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MICRO ALGAE HARVESTING METHODS AND DEVICES
US2020063084
The present invention relates to a particulate material separation assembly. It comprises a filtration membrane and an antifouling device. The antifouling device comprises one or more magnets and a plurality of magnetisable particles. The one or more magnets cause the plurality of magnetisable particles to self-assemble into dynamic bristles, thereby forming a brush. The particulate material separation assembly is particularly useful in the context of micro algae harvesting.
A novel method for microalgae harvesting has been developed at the University of Antwerp, and a functioning prototype has been build. The method is based on filtration combined with removal of the algae cake using a rotating magnetic brush. During filtration, the formed algae cake is removed from the filtration membrane by a virtual brush, created by the combination of a rotating surface, magnetic fields and magnetic carrier beads. The advantages of this setup are the preservation of a high flow rate, less impact compared to other removal techniques,leading to less wear of the microalgae, and less destructive conditions regarding pressure and temperature. In full operation, a 2-4 times cost reduction is estimated. This enables costeffective harvesting of the microalgae, providing new application domains.
More info: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research/info-for-companies/offer-for-companies/licence-offers/exact-sciences/algae-harvesting/