Patent ID: 7687261
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: C12M,C12N,C12P

Abstract:
1. A system for producing algae with high oil content which comprises: at least one chemostat formed with an open raceway conduit for growing algae therein, the chemostat having an input port for feeding a medium with a nutrient mix into the conduit for maximum algae growth, and having an output port for passing an effluence with algae growth from the conduit of the chemostat; a paddlewheel means for continuously moving the medium through the conduit of the chemostat at a predetermined fluid flow velocity; a plug flow reactor formed with an open raceway conduit having an input port for receiving the effluence with algae growth from the chemostat for a gravity flow of the effluence through the plug flow reactor; a means for adding a modified nutrient mix to the effluence with algae growth in the plug flow reactor, wherein the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger high oil production in the algae growth; and an algae separator in fluid communication with the conduit of the plug flow reactor for removing algae growth with high oil content directly therefrom.