Tubular photobioreactor design and determining the technological parameters of culturing spirulina platensis algae by this equipment in Vietnam

Abstract

In this study, we present the design and performance of a tubular photobioreactor (TPBR). We also determine the technological parameters of culturing S.  platensis algae using a 30-litre volume TPBR in Vietnam’s climate condition. When S. platensis is cultured in the Zarrouk medium, there should be an appropriate agitation mode to help them adjust to the temperature change, which ranges from 25 oC to 40 oC. Therefore, TPBR should be agitated by an aeration at a flow rate of 10 LPM. pH is maintained at the range of 8,5 – 10 by aerating CO2 once per day for 30 minutes, at a flow rate of 2 LPM. Biomass yield is 0,75 – 1,0 gram per liter. These results are the basis for tubular photobioreactor design in industrial S. platensis production.