Frances L Wells

US Patent:

20100068779, Mar 18, 2010

Filed:

Sep 10, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/557509

Inventors:

Frances Wells - Laguna Hills CA, US
Kenneth Matthew Snyder - Laguna Hills CA, US

Assignee:

SCIPIO BIOFUELS, INC. - Aliso Viejo CA

International Classification:

C12P 5/02
C12M 1/00

US Classification:

435167, 4352921

Abstract:

Embodiments of algaculture systems to generate biofuel are herein provided. In one embodiment, an algaculture system includes a photo-bioreactor (PBR) including pump/tank assembly in communication with an input portion of a solar collector. The pump/tank assembly may act as a reservoir and/or agitator for a mixture of algae, water and nutrients (hereinafter, “algae media”) which mixture may be pumped into the solar collector. The solar collector may comprise a plurality of interconnected tubes (in various configurations) with a plurality of axial vortex flow generators positioned at an intake portion of each tube. Sensors, ports for input of nutrients and gasses, and ports for removal of gasses may be located in fittings between sections of tubing. An output portion of the solar collector may be in fluid communication with a continuous harvester which may redirect mature algae for processing thereof.

US Patent:

20140287488, Sep 25, 2014

Filed:

May 13, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/276582

Inventors:

Frances L. Wells - Simi Valley CA, US
Kenneth M. Snyder - Simi Valley CA, US

International Classification:

C12M 1/00

US Classification:

4352921

Abstract:

An algaculture system includes a pump/tank assembly and mixer that continuously mixes and lifts a quantity of algae, nutrients, water and carbon dioxide. A solar collector that includes a plurality of interconnected tubes communicates with an outlet of the assembly. A plurality of 180 degree fittings interconnects the vertically-oriented tubes together such that the solar connector has an undulating tubular configuration. At least one cooling tube is positioned within at least one interconnected tube of the solar collector. A plurality of axial vortex flow generators is at an intake portion of each of the interconnected tubes. A nutrient replenisher and pH adjuster communicate with the pump/tank assembly. The pump/tank assembly receives the second type of algae. A continuous harvester, in fluid communication with the pump/tank assembly and the solar collector, separates a first type of algae from a second type of algae and directs the first type for further processing.