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US 11,692,165 B2Granted
Pivot arm systems for mixing in bioreactors
AssigneeExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
InventorsEverett J. O'Neal, Louis R. Brown, Patrick L. Hanks, Mark A. Deimund
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for growing algae includes a pivot arm pivotally coupled to a pivot connection positioned in a pond containing water and algae, and a mixing device coupled to the pivot arm and extending into the pond to mix the water and the algae as the pivot arm rotates.
Claims20
A system for growing algae, comprising:
- a pivot arm pivotally coupled to a pivot connection positioned in a pond containing water and algae;
- and
- a mixing device coupled to the pivot arm and extending into the pond to mix the water and the algae as the pivot arm rotates;
- and
- a skimming trough detached from the pivot arm and positioned at a top surface of the pond to remove portions of the algae from the top surface of the pond, wherein the skimming trough is stationary relative to the pond.
2 more elements
A method for growing algae, comprising:
- introducing algae and water into a pond having a pivot arm pivotally coupled to a pivot connection positioned in the pond;
- rotating the pivot arm about a pivot axis extending through the pivot connection;
- mixing the water and the algae with a mixing device coupled to the pivot arm as the pivot arm rotates;
- and
- removing portions of the algae from a top surface of the pond with a skimming trough detached from the pivot arm and positioned at the top surface of the pond, wherein the skimming trough is stationary relative to the pond.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.