Abstract:
Systems are provided with varying flow chamber configurations which acoustically agglomerate microorganisms such as algae for separation from a host fluid such as water. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/402,080 filed on Aug. 23, 2010, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The subject matter described herein relates to techniques for ultrasonically agglomerating microalgae for applications such as biofuel and nutraceutical production. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Currently, there is great interest in the use of alternative renewable biofuels, such as biodiesel, that can be produced from biooil feedstocks that are in turn produced by oleaginous microorganisms such as microalgae, bacillus, fungi, and yeast. Oleaginous microorganisms are microbial with lipid content typically in excess of 20%. A renewable liquid fuel energy source could play a significant role in reducing our national dependence on foreign oil imports. Reported in the literature is that oleaginous yeasts and microalgae can grow and accumulate significant amounts of lipids (see A. Banerjee, R. Sharma, Y. Chisti and U. C. Banerjee, “ Botryococcus Braunii : A renewable source of hydrocarbons and other chemicals” Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 22 (3), 245-279, 2002; Y. Chisti, “Biodiesel from microalgae beats bioethanol” Trends in Biotechnology, 26 (3), 126-131, 2007; P. Metzger and C. Largeau, “ Botryococcus braunii : a rich source for hydrocarbons and related ether lipids” Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol, 66, 486-496, 2005; X. Meng, J. Yang, X. Xu, L. Zhang, Q. Nie, M. Xian “Biodiesel production from oleaginous microorganisms” Renewable Energy, 34, 1-5, 2009, the contents of each of the aforementioned papers being incorporated by reference). The oil content and composition are a function of the type of microorganisms used and the conditions in which the culturing took place. As an example, microalgae are sunlight driven cell factories that convert carbon dioxide to potential biofuels. Microalgae grow at a very fast pace, doubling their biomass within a 24 hour time period and are rich in oil. The lipid content of microalgae can be as high as 70%. In particular, microalgae are reported to be excellent candidates for biodiesel production because of their higher biomass production, higher photosynthetic efficiency, and faster growth compared to most other energy crops. 
         [0004]    Most of the work reported in the literature on the development of microbial oil production has focused on the identification of better strains of oleaginous microorganisms, on genetic and metabolic engineering of strains, on the development of the optimal environmental conditions for microorganism growth, and on the development of the optimal energy sources to fuel the growth of the microorganisms. 
         [0005]    Similar to the biofuel studies there have been studies on chemical and nutraceutical production in microalgae (see J. N. Rosenberg, G. A. Oyler, L. Wilkinson and M. J. Betenbaugh, “A green light for engineered algae: redirection metabolism to fuel a biotechnology revolution”, Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 19, 430-436, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference). However there has been little effort spent on the harvesting of microorganisms, particularly from large-scale (100 liter to 2 million liter) volume cultures. Therefore, significant challenges remain in the energy efficient and economical harvesting of microorganisms from their host medium, as well as steps to collect the microbial oils. In particular, harvesting of the microorganisms by the concentration and separation of the microorganisms from their host medium, typically water. 
