
Monday, 24th June 2024
CO2 levels are increasing, this increase of CO2 in the atmosphere is particularly noted since the industrial revolution. The concentration of CO2 has increased from 278ppm from the years 1750 to 1800, and to 417ppm in the year 2022 (referenced from www.carbonbrief.org).
Since the onset of industrial times in the 18th century, human activities have raised atmospheric CO2 by 50% – meaning the amount of CO2 is now 150% of its value in the year 1750 shows research from NASA.
It's well documented that CO2 is one of the greenhouses gases causing climate change. What can be done? Microalgae consume CO2 and thus can reduce the CO2 in the atmosphere, there would have to be other technologies working alongside this as it’s not just reducing what is currently in the atmosphere it is also about being carbon neutral going forward. Currently the CO2 levels are increasing at 2ppm / year.
Microalgae can consume CO2 like plants and trees on the land, however it is much faster - potentially up to 50 times faster than land plants at consuming CO2. There are many forms of microalgae and Cyanobacteria is a very exciting form of microalgae that consumes significantly more CO2 than other types.
Researching the consumption of CO2 will undoubtably require highly accurate and reliable instrumentation. Premier Control Technologies offer the industry leading Alicat MC series mass flow controllers - that will accurately deliver the CO2 into the research apparatus consistently 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Alicat MC Series is well suited to delivering gas flow, with its mass flow and volumetric flow rates reported on its built-in display. What’s more impressive is the MC Series offers the parameters of ‘temperature of the gas’ as well as the ‘gas pressure’ all in one device.
With an impressive 10,000 turn down ratio, let us explain this: Turn Down is the factor from max flow the device can deliver to the minimum flow it can deliver, whilst maintaining the accuracy statement for the device.
A simple calculation illustrates this well:
For a Max Flow of 10SLPM (Standard Litres Per Minute) to minimum accurately controlled flow would be 10/10,000= 0.001SLPM. Thus, a range of 0.001 to 10SLPM is world beating.
Additional benefits Premier Control Technologies offer these in IP40 rated (for indoor Lab Use) and IP65 (outdoor all weather option) so no matter where the microalgae’s grow we can help deliver the required CO2 for your research.
Additional Equipment that may be required for this research includes Temperature Probes and PH control. Premier Control Technologies offer a range of Temperature probes.
The CO2 will come from a Gas Cylinder at high pressure several 100’s of Bar, it will need to be delivered the microalgae at atmospheric pressure, a Cylinder regulator will be required, such as the Drastar 072 Series.
Should dosing of the liquid that the Algae grows in be required to control the pH, the Longer Peristaltic Pumps would perform this task very well.
As well as the Longer Peristaltic Pumps the Alicat Coriolis and Micro gear pumps can be utilised for dosing applications also.
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PCT are long standing experts in applications whereby measuring the flow of liquids and gases are critical. If you need help with your process please do get in touch on 01953 609930 or email sales@pctflow.com
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