Algaculture

Algae culture is a form of aquaculture for breeding of algae. These are usually located around the cultivation of microalgae or phytoplankton. As products of different materials are also produced, which can serve as raw material for the production of algae fuel or biodiesel for example. In addition, fertilizers and pharmaceutically usable products are generated. The yield per acre of valuable materials is much higher than in others, as applicable profitable crops such as oil palm.

Algae selection

The breed is usually performed as a monoculture. Pure cultures can be obtained with the method of serial dilution. In this case, a mixed sample is repeatedly diluted increments until the statistical probability exists that a sample contains only a single type. The samples are then analyzed microscopically. The desired method is then cultured and then analyzed again to larger cultures to create.

Rearing

Water, CO2 and minerals and light are the most important factors of rearing. The basic reaction is the development of carbohydrate, and release of oxygen. The temperature must be kept constant within a certain range.

When Offenbeck cultivation, the culture is only supplied from above with light. With increasing growth of algae, the algae block in the upper layers by absorption growth in the lower layers.

To use larger tanks, and thus to increase the yield, the seaweed is agitated or circulated in order to achieve a uniform growth. The movement can also be achieved by injecting air into the deeper layers. By stirring will also prevent the algae are exposed to direct sunlight too strong in the upper layers. By blowing air and anaerobic conditions are avoided, which can lead to odors from decomposition of dead algae.

Photobioreactors

Algae can be cultivated in open ponds or channels or in photobioreactors. For the extraction of raw materials for biodiesel production, the latter have proved successful. A disadvantage of open ponds is the contamination by other microorganisms. For monocultures closed system are used.

For Main article: photobioreactors

Algae harvesting

The algae can be separated by different methods from the culture medium. Typical methods are filtration, centrifugation, flocculation or flotation. By interrupting the carbon dioxide supply some kinds of flakes of itself.

Oil extraction

See also: Algae fuel

Algae oils can be extracted a number of ways. First, the algae is mechanically crushed. After drying, the algae, the oil may be squeezed out. Even chemical extraction methods, such as hexane as extractant can be used.

The extraction process can be greatly accelerated by the use of ultrasound.