Algae Production Platform

Continuous Algae production utilizing the photobioreactors is a highly reliable method for producing high density monocultures of marine and fresh water algae. The device typically operates at densities of 10 to 15 times that of conventional culture methods. The total control of all parameters are automatically controlled via a PLC, this makes the BioFence dramatically reduce the labor requirements and eliminates handling problems. Prolonged periods of operation are facilitated by the patented tube self cleaning mechanism. The BioFence is a closed looped system that eliminates the possibility of invasive species taking over the culture. The systems are easily expanded to meet increased production requirements.

The Photobioreactors work by recirculating algae, nutrients, water and CO2 thorough transparent tubes to maximize the amount of light reaching the algal cells, the short light field maximizes this process; thereby enhancing the photosynthesis process. A reservoir tank provides a dark phase for the more complex protein building function of the algal cells. A semi-continuous stream of sterilized water, nutrients and CO2 is supplied to the dark phase of the process. This function is fully automated and regulated via the control system. Live algae is collected into a receiving tank by way of an over flow valve. The output of the volume is equal to the process input volume; typically 20%-35% of the systems volume per every 24 hours.

Carbon fixation (quantitative value)

1.            1.8MT of CO2 will yield 0.8MT algal biomass & 1.0MT O2.

2.            Under typical biotic/abiotic conditions:

3.            Aquatic micro-algae can fix Carbon at 10X the rate of terrestrial plants. The solar energy capturing efficiency of algae is in the order of 5%, in terrestrial plants = 0.2%.

4.            PBR systems operate at between 15% and 33% the theoretical maximum.

5.            8 moles of photons (=0.175Mj @ 680nm) will fix 1 molecule of CO2 . Redfield Ratio: C:Si:N:P = 106:15:16:1

6.            Hu et.al. (1998) reports PBR productivity levels in the order of 20-25gr/L d.w basis at an optical path of 14 mm with a light intensity of 2000  mol m-2 s-1.

7.            BioFence current optical path is 14mm.

for further information please contact Carson Huang at 

[email protected] or [email protected]