United States Patent 5659977
Abstract:
An integrated plant including a microalgae production plant for growing, harvesting and drying algae and a fossil fuel-motor-generator plant producing electrical energy. A fossil fuel engine produces hot exhaust gas from which sensible heat dries the algae. The drying may be direct from the exhaust gas or may be indirect with the hot exhaust gas exchanging sensible heat with a recirculating stream of inert gas. Carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas is recovered for use as a nutrient in the microalgae production plant. Electrical energy from the generator is used to drive motors and/or produce artificial illumination and/or drive pumps, motors and controls in the microalgae production plant.
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Integrated Microalgae Production and Electricity Cogeneration - http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5659977.html
Ocean-chill Drying of Microalgae and Microalgal Products - http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5276977.html
United States Patent 5276977
Abstract:
This is a method and apparatus for drying microalgae/microalgal products which have been harvested and strained of excess water by a spray drying process. The method comprises, obtaining drying gas from a burner in which metered input air for combustion is mixed with fuel at or before a dryer gas heating burner and which does not require oxygen in the drying gas that is heated; using the drying gas to dry the microalgae/microalgal products in a spray dryer; separating dryed microalgae/microalgal products from moist drying gas in a cyclone; scrubbing and dehumidifying the moist drying gas; recycling the scrubbed and dehumidified drying gas to the dryer gas heating burner; and, venting a portion of the drying gas equivalent in volume to combustion gases generated in the burner. Scrubbing and dehumidifying is accomplished by spraying the moist drying gas with sea water at a temperature below 60° F.
Abstract:
This is a method and apparatus for drying microalgae/microalgal products which have been harvested and strained of excess water by a spray drying process. The method comprises, obtaining drying gas from a burner in which metered input air for combustion is mixed with fuel at or before a dryer gas heating burner and which does not require oxygen in the drying gas that is heated; using the drying gas to dry the microalgae/microalgal products in a spray dryer; separating dryed microalgae/microalgal products from moist drying gas in a cyclone; scrubbing and dehumidifying the moist drying gas; recycling the scrubbed and dehumidified drying gas to the dryer gas heating burner; and, venting a portion of the drying gas equivalent in volume to combustion gases generated in the burner. Scrubbing and dehumidifying is accomplished by spraying the moist drying gas with sea water at a temperature below 60° F.