TITLE:
Improvement of the Microalgae Harvest by the “Foaming-Scumming” Function of an Airlift Column
AUTHORS:
Djimako Bongo, Nekoulnag Clarice, Jean-Mari Mbailao Mbaiguinam, Alexis Mouangue Naminina, Jean-Yves Champagne, Salif Gaye
KEYWORDS:
Vacuum Column, Microalgae, Vacuum Rate, Bubble Size, Bubble Speed
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Fluid Dynamics,
Vol.9 No.1,
March
6,
2019
ABSTRACT: The aim of this research work is to valorize the microalgae grown-up in an
Airlift column. The system of fluid circulation and mass transfer is based on
the principle of interaction between gas bubbles and a liquid. Thus, this study
focuses on the phenomenon of the determination of the vacuum rate, the size
and the speed of the bubbles including the optimization of microalgae development
within the culture process. In addition, this study tries to understand
the close relationship between these phenomena, its environment and the
microalgae cell. These studies were conducted on the operation of an Airlift
column in aquaculture, mainly in freshwater [1]. However, other researchers
[2] are interested in studying saline water. In conclusion, a series of experiments
were carried out in order to evaluate the profitability of the Microflotation
technique, as a method of separation and concentration in microalgae.
These results are very interesting since they reveal that the efficiency of the
column, for the foaming-skimming function, is greater by working with less
significant air injections, which lead to a reduction in energy cost.