US20120276633A1 - Supplying treated exhaust gases for effecting growth of phototrophic biomass - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The process includes treating an operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material. The carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed. Production of at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is effected by a gaseous exhaust material producing process. At least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is supplied to the reaction zone so as to effect growth of the phototrophic biomass by photosynthesis in the reaction zone.

Description

FIELD
• The present disclosure relates to a process for growing biomass.
BACKGROUND
• The cultivation of phototrophic organisms has been widely practised for purposes of producing a fuel source. Exhaust gases from industrial processes have also been used to promote the growth of phototrophic organisms by supplying carbon dioxide for consumption by phototrophic organisms during photosynthesis. By providing exhaust gases for such purpose, environmental impact is reduced and, in parallel a potentially useful fuel source is produced. Challenges remain, however, to render this approach more economically attractive for incorporation within existing facilities.
SUMMARY
• In one aspect, there is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The process includes treating an operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material. The carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed. Production of at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is effected by a gaseous exhaust material producing process. At least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is supplied to the reaction zone so as to effect growth of the phototrophic biomass by photosynthesis in the reaction zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The process of the preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with the following accompanying drawings:
• FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment of the process.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a fluid passage of an embodiment of the process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Reference throughout the specification to “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with some embodiments are not necessarily referring to the same embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structure, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner with one another.
• Referring toFIG. 1, there is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in areaction zone10. Thereaction zone10 includes a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass material, carbon dioxide, and water. In some embodiments, the reaction zone includes phototrophic biomass and carbon dioxide disposed in an aqueous medium. Within thereaction zone10, the phototrophic biomass is disposed in mass transfer communication with both of carbon dioxide and water.
• “Phototrophic organism” is an organism capable of phototrophic growth in the aqueous medium upon receiving light energy, such as plant cells and micro-organisms. The phototrophic organism is unicellular or multicellular. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic organism is an organism which has been modified artificially or by gene manipulation. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic organism is an alga. In some embodiments, for example, the algae are microalgae.
• “Phototrophic biomass” is at least one phototrophic organism. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass includes more than one species of phototrophic organisms.
• “Reaction zone10” defines a space within which the growing of the phototrophic biomass is effected. In some embodiments, for example, thereaction zone10 is provided in aphotobioreactor12. In some embodiments, for example, pressure within the reaction zone is atmospheric pressure.
• “Photobioreactor12” is any structure, arrangement, land formation or area that provides a suitable environment for the growth of phototrophic biomass. Examples of specific structures which can be used is aphotobioreactor12 by providing space for growth of phototrophic biomass using light energy include, without limitation, tanks, ponds, troughs, ditches, pools, pipes, tubes, canals, and channels. Such photobioreactors may be either open, closed, partially closed, covered, or partially covered. In some embodiments, for example, thephotobioreactor12 is a pond, and the pond is open, in which case the pond is susceptible to uncontrolled receiving of materials and light energy from the immediate environments. In other embodiments, for example, thephotobioreactor12 is a covered pond or a partially covered pond, in which case the receiving of materials from the immediate environment is at least partially interfered with. Thephotobioreactor12 includes thereaction zone10 which includes the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, thephotobioreactor12 is configured to receive a supply of phototrophic reagents (and, in some of these embodiments, optionally, supplemental nutrients), and is also configured to effect discharge of phototrophic biomass which is grown within thereaction zone10. In this respect, in some embodiments, thephotobioreactor12 includes one or more inlets for receiving the supply of phototrophic reagents and supplemental nutrients, and also includes one or more outlets for effecting the recovery or harvesting of biomass which is grown within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, one or more of the inlets are configured to be temporarily sealed for periodic or intermittent time intervals. In some embodiments, for example, one or more of the outlets are configured to be temporarily sealed or substantially sealed for periodic or intermittent time intervals. Thephotobioreactor12 is configured to contain the reaction mixture which is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. Thephotobioreactor12 is also configured so as to establish photosynthetically active light radiation (for example, a light of a wavelength between about 400-700 nm, which can be emitted by the sun or another light source) within thephotobioreactor12 for exposing the phototrophic biomass. The exposing of the reaction mixture to the photosynthetically active light radiation effects photosynthesis and growth of the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, the established light radiation is provided by anartificial light source14 disposed within thephotobioreactor12. For example, suitable artificial lights sources include submersible fiber optics or light guides, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), LED strips and fluorescent lights. Any LED strips known in the art can be adapted for use in thephotobioreactor12. In the case of the submersible LEDs, in some embodiments, for example, energy sources include alternative energy sources, such as wind, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells, etc. to supply electricity to the LEDs. Fluorescent lights, external or internal to thephotobioreactor12, can be used as a back-up system. In some embodiments, for example, the established light is derived from anatural light source16 which has been transmitted from externally of thephotobioreactor12 and through a transmission component. In some embodiments, for example, the transmission component is a portion of a containment structure of thephotobioreactor12 which is at least partially transparent to the photosynthetically active light radiation, and which is configured to provide for transmission of such light to thereaction zone10 for receiving by the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, natural light is received by a solar collector, filtered with selective wavelength filters, and then transmitted to thereaction zone10 with fiber optic material or with a light guide. In some embodiments, for example, both natural and artificial lights sources are provided for effecting establishment of the photosynthetically active light radiation within thephotobioreactor12.
• “Aqueous medium” is an environment that includes water. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous medium also includes sufficient nutrients to facilitate viability and growth of the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, supplemental nutrients may be included such as one of, or both of, NO_Xand SO_X. Suitable aqueous media are discussed in detail in: Rogers, L. J. and Gallon J. R. “Biochemistry of the Algae and Cyanobacteria,” Clarendon Press Oxford, 1988; Burlew, John S. “Algal Culture: From Laboratory to Pilot Plant.” Carnegie Institution of Washington Publication 600. Washington, D.C., 1961 (hereinafter “Burlew 1961”); and Round, F. E. The Biology of the Algae. St Martin's Press, New York, 1965; each of which is incorporated herein by reference). A suitable supplemental nutrient composition, known as “Bold's Basal Medium”, is described in Bold, H. C. 1949, The morphology of Chlamydomonas chlamydogama sp. nov. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club.76: 101-8 (see also Bischoff, H. W. and Bold, H. C. 1963. Phycological Studies IV Some soil algae from Enchanted Rock and related algal species, Univ. Texas Publ. 6318: 1-95, and Stein, J. (ED.)Handbook of Phycological Methods, Culture methods and growth measurements, Cambridge University Press, pp. 7-24).
• The process includes supplying thereaction zone10 with carbon dioxide derived from agaseous exhaust material14 being discharged by a gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16. Thegaseous exhaust material14 includes carbon dioxide, and the carbon dioxide of the gaseous exhaust material defines produced carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, thegaseous exhaust material14 includes a carbon dioxide concentration of at least two (2) volume % based on the total volume of thegaseous exhaust material14. In some embodiments, for example, thegaseous exhaust material14 includes a carbon dioxide concentration of at least four (4) volume % based on the total volume of thegaseous exhaust material14. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseousexhaust material reaction14 also includes one or more of N₂, CO₂, H₂O, O₂, NO_x, SO_x, CO, volatile organic compounds (such as those from unconsumed fuels) heavy metals, particulate matter, and ash. In some embodiments, for example, thegaseous exhaust material14 includes 30 to 60 volume % N₂, 5 to 25 volume % O₂, 2 to 50 volume % CO₂, and 0 to 30 volume % H₂O, based on the total volume of thegaseous exhaust material14. Other compounds may also be present, but usually in trace amounts (cumulatively, usually less than five (5) volume % based on the total volume of the gaseous exhaust material14).
• In some embodiments, for example, thegaseous exhaust material14 includes one or more other materials, other than carbon dioxide, that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Materials within the gaseous exhaust material which are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10 include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• In some embodiments, for example, asupplemental nutrient supply18 is supplied to thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, thesupplemental nutrient supply18 is effected by a pump, such as a dosing pump. In other embodiments, for example, thesupplemental nutrient supply18 is supplied manually to thereaction zone10. Nutrients within thereaction zone10 are processed or consumed by the phototrophic biomass, and it is desirable, in some circumstances, to replenish the processed or consumed nutrients. A suitable nutrient composition is “Bold's Basal Medium”, and this is described in Bold, H. C. 1949, The morphology of Chlamydomonas chlamydogama sp. nov. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club.76: 101-8 (see also Bischoff, H. W. and Bold, H. C. 1963, Phycological Studies IV Some soil algae from Enchanted Rock and related algal species, Univ. Texas Publ. 6318: 1-95, and Stein, J. (ED.)Handbook of Phycological Methods, Culture methods and growth measurements, Cambridge University Press, pp. 7-24). Thesupplemental nutrient supply18 is supplied for supplementing the nutrients provided within the reaction zone, such as “Bold's Basal Medium”, or one or more dissolved components thereof. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, thesupplemental nutrient supply18 includes “Bold's Basal Medium”. In some embodiments for example, thesupplemental nutrient supply18 includes one or more dissolved components of “Bold's Basal Medium”, such as NaNO₃, CaCl₂, MgSO₄, KH₂PO₄, NaCl, or other ones of its constituent dissolved components.
