APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING AND DEWATERING OF MICROALGAE BIOMASS

摘要

An apparatus and method for separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass from a microalgae solution by destabilization thereof with addition of kinetic energy thereto is disclosed. The method to overcome the energetic barrier preventing a fluid-solid separation comprises injecting the microalgae solution in an electrolytic system comprising an electrocoagulation reactor generally comprising an anode module and a cathode module, the anodes and the cathode(s) being adapted to be electrically connected to perform electrolysis, thus separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass. Such process is generally achieved by providing a DC electric current, between the anodes and the cathode(s), to perform the separation of the biomass in the solution, in preparation the following process steps of for liquid/solid separation and primary dewatering.