7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae

www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 1/10
Reports
Monday, July 21, 2014
Oilgae Story | Site Map | Contact Us | RSS
Search Go
Home
About Us
Oilgae Blog
Oilgae Club
Promotions
Contribution
Videos
Whitepapers
FAQs
Cultivation of Algae in Photobioreactor
Algae cultivation can be achieved in two ways: open ponds and photobioreactors (PBR). A photobioreactor is a closed
equipment which provides a controlled environment and enables high productivity of algae. As it is a closed system, all
growth requirements of algae are introduced into the system and controlled according to the requirements. PBRs
facilitate better control of culture environment such as carbon dioxide supply, water supply, optimal temperature, efficient
exposure to light, culture density, pH levels, gas supply rate, mixing regime, etc.,
Photobioreactor - How it works
Working of a photobioreactor:
Non fuel Products Downloads Careers Directory Services
Algae Product Basket Harvesting & Extraction Algae Cultivation Algae Basics
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 2/10
Flow description:
1. From the feeding vessel, the flow progresses to the diaphragm pump which moderates the flow of the algae into the
actual tube. Built into the pump is the CO2 inlet valve.
2. The photobioreactor itself is used to promote biological growth by controlling environmental parameters including light.
The tubes are made of acrylic and are designed to have light and dark intervals to enhance the growth rate.
3. The photobioreactor has a built-in cleaning system that internally cleans the tubes without stopping the production.
4. After the algae have completed the flow through the photobioreactor, it passes back to the feeding vessel. As it
progresses through the hoses, the oxygen sensors determine how much oxygen has built up in the plant and this oxygen
is released in the feeding vessel itself. It is also at this stage that the optical Cell Density sensor determines the
harvesting rate.
5. When the algae are ready for harvesting, they pass through the connected filtering system. This filter collects the algae
that are ready for processing, while the remaining algae passes back to the feeding vessel.
6. The flow continues.
Advantages of Photobioreactors
Cultivation of algae is in controlled circumstances, hence potential for much higher productivity
Large surface-to-volume ratio. PBRs offer maximum efficiency in using light and therefore greatly improve
productivity. Typically the culture density of algae produced is 10 to 20 times greater than bag culture in which
algaeculture is done in bags - and can be even greater.
Better control of gas transfer.
Reduction in evaporation of growth medium.
More uniform temperature.
Better protection from outside contamination.
Space saving - Can be mounted vertically, horizontally or at an angle, indoors or outdoors.
Reduced Fouling - Recently available tube self cleaning mechanisms can dramatically reduce fouling.
Covering ponds does offer some of the benefits that are offered by photobioreactors, but enclosed systems will still provide
better control of temperature, light intensity, better control of gas transfer, and larger surface area-to-volume ratio. An
enclosed PBR design will enhance commercial algal biomass production by keeping algae genetics pure and reducing the
possibility of parasite infestation.
Disadvantages of Photobioreactors
Capital cost is very high. This is one of the most important bottlenecks that is hindering the progress of algae fuel
industry.
Despite higher biomass concentration and better control of culture parameters, data accumulated in the last two
decades have shown that the productivity and production cost in some enclosed photobioreactor systems are not
much better than those achievable in open-pond cultures.
The technical difficulty in sterilizing these photobioreactors has hindered their application for algae culture for
specific end-products such as high value pharmaceutical products.
General Specifications of a Photobioreactor
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 3/10
Data i n the tabl e are for the Aquasearch-coupl ed producti on system for photosyntheti c mi crobes from HR Bi opetrol eum. Source: HR Bi opetrol eum
Requirements to develop a high-performance photobioreactor for algal cultivation:
1. In order to attain high productivity, the volume of the non-illuminated parts of the reactor should be minimized.
2. In order to ensure a high efficiency of light use by the culture, the design must provide for the uniform illumination of
the culture surface and the fast mass transfer of CO
2
and O
2
.
3. To prevent rapid fouling of light-transmitting surfaces of reactors, photobioreactors must be frequently shut down for
their mechanical cleaning and sterilization
4. High rates of mass transfer must be attained by means that neither damage cultured cells nor suppress their
growth.
