Design of an algal bioreactor and control of the gas-liquid interface shape under microgravity

Studies on methods of controlling air-liquid interface shape and bubble behavior were reviewed to clarify the designing problems involved in creating an algal bioreactor for use in a microgravity environment. In this work, the effects of vessel size, vessel rotating speed, liquid properties vessel aspect ratio and the volume ratio of water,/vessel on the formation of an air liquid hollow profile were experimentally investigated to find conditions suitable for algal cultivation, The effects, of a centrifugal acceleration and bubble diameter on the bubble breakage time in a low centrifugal force field were clarified by microgravity experiments. Experiments were performed using the energy of aeration to control the air-liquid interface shape and the formation of an air water dispersion system under microgravity.