Bioreactor Using Ultra-Thin Plates

Bioreactor Using Ultra-Thin Plates


Program:
REMOTE
Award:
$2,630,867
Location:
Corvallis, Oregon
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/01/2014 - 08/31/2017

Technology Description:

Oregon State University (OSU) will develop a small-scale bioreactor that can enable high-rate, low cost bioconversion of methane to liquid fuel. Current systems to convert methane using microorganisms can be slow and inefficient due to the low rate at which methane gas and nutrients are transferred to biocatalysts as well as the build-up of toxins that affect the health of biocatalysts. Using an ultra-thin, stacked "Bio-Lamina-Plate" system OSU will attempt to improve the overall rate at which methane is transferred to the biocatalysts. This new reactor design also helps to improve the rate at which oxygen is provided and products are removed from the system. The reactor design improves the amount of surface exposed relative to the volume of biofilm and provides better heat transfer to improve overall reactor efficiency. Unlike reactors build using stainless steel, OSU’s reactor may use low-cost materials such as plastic and glass, as well as simple fabrication techniques to reduce the bioreactor manufacturing costs.

Potential Impact:

If successful, OSU’s new bioreactor design will provide a low-cost solution to small-scale, efficient gas-to-liquid conversion.

Security:

An improved bioconversion process could create cost-competitive liquid fuels significantly reducing demand for foreign oil.

Environment:

This technology would allow for utilization of small-scale remote natural gas resources or methane and carbon rich gas residues for fuel production reducing harmful emissions associated with conventional fuel technologies.

Economy:

Expanding U.S. natural gas resources via bioconversion to liquid fuels could contribute tens of billions of dollars to the nation's economy while reducing or stabilizing transport fuel prices.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Marc von Keitz
Project Contact:
Dr. Goran Jovanovic
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
goran.jovanovic@oregonstate.edu

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Release Date:
03/15/2013