LOW SHEAR PUMPS FOR USE WITH BIOREACTORS

摘要

Embodiments of a pump system include a bioreactor containing a media with live algae cultures, a gas vent line, a pressurized gas line, a valve system in fluid communication with the gas vent line and the pressurized gas line, a fluid outlet, and a pump chamber in fluid communication with the bioreactor, the valve system, and the fluid outlet. According to such embodiments, the valve system is configured to switch fluid communication with the pump chamber between the gas vent line and the pressurized gas line, and a lowest level of the pump chamber is lower than a highest level of the bioreactor. Such embodiments may also include a first valve configured to permit one-way flow from the bioreactor to the pump chamber, and a second valve configured to permit one-way flow from the pump chamber through the fluid outlet.