GF Piping Systems wins international award
The Gold SolVin Award 2010 goes to GF piping systems. The Corporate Group, which is part of the Georg Fischer Corporation, is this year’s recipient of the international innovation prize for a newly developed piping system made of transparent plastic material. When this system is used as a bioreactor to cultivate algae, biomass and biofuel can be produced. An added benefit is that these organisms simultaneously bind the pollutant CO2.
The award recognizes GF Piping Systems’ achievement in implementing polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes efficiently and creatively for the common good. The prize money of 50,000 euros will be invested in further development of the product.
Plastics, such as PVC, change under constant exposure to sunlight. Engineers at Georg Fischer have succeeded in finding an ideal balance between transparency and durability. They have developed a piping system made of translucent PVC, which allows enough light in the right wavelength to pass through into the pipe interior, where microalgae can grow.
The first trials to cultivate algae in this type of bioreactor are underway. Algae can be processed to obtain biomass and biofuel. In addition, these organisms bind carbon dioxide (CO2), which is required for their growth. By supplying CO2 to the algae bioreactors, for example from a power plant, CO2 emissions can be reduced.
Other news from the department research and development
These products might interest you
Biostat STR by Sartorius
Biostat STR Generation 3 Bioreactors
Engineered for Ultimate Upstream Performance
Ambr® 250 HT Consumables by Sartorius
Efficient bioprocesses with single-use bioreactors
Minimise cleaning effort and maximise flexibility for cell and microbial cultures
Ambr® 250 Modular by Sartorius
Mini bioreactors for cell and gene therapies with high scalability
Maximise your process development with reliable single-use vessels
Brooks Instrument SLA Biotech-Serie by Brooks Instrument
Control bioprocesses efficiently and precisely with flow controllers for biotechnology applications
The SLA Biotech series has been developed specifically for the requirements in bioprocesses
Flexcell Systems by Dunn
Flexcell Cell Stretching Bioreactors for Life Science Research
Used in over 1300 laboratories worldwide, and cited in over 4000 research publications
SLAMf Biotech-Serie Massendurchflussregler by Brooks Instrument
SLAMf Mass Flow Controllers Designed Specifically for Biotech (IP66 / NEMA 4X)
Special equipment for biotech process plants, suitable for splash water and high-pressure cleaning
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
