An experimental helical-tubular photobioreactor for continuous production of Nannochloropsis sp.

An experimental helical-tubular photobioreactor has been designed for controlled, continuous production of Nannochloropsis sp. Its main advantages are: (1) combination of large ratio of culture volume to surface area along with the optimised light penetration depth, (2) easy control of temperature and contaminants, (3) effective spatial distribution of fresh air and CO(2), (4) better CO(2) transfer through extensive interface surface between fresh air and culture-liquid medium and (5) novel automated flow-through sensor providing continuous cell concentration monitoring. Nannochloropsis sp.