US 12,071,603 B2
Device for exposing an algal solution to light, associated photobioreactor and implementation method
Frédéric Duong, Pezilla-la-Riviere (FR)
Assigned to SUEZ INTERNATIONAL, Paris la Défense (FR)
Appl. No. 16/337,033
Filed by SUEZ GROUPE, Paris la Defense (FR)
PCT Filed Sep. 26, 2017, PCT No. PCT/EP2017/074385
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Mar. 27, 2019,
PCT Pub. No. WO2018/060197, PCT Pub. Date Apr. 5, 2018.
Claims priority of application No. 1659114 (FR), filed on Sep. 27, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2020/0032181 A1, Jan. 30, 2020
Int. Cl. C12M 1/00 (2006.01); C12M 1/09 (2006.01)
CPC C12M 21/02 (2013.01) [C12M 23/56 (2013.01); C12M 31/08 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An open photobioreactor for the open-circuit production of an algal solution, comprising:
a pool filled with the algal solution;
at least one tube; and
at least one flat perforated plate comprising at least one opening capable of receiving the at least one tube,
wherein the at least one perforated plate has positive buoyancy in water and floats on a surface of the algal solution in the pool,
wherein the at least one perforated plate is not rigidly fixed to a periphery, surface, or ground of the pool and is not rigidly mounted over the pool, but instead floats on the surface of the algal solution at a distance from at least one edge of the pool,
wherein a gutter is provided on either side of the at least one perforated plate to enable collection of rainwater,
wherein the at least one tube is made of a flexible, liquid-tight, and translucent or transparent material and comprises an open end able to receive a sleeve,
wherein the sleeve is translucent or transparent and comprises a cover configured to block the at least one tube, and a flange, o-ring, or rib to fix the at least one tube to the at least one flat perforated plate,
wherein the at least one tube is partially submerged in the algal solution and is filled with a liquid that is neutral for the algal solution in order not to degrade the algal solution in the event of accidental rupture of the at least one tube, and
wherein a height of the liquid in the at least one tube is greater than a height of the algal solution in the pool in order to provide a differential hydrostatic pressure for maintaining the shape of the at least one tube without stress.