Cultivating algae for subsequent oil extraction is a tricky process.Light ,is one of the major inputs desired to ensure continuous algae growth.Conventional methods of algae cultivation such as open ponds are unable to channel continuous light to ensure rapid algae growth.Nicholas Eckelberry, Director of Development ,OriginOil believes that having multiple growth layers may provide an alternative to this challenge.Eckelberry,is the inventor of the patent pending Helix bioreactor. This bioreactor features a rotating vertical shaft with low energy lights arranged in a spiral pattern.This arrangement allows for algae cultivation in multiple layers.Furthermore each light source is specifically engineered to produce light waves at frequencies which allow optimal algae growth in the corresponding layer.
Research shows that this reactor allows for rapid algae growth in a economical manner as compared to open ponds.Additionally,since this process involves cultivation of algae in a closed environment ,chances of external contamination are also eliminated.