5. For the industrial-scale production of biomass, the energy consumption required for mass transfer and the
arrangement of the light-receiving surface of the algal suspension must be reduced to its minimum possible.
PBRs are complex systems composed of several subsystems. The key systems are:
Light system
Optical transmission system
Air handling & gas exchange systems
Mixing system
Nutrient system
Instrumentation system
Electrical system
Some of the key sub-components of the above system are:
Oxygen & CO2 sensors
Temperature sensor
pH sensor
Light sensor
Conductivity sensor
Recirculation pump
Harvest pump
CO2 injection valve
Substrate pump
Filtrate recirculation valve
Water inlet valve purge valve
Connectors and hoses
Oxygen release system
PLC control panel
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 4/10
Feeding tank
Several of the subsystems of a PBR interact. For instance, the optical transmission system and gas exchange system
interact via the mixing that takes place in the reaction area.
To know more about Photobioreactors, buy our Comprehensive Oilgae report with its
recent updated version. List of contents under this topic include
1. Concepts
2. Types of Bioreactors Used for Algae Cultivation
3. Parts & Components
4. Design Principles
5. Costs
6. PBR Manufacturers & Suppliers
7. Photobioreactors Q&A
8. Research Done on Bioreactors and Photobioreactors
9. Challenges & Efforts in Photobioreactor
10. Photobioreactor Updates and Factoids
11. Useful Resource
Related Links:
Microalgal Photobioreactors: Scale - up and Optimization
Photobioreactor Technology for Microalgae Cultivation
Closed Photobioreactors for Microalgal Cultivation
Photobioreactors for Cultivation of Microalgae under Strong Irradiances: Modelling, Simulation and Design
High-Density Algal Photobioreactors Using Light-Emitting Diodes
Materials, geometry, and net energy ratio of tubular photobioreactors for microalgal hydrogen production
Algae Photobioreactor Design Considerations for Commercial Scale Production
https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/956/Algae%20Photobioreactor%20Design%20[abstract].pdf?
sequence=3
Study of light requirements of a Photobioreactor
Efficient nutrient removal from swine manure in a tubular biofilm photo-bioreactor using algae-bacteria consortia
A New Photobioreactor for Continuous Microalgal Production in Hatcheries Based on External-Loop Airlift and Swirling
Flow
Microalgae Grown in Photobioreactors for Mass Production of Biofuel
Hot Algae Products (Click to know more)
Omega 3 Spirulina Astaxanthin Chlorella
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 5/10
Related Blog Posts
BioCentric Energy Algae to Unveil Provisional Patent Pending "Algae Pro Closed Loop Photobioreactor
Solution"
Algae Company BioCentric Energy Holdings Provides Update
Algae Protein Market -A Driving Force for Algae Biodiesel
Ben Gurion University, Primafuel Join on Algae Biorefinery
Green Plain Renewable Energy Inc.(GPRE) forms algae venture
Holcim Spanish Cement Plant Gets GreenFuel, Aurantia Algae CO2 Recycling Project
Rapid Algae Farming Systems from AlgaeVenture Systems
Solix claims cut the costs of growing algae by 90-95%
Petroalgae Grows Algae in Plastic Tubes
Algae Photobioreactor - Low Cost, High Efficiency, from Algasol Renewables
Solix Photobioreactor Cuts Algae Cultivation Costs by 90% ?
Algae Biodiesel Cost - What Exactly Makes Algae Fuel Costly?
Algae-Covered Buildings Boost Biofuel Production
Eastern Cape to Turn Algae into Power
Shell awards prize to Scottish Bioenergy for Algae-to-biodiesel Process
Shell Awards Prize For Scottish Bioenergy Cooperative Ventures
Ben Gurion University, Primafuel Join on Algae Biorefinery
Algae Commercialization, Research and and Business Networking Forum - Jan 2009
Oregon State University develops biodiesel from algae
Comparison of compact photobioreactors for large-scale monoculture of microalgae
Biotechnology of algal biomass production: review of outdoor mass culture systems
High-density algal photobioreactors using light-emitting diodes
Elemental balancing of biomass and medium composition enhances growth capacity in high-density Chlorella
vulgaris cultures
Tubular photobioreactor design for algal cultures
Flat inclined modular photobioreactor for outdoor mass cultivation of photoautotrophs
Diatom cultivation and biotechnologically relevant products. Cultivation at various scales
Algae to Ethanol?
Related Forum Discussions
Newbie just getting started
Can sugar replace light in PBR's?
Bio-reactor designs/open pond designs
Algae cultivation
Expertise required to design photobioreactors
Do photobioreactors get overheated?
Yield?
CO2 supply
Algae will make you
Live Longer
Feel Younger
Work Stronger
Know How @ Algae NutraPedia
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 6/10
Download Free Sample of Comprehensive Algae Fuels
Report
Free Sample Downloads of Algae-based Wastewater
Treatment and Carbon Capture Reports
Promote Your Business @ World's Only Vendor Listing for Algae Products

