Method for water purification by culturing and harvesting attached algal communities
US5846423A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/37
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for purifying water includes the steps of establishing a floway for water that has originated in a waterway. The sides of the floway are bounded by a pair of curbs that are disposed in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship. The floway has an inlet end and an outlet end disposed lower than the inlet, so that gravity flow occurs toward the outlet end. An algal growing surface is established between the curbs, so that algae can grow and form a turf. A periodic surge of water is caused to flow along at least part of the floway, which permits bioassimilation of nutrients and pollutants by the algal turf, and also permits a physical trapping of particulates therein. The algal turf is harvested after maturation and is disposed of without permitting the algal turf to reenter the waterway. Harvesting may be accomplished for example, with the use of a wheeled harvester disposed to roll along the curbs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.