Algae biomass productivity
A collection of biomass yields from algae are shown below with their cited sources.
Why bother doing this?
There is an overwhelming number of different species of algae to choose from and an infinite number of growth condition combinations. The choice of algae is critically important to the what product is desired (lipids, starch, carotenoids, etc.). It is also critically important to know under what conditions the algae were grown to obtain the desired products.
Why bother doing this?
There is an overwhelming number of different species of algae to choose from and an infinite number of growth condition combinations. The choice of algae is critically important to the what product is desired (lipids, starch, carotenoids, etc.). It is also critically important to know under what conditions the algae were grown to obtain the desired products.
Definitions
Strains
The strain of algae it would be best to be as specific as possible with the species of algae that is reported, for example Botryococcus braunii.
Biomass productivity
The biomass productivity is commonly reported in the following ways:
System
The system used to grow algae in could include:
Nutrient supply
Nutrients play an important role in algal productivity and composition. Defining the nutrient composition of media for the algae was grown can help in determining nutrient demands and ability to remediate.
Growth conditions
In order to provide accurate information to the scientific, engineering, and business community it is important to provide a source for any information that is provided. Please cite from sources that have been reviewed (ie. papers, journals, books, government reports, etc.)
The strain of algae it would be best to be as specific as possible with the species of algae that is reported, for example Botryococcus braunii.
Biomass productivity
The biomass productivity is commonly reported in the following ways:
- Aerial productivity of algae biomass is reported as grams per square meter, tons per acre, tonnes per hectare.
- Volumetric productivity of algae biomass is commonly reported as grams per liter.
- Daily productivity can can be reported as grams per square meter (or per liter) per day.
System
The system used to grow algae in could include:
- Open air systems like low cost open ponds.
- Closed air systems like photobioreactors. Photobioreactors come in a variety of designs from rigid tubular systems to bag like systems.
- And finally fermentation systems.
Nutrient supply
Nutrients play an important role in algal productivity and composition. Defining the nutrient composition of media for the algae was grown can help in determining nutrient demands and ability to remediate.
Growth conditions
- Lighting (PAR)- PAR short for photosynthetically active radiation. PAR is the region of the spectrum of light that photosynthetic organisms that are able to use. Low and high light can reduce overall biomass yields and quality of the final product.
- Temperature (day and night) Daytime and nighttime temperatures can also impact the final biomass quantities.
- Mixing method (if any) Mixing allows for the algae to be exposed to greater amounts of carbon dioxide and sunlight. In some cases, no mixing is necessary for the algae.
- Carbon dioxide rate, concentration (if any) The rate and concentration of carbon dioxide being pumped into a system or available will impact the final yield of the biomass as well as final product. Sometimes it is not necessary to provide the algae with carbon dioxide.
In order to provide accurate information to the scientific, engineering, and business community it is important to provide a source for any information that is provided. Please cite from sources that have been reviewed (ie. papers, journals, books, government reports, etc.)
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Areal and volumetric production
This calculator has been provided to allow basic calculation of algal biomass productivity. With this calculator, you will be able to determine the what your daily, and annual production of algae biomass will be by providing the growth system parameters.
The cells in yellow will provide the calculations based on dimensions, productivity, and days of production entered into tan cells for your system.
The cells in yellow will provide the calculations based on dimensions, productivity, and days of production entered into tan cells for your system.
Unit and currency conversion
Scientists, engineers, industry and business people all seem to speak in different languages even when it is about the same topic. These differences are compounded when we begin working together internationally.
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Currency conversion
Finally, you can convert the current price of crude from USD to your own currency.
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