• In some of these embodiments, the rate of supply of thesupplemental nutrient supply18 to thereaction zone10 is controlled to align with a desired rate of growth of the phototrophic biomass in thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, regulation of nutrient addition is monitored by measuring any combination of pH, NO₃concentration, and conductivity in thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, a supply of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 is effected to thereaction zone10 so as to replenish water within thereaction zone10 of thephotobioreactor12. In some embodiments, for example, and as further described below, the supplementalaqueous material supply20 effects the discharge of product from thephotobioreactor12 by displacement. For example, the supplementalaqueous material supply20 effects the discharge of product from thephotobioreactor12 as an overflow.
• In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental aqueous material is water or substantially water. In some embodiments, for example, the supplementalaqueous material supply20 includes at least one of: (a) aqueous material that has been condensed from the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide while the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide is being cooled before being supplied to the contactingzone34, and (b) aqueous material that has been separated from a discharged phototrophic biomass-comprising product202 (see below). In some embodiments, for example, the supplementalaqueous material supply20 is derived from an independent source (i.e., a source other than the process), such as amunicipal water supply203.
• In some embodiments, for example, the supplementalaqueous material supply20 is supplied from a container that has collected aqueous material recovered from discharges from the process, such as: (a) aqueous material that has been condensed from the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide while the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide is being cooled before being supplied to the contacting zone, and (b) aqueous material that has been separated from a discharged phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202. In some embodiments, for example, the container is in the form of a settling column212 (see below).
• In some embodiments, for example, thesupplemental nutrient supply18 is mixed with the supplementalaqueous material20 to provide a nutrient-enriched supplementalaqueous material supply22, and the nutrient-enriched supplementalaqueous material supply22 is supplied to thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, thesupplemental nutrient supply18 is mixed with the supplementalaqueous material20 within the container which has collected the discharged aqueous material. In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the nutrient-enriched supplementalaqueous material supply18 is effected by a pump.
• An operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is provided. The operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes carbon dioxide and one or more other materials. The operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes at least a fraction of thegaseous exhaust material14, and the at least a fraction of thegaseous exhaust material14 of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed defines supplied gaseous exhaust material. The carbon dioxide that is supplied to the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed from the gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16 defines supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. The supplied exhausted carbon dioxide is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is defined by the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is defined by supplied gaseous exhaust material.
• In some embodiments, for example, the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes one or more other materials supplied from thegaseous exhaust material14, other than carbon dioxide, that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• The gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16 includes any process which effects production and discharge of thegaseous exhaust material14. In some embodiments, for example, at least a fraction of thegaseous exhaust material14 being discharged by the gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16 is supplied to thereaction zone10. The at least a fraction of thegaseous exhaust material14, being discharged by the gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16, and supplied to thereaction zone10, includes carbon dioxide derived from the gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16 is a combustion process. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion process is effected in a combustion facility. In some of these embodiments, for example, the combustion process effects combustion of a fossil fuel, such as coal, oil, or natural gas. For example, the combustion facility is any one of a fossil fuel-fired power plant, an industrial incineration facility, an industrial furnace, an industrial heater, or an internal combustion engine. In some embodiments, for example, the combustion facility is a cement kiln.
• The operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is treated so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material26. In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 is gaseous. The carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 defines concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed. The carbon dioxide-rich product material26 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, such that the concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. As such, the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, such that the concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide includes at least a fraction of produced carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 includes one or more other materials supplied from thegaseous exhaust material14, other than carbon dioxide, that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• In some embodiments, the treating of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes effecting separation, from a separationprocess feed material24, of a carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28. The separationprocess feed material24 is defined by at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisinggaseous material feed24. The carbon dioxide-rich product material26 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 is gaseous. The carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, for example, is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. As such, the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 includes one or more other materials supplied from thegaseous exhaust material14, other than carbon dioxide, that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separationprocess feed material24 includes one or more other materials, other than carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the one or more other materials of the separationprocess feed material24 are supplied from thegaseous exhaust material14 and are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• The ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28] to [moles of the one or more other materials of the separationprocess feed material24 within the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28] is greater than the ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the separation process feed material24] to [moles of the one or more other materials of the separationprocess feed material24 within the separation process feed material24]. In some embodiments, for example, the concentration of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-rich fraction28 is greater than the concentration of carbon dioxide within the separationprocess feed material24.
• The carbon dioxide-rich product material26 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28, such that the concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28. In some embodiments, for example, the concentrated reaction zone supply carbon dioxide is defined by at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28.
• In some embodiments, for example, the effecting separation, from the separation process feed material, of a carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28, includes contacting the separationprocess feed material24 with an operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30, so as to effect production of an intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32 including dissolved carbon dioxide. The contacting effects solvation (or dissolution) of at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide within the operative solvation agent, and thereby effects production of the dissolved carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the contacting also effects solvation (or dissolution) of at least a fraction of the one or more other materials within the separationprocess feed material24. In some embodiments, for example, the one or more other materials that are solvated (or dissolved) are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• The intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32 includes a carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate, wherein the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate includes the dissolved carbon dioxide. The dissolved carbon dioxide includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. In this respect, the dissolved carbon dioxide includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, and in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate also includes the one or more other materials supplied by the separationprocess feed material24 that are solvated (or dissolved) and that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• It is understood that the contacting may also effect solvation (or dissolution) of at least a fraction of the one or more other materials of the separationprocess feed material24, but only to an extent that the above-described relationship of the ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28] to [moles of the one or more other materials of the separationprocess feed material24 within the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28] and the ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the separation process feed material24] to [moles of the one or more other materials of the separation process feed material within the separation process feed material24] is maintained.
• The contacting also effects production of a carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate, such that the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32 includes the carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate. The carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate includes a fraction of the separationprocess feed material24. The ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the separation process feed material24] to [moles of the other one or more materials of the separationprocess feed material24 within the separation process feed material feed24] is greater than the ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate] to [moles of the other one or more materials of the separationprocess feed material24 within the carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate].
• In some embodiments, for example, the contacting of the separationprocess feed material24 with an operative solvation (or dissolution)agent26 effects solvation (or dissolution) of a fraction of the separationprocess feed material24 such that a material depleted operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is provided, and the material depleted operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes, and, in some embodiments, is defined by, the carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate.
• In some embodiments, for example, the one or more other materials of the separationprocess feed material24 includes at least one relatively less soluble material. Relative to carbon dioxide, each one of the at least one relatively less soluble material is less soluble within the operative solvation (or dissolution) agent, when the operative solvation (or dissolution) agent is disposed within the contacting zone. Examples of the relatively less soluble material include N₂, O₂, and CO.
• In some embodiments, for example, the contacting is effected in a contactingzone34.
