Commissariat a L'energie Atomique

Michel Bouyssou

Claude Gudin

Daniel Chaumont

Xavier Berson

Yves Castel

Apparatus for the intensive, controlled production of microorganisms by photosynthesis. This apparatus comprises at least one photobioreactor (6) to be placed on an expanse of water (8), which has first group of flexible tubes (38), which are transparent to light and in which circulates the culture medium and a second group of inflatable tubes (62), disposed and maintained beneath the first group by means of detachable Y-shaped interpolated members (70), which are regularly spaced. At least one two-column carbonator (12) connected to the photobioreactor intake (43) for charging the liquid medium with the CO.sub.2 necessary for photosynthesis is provided. Two degassing means (36) connected to the two ends of the photobioreactor are provided for eliminating the oxygen produced by the microorganisms from the liquid medium. There is at least one expansion tank (2) connected to the photobioreactor (6) for reducing possible volume variations in the photobioreactor (6).

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Vinon sur Verdon, France

Michel Bouyssou