Development, Pilot Testing and Optimization of Encapsulated Biomass Material Process Through the Implementation of Automation and Control

将无生命的藻类(作为废弃的生物质)包裹在海藻酸钙基质中，为金属的结合提供了显著的亲和力。废生物质的这些结合特性可用于从废水中回收有价值的重金属副产品，或为此类废水中的重金属污染提供一种经济、环保的解决方案。Noblegen Inc.是一家先进的生物技术公司，位于安大略省彼得伯勒，生产胶囊生物质材料。目前，该过程包括一个小型蠕动泵、带有吸管尖端的管子、蒸馏器、反应容器和实验室工作台上的搅拌板。这一过程相当陈旧和繁琐。Noblegen Inc.已与Lambton College合作，将仪器和控制纳入他们的工艺，并进行研究，以确定增加和创建这种扩展工艺所需的最佳设备和材料。研究团队将包括一名研究技术员和两名研究学生，他们将与Noblegen Inc.团队密切合作。预期的结果增加了产品的产量；使其能够以商业化所需的速度生产，并使私营部门缔约方能够将潜在的废物流转化为有形和有利可图的东西。随后，它将有助于大幅减少这种产生液体废物的行业将产生的液体废物的数量，并减少加拿大各地其他行业的环境污染物。

Synopsis Encapsulation of non-living algae (as spent biomass) in a calcium alginate matrix provides a significant affinity for binding of metals. These binding properties of spent biomass can be used to recover valuable heavy metal by-products from wastewater effluents or provide a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to heavy metal contamination from such wastewater effluents. Noblegen Inc. is an advanced biotechnology company located in Peterborough, ON that creates encapsulated biomass material. Currently the process includes a small peristaltic pump, tubing with an attached pipette tip, a retort stand, reaction vessel and a stir plate on their laboratory bench. This process is rather archaic and cumbersome. Noblegen Inc. has partnered with Lambton College to incorporate instrumentation and control into their process and conduct research to determine the optimal equipment and materials needed to increase and create this expanded process.The research team will include a Research Technician and two research students who will work closely with the Noblegen Inc. team. The anticipated results increase production of the product; allowing it to be produced at a rate required for commercialization, as well as allow the private sector party to turn a potential waste stream into something tangible and profitable. Subsequently It would help to substantially decrease the amount of liquid waste that such industries producing liquid waste would generate and decreasing environmental contaminants in other industries across Canada.