Free Oilgae Newsletter
Don't Miss It! Get Latest from Oilgae Delivered in Your Mailbox. Free!
* Your Email id
Your Name
Your Background
* Enter the security code shown:

Subscribe
Bundle Offer on Oilgae Reports
Click Here
Oilgae Reports
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 7/10
Read More
Oilgae Main Sections

Cultivation of Algae in Photobioreactor Cultivation of Algae in Sewage and Wastewater

Algae Cultivation for CO
2
Sequestration Algae Harvesting
Algae Oil Extraction Algae Product Basket

Biodiesel from Algae Ethanol from Algae
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 8/10
View More
More
More
More
Allma Collaborates With Frulact and
Santini to Develop Bubble Tea and
Sorbet: Allma, a Portugal-
Microalgae co... bit.ly/1tpEVfW
Algae Lover @fuelgae
Spirulina Gains Approval as a
Naturally Derived Blue Colour in the
US: The U.S. food and Drug
Administration h... bit.ly/1nmfk80
Algae Lover @fuelgae
28m
19 Jul
Tweets
Follow
Tweet to @fuelgae
Events
Algaetecture: Algae Urban Canopy For Milan Expo 2015
Arizona State to Offer Algae-to-Biodiesel Showcase
Alltechs 30th Symposium (US, May 18-21, 2014)
Explores Health Potential of Algae
European Algae Biomass 2014, Seville, Spain, May 6th
and 7th 2014
Origin Oil Algae Harvester at National Algae Associations
Center for Live Demonstrations on 7th March, 2014
Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
List of Research Articles
Aquatic Plant Growth Response to Very High Co2 Concentrations
Services of Algae to the Environment
Analysis of Microalgae Ponds for Conversion of CO2 to Biomass
Chemical Composition of Tropical Australian Marine Macroalgae
Treatment of Dairy Manure Using Benthic Algae
List of Patents
Method of Cultivating Algae and a Covering Material Used Thereof - 1980 Patent
Water Reclamation - Algae Production - 1972 Patent
Method & Apparatus for Treating Sewage - a 1980 patent
Method of Waste Treatment & Algae Recovery - a 1977 Patent
Apparatus & Method for Growing Algae - a 1968 Patent
Energy Links
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 9/10
Blog Categories
Algae Fuel
Research
Algae Aviation
Fuel
Algae Energy
Companies
Algae Energy
Products
Algae Energy
Investments
Algae
Harvesting
Algae CO2
Capture
Algae
Cultivation
Power Plants
Algae Biodiesel
Algae
Cultivation
Open Pond
Algae
Photobioreactor
Algae
Cultivation
Algae
Cultivation
Sewage
Algae Oil
Extraction
Algae Energy
Cost
Algae Strains
Algae Ethanol
Algae Oil Yield
Algae
Cultivation
Marine
Algae
Hydrogen
Algae Methane
Algae Meal
Algae Nutrients
Energy Feeds
Newnergy
Newnergy Portal
Newnergy Blog
Newnergy Forum
Links
Connect with the cleantech
world @ CleanTick
Plant Oils
Biozio
Castor Oil
Biodiesel Encyclopedia
Energy Alternatives India
Alternative Profits
Clixoo
Power Plant CCS
PowerPlantCCS Forum
PowerPlantCCS Blogs
PowerPlantCCS Glossary
Algae Industrial Wastewater
Cleaning
Diatoms Municipal
Wastewater Treatment
Comprehensive Cellulosic
Ethanol Report
Jatropha Biodiesel - Market
Research Report
Algae Health Products
Algae Nutraceuticals
A2Z.Gallery
Algae
Cleantech
EcoFashion
Other ventures by Clixoo
3D Printers, Cameras, Geeks,
iKids,
Millionaire, Private Jet,
Weird,Cameras, Cleantech,
Smart Phones, Smart Watches,
CloudERP, Tablets,
Mortgage Insurance, Liability
Insurance, Robots, Saree,
Senior Care, Predictive Analytics,
Big Data Analytics
Omega 3
Spirulina
Astaxanthin
Chlorella
Comprehensive Castor Oil Report
Ocean Power Feasibility Analysis
Solar Thermal Industry Analysis
Biodiesel Feasibility Study
Powerplant Flue Gas CO2
Sequestration Implementation
India Solar Energy Market Entry
Strategy
Algae Biodiesel Consulting
Jatropha Oil Production Report
Cellulosic Ethanol Business
Opportunities Report
India Geothermal Research
Alternative Energy Industry Research
Jatropha Biodiesel - Market Research
Report
Comprehensive Cellulosic Ethanol
Report
Comprehensive Oilgae Report
Oilgae Digest
Oilgae Report Academic Edition
Oilgae Guide to Algae-based
Wastewater Treatment
Comprehensive Guide for Algae-
based CO
2
Capture
Replacing Diesel with Solar
India Solar PV Module Market
Report
India Biomass Gasification Power
Production
Cleantech Profits Report
Biomass Gasification Production
Process and Uses
Privacy Policy |
RSS |
Contact Us |
About Us |
7/21/14 Cultivation of Algae - Photobioreactor - Oilgae - Oil from Algae
www.oilgae.com/algae/cult/pbr/pbr.html 10/10
Site Map |
Home |
Powered by Oilgae.com
Oilgae Digest
The Only Available Comprehensive Oilgae Report - from Oilgae.com
Read More