Technology
Innovative application of an established method for mixing gas into liquid
Process steps:
Mixing screen
1. In the presence of light for photosynthesis, air, and (optionally) supplied CO2, generate droplets of liquid containing algae, for example by using low-pressure sprays or low-power spinning discs that draw from a reservoir such as a pond.
2. The flow of droplets entrains (pulls along) the atmosphere containing CO2. See the Mixing Screen Video, which dramatically demonstrates this effect.
3. The moving droplets and gas hit a carefully-placed screen mesh, creating high turbulence which mixes CO2 into the droplets.
4. The CO2-enriched droplets return to the reservoir while others are generated. The cycle continues as the algae grow; batches of algae can be harvested periodically.
5. A surfactant can be added for bubble formation, which we expect will further increase growth, as described in our patent application.
This simple, efficient method can be implemented modularly in large natural and raceway ponds, greenhouses, and many different industrial bioreactor configurations.