Bacteria-based gas generator
Inventors
Spargo, Barry J. • Biffinger, Justin C. • Ringeisen, Bradley R. • Pirlo, Erinn C. (Howard) • Fitzgerald, Lisa A. • Wu, Peter K. • Malito, Michael P.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10563158-B2
Publication Date
2020-02-18
Expiration Date
2030-02-05
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Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus having: a pressure chamber and a gas-producing microorganism within the chamber. The pressure chamber is capable of maintaining a gas pressure of at least 0.5 psi above atmospheric pressure.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses an apparatus comprising a pressure chamber containing gas-producing microorganisms capable of maintaining a gas pressure of at least 0.5 psi above atmospheric pressure. The system allows gas to be generated inside the chamber by microorganisms such as bacteria that metabolize a food source, producing gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbon gases. The apparatus may include a vent that can release accumulated gas at desired pressures and an optional food inlet to extend operational durations by replenishing nutrients.
The problem being solved addresses the need for a means to repeatedly generate and contain gas pressure from microorganisms without reliance on external fuel sources. This is for applications such as re-pressurizing gas tanks, providing buoyancy control, and generating gaseous fuels on-site using renewable biomass. Conventional methods relying on fossil fuels or external fueling stations limit the duration and autonomy of underwater or remote sensors and vehicles. Hence, the invention focuses on generating gas pressure microbiologically within a sealed container capable of withstanding such pressure.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims covering various embodiments of an apparatus and methods leveraging gas-producing microorganisms to generate and control gas pressure for buoyancy and fuel applications. Four independent claims outlining distinct inventive features were identified.
Apparatus with container comprising dry chamber and ballast chamber with gas control valves
An apparatus comprising a container with separate dry and ballast chambers; a pressure chamber containing gas-producing microorganisms maintaining at least 0.5 psi above atmospheric pressure; a vent configured to release gas from the pressure chamber into the dry chamber; a gas valve capable of transferring gas between the dry and ballast chambers; and a ballast valve capable of moving liquid between the ballast chamber and the exterior, enabling autonomous buoyancy control.
Apparatus with a chamber having gas inlet, gas vent, liquid vent, float, and weight for pivoting control
An apparatus comprising a chamber with a gas inlet connected to a pressure chamber containing gas-producing microorganisms capable of maintaining at least 0.5 psi above atmospheric pressure; a gas vent and liquid vent; a float with lower density than the chamber; a weight with higher density than the chamber; where positioning causes the chamber to pivot when gas is introduced such that gas escapes through the vent. This facilitates controlled gas venting through chamber orientation and buoyancy adjustments.
Apparatus with pressure chamber connected to inflatable bladder and release valve
An apparatus having a pressure chamber containing gas-producing microorganisms capable of maintaining at least 0.5 psi above atmospheric pressure; a vent coupled to the pressure chamber configured to release gas; an inflatable bladder coupled to the vent; and a release valve coupled to the bladder. Venting gas inflates the bladder causing buoyancy changes, with controlled deflation via the valve.
Method of generating and venting gas pressure in the apparatus
Methods encompassing providing the apparatus with gas-producing microorganisms and a food source, waiting for gas pressure to increase to at least 0.5 psi or 10 psi above atmospheric pressure, and venting gas through the vent. The methods can include repeated cycles of pressure increase and venting to sustain operation.
The inventive features focus on apparatus configurations enabling controlled generation, containment, and venting of gas pressure from microorganisms, combined with structural arrangements that facilitate buoyancy control and sustainable gas production through repeated cycles using renewable biomass.
Stated Advantages
Eliminates the need to transport gas tanks to external fueling stations by generating gaseous fuels on-site using biomass.
Enables extended operational durations of autonomous sensors or unmanned underwater vehicles through microbial gas-generated ballast.
Provides a sustainable and renewable alternative to fossil fuel-derived methods for fuel and ballast production.
The valve system design uses minimal power allowing reduced battery size and increased operating time.
The bacterial chamber design maintains an anaerobic environment facilitating injection of bacteria in the field without oxygen contamination.
Documented Applications
Extended operational durations for autonomous sensors and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV).
Portable power supply generation using gaseous fuels like hydrogen produced by microorganisms.
Ballast control systems for long-duration aquatic sensors, communication relays, and buoys utilizing bacterial gas generation.
Buoyancy control devices with chambers using microbial gas production to fill ballast chambers with gas or inflate bladders to control rising and sinking.
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