• In some embodiments, for example, the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 is aqueous material. In some embodiments, for example, the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 is water or substantially water, and the contacting is effected in a contactingzone34 including a pressure of between 10 psia and 25 psia and a temperature of between two (2) degrees Celsius and four (4) degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the pressure is atmospheric and the temperature is three (3) degrees Celsius.
• In some embodiments, for example, the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 is provided within the contactingzone34 in the form of a mist by supplying the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent34 to the contactingzone34 through aspray nozzle36. In some embodiments, for example, thespray nozzle36 includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced-apart nozzles to maximize volumetric exchange of gas into the water droplets. Providing the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 in the form of a mist increases the contact surface area between the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 and the separationprocess feed material24 being contacted. In some embodiments, for example, the operative solvation (or dissolution) agent discharging from thespray nozzle36 includes a droplet size of between 10 and 2000 microns. In some embodiments, the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 is discharged through thespray nozzle36 at a temperature of between two (2) degrees Celsius and four (4) degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the discharged operative solvation (or dissolution) agent is three (3) degrees Celsius.
• In some embodiments, for example, the contactingzone34 is provided within a contactingtank38. In some embodiments, for example, the contactingtank38 contains a contactingzone liquid material40 disposed within the contacting zone. In some embodiments, for example, the contactingzone liquid material40 includes a vertical extent of between one (1) foot and five (5) feet. In some embodiments, for example, the contactingzone liquid material40 is disposed at the bottom of the contactingtank38. The contactingzone liquid material40 includes the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30. In some embodiments, for example, the contactingzone liquid material40 includes at least a fraction of the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 that has been introduced to the contactingzone34 through thespray nozzle36. In some of these embodiments, for example, the contactingzone liquid material40 includes at least a fraction of the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 that has been introduced to the contactingzone34 through thespray nozzle36 and has collected at the bottom of the contactingzone tank38. In some embodiments, for example, the contactingzone liquid material40 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate. In some of these embodiments, for example, the contactingzone liquid material40 includes carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate that has collected at the bottom of the contactingzone tank38. Theseparation feed material24 is flowed through the contactingzone liquid material40 upon its introduction to the contactingzone34. In some embodiments, for example, theseparation feed material24 is introduced to the contactingzone liquid material40 through a sparger.
• Separation of a carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 is effected from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32. The carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate, such that the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in this respect, includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. In this respect, the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. Also in this respect, the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 includes the one or more other materials supplied by the separationprocess feed material24 that are solvated (or dissolved) within the contactingzone34 and that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 includes dissolved carbon dioxide and at least one of SO_xand NO_x.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separation of the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32 includes separation by gravity separation. In some embodiments, for example, the separation is effected in the contactingzone34.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separation of the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32 effects separation of a gaseous contacting operation by-product44 from the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42. The gaseous contacting operation by-product44 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate, and, in some embodiments, for example, is defined by at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-depleted gaseous intermediate.
• In some embodiments, for example, in parallel with the separation of the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32, depletion of the carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, of one or more other materials, from within the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprisingmixture32 is effected, such that separation of a material depleted intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture from the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42 is effected, wherein the material depleted intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture includes the gaseous contacting operation by-product44. In some embodiments, for example, the material depleted intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture is defined by the gaseous contacting operation by-product44.
• In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous contacting operation by-product44 includes N₂, O₂, and CO. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous contacting operation by-product44 is discharged from the contacting tank as anexhaust441.
• In some embodiments, for example, the supplied gaseous exhaust material, either by itself or as part of the separationprocess feed material24, is cooled prior to the separation of a carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 from the separationprocess feed material24. In some embodiments, for example, the supplied gaseous exhaust material is cooled prior to supply to the contactingzone34 so as to facilitate the solvation (or the dissolution) of the carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the cooling of the supplied gaseous exhaust material facilitates the provision of a material supply to thereaction zone10 with a temperature that is suitable for the growth of the phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, the supplied gaseous exhaust material is disposed at a temperature of between 110 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the temperature of the supplied gaseous exhaust material is about 132 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature at which the supplied gaseous exhaust material is disposed is much higher than this, and, in some embodiments, such as thegaseous exhaust material14 from a steel mill, the temperature can be as high as 500 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, the cooling is effected so as to facilitate the solvation (or the dissolution) of the carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the supplied gaseous exhaust material is cooled to 50 degrees Celsius or less (in some embodiments, for example, this depends on the dew point of the water vapour within the supplied gaseous exhaust material). In some of these embodiments, in effecting the cooling of the supplied gaseous exhaust material, at least a fraction of any water vapour of the supplied gaseous exhaust material is condensed in a heat exchanger46 (such as a condenser) and separated from the supplied gaseous exhaust material as anaqueous material201. In some embodiments, the resultingaqueous material201 is re-used in the process. In some embodiments, for example, the resultingaqueous material201 is re-used as supplementalaqueous material supply20. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous material is supplied to the settling column212 (described below). In some embodiments, the condensing effects heat transfer from the supplied gaseous exhaust material to aheat transfer medium68, thereby raising the temperature of theheat transfer medium48 to produce a heatedheat transfer medium48, and the heatedheat transfer medium48 is then supplied (for example, flowed) to a dryer50 (discussed below), and heat transfer is effected from the heatedheat transfer medium48 to a phototrophic biomass-rich intermediate product that has been derived from a discharge from the photobioreactor to effect drying of the phototrophic biomass-rich intermediate product and thereby effect production of the finalreaction zone product52. In some embodiments, for example, after being discharged from thedryer50, theheat transfer medium48 is recirculated to theheat exchanger46. Examples of a suitableheat transfer medium48 include thermal oil and glycol solution.
• Release of a gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from a carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected. The carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42. In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is defined by at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product. The gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate includes at least a fraction of the dissolved carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In some embodiments, for example, carbon dioxide of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate is defined by at least a fraction of the dissolved carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In this respect, the carbon dioxide of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. Also in this respect, the carbon dioxide of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A includes the one or more other materials supplied by the separationprocess feed material24 that are solvated (or dissolved) and included within the carbon dioxide-comprisingliquid solution product42, and that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the effected release of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from a carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A includes release of these one or more other materials.
• In some embodiments, for example, the release is effected by effecting a decrease in the solubility of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. By effecting the decrease in solubility of the carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, one or more other materials dissolved within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, become released from each of their respective dissolved relationships or associations from within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In some cases, this release, for each of these materials is characterized as “effervescence” or “coming out of solution”.
• In some embodiments, for example, the decrease in the solubility of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected by effecting an increase in the temperature of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In some embodiments, for example, the decrease in the solubility of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected by effecting a decrease in the pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A.
• In some embodiments, for example, the release of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A effects formation of a carbon dioxide-lean liquid intermediate, such that a carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54 is provided including the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate and the carbon dioxide-lean liquid intermediate.
• In some embodiments, for example, in parallel with the release of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, depletion of the carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, of one or more materials, from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected, such that formation of a material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected, wherein the material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A includes the carbon dioxide-lean liquid intermediate. In some embodiments, for example, the material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product defines the carbon dioxide-lean liquid intermediate.