         [0006]    Algae use in bioreactors or large ponds is increasingly being employed for biofuels and nutraceuticals. Metzger, and Largeau (2005) and Banerjee (2002) describe the use of  Botryococcus braunii  as a source of hydrocarbons and similar lipids, such as C 27 diane, C 30  botryococcene, squalene, tetramethylsqualene and trs,trs-lycopadine, among others including ether lipids, epoxides and sterols. Weldy and Huesemann (C. S. Weldy and M. Huesemann, “Lipid production by  Dunaliella salina  in batch culture: effects of nitrogen limitation and light intensity” U.S. Department of Energy Journal of Undergraduate Research, Vol. VII, 115-122, 2007) and Hejazi and Wijffels (M. A. Hejazi and R. H. Wijffels, “Effect of light intensity on beta-carotene production and extraction by  Dunaliella salina  in two-phase bioreactors” Biomolecular Engineering, 20, 171-175, 2003) describe the use of  Dunaliella salina , for lipid production and beta-carotene production. Other researchers, including Chisti (2007), Meng et al. (2009) and Hu (Q. Hu, M. Sommerfeld, E. Jarvis, M. Ghirardi, M. Posewitz, M. Seibert, and A. Darzins, “Microalgae triacylglycerols as feedstocks for biofuel production: perspectives and advances” The Plant Journal, 54, 621-639, 2008) discuss the use of microalgae for biodeisel and triacylglycerols production. Lastly, Rosenberg et al (2008) describe a whole list of nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals, and high-value chemicals produced from microalgae. In all these applications, there is a need for improved algae concentrating, or as is known, dewatering. Conventional techniques involve batch centrifuging at high-cost and high energy. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one aspect, a system includes a primary flow channel through which is flowed a mixture of a host fluid and algae with the primary flow channel having an inlet and extending to a terminus, a first outlet channel extending from the primary flow channel at a point between the inlet and the terminus to a settling tank, a second outlet channel extending from the primary flow channel at the terminus to the settling tank, a first array of transducers disposed within the primary flow channel between the inlet and the first outlet channel for acoustically agglomerating the algae, and a second array of transducers disposed within the primary flow channel between the first outlet channel and the terminus for further acoustically agglomerating the algae. 
         [0008]    The system in some implementations can include a third array of transducers disposed within the first outlet channel for further acoustically agglomerating the algae, and/or a fourth array of transducers disposed within the second outlet channel for further acoustically agglomerating the algae. 
         [0009]    At least one first ring transducer can be disposed within the primary flow channel between the first array of transducers and the second array of transducers for further acoustically agglomerating the algae. Similarly, at least one second ring transducer can be disposed within the first outlet channel between the primary flow channel and the third array of transducers for further acoustically agglomerating the algae. Furthermore, at least one third ring transducer can be disposed within the second outlet channel between the primary flow channel and the fourth array of transducers for further acoustically agglomerating the algae. At least a portion of the transducers within the channels can be flat transducers. 
         [0010]    The host fluid and algae can be gravitationally fed into at least one of the primary fluid channel, the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel. Alternatively, the system can include a pump for introducing the host fluid and algae into the primary fluid channel. The host fluid can be water. The system can include a reservoir containing the host fluid and algae prior to introduction in to the primary fluid channel. The system can also include the settling tank which in turn can comprise at least one water outlet through which water can be removed after the algae has settled and at least one algae outlet to facilitate removal of the algae. 
         [0011]    In an interrelated aspect, a system comprises a flow chamber through which is flowed a mixture of a host fluid and algae. The flow chamber includes at least one inlet through which the host fluid and algae enters the flow chamber, at least one water outlet through which water exits the flow chamber; and an algae outlet through which agglomerated algae exits the flow chamber into a settling tank. A first array of transducers can be disposed between the at least one inlet and the at least one water outlet for acoustically agglomerating the algae. 
         [0012]    In some variations, a second array of transducers can be disposed between the at least one inlet and the algae outlet for further acoustically agglomerating the algae. A pump can introduce the host fluid and algae into the flow chamber and/or the host fluid and algae are gravitationally fed into the flow chamber. The host fluid can be water. A reservoir can be provided that contains the host fluid and algae prior to introduction in to the flow chamber. The system can also include the settling tank which comprises at least one water outlet through which water can be removed after the algae has settled and at least one algae outlet to facilitate removal of the algae. 
         [0013]    The transducers with this arrangement can be tubular transducers which are optionally positioned in parallel in a vertical orientation (relative to gravity). 
         [0014]    The current subject matter provides many advantages. For example, the current subject matter enables the processing of large quantities of a host medium (e.g., water, etc.) that is laden with oleaginous microorganisms by efficiently trapping, concentrating, and separating the microorganisms. 
         [0015]    The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating acoustic contrast, particle radius, and acoustic radiation force on particles for a given frequency of excitation and acoustic pressure level; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a first system for agglomeration of algae; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a photograph of experimental prototype; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a diagram of array of small transducers 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a second system for agglomeration of algae; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a photograph illustrating acoustic trapping of microalgae; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  is a diagram illustrating of a sample acoustocollector; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  is a photograph illustrating an experimental acoustocollector; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a diagram illustrating a sample flow chamber; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a photograph illustrating an experimental flow chamber; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a photograph illustrating algae-based biofuel being separated from an emulsion of oil, cell extract, and algae agglomerates; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a photograph illustrating acoustic standing waves in a ring-shaped transducer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    This current subject matter is directed to large-scale acoustophoretic technology to collect and process microalgae for the production of nutraceuticals and biofuels. As is described below, an ultrasonic standing wave will induce agglomeration of microalgae. These agglomerates will become larger and larger, finally overcoming fluid flow and acoustic force and drop out of the fluid stream due to gravity. They are collected in a large settling tank where the, now algae mats, can be processed for nutraceutical and biofuel extraction. It is noted that the acoustic pressure at the standing wave nodes tends to rupture many of the algae cells and force the nutraceuticals and biofuels out into the water stream where they may be separated by further acoustophoresis techniques or other methods (e.g. chromatography). 
         [0029]    The current subject matter utilizes acoustophoresis, a low-power, no-pressure-drop, no-clog solid-state approach to particle removal from fluid dispersions: i.e., it is used to achieve separations that are more typically performed with porous filters and centrifuges, but it has none of the disadvantages of these systems. For example, the diagram  100  of  FIG. 1  shows the forces for an applied acoustic frequency of 1 MHz (typical for an ultrasonic transducer) and an acoustic pressure of 0.5 MPa maximum at the antinodes (readily achieved in water). Achievement of higher applied acoustic frequencies and higher acoustic pressures will require better impedance matching. Examples of acoustic filters/collectors utilizing acoustophoresis can be found in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/947,757, 61/261,686, 13/085,299 and 61/342,307, the contents of all of these applications are hereby fully incorporated by reference. The acoustic radiation force (F ac ) acts on the secondary-phase particles (or fluid droplets), pushing them to the nodes (or antinodes) of the acoustic standing wave. The magnitude of the force depends on the particle density and compressibility relative to the fluid medium, and increases with the particle volume. The diagram  100  of  FIG. 1  illustrates the acoustic force that operates on four different secondary phases in water as a function of the particle (or droplet) radius. The four secondary phases are hexanes (a mixture of hydrocarbons, a model for oils), red blood cells (a model for biological cells), bacterial spores (a model for “large” protein clusters and polystyrene beads such as are used for flow cytometry), and paramagnetic polystyrene beads (used for various biological capture and separation protocols). Parameters used in the calculation of the acoustic force are given below are in Table 1 (which are of particular interest regarding the algae parameters). 
         [0030]    The current subject matter is advantageous in that it uses acoustophoresis for separations in extremely high volumes and in flowing systems with very high flow rates. Separations have been done for micron-size particles, for which the acoustophoretic force is quite small. For example, B. Lipkens, J. Dionne, A. Trask, B. Szczur, A. Stevens, E. Rietman, “Separation of micron-sized particles in macro-scale cavities by ultrasonic standing waves,” Presented at the International Congress on Ultrasonics, Santiago, Jan. 11-17, 2009; and B. Lipkens, J. Dionne, M. Costolo, A. Stevens, and E. Rietman, “Separation of bacterial spores from flowing water in macro-scale cavities by ultrasonic standing waves”, (Arxiv) June 2010, the contents of both papers are hereby fully incorporated by reference) show that Bacillus cereus bacterial spores (a model for anthrax) have been trapped at 15% efficiency in an acoustophoretic cavity embedded in a flow system that can process drinking water at rates up to 120 mL/minute (lcm/second linear flow). The concentration ratio has been as high as 1000 in a single-pass, small-scale prototype acoustocollector. 
         [0031]    As stated above, the current subject matter is directed to agglomeration of microalgae for use in applications such as biofuel and nutraceutical production. The current techniques achieve low cost agglomeration by using the fact that ultrasonics will agglomerate and concentrate particles in the fluid in the acoustic standing wave. The ability to translate and concentrate these secondary phases is known as acoustophoresis (as will be further described below). 
