Aeration and mass transfer optimization in a rectangular airlift loop photobioreactor for the production of microalgae. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Xin; Yao, Lishan; Huang, Qingshan
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 190(2015)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Airlift loop reactor -- Microalgae -- Mass transfer -- Mixing -- Photobioreactor; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.04.077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a new photobioreactor are presented. A simple method for measuring the low gas holdup is developed. The influence of top clearance on the hydrodynamics is elucidated. A cost-effective photobioreactor is designed for microalgae cultivation. Abstract: Effects of superficial gas velocity and top clearance on gas holdup, liquid circulation velocity, mixing time, and mass transfer coefficient are investigated in a new airlift loop photobioreactor (PBR), and empirical models for its rational control and scale-up are proposed. In addition, the impact of top clearance on hydrodynamics, especially on the gas holdup in the internal airlift loop reactor, is clarified; a novel volume expansion technique is developed to determine the low gas holdup in the PBR. Moreover, a model strain of Chlorella vulgaris is cultivated in the PBR and the volumetric power is analyzed with a classic model, and then the aeration is optimized. It shows that the designed PBR, a cost-effective reactor, is promising for the mass cultivation of microalgae.