STUDIES OF OXYGEN PRODUCTION BY MASS CULTURE OF ALGAE
Abstract
The two major problems involved in purification of submarine atmospheres are removal of carbon dioxide and replenishment of fresh oxygen. At present two separate processes are used, but the mass culture of algae inside the submarine, with artificial lighting, would perform both functions simultaneously. This study is to determine the feasibility of such an approach. The test organism is the Sorokin strain of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, which has a temperature optimum of 37 to 39 degrees C. The effects on its growth rate of various physical parameters (light intensity, suspension density, etc.) are being studied to determine the optimum design of a mass culture unit. Two small culture units, in which CO2 absorption and O2 production may be measured, were constructed and their performances evaluated. In one, the light path was 3/8 inch and the unit produced approximately 250 cc O2 per hour per liter of suspension. In another, a larger unit with a 2-inch light path, the O2 production was less than 50 cc per hour per liter of suspension despite the use of higher light intensities. This demostrates the necessity of placing the light sources close together in a pilot plant to gain maximum O2 production. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 06, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0268833
Entities
People
- Constance Patouillet
- P.j. Hannan
- R. Shuler
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory