Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for the intensive, controlled production of microorganisms by photosynthesis

US4868123A · kind A · utility

45Cited by
2References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 30, 1988
Grant dateSep 19, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 30, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC12M29/22
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Apparatus for the intensive, controlled production of microorganisms by photosynthesis. This apparatus comprises at least one photobioreactor (6) to be placed on an expanse of water (8), which has first group of flexible tubes (38), which are transparent to light and in which circulates the culture medium and a second group of inflatable tubes (62), disposed and maintained beneath the first group by means of detachable Y-shaped interpolated members (70), which are regularly spaced. At least one two-column carbonator (12) connected to the photobioreactor intake (43) for charging the liquid medium with the CO.sub.2 necessary for photosynthesis is provided. Two degassing means (36) connected to the two ends of the photobioreactor are provided for eliminating the oxygen produced by the microorganisms from the liquid medium. There is at least one expansion tank (2) connected to the photobioreactor (6) for reducing possible volume variations in the photobioreactor (6).

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.