A new tubular reactor for mass production of microalgae outdoors

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

171 Scopus citations

Abstract

A novel reactor for outdoor production of microalgae is described. Air-lift is used for circulation of the culture in transparent tubes lying on the ground and interconnected by a manifold. Dissolved O2 is removed through a gas-separator placed 2.0 m above the tubes and water-spray is used for cooling. The manifold permits short-run durations between leaving the gas separator and re-entering it, preventing thereby damaging accumulation of dissolved oxygen. Day temperature control in summer is attained using water-spray. In winter, temperature in the tubes rises rapidly in the morning, as compared to an open raceway even if placed in a greenhouse. The number of hours along which optimal temperature prevails in the culture throughout the year increased significantly. Very high daily productivity computed on a volumetric basis (e.g. 550 mg dry wt l-1 culture) was obtained and preliminary observations indicate that a significantly higher output, e.g. 1500 mg dry wt l-1 d-1 is attainable. Much more research is required to assess the year-round, sustained productivity attainable in this reactor.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)327-332
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Applied Phycology
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 1993

Keywords

  • Anabaena siamensis
  • Spirulina platensis
  • outdoor production
  • tubular reactor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science
  • Plant Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A new tubular reactor for mass production of microalgae outdoors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this