INDUSTRIAL PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION

In the last 20 years, research has been intensively focused on the biotechnological potential of microalgae. The production of biofuels and / or biochemicals from microalgae is a promising and challenging field of study. However, despite the great potential, the technology involved in the cultivation of microalgae on a large scale is still not feasible. Currently, much research is limited to laboratories. The main reasons are: 1) contamination by invasive species, 2) inefficient CO2 supply, 3) insufficient removal of photosynthetic O2, 4) inefficient control of operational parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, etc.), 5) light and 6) high energy demand. Recent research has shown that loss of performance at large scales is caused by an inadequate technological solution to the problem of bio-photo-fluid-dynamic coupling. In this way, it was possible to develop a photobioreactor configuration (PBR) capable of being scaled at volumes over 100,000 liters, with virtually no loss of performance. In this context, this work aims to present this new model of photobioreactor and the tests performed in it.