The Process ::

The GNUL Process

Emulating nature, algae are grown and are periodically harvested from the bio-processor; mature algae are dislodged and collected while immature algae cling to a membrane and continue to grow. Light is collected and distributed via vertical rods centred in the growth membranes.

The perfect discrete environment for controlled photosynthesis.

Oil extracted from mature algae can be converted to biofuels using well-established technologies. Thus a double benefit is obtained from a virtuous circle: keeping CO2 from entering the atmosphere, and producing renewable products that will reduce the need for fossil fuels.

The GNUL bio-processors contain specially-selected species of micro-algae, suspended in water and nutrients; this provides for optimal growth. Fresh, salt, artesian or recycled water can be used in the process, as can poor quality water. A stream of gas is drawn from the exhaust stack by a blower and passed through the bioreactor where the algae, illuminated by synthetic sunlight, consume the CO2 component by photosynthesis.

Algae can also break down nitrogen and sulphur-oxide pollutants. To achieve this, the greater portion of the algae is periodically drawn off and put through a ‘dewatering’ process; this concentrates the algae so as to finally yield a solid algal cake, suitable for oil extraction and other processing. Most of the water (95%) is returned to the bio-processor.

The GNUL Process

The entire process has a very low energy requirement.