Algae separation system
AssigneeAecom
InventorsDavid J. Pinelli, Daniel J. Levy, William H. Colona, III
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An algae separation system can comprise a tank comprising an algae separation chamber. The system can comprise a first inlet to supply algae-containing water to a mixing region of the algae separation chamber. The system can comprise a second inlet to supply gas-containing water comprising dissolved gas to the mixing region of the algae separation chamber. The system can comprise a bubble generator in fluid communication with the second inlet, the bubble generator configured to generate a plurality of bubbles from the gas-containing water and to supply the plurality of bubbles to the mixing region to mix with the algae-containing water.
Claims21
1-25. (canceled)
A method of separating algae, the method comprising:
- supplying algae-containing water, via a first inlet, to a mixing region of an algae separation chamber having a flotation region;
- supplying gas-containing water comprising dissolved gas, via a second inlet, to the mixing region of the algae separation chamber;
- generating a plurality of bubbles from the gas-containing water using a bubble generator;
- supplying the plurality of bubbles to the mixing region to mix with the algae-containing water;
- directing the algae-containing water over and through a plurality of lamella plates, wherein the plurality of lamella plates are disposed downstream of the flotation region and laterally separated from the mixing region by a first wall, the plurality of lamella plates configured to form a laminar flow of water;
- redirecting clarified water laterally around a second wall to a lateral region underneath the first inlet and the second inlet, the clarified water having an algae content less than that of the algae-containing water;
- redirecting the clarified water upwardly to a weir box configured to maintain a water level in the algae separation chamber.
A method of separating algae, the method comprising:
- supplying algae-containing water to a mixing region of an algae separation chamber of a tank;
- supplying gas-containing water comprising dissolved gas to the mixing region of the algae separation chamber;
- generating a plurality of bubbles from the gas-containing water;
- and
- supplying the plurality of bubbles and the gas-containing water to the mixing region to mix with the algae-containing water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.