Methods and systems for efficient bioreactor mixing and light utilization embodying low process energy and scalability

A bioreactor system comprising:

• a tubing component comprising a passive microorganism flow modifier;
• wherein said passive microorganism flow modifier comprises an inwardly protruding helical spine along an inside surface of at least part of said tubing component;
• a plurality of gaps in said inwardly protruding helical spine located along a top inside of said tubing component forming a gas passageway from said gaps along said top inside of said tubing component, wherein said gas passageway is configured to provide gas transport along said top inside of said tubing component;
• fluid in said tubing component introduced by a fluid input;
• an initial inoculum of microorganisms in said fluid in said tubing component introduced by an inoculate input;
• nutrients in said fluid in said tubing component introduced by a nutrient input;
• a fluid flow of said fluid comprising said initial inoculum of microorganisms, and said nutrients through said tubing component;
• and
• wherein said inwardly protruding helical spine protrudes from said inside surface of said tubing component to a distance beyond a viscous governed flow field region and into an inviscid flow region of said tubing component;
• and
• wherein said inwardly protruding helical spine is configured to generate cross flows in said fluid flow that convect said microorganisms from a wall of said tubing component toward at least a center of said tubing component resulting in convecting said microorganisms from said center of said tubing component toward said wall of said tubing component when said microorganisms are in said fluid flow in said tubing component.