Method and device suitable for growing algae

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and devices suitable for growing algae.

1 . A method for growing algae, comprising:
 providing algae growth liquid at a first position; and   allowing said algae growth liquid to move from said first position to a reservoir while passing through a gaseous atmosphere;   wherein said reservoir is lower than said first position.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is located directly below said first position. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said allowing said algae growth liquid to pass through said gaseous atmosphere to said reservoir is by dropping said algae growth liquid from said first position. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said providing said algae growth liquid at said first position comprises transporting said algae growth liquid from said reservoir to said first position. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said algae growth liquid passes through said gaseous atmosphere having a high surface area form. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said high surface form is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of droplets, plurality of individual streams, at least one sheet of algae growth liquid and a spray. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said algae growth liquid moves from said first position through a plurality of apertures in said first position. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said algae growth liquid moves from said first position over a rim of said first position. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, during said passing of said algae growth liquid through said atmosphere to said reservoir, said algae growth liquid serially contacting a number of intermediate stages that delay movement of said algae growth liquid to said reservoir, wherein said number of intermediate stages is at least one. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said number of intermediate stages is at least two. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is located below said intermediate stages. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , said algae growth liquid contacts a surface of at least one said intermediate stage. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein subsequent to contact with a said intermediate stage, said algae growth liquid runs off a rim of said surface to continue moving to said reservoir. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein subsequent to contact with a said intermediate stage, said algae growth liquid passes through apertures in said intermediate stage to continue moving to said reservoir. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 during at least part of a day allowing said portion of said algae growth liquid to be illuminated by sunlight; or   in the absence of sunlight, illuminating at least a portion of said algae growth liquid with artificial light.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising actively generating gas flow in said atmosphere. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adding carbon dioxide to said atmosphere so that said atmosphere has a carbon dioxide content higher than of ambient air (0.04%). 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said algae growth liquid is substantially devoid of a viable aerobic or facultative bacteria population. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising harvesting algae from said algae growth liquid. 
     
     
         21 . A device for growing algae comprising:
 a. a reservoir, suitable for holding algae growth liquid; and   b. a liquid transport assembly defining a conduit for algae growth liquid from said reservoir to a first position of said liquid transport assembly, said first position higher than said reservoir,   wherein said first position includes at least one aperture, said at least one aperture configured to allow algae growth liquid removed from said reservoir to move back to said reservoir while passing through a gaseous atmosphere.   
     
     
         22 - 40 . (canceled)