• A gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 is separated from the carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54. The gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 includes at least a fraction of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate, such that the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in this respect, includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. In this respect, the carbon dioxide of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. Also in this respect, the carbon dioxide of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 includes the one or more other materials supplied by the separationprocess feed material24 that are solvated (or dissolved) and then supplied within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, and that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product also includes at least one of SO_xand NO_xIn some embodiments, for example, the concentration of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 is at least 90 volume % based on the total volume of theproduct56. In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 is substantially pure carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separation of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 from the carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54 includes separation by gravity separation. In some embodiments, for example, the separation is effected in the contacting zone.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separation of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 from the carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54 effects separation of a carbon dioxide-leanliquid product58 from the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56. The carbon dioxide-leanliquid product58 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-lean liquid intermediate, and, in some embodiments, for example, is defined by at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-lean liquid intermediate.
• In some embodiments, for example, in parallel with the separation of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 from the carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54, depletion of the carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, of one or more materials, from the carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54 is effected, such that separation of a material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising mixture from the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 is effected, wherein the material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising mixture includes the carbon dioxide-leanliquid product58. In some embodiments, for example, the material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising mixture is defined by the carbon dioxide-leanliquid product58.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-leanliquid product58 includes carbon dioxide, and in some of these embodiments, also includes SO_xand NO_x, but, for each of these, in much smaller concentrations than their corresponding concentrations in the carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56.
• The carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 includes at least a fraction of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56. In some embodiments, for example the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 is defined by at least a fraction of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56. In this respect, as a corollary, the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in this respect, includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. Also in this respect, as a corollary, the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation28 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide. Also in this respect, as a corollary, the carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich separation28 includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, is defined by at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction28 includes the one or more other materials supplied by the separationprocess feed material24 that are solvated (or dissolved), then supplied within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, and then provided within the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56, and that are beneficial to the growth of the phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10. Examples of such materials include SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is supplied to a carbondioxide recovery zone60, wherein the above-described release of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected in the carbondioxide recovery zone60.
• In some embodiments, for example, the temperature within the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is higher than the temperature of the contactingzone34, so as to effect the release of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the temperature within the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is higher than the temperature within the contactingzone34 by at least 15 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, this temperature difference is at least 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, this temperature difference is at least 25 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, for example, this temperature difference is at least 30 degrees Celsius. In this respect, in those embodiments, where the operative solvation (or dissolution) agent is an aqueous material, the temperature within the carbon dioxide recovery zone is at least 17 degrees Celsius.
• It is understood that the temperature within the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is dependent on the temperature within the contactingzone34, as well as on the composition of theseparation fraction24 to be recovered. The extent of the temperature spread between the carbondioxide recovery zone60 and the contactingzone34 is dictated by the solubility characteristics of the materials within theseparation fraction24 to be recovered. In order to effect the desired solvation (or dissolution) of materials within the contactingzone34, and then effect the desired release (or effervescence) of those same materials within the carbondioxide recovery zone60, for each of these materials, the solubility of the material within the solvent provided in the carbondioxide recovery zone60 must be sufficiently lower than the solubility of the same material within the solvent provided in the contactingzone34 such that meaningful recovery of such material from the separationprocess feed material24 is effected.
• In some embodiments, for example, the pressure of the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is lower than the pressure of the contactingzone34. This also effects the release of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In some embodiments, for example, a vacuum is generated within the recovery zone so as to effect the release.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is supplied to a carbondioxide recovery zone60 as a flow. In some embodiments, for example, the flow of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is effected by a prime mover, such as a pump. In some embodiments, for example, flow of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A from the contactingzone34 to the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is effected by gravity. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A from the contactingzone34 to the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is effected by a prime mover, such as a pump, whose suction is disposed in fluid communication with the carbondioxide recovery zone60.
• In some embodiments, for example, aheat exchanger64 is disposed in thermal communication with the carbondioxide recovery zone60 to effect an increase in the temperature of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, and thereby effect a decrease in solubility of the carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A. In some embodiments, for example, the carbondioxide recovery zone60 is disposed in a carbon dioxide recovery tank66, and theheat exchanger64 is mounted in thermal communication with the external surface of the carbon dioxide recovery tank66.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separation of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56 from the carbon dioxide-comprisingmixture54 is effected in the carbondioxide recovery zone60.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide recovery tank66 contains a carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 disposed within the carbondioxide recovery zone60, and also includes aheadspace70 disposed above the carbon dioxide recovery zone liquid material for collecting the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product56. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 includes a vertical extent of at least three (3) feet. In some embodiments, for example, the vertical extent is at least ten (10) feet. In some embodiments, for example, this vertical extent is between ten (10) and twenty (20) feet. In some embodiments, for example, sufficient volume of carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is provided, and co-operates with a disposition of the outlet for discharging theliquid material68, such that sufficient residence time is provided within the carbondioxide recovery zone60 for effecting the desired release and separation of carbon dioxide from theliquid material68 prior to discharge of theliquid material68 from the carbondioxide recovery zone60. The carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 includes the material depleted carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 includes a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A from which carbon dioxide, and, in some embodiments, one or more other materials, have not been separated. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is supplied to the carbondioxide recovery zone60 by introduction into a lower portion of the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68, and is heated by heat that is thermally communicated to the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 from in and around the lower portion of the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68.
• In some embodiments, for example, the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product58 is discharged from the carbon dioxide recovery tank66. In some embodiments, for example, the discharge of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product66 from theheadspace70 of the carbon dioxide recovery tank66 is effected with a vacuum. In some embodiments, for example, a vacuum generated is such that the pressure within the headspace is between 10 and 14.7 psia, and is also lower than the pressure in the contactingzone34. In some embodiments, for example, the vacuum is generated by a prime mover or eductor that is fluidly coupled to the headspace for effecting supply of at least a fraction of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product58 to thereaction zone10 from the carbon dioxide recovery tank66.
• In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is discharged from the carbondioxide recovery zone60. In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is discharged from the carbondioxide recovery zone60 through an outlet of the carbon dioxide recovery tank66 disposed proximate to the upper level of the carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 within the carbon dioxide recovery tank66. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet is vertically displaced from the upper level ofliquid material68 no further than 25% of the vertical extent of the liquid material disposed within therecovery zone60. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet is vertically displaced from the upper level ofliquid material68 no further than 15% of the vertical extent of the liquid material disposed within therecovery zone60. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet is vertically displaced from the upper level ofliquid material68 no further than 10% of the vertical extent of the liquid material disposed within therecovery zone60. Amongst other things, this mitigates against short-circuiting of therecovery zone60 by the material supplied by the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, which would effectively reduce the residence time of this supplied material within the carbondioxide recovery zone60, and thereby decreases the proportion of carbon dioxide that undergoes the above-described release from solution and becomes separated from theliquid material68 before being discharged from the outlet of the tank66. As well, in some embodiments, for example, theliquid material68 disposed closer to the upper level is warmer than the liquid material disposed closer to the bottom of therecovery zone60, and carbon dioxide is less likely to be in solution in theliquid material68 disposed closer to the upper level relative to the liquid material disposed closer to the bottom of therecovery zone60, thereby further reinforcing the desirability of having the discharge effected closer to the upper level of theliquid material68 within the tank66. In some embodiment, for example, the discharged carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is recycled to provide at least a fraction of the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 to the contactingzone34. In some embodiments, prior to being introduced into the contactingzone34, the discharged carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is cooled so as to effect a reduction in temperature of the discharged carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 and thereby render it suitable for use as at least a fraction of the operative solvation (or dissolution)agent30 being supplied to the contactingzone34. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the discharged carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is flowed through achiller72 for effecting the reduction in temperature.