         [0032]    Physics of acoustophoresis. Acoustophoresis is the separation of a second phase (or phases) from a host fluid using sound pressure to create the driving force. An ultrasonic transducer operating at a fixed frequency f (Hz) is used to set up an acoustic standing wave in a fluid-filled cavity. The standing wave is characterized by a local pressure p that is a function of position (x) and time (t), 
         [0000]        p ( x,t )= P  cos( kx )sin(ω t )  (1)
 
         [0033]    where P is the amplitude of the acoustic pressure; k is the wavenumber (k=2π/λ, where λ is the wavelength), and ω=2πf, where ω is the angular frequency. The pressure of the acoustic wave produces an acoustic radiation force F ac  on secondary-phase elements according to 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
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         [0034]    where R p  is the particle radius, π f  is the density of the fluid medium, c f  is the speed of sound in the fluid, and X is the acoustic contrast factor, defined by 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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                     = 
                     
                       
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         [0035]    where Λ is the ratio of the particle density to fluid density and σ is the ratio of the speed of sound in the particle to the sound speed in the fluid. The acoustic radiation force acts in the direction of the acoustic field. The acoustic radiation force is proportional to the product of acoustic pressure and acoustic pressure gradient. An inspection of the acoustic radiation force shows that it is proportional to the particle volume, frequency (or wavenumber), the acoustic energy density (or the square of the acoustic pressure amplitude), and the acoustic contrast factor. Note also that the spatial dependency has twice the periodicity of the acoustic field. The acoustic radiation force is thus a function of two mechanical properties, namely density and compressibility. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Properties of water and 4 selected secondary phases. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ρ 
                 c 
                 Λ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                 (density) 
                 (speed of sound) 
                 (dimen- 
                 (dimen- 
               
               
                 Material 
                 (kg/m 3 ) 
                 (m/s) 
                 sionless) 
                 sionless) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Water 
                 1000 
                 1509 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexanes 
                 720 
                 1303 
                 0.72 
                 −0.402 
               
               
                 Blood Cells 
                 1125 
                 1900 
                 1.125 
                 0.185 
               
               
                 Bacterial Spores 
                 1100 
                 1900 
                 1.1 
                 0.173 
               
               
                 Magnetic beads 
                 2000 
                 1971 
                 2.0 
                 0.436 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0036]    For three dimensional acoustic fields, a more general approach for calculating the acoustic radiation force is needed. Gor&#39;kov&#39;s (1962) formulation can be used for this (see L. P. Gor&#39;kov, “On the forces acting on a small particle in an acoustical field in an ideal fluid,” Sov. Phys. Dokl., vol. 6, pp. 773-775, 1962). Gor&#39;kov developed an expression for the acoustic radiation force F ac  applicable to any sound field. The primary acoustic radiation force is defined as a function of a field potential U, given by 
         [0000]        F   ac =−□( U ),  (4)
 
         [0037]    where the field potential U is defined as 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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         [0038]    and f 1  and f 2  are the monopole and dipole contributions defined by 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
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                       1 
                     
                     = 
                     
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         [0039]    where p(x,y,z,t) is the acoustic pressure and v(x,y,z,t) is the fluid particle velocity. V o  is the volume of the particle. 
