Mass Transfer Features of Wavy-Bottomed Cascade Photobioreactors

It has been suggested that the energy-efficient production of microalgae biomass can be more easily obtained in short light path photobioreactors operated at high concentration. On downside, however, concentrations also require an efficient gas exchange rate to avoid metabolic growth limitation or inhibition. A cascade photobioreactor featuring a thin liquid layer flowing down sloping, wavy-bottomed surface concentration is much higher compared most usual open-type equipment. Liquid flow, upon investigation, proved exhibit peculiar “local recirculation” hydrodynamics, potentially conducive mixing superficial and deep zones photobioreactor. Mass transfer coefficient represents useful parameter optimize performance microalgal its scale-up. The aim present article discuss experimental mass features this novel type highlight expected opportunities issues entailed by different ways installing operating such types photobioreactors.