• In some embodiments, for example, when the carbon dioxide recovery tank66 is of a relatively wider dimension, the disposition of the outlet relative to the upper level ofliquid material68 is not as critical, so long as the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A is supplied to the carbon dioxide recovery tank66 through an inlet that is disposed substantially opposite relative to the outlet, as sufficient residence time is more likely to be realized in such a configuration.
• In some embodiments, for example, thechiller72 is thermally coupled to theheat exchanger64 with a heat transfer loop that is based on a refrigeration circuit (commercially available) that extracts heat from the relatively warmer discharged carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 flowing through the chiller to reduce its temperature (for example, to three (3) degrees Celsius) to maximize the solubility equilibrium of the soluble gases in the separationprocess feed material24. The heat extracted from the discharged carbon dioxide recoveryzone liquid material68 is returned to thecarbon dioxide recovery60, to have the inverse effect and allow the dissolved gases in the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A to escape into theheadspace70 by increasing the temperature of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed42A, and thereby decreasing the solubility of the gases that have been previously solvated (or dissolved).
• At least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 is supplied to thereaction zone10 as a carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. The reactionzone feed material80, being introduced to the reaction zone, includes the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. In this respect, the reactionzone feed material80 includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26. In some embodiments, for example, the reactionzone feed material80 is defined by at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26. In this respect, as a corollary, the reaction zone feed material includes carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26. As such, the reactionzone feed material80 includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in this respect, includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. As a further corollary, the carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material includes at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in this respect, includes at least a fraction of the produced carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide of this reactionzone feed material80 is defined by at least a fraction of the supplied exhausted carbon dioxide, and, in this respect, is defined by the produced carbon dioxide.
• In some of these embodiments, for example, introduction of the reactionzone feed material80 to thereaction zone10 is effected while thegaseous exhaust material14 is being discharged by the gaseous exhaustmaterial producing process16.
• In some embodiments, for example, the pressure of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply is increased before being supplied to thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the pressure increase is at least partially effected by aprime mover76. For those embodiments where the carbon dioxide-richproduct material supply26 is disposed within a liquid-comprising material, a suitableprime mover76 is, for example, a pump. For those embodiments where the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply is disposed within a gaseous material, suitableprime movers76 include, for example, blowers, compressors, and air pumps. In other embodiments, for example, the pressure increase is effected by a jet pump or eductor.
• With respect to such embodiments, where the pressure increase is effected by a jet pump or eductor, in some of these embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply is supplied to the jet pump or eductor and pressure energy is transferred to the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed material from another flowing fluid (the “motive fluid flow”) using the venturi effect to effect a pressure increase in the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, and referring toFIG. 2, amotive fluid flow100 is provided, wherein material of themotive fluid flow100 includes a motive fluid pressure P_M1. In this respect also, a lower pressure state reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial300 is provided including a pressure P_E, wherein the lower pressure state reaction zonefeed comprising material300 includes the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. In some embodiments, the lower pressure state reaction zone feed-comprising material is defined by the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. P_M1of the motive fluid flow is greater than P_Eof the lower pressure state reaction zone feed-comprising material. Pressure of themotive fluid flow100 is reduced from P_M1to P_M2, such that P_m2is less than P_E, by flowing themotive fluid flow100 from an upstreamfluid passage portion102 to an intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104. The intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104 is characterized by a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the upstreamfluid passage portion102. By flowing the motive fluid flow from the upstreamfluid passage portion102 to the intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104, static pressure energy is converted to kinetic energy. When the pressure of themotive fluid flow100 has becomes reduced to P_M2, fluid communication between themotive fluid flow100 and the lower pressure state reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial300 is effected such that the lower pressure state reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial300 is induced to mix with themotive fluid flow100 in the intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104, in response to the pressure differential between the lower pressure state reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial300 and themotive fluid flow100, to produce an intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 which includes the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. Pressure of the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302, which includes the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply, is increased to P_M3, such that the pressure of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply is also increased to P_M3. P_M3is greater than P_Eand is also sufficient to effect supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10 and, upon supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10 as at least a fraction of the reactionzone feed material80, effect flow of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply through a vertical extent of reaction mixture within thereaction zone10 of at least a seventy (70) inches. In some embodiments, for example, P_M3is greater than P_Eand is also sufficient to effect supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10 and, upon supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10, effect flow of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply through a vertical extent of reaction mixture within thereaction zone10 of at least 10 feet. In some embodiments, for example, P_M3is greater than P_Eand is also sufficient to effect supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10 and, upon supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10, effect flow of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply through a vertical extent of reaction mixture within thereaction zone10 of at least 20 feet. In some embodiments, for example, P_M3is greater than P_Eand is also sufficient to effect supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10 and, upon supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply to thereaction zone10, effect flow of the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply through a vertical extent of reaction mixture within thereaction zone10 of at least 30 feet. In any of these embodiments, the pressure increase is designed to overcome the fluid head within thereaction zone10. The pressure increase is effected by flowing the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 from the intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104 to a “kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion” downstreamfluid passage portion106. The cross-sectional area of the “kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion” downstreamfluid passage portion106 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104, such that kinetic energy of the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 disposed in the intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104 is converted into static pressure energy when the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 becomes disposed in the “kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion” downstreamfluid passage portion106 by virtue of the fact that the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 has become flowed to a fluid passage portion with a larger cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, for example, a converging nozzle portion of a fluid passage defines the upstreamfluid passage portion102 and a diverging nozzle portion of the fluid passage defines the “kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion” downstreamfluid passage portion106, and the intermediate downstreamfluid passage portion104 is disposed intermediate of the converging and diverging nozzle portions. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the upstreamfluid passage portion102 and the “kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion” downstreamfluid passage portion106 is defined by a venture nozzle. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the upstreamfluid passage portion102 and the “kinetic energy to static pressure energy conversion” downstreamfluid passage portion106 is disposed within an eductor or jet pump. In some of these embodiments, for example, the motive fluid flow includes liquid aqueous material and, in this respect, the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 includes a combination of liquid and gaseous material, and includes the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 includes a dispersion of a gaseous material within a liquid material, wherein the dispersion of a gaseous material includes the carbon dioxide-rich product material supply. Alternatively, in some of these embodiments, for example, the motive fluid flow is another gaseous flow, such as an air flow, and the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 is gaseous. After pressure of the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprising material has been increased to P_M3, the supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material by the intermediate reaction zone feed-comprisingmaterial302 to the reactionzone feed material80 is effected.
• The reaction mixture disposed in thereaction zone10 is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis. The photosynthesis effects growth of the phototrophic biomass.
• In some embodiments, for example, the light radiation is characterized by a wavelength of between 400-700 nm. In some embodiments, for example, the light radiation is in the form of natural sunlight. In some embodiments, for example, the light radiation is provided by an artificial light source. In some embodiments, for example, light radiation includes natural sunlight and artificial light.
