomass suspended in a flowing liquid medium which self generates an electrical charge as it migrates towards and through a cathode separated from an anode by a membrane. Upon electrical transfer through the circuit an electrolysis process begins and releases hydrogen and oxygen into enclosed atmosphere chambers where these separated gases can be captured for use in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A system for removal of suspended solids and disinfection of an aqueous medium by electrolysis is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of electrode assemblies configured to generate hydrogen gas and halides. Each electrode assembly comprises an inner electrode made of a non-donating conductive material and an outer electrode configured to sheath the inner anode. The outer electrode comprises a conductive material and a plurality of apertures. Power is supplied to the electrode assemblies and electrolysis occurs to generate hydrogen gas and halides. The halides disinfect the aqueous medium and the hydrogen gas entrains suspended solids to the surface of the aqueous medium. The suspended solids are removed from the surface of the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A series of reactor tubes can be employed to remove a biofilm from a growth medium. Each reactor tube can contain a cathode comprised of a blend of transition metal oxides. As the growth medium is passed through the series of reactor tubes, a specific voltage and amperage can be applied to the reactor tubes to cause the biofilm to aggregate without damaging the algae. The aggregated biofilm can then be easily removed from the growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for producing an algae biomass and wastewater that have reduced concentrations of contaminants. The algae and wastewater treated by the system of the present invention can be combined in a heterotrophic growth system in which the growth of the algae is increased due to the reduced concentration of contaminants. The algae grown in this manner also has a longer shelf life due to the lack of contaminants within the harvested algae.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus for harvesting algae using a two-stage approach. The two-stage approach includes a flocculation stage and a dewatering stage. The flocculation stage is implemented within a first-stage flocculation tank in which algae suspended within a growth medium is flocculated. The flocculated algae is then fed to a second-stage flotation tank in which electrodes are used to produce hydrogen and oxygen bubbles which attach to the flocculated algae causing the flocculated algae to float to the surface. The mat of floating algae can then be skimmed off the surface of the growth medium.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for extracting non-polar lipids from microalgae are achieved using a lipid extraction device having an anode and a cathode that forms a channel and defines a fluid flow path through which an aqueous slurry is passed. An electromotive force is applied across the channel at a gap distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 200 mm to cause the non-polar lipids to be released from the algae cells. The non-polar lipids can be extracted at a high throughput rate and with low concentrations of polar lipids such as phospholipids and chlorophyll.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for electrically altering the charge and conductivity of polar solvents are disclosed. Such alterations are effected via a system comprising, among other things, an electrolyzing apparatus which stimulates higher conductivity and increased interfacial contact between polar protic solvents and fluids to assist or promote the extraction and/or leaching of solutes, including hydrocarbons, such as lipids, from an admixture, an occluded biomass or another aqueous medium. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for reducing the amount of solvents used in liquid extraction processes and increasing solvent recovery through the concurrent introduction of amphoteric species, which assist in the removal of the polar solvent from its liquid phase to a recoverable and reusable form, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An applied electrical field effects the harvesting of algae from a growth medium through increased interface potential between solvent and solute and the use of micron-sized bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen gas. The process and method makes use of strategically placed bipolar electrode plates that generate hydrogen and oxygen gas. Micro bubbles of the gas flocculate the biomass out of solution concurrently clarifying the water for re-use in an algae growth system. The flocked algae can then be processed for use in applications which require a chemical-free and dewatered product such as required for bio-fuels, pharmaceuticals or food.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses, for dewatering, flocculating and harvesting microorganisms. In various implementations, at least one intracellular product from the microorganisms is recovered and processed according to methods disclosed herein. In some implementations, an electromagnetic field is applied to an aqueous suspension of microorganisms thereby causing flocculation of the microorganisms. In various implementations, the microorganisms are harvested, such as by causing the microorganisms to flocculate and sink to the bottom of a container. Alternatively, the microorganisms are caused to flocculate and float to the surface of the aqueous medium where they can be recovered by skimming. In other implementations, the microorganisms are lysed as they are passed through a second electromagnetic field to release intracellular products, among other desired components of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A system includes an ionic exchange conduit through which a flow of photosynthetic biomass is drawn capturing an electrical charge which is used to alternately power a photonic activated reservoir housing a living photosynthetic biomass suspended in a flowing liquid medium which self generates an electrical charge as it migrates towards and through a cathode separated from an anode by a membrane. Upon electrical transfer through the circuit an electrolysis process begins and releases hydrogen and oxygen into enclosed atmosphere chambers where these separated gases can be captured for use in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A system and methods for enhancing mass production of algae, diatoms or other photosynthetic organism is described. The system and methods are useful in applications such as energy production, fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and CO2 fixation. The system and methods involve the use of a submersed rotating pole(s) on which lights are branched out at strategic intervals in order to appropriately increase contact between photosynthetic water-based organisms and light. Rotation can timed so as to disperse light and/or nutrients when the organism is in a receiving mode. A process flow system is also described which can be scaled for the mass production of photosynthetic based organism. This process system makes use of centralized automatable controls and linear or parallel growth tanks. The system can be used for continuous or batch methods of production of bio-mass whose values such as lipids or carbohydrate can be extracted for the production of fuels or other byproducts.

Abstract: A biological growth reactor vessel for the cultivation of micro-algae, diatoms or other unicellular organisms, especially for oil production, is described which incorporates a dispensing rod to which are attached a plurality of clear paddles which increase surface area for the diffusion of light and growth enhancing admixtures such as CO2, nitrogen and cellulose premixed at micron level. The dispensing rod incorporates a plurality of holes strategically placed to disperse the micron-mixture slurry of the growth admixtures. The dispensing rod and its attached clear paddles make use of methods and technologies to concurrently micron mix admixtures such as natural gases, amendments and other biological factors such as enzymes and microbes to increase contact area between said mixtures and micro-algae, diatoms or other naturally occurring unicellular growth.

Abstract: A unitary, self-contained apparatus for generating microbubbles using a pipe section with a constriction device for producing a venturi effect to cause a mainstream liquid flowing under pressure in the pipe section to draw a column of additive fluid into the mainstream liquid from an aspiration tube for mixing with the liquid and a turbulence part of the pipe section immediately downstream from the constriction device. Protrusions from the inside surface of the turbulence part of the pipe section protrude to at least the theoretical interface between the column of additive fluid and the surrounding mainstream liquid and preferably beyond, where the theoretical interface is a circumference of the column of additive fluid having a radius equal to the radius of the inside surface of the aspiration tube.