         [0040]    The diagram  100  of  FIG. 1  shows the force required to capture small particles of various material properties. Each material has its own X parameter given in Equation [3]. In diagram  100 , material properties (e.g. speed of sound, density) are used for the indicated material. The graph for bacteria spore is also valid for other materials of similar bulk modulus. Meaning smaller bacteria spore, very large protein clusters, and polystyrene microspheres would all be in this category. The blood cell curve is for any cells of similar bulk modulus. Finally the hexane curve would be valid for any tiny drops of oil-like material with the radius indicated on the curve. These curves are for, as an example, 1 MHz applied acoustic frequency and an acoustic pressure of 0.5 MPa. These are easily achieved control variables. Higher frequency and higher pressure require better impedance matching and will afford better separation of smaller particles—down to 10s of nm. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a diagram  200  that illustrates a first system for algae agglomeration. Microalgae from a source  205  (such as an algae pond or photobioreactor, etc.) is pumped or gravity fed  210  along with its host fluid (e.g., water, etc.) into a primary flow channel  215  to generate a directional flow. Within the primary flow channel  215  are a first array of ultrasonic transducers  220  and a second array of ultrasonic transducers  235 . These transducers  220  can be 1 cm, operate at 1 MHz, and have a flat profile.  FIG. 6  is a diagram  600  illustrating a prototype of this portion of the system  200 . Extending from the primary flow channel  215  can be a first outlet channel  225  having a third array of transducers  230  interposed therein. The first outlet channel  225  can be positioned subsequent to the first array of transducers  220  in the flow direction. Extending from the primary flow channel  215  can be a second outlet channel  240  having a fourth array of transducer  245  interposed therein. The second outlet channel  255  can be positioned subsequent to the second array of transducers  235  in the flow direction. In some implementations, the primary flow channel  215  terminates at the second outlet channel  245 . The host fluid after passing through the first array of transducers  220  can be diverted to the first outlet channel  225  or the second outlet channel  240  depending on the flow rate of the fluid (in relation to gravitational pull). In any event, the host fluid is passes by at least two arrays of transducers  220 ,  230  or  220 ,  235 ,  245  which act to agglomerate the algae. 
         [0042]    The arrays of transducers  220 ,  230 ,  235 ,  245  can comprise flat piezoelectric transducers. Each transducer has correspondingly positioned reflectors. The reflectors can be made of aluminum, steel, ceramic and the like. The flat transducers can be driven by an oscillating voltage in order to effect a resonance range of 100 kHz to 2 MHz (the voltage can be maximized in order to achieve maximum resonance without cavitation). In some implementations, the transducers are spaced in array with ½ inch spacing so as to affect a parallel array of parallel acoustic nodes. The array of transducers is shown in  FIG. 3A-B  (with a photograph  300  of an experimental prototype and a diagram  310  of an array of transducers). 
         [0043]    To further aid agglomeration, ring transducers (sometimes referred to as cylindrical transducers) can be employed in each channel (primary flow channel  215  includes first ring transducers  222 , first outlet channel  225  includes second ring transducers  224 , and second outlet channel  240  includes third ring transducers  226 ). Each of the ring transducers can comprise one or more transducers at each position. In some implementations, the channels  220 ,  225 ,  240  can have a diameter of three inches so that the ring transducers  222 ,  224 ,  226  have similar diameters. The ring transducers can be driven by an oscillating voltage signal to effect a resonance range of 100 kHz to 2 MHz (the voltage can be maximized in order to achieve maximum resonance without cavitation). The ring transducers  222 ,  224 ,  226  can generate a concentric array of tube-shaped acoustic nodes of pressures in the range of 0.2 MPa to 200 MPa. 
         [0044]    The first outlet channel  225  and the second outlet channel  240  both terminate in a settling tank in which water can be removed by one or more water outlets  255  and the resulting algae can be removed by one or more algae outlets  260 . The algae outlet  260  can employ a variety of mechanisms (e.g., a screw/auger feeder, etc.) in order to facilitate transport of the highly agglomerated algae. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a diagram  500  showing the acoustophoretic collection of algae in a flowing water stream. A flat, circular transducer is used in the acoustocollector  600  of  FIG. 6  (which can be of the sort described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/085,299 and 61/342,307, the contents of both of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference). The pressure field of this transducer is a Bessel function that has a radial component in addition to the linear standing wave. The radial component acts to hold the captured algae in the column against the fluid flow. The trapped algae are then further concentrated in region by gravitational settling or by being driven to a collector pocket through a slow frequency sweeping (see, for example, Lipkens et al B. Lipkens, M. Costolo, and E. Rietman, “The effect of frequency sweeping and fluid flow on particle trajectories in ultrasonic standing waves”, IEEE Sensors Journal, Vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 667-677, 2008; B. Lipkens, J. Dionne, M. Costolo, and E. Rietman, “Frequency sweeping and fluid flow effects on particle trajectories in ultrasonic standing waves,” Acoustics 08, Paris, Jun. 29-Jul. 4, 2008; B. Lipkens, J. Dionne, A. Trask, B. Szczur, and E. Rietman, “Prediction and measurement of particle velocities in ultrasonic standing waves,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 124, No. 4, pp. 2492 (A)  2008 , the contents of each are hereby fully incorporated by reference). 
