SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING INTRACELLULAR PRODUCTS AND CELLULAR MASS AND DEBRIS FROM ALGAE AND DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS AND PROCESS OF USE THEREOF

摘要

Systems and methods for harvesting at least one intracellular product (e.g., lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, etc.) from algae cells in aqueous suspension and for harvesting a mass of ruptured algae cells and debris from an aqueous solution containing algae cells make use of an apparatus that includes an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes an outer anode structure (e.g., tube) which provides containment for an inner structure (e.g., electrical conductor) having lesser dimensions than the outer anode structure, the inner structure serving as a cathode. A spiraling surface, such as a plurality of grooves separated by at least one land, much as in the nature of "rifling" in the barrel of a gun, or alternatively, an electrically insulative, isolator spacer in parallel to both structures (e.g., the outer tube and internal conductor) provides a liquid seal and provides spacing between the anode and cathode circuits which is required for equal electrical distribution and to prevent short circuiting of the flow path for the aqueous solution containing algae cells.