Introduction: How to Make an Algae Test Photo Bioreactor...Part One
This gives a step-by-step instructions on making an algae test photo bioreactor. This can be used in any application that calls for testing and/or growing algae, to determine maximum growth rates, best nutrients, etc., such as...
Making algae biodiesel,
Animal feed,
Organic fertilizer,
Cosmetics,
Health food supplements and many more.
Because this is more involved than can be explained clearly in a single instructable, I'll have to include multiple parts.
You can download a complete free eBook here:
http://www.making-biodiesel-books.com/bioreactor.html
It includes a complete parts list, color diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and full color photos.
Step 1: Building the Base
Materials needed:
17 Plant (saucer) caddy (Home improvement store $17.99)
(10) 2 PVC "repair" couplings (Home improvement store $1.65 a piece)
(2) 28 x 48 x plexi-glass (Home improvement store $6.97 a piece)
(2) 2 x4 steel brackets (Home improvement store $0.96 a piece)
Aquarium sealant (Home improvement store $3.98)
Wood screws and washers
Tools Needed:
Power drill
Jig saw
Hack saw
Straight edge
Marker
Vice
Step 2: Base Assembly 2
Take out the plastic insert in the plant caddy and set aside. Place the plant caddy upside down on the Plexi-glass panel
Step 3: Base Assembly 3
Draw a circle on the INSIDE edge of the plant caddy.
Step 4: Base Assembly 4
Take the jigsaw and cut along the circumference of the circle. You may want to cut along the inside of your pencil mark to make sure your wood panel fits into the plant caddy easily.
Step 5: Base Assembly 5
Take the round piece you just cut and gently tap into the plant caddy.
Step 6: Base Assembly 6
Using your straight edge, mark a straight line down the center. The line across, creating quarter pieces. Mark the exact center with a dot.
Step 7: Base Assembly 7
Set your tie rails on the center and draw an outline around each.
Using wood screws and washers, anchor the tie rails in place. Be sure to pre-drill the screw hole or the plexi-glass may crack
Step 8: Base Assembly 8
Evenly place 10 of the coupling around the outer edge of the plant caddy, 5 to each side. Leave 3.5 inches space on each side of the metal tie rails.
Step 9: Base Assembly 9
With the marker, draw outlines around each fitting.
Step 10: Base Assembly 10
Carefully draw 2 Lines next to each other going from opening to opening on the 2 inch PVC coupling.
Step 11: Base Assembly 11
Using a vice, and a hack saw carefully saw through both lines with a hacksaw.
Step 12: Base Assembly 12
Using the aquarium sealant spread a bead around the bottom edge of the coupler.
Step 13: Base Assembly 14
Glue the couplers onto the spots previously marked with the cut edges facing AWAY from the edge of the plant caddy.
The base is completed.
You can download a complete free eBook here:
http://www.making-algae-biodiesel.com/Algae-photobioreactor.html