         [0046]    As an example using the acoustocollector  600  of  FIG. 6 ,  Dunaliella Salina  were grown in a bottle filled with salt water and placed under a grow light. The algae were removed from the bottle through tubes that pass them into a flow channel and past the acoustic transducer. The flow chamber was horizontal with the transducer on top facing downward. Therefore, the acoustic standing wave is in the vertical direction. The transducer is a PZT-4 2 MHZ transducer. A peristaltic pump was used to generate fluid flow rates that were typically about 50 ml/min. 
         [0047]    The acoustic transducer was connected to an amplifier which receives its signal from a function generator and operates at about 15 Vrms. Once the fluid flow and the acoustic transducer are turned on, trapping and concentration of microalgae takes place instantaneously. The microalgae are trapped in the acoustic field against the fluid drag force by means of the action of the acoustic radiation force. The collection of microalgae continues over time and eventually, typically after several minutes, large, beam-like collections of microalgae can be seen in the region between the transducer face and the opposition reflective wall. A typical result of the acoustic trapping of microalgae for about 15 to 20 minutes in the acoustocollector  500  of  FIG. 5 , as shown in the diagram  400  of  FIG. 4 . The results of this experiment clearly demonstrate the capabilities to use acoustophoresis to concentrate and separate the microalgae from water. The diagram  700  of  FIG. 7  shows algae-based biofuel being separated from the emulsion of oil, cell extract, and algae agglomerates. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a diagram  400  that illustrates a second system for algae agglomeration. Algae in a host fluid are inserted into a flow chamber  405  that includes at least one algae-host fluid inlet  410  (which may be coupled to the flow chamber at an acute angle directed upwards). The flow chamber includes a first array of ring-shaped ultrasonic transducers  415  (e.g., transducers operating at 1 MHz, etc.) disposed in an upper portion of the flow chamber  405  above the algae-host fluid inlet(s)  410 . The flow chamber  405  includes a second array of tube-shaped ultrasonic transducers  420  situated below the algae-host fluid inlet(s)  410 . The flow chamber  405  includes a water outlet  425  on an upper portion. The flow chamber  405  terminates on a lower portion into a settling tank  430  (the lower portion can in some implementations be tapered). The host fluid and algae enters the first transducer array  415  and is subjected to high acoustic force, which agglomerates the algae and traps them as the water flows through the first array of transducers  415 . As the mass of algae become critical, the algae clumps drop down into the collection tank  430  from gravitational settling and water exits out the water outlet  425  top (e.g., for recycling to a bioreactor, algae pond or for further processing such as chromatography, etc.). The algae and host-fluid is subject to the second array of transducers  420  prior while flowing to the settling tank  430  to further aid agglomeration of the algae. The settling tank  430  can include at least one water outlet  435  to allow for the removal of water as well as an algae outlet  440  to allow for the collection/removal/transport of the algae. Again, a removal mechanism, such as screw or auger, can be used to transport the agglomerated algae from the tank and the water is removed from the top as overflow. The overflow water can be recycled for use in the algae bioreactors or algae growth pond. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a diagram  700  showing one example of a flow chamber  405 . Water (or other host-fluid) enters the angled inlet ports  410 . The algae-water enters the ring-shaped transducers  415  with ring-shaped standing waves inside. These standing waves can have very high pressure on the order of 100 MPa. In related experiments, the inventors sealed a ring or tube-shaped transducer with glycerin and powered it up to 412 kHz at 100 V(pp). The inventors then measured optically the deflection of a laser beam due to pressure modulations in the fluid. The pressures calculated, based on refractive index, were as high as 100 MPa. It was observed that these pressures were so extreme that they can agglomerate nanoparticles of metal oxide. Diagram  900  of  FIG. 9  shows the acoustic standing waves in a tube-shaped transducer. 
         [0050]    While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular variations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate variations can also be implemented in combination in a single variation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single variation can also be implemented in multiple variations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Only a few examples and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications and enhancements to the described examples and implementations and other implementations may be made based on what is disclosed.