Anaerobic photobioreactor and method for biomass cultivation, wastewater treatment, nutrients recovery, energy production and high-value products synthesis
US12077737B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/40
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is related to an anaerobic photobioreactor and a method for active biomass cultivation, wastewater treatment, nutrients recovery, energy production and high-value products synthesis. Phototrophic bacteria are cultured in the anaerobic photobioreactor lighted with solar or artificial irradiation where certain light wavelengths are selectively discarded with a light selector installed on the top of the photobioreactor. In this light-based process wastewater treatment and resources recovery, like nutrients and high-value bioproducts (fertilizers, polymers and proteins) present in wastewater are performed simultaneously. Cultured biomass is treated by anaerobic digestion for biofuel production, including optative hydrolytic pre-treatment, and/or valuable bioproducts can be obtained in a downstream process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.