• In some embodiments, for example, the intensity of the provided light is controlled so as to align with the desired growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, regulation of the intensity of the provided light is based on measurements of the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass in thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, regulation of the intensity of the provided light is based on the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide to the reactionzone feed material80.
• In some embodiments, for example, the light is provided at pre-determined wavelengths, depending on the conditions of thereaction zone10. Having said that, generally, the light is provided in a blue light source to red light source ratio of 1:4. This ratio varies depending on the phototrophic organism being used. As well, this ratio may vary when attempting to simulate daily cycles. For example, to simulate dawn or dusk, more red light is provided, and to simulate mid-day condition, more blue light is provided. Further, this ratio may be varied to simulate artificial recovery cycles by providing more blue light.
• It has been found that blue light stimulates algae cells to rebuild internal structures that may become damaged after a period of significant growth, while red light promotes algae growth. Also, it has been found that omitting green light from the spectrum allows algae to continue growing in thereaction zone10 even beyond what has previously been identified as its “saturation point” in water, so long as sufficient carbon dioxide and, in some embodiments, other nutrients, are supplied.
• With respect to artificial light sources, for example, a suitable artificiallight source14 includes submersible fiber optics, light-emitting diodes, LED strips and fluorescent lights. Any LED strips known in the art can be adapted for use in the process. In the case of the submersible LEDs, the design includes the use of solar powered batteries to supply the electricity. In the case of the submersible LEDs, in some embodiments, for example, energy sources include alternative energy sources, such as wind, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells, etc. to supply electricity to the LEDs.
• With respect to those embodiments where thereaction zone10 is disposed in aphotobioreactor12 which includes a tank, in some of these embodiments, for example, the light energy is provided from a combination of sources, as follows. Naturallight source16 in the form of solar light is captured though solar collectors and filtered with custom mirrors that effect the provision of light of desired wavelengths to thereaction zone10. The filtered light from the solar collectors is then transmitted through light guides or fiber optic materials into thephotobioreactor12, where it becomes dispersed within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, in addition to solar light, the light tubes in thephotobioreactor12 contains high power LED arrays that can provide light at specific wavelengths to either complement solar light, as necessary, or to provide all of the necessary light to thereaction zone10 during periods of darkness (for example, at night). In some embodiments, with respect to the light guides, for example, a transparent heat transfer medium (such as a glycol solution) is circulated through light guides within thephotobioreactor12 so as to regulate the temperature in the light guides and, in some circumstances, provide for the controlled dissipation of heat from the light guides and into thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the LED power requirements can be predicted and, therefore, controlled, based on trends observed with respect to thegaseous exhaust material18, as these observed trends assist in predicting future growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.
• In some embodiments, the exposing of the reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation is effected while the supplying of the reaction zone carbon dioxide feed material is being effected.
• In some embodiments, for example, the growth rate of the phototrophic biomass is dictated by the available reaction zone carbon dioxide supply material. In turn, this defines the nutrient, water, and light intensity requirements to maximize phototrophic biomass growth rate. In some embodiments, for example, a controller, e.g. a computer-implemented system, is provided to be used to monitor and control the operation of the various components of the process disclosed herein, including lights, valves, sensors, blowers, fans, dampers, pumps, etc.
• Reaction zone product is discharged from the reaction zone. The reaction zone product includes phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct58. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct58 includes at least a fraction of the contents of thereaction zone10. In this respect, the discharge of the reaction zone product effects harvesting of thephototrophic biomass202. In some embodiments, for example, the reaction zone product also includes a reaction zonegaseous effluent product204 that is discharged within theexhaust441.
• In some embodiments, for example, the harvesting of the phototrophic biomass is effected by discharging thephototrophic biomass58 from the reaction zone.
• In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of thephototrophic biomass58 from thereaction zone10 is effected by displacement. In some of these embodiments, for example, the displacement is effected by supply supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the displacement is an overflow. In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of thephototrophic biomass58 from thereaction zone10 is effected by gravity. In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of thephototrophic biomass58 from thereaction zone10 is effected by a prime mover that is fluidly coupled to thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, the discharge of the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 is effected through an outlet extending from the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10 at a vertical level of the reaction mixture that defines less than 50% of the vertical extent of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet extends from the reaction mixture within the reaction zone at a vertical level of the reaction mixture that defines less than 25% of the vertical extent of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet extends from the reaction mixture within the reaction zone at a vertical level of the reaction mixture that defines less than 10% of the vertical extent of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet extends from the reaction mixture within the reaction zone at a vertical level of the reaction mixture that defines less than 5% of the vertical extent of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the outlet extends from the vertically lowermost portion of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the discharging of the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 is effected by gravity. In some of these embodiments, for example, a prime mover, such as a pump, is fluidly coupled to the outlet to effect the discharge of thephototrophic biomass product202 from thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, a rotary air lock valve (which also functions as a prime mover) is disposed at the outlet to effect the discharge of thephototrophic biomass product202 from thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of discharge of theproduct202 is controlled through the molar rate of supply of supplemental aqueous material supply, which influences the displacement from thephotobioreactor12 of the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 from an outlet of thephotobioreactor12. For example, an overflow of an upper portion of phototrophic biomass suspension in thereaction zone10 from the photobioreactor12 (for example, the phototrophic biomass is discharged through an overflow port of the photobioreactor12) is effected by this displacement to provide the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202. In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of theproduct202 is controlled with a prime mover (such as a pump) fluidly coupled to an outlet of thephotobioreactor12.
• The phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 includes water. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 is supplied to a separator system for effecting removal of at least a fraction of the water from the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 to effect production of an intermediate concentrated phototrophic biomass-comprising product (e.g.,208) and a recovered aqueous material210 (generally, water). In some embodiments, the recoveredaqueous material210 re-used by the process.
• In some embodiments, for example, the separator system includes asettling column212, adecanter214, and adryer50.
• In some embodiments, for example, the discharged phototrophic biomass-comprising product is supplied to thesettling column212 under a motive force, such as that supplied by a pump. In some embodiments, for example,flocculant216 is added so as to facilitate settling of the phototrophic biomass within thesettling column212. In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of supply of flocculant to the phototrophic biomass-comprising product is modulated based on the molar rate of supply of the phototrophic biomass of the phototrophic biomass-comprising product202 (which, for example, can be determined by sensing molar concentration of phototrophic biomass within the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 in combination with the detection of the molar rate of flow of the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 being supplied to the settling column212) to thesettling column212. In some embodiments,aqueous material201, which has condensed from theheat exchanger46, as well as the aqueous material2141 which has been separated from the decanter214 (see below), is also supplied to thesettling column212 so as to effect their re-use as the supplementalaqueous material supply20. In some embodiments, for example, liquid level is controlled within the settling column so as to provide sufficient residence time to effect the desired settling of a phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, upon determination that a detected liquid level in thesettling column201 is below a predetermined minimum liquid level, water from a municipal water supply is supplied to the settling column to effect an increase to the liquid level, such as by effecting opening of avalve213. Separation of the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208 from an aqueous liquidoverhead product210 is effected by gravity settling in the settling column. In some embodiments, for example, the aqueous liquidoverhead product210 is returned to thephotobioreactor12 as the supplementalaqueous material supply20 for re-use. In some embodiments, for example, the supplemental nutrient supply is added to the supplementalaqueous material supply20 prior to supply to the photobioreactor. In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of supply of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thephotobioreactor12 is modulated based on a detected molar rate of flow of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 to thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, a level sensor is provided to detect the level of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10, and transmit a signal representative of the detected level to a controller. The controller compares the received signal to a predetermined level value. If the received signal is less than the predetermined level value, the controller responds by effecting initiation of supply, or an increase to the molar rate of supply, of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10, such as by opening (in the case of initiation of supply), or increasing the opening (in the case of increasing the molar rate of supply), of a valve configured to interfere with the supply of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10. If the received signal is greater than the predetermined level value, the controller responds by effecting a decrease to the molar rate of supply, or termination of supply, of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10, such as by decreasing the opening of (in the case of decreasing the molar rate of supply), or closing the valve (in the case of terminating the supply) that is configured to interfere with the supply of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, by regulating the supplying of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10 so as to effect the maintaining of a desired level within thereaction zone10, make-up water is supplied to thereaction zone10 to replace water that is discharged with the phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct202 with a view to maintaining steady state conditions within thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, while growth of the phototrophic biomass is being effected within the reaction mixture disposed within thereaction zone10 and exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation, discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is effected at a molar rate of discharge that is equivalent to, or substantially equivalent to, a predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. The growth of the phototrophic biomass includes growth effected by photosynthesis. