Algae bioreactors in pipes

Engineers at GF Piping Systems have succeeded in finding the balance between light permeability and durability. They have developed a piping system made of transparent PVC, which allows sufficient light to pass through in the right wavelength for microalgae to be grown in the interior of the pipe. This bioreactor can be used to cultivate algae.

Algae are often called the raw material of the future. Because of their high sugar, starch, oil and omega fatty acids content, a productivity which is seven times higher than corn can be realised. These cultivated plants can be processed into biomass and biofuel. Furthermore, the organisms bind carbon dioxide (CO₂), which they require for growth.

Thus the cultivation of algae in pipes not only produces biomass and biofuel but results in the binding of CO₂. Adding CO₂ (eg, from an incineration plant) to the algae bioreactors consequently reduces CO₂ emissions.