Microalgal Cultivation Reactor Systems - Biotechnological Applications of Microalgae - page 51

5 Microalgal Cultivation

Reactor Systems

Melinda J. Griffiths
Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research
University of Cape Town, South Africa

CONTENTS
5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 51
5.2 Growth Requirements and Design Parameters .............................................. 52
5.2.1 Light .................................................................................................... 52
5.2.2 Temperature ........................................................................................ 55
5.2.3 Nutrient Provision ............................................................................... 56
5.2.4 Mixing ................................................................................................ 57
5.3 Cultivation Systems ........................................................................................ 58
5.3.1 Open Systems ..................................................................................... 58
5.3.1.1 Natural Waters ..................................................................... 59
5.3.1.2 Circular Ponds ...................................................................... 59
5.3.1.3 Raceway Ponds .................................................................... 59
5.3.2 Closed Systems ................................................................................... 61
5.3.2.1 Tubular Reactors .................................................................. 62
5.3.2.2 Flat-Plate Reactors ............................................................... 65
5.3.3 Alternative Designs ............................................................................ 66
5.3.3.1 Stirred Tank Fermenter ........................................................ 66
5.3.3.2 Wave/Oscillatory Flow Reactors ......................................... 66
5.3.3.3 Hybrid Production Systems ................................................. 68
5.4 Comparison of Reactor Types ........................................................................ 68
5.4.1 The Open versus Closed System Debate ............................................ 68
5.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 72
References ................................................................................................................ 72

5.1 INTRODUCTION
One of the most important factors in achieving economically and environmentally
feasible commercial-scale production of microalgae is the development of cost-
effective, sustainable culture systems (Borowitzka, 1999; Richmond, 2000). The
design of the cultivation system influences the environmental conditions experienced
by the cells, which in turn determine the productivity (Greenwell et al., 2010).

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