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is at least 90% of the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10 is at least 95% of the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is at least 99% of the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is equivalent to the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of thephototrophic biomass58 from thereaction zone10 is effected by displacement. In some of these embodiments, for example, the displacement is effected by supplying supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10. In some of these embodiments, for example, the displacement is an overflow. In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of thephototrophic biomass58 from thereaction zone10 is effected by gravity. In some embodiments, for example, the discharging of thephototrophic biomass58 from thereaction zone10 is effected by a prime mover that is fluidly coupled to thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, while growth of the phototrophic biomass is being effected within the reaction mixture disposed within thereaction zone10 and exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation, the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is modulated in response to detection of a difference between a phototrophic biomass growth indicator, detected from within thereaction zone10, and a predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator value. The predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator value is correlated with a predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is based on the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is at least 90% of the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is at least 95% of the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture is at least 99% of the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass is equivalent to the maximum molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation. In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass growth indicator is a molar concentration of phototrophic biomass. In some embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass, with which the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator value is correlated, is based upon a rate of increase in molar concentration of phototrophic biomass within thereaction zone10 effected by growth of the phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation.
• In some embodiments, for example, while the modulating of the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is being effected, the volume of the reaction mixture disposed within the reaction zone is maintained constant or substantially constant for a time period of at least one (1) hour. In some embodiments, for example, the time period is at least six (6) hours. In some embodiments, for example, the time period is at least 24 hours. In some embodiments, for example, the time period is at least seven (7) days. In some embodiments, for example, while the modulating is being effected, the volume of the reaction mixture disposed within the reaction zone is maintained constant or substantially constant for the a period of time such that the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator value, as well as the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass, is maintained constant or substantially constant during this period, with a view to optimizing economic efficiency of the process.
• In some embodiments, for example, while the modulating of the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is being effected, the process further includes modulating the molar rate of supply of the supplemental nutrient supply to the reaction zone in response to the detection of a difference between a detected molar concentration of one or more nutrients (e.g., NO₃) within thereaction zone10 and a corresponding predetermined target molar concentration value. In some embodiments, for example, the molar rate of supply of the supplemental nutrient supply to thereaction zone10 is modulated in response to a detected change in the molar rate of supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 to thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, while the modulating of the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is being effected, the process further includes modulating the molar rate of supply of the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 to thereaction zone10 based on at least one carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator. In some embodiments, for example, the detection of at least one of the at least one carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is effected in thereaction zone10. The carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator which is detected is any characteristic that is representative of the capacity of thereaction zone10 for receiving carbon dioxide and having at least a fraction of the received carbon dioxide converted in a photosynthesis reaction effected by phototrophic biomass disposed within the reaction zone. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is a pH within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, the carbon dioxide processing capacity indicator is a phototrophic biomass molar concentration within thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, while the modulating of the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is being effected, the process further includes modulating the intensity of the photosynthetically active light radiation to which the reaction mixture is exposed to, in response to a detected change in the molar rate at which the carbon dioxide-rich product material26 is being supplied to thereaction zone10.
• In some embodiments, for example, and as described above, the discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 is effected by a prime mover, such as a pump. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the modulating of the molar rate of discharge of the phototrophic biomass from the reaction zone includes:
• (i) modulating the power supplied to the prime mover effecting the discharge of the phototrophic biomass from thereaction zone10 in response to detection of a difference between a detected phototrophic biomass growth indicator, within the reaction mixture disposed within the reaction zone, and a predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator value, wherein the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator target value is correlated with a predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation, and;
• (ii) while the modulating of the power supplied to the prime mover is being effected, modulating the molar rate of supply of the supplementalaqueous material supply20 to thereaction zone10 in response to detection of a difference between a detected indication of volume of reaction mixture within the reaction zone and a predetermined reaction mixture volume indication value, wherein the predetermined reaction mixture volume indication value is representative of a volume of reaction mixture within thereaction zone10 within which growth of the phototrophic biomass is effected within the reaction mixture at the predetermined molar rate of growth of phototrophic biomass while the phototrophic biomass growth indicator, within the reaction mixture, is disposed at the predetermined phototrophic biomass growth indicator target value.
• In some of these embodiments, for example, the predetermined molar rate of growth of the phototrophic biomass is based upon the maximum molar rate of growth of the phototrophic biomass within the reaction mixture which is disposed within thereaction zone10 and is being exposed to the photosynthetically active light radiation, as described above.
• In some embodiments, for example, the phototrophic biomass growth indicator is a molar concentration of phototrophic biomass.
• In some embodiments, for example, the indication of volume of reaction mixture within the reaction zone10 (or, simply, the “reaction mixture volume indication”) is an upper liquid level of the reaction mixture within thereaction zone10. In some embodiments, for example, this upper liquid level is detected with a level sensor, as described above.
• The phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208 is supplied to thedecanter214 to further effect dewatering of the phototrophic biomass and effect separation from the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208 of a phototrophic biomass-rich secondintermediate product218 andaqueous product2181. In some embodiments, for example, the supply of the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208 to thedecanter214 is modulated based on the detected concentration of phototrophic biomass within the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208. In such embodiments, the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208 is supplied to thedecanter214 when the concentration of phototrophic biomass within the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product208 is above a predetermined concentration. In some embodiments, for example, the supply of theproduct208 to thedecanter214 is controlled by avalve215 that responds to a signal from a controller upon the determination of a deviation of the detected phototrophic biomass concentration within the phototrophic biomass-rich first intermediate product from a predetermined value. In some embodiments, for example, the motor speed of the decanter is controlled by a variable frequency drive, also in response to a signal from a controller upon the determination of a deviation of the detected phototrophic biomass concentration within the phototrophic biomass-rich first intermediate product from a predetermined value. Thedecanter214 effects separation of theaqueous product2181 and the phototrophic biomass-rich secondintermediate product218 from the phototrophic biomass-rich firstintermediate product214. Theaqueous product2181 is supplied to thesettling column212. The phototrophic biomass-rich secondintermediate product218 is discharged from thedecanter214 and supplied to thedryer50 which supplies heat to the phototrophic biomass-rich secondintermediate product218 to effect evaporation of at least a fraction of the water of the phototrophic biomass-rich secondintermediate product218, and thereby effect production of a final phototrophic biomass-comprising product. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the heat supplied to the intermediate concentrated phototrophic biomass-comprisingproduct218 is provided by a heat transfer medium which has been used to effect the cooling of the supplied exhaust gas prior to supply of the supplied exhaust gas to the contacting zone. By effecting such cooling, heat is transferred from the supplied exhaust gas to the heat transfer medium, thereby raising the temperature of the heat transfer medium. In such embodiments, the heat requirement to effect evaporation of water from the phototrophic biomass-rich second intermediate product is not significant, thereby rendering it feasible to use the heated heat transfer medium as a source of heat to effect the drying of the phototrophic biomass-rich second intermediate product. After heating the phototrophic biomass-rich second intermediate product, the heat transfer medium, having lost some energy and becoming disposed at a lower temperature, is recirculated to the heat exchanger to effect cooling of the supplied exhaust gas. The heating requirements of thedryer50 is based upon the rate of supply of the phototrophic biomass-rich second intermediate product to thedryer50. Cooling requirements (of the heat exchanger) and heating requirements (of the dryer50) are adjusted by the controller to balance the two operations by monitoring flow rates and temperatures of each of the supplied exhaust gas and the rate of production of theproduct202 through discharging of theproduct202 from thephotobioreactor12.
• While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments.

Claims (21)

1. A process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone comprising:

treating an operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material wherein the carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed, wherein production of at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is effected by a gaseous exhaust material producing process; and

supplying at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material to the reaction zone so as to effect growth of the phototrophic biomass by photosynthesis in the reaction zone.

2. The process ofclaim 1, wherein the treating of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed includes effecting separation, from a separation process feed material, of a carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction;

wherein the separation process feed material is defined by at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed; and

wherein the carbon dioxide-rich product material includes the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction.

3. The process ofclaim 2, wherein the ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction] to [moles of the one or more other materials of the separation process feed material within the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction] is greater than the ratio of [moles of carbon dioxide within the separation process feed material] to [moles of the one or more other materials of the separation process feed material within the separation process feed material].

4. The process ofclaim 3, wherein the effecting separation, from a separation process feed material, of a carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction, includes:

effecting dissolution of at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide of the separation process feed material so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product including dissolved carbon dioxide;

effecting release of a gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from a carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product feed such that a carbon dioxide-comprising mixture is provided including the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate, wherein the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product, wherein the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate includes at least a fraction of the dissolved carbon dioxide of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product; and

separating a gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product from the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate, wherein the carbon dioxide separation fraction includes at least a fraction of the gaseous carbon dioxide-rich recovery product.

5. The process ofclaim 4, wherein the effecting release of a gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed includes effecting release of at least a fraction of the dissolved carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed.

6. The process ofclaim 5, wherein the effecting release of at least a fraction of the dissolved carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed includes effecting an increase in temperature of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed.

7. The process ofclaim 4, wherein the effecting dissolution includes effecting dissolution by contacting the separation process feed material with an operative dissolution agent within a contacting zone.

8. The process ofclaim 7, wherein the one or more other materials of the separation process feed material includes at least one relatively less soluble material, wherein, relative to carbon dioxide, each one of the at least one relatively less soluble material is less soluble within the operative dissolution agent, when the operative dissolution agent is disposed within the contacting zone.

9. The process ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one relatively less soluble material includes at least one of N₂, O₂, and CO.

10. The process ofclaim 8, wherein the contacting effects production of an intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture including a carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate, wherein the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate includes dissolved carbon dioxide.

11. The process ofclaim 10, further comprising effecting separation of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture, wherein the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product includes at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-comprising solution intermediate.

12. The process ofclaim 11, wherein the effecting separation of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture includes separation effected by gravity separation.

13. The process ofclaim 11, wherein each one of (i) the dissolution of at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide of the separation process feed material, and (ii) the separation of the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution product from the intermediate operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising mixture, is effected in a contacting zone.

14. The process ofclaim 13, wherein the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed is supplied to a carbon dioxide recovery zone to effect the release of a gaseous carbon dioxide-rich intermediate from the carbon dioxide-comprising liquid solution feed within the carbon dioxide recovery zone; and

wherein the temperature of the contacting zone is lower than the temperature of the carbon dioxide recovery zone.

15. The process ofclaim 14, wherein at least a fraction of the operative dissolution agent is supplied to the contacting zone in the form of a mist.

16. The process ofclaim 1, wherein the concentration of carbon dioxide within the separation process feed material is at least two volume % based on the total volume of the separation process feed material.

17. The process ofclaim 4, wherein at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction is flowed through an eductor prior to being supplied to the reaction zone.

18. The process ofclaim 4, wherein at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich separation fraction is supplied to the reaction zone with a prime mover.

19. The process ofclaim 1, wherein at least a fraction of the fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material being supplied to the reaction zone is flowed through an eductor prior to being supplied to the reaction zone.

20. The process ofclaim 4, wherein the separation process feed material further includes at least one of SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃.

21. The process ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one of SO_X, NO_X, and NH₃is supplied by the gaseous exhaust material.

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