Algae is a wide-ranging term that encompasses more than 300,000 various photosynthetic organisms found primarily in aquatic environments. From single-celled microalgae to giant algae, algae is such a broad term that many still argue about its definition. What is certain, however, is that it can have many beneficial uses if algae harvesting technology can successfully grow, collect and process a sufficient quantity of these versatile organisms in an economical and environmentally efficient manner.
Algae have incredible reproductive capacity, making them an excellent and abundant fertilizer, source of nutrition, pollution scrubber, and even source of energy. Interestingly, the financial break-even point for algae as a profitable source of fishmeal and biofuel appears to be fast approaching. In fact, by some estimates, it’s already here.
Algae Harvest Separation
While the potential for algae is enormous, the problem remains that in order to harvest it properly for most commercial uses, you must first dehydrate it – that is, separate it from the aqueous medium in which it grows. And while algae grow two to ten times faster than land crops based on biofuels used as a source of biofuels, the process required to separate and purify them and the oils it produces, from which biofuel is made, has been until very recently too expensive to make industrial-scale algae production commercially viable.
Fortunately, along with increased growth and productivity of algae, techniques for harvesting them that require less energy and overall costs have made significant progress. To understand where these advances are happening, it helps to briefly look at the three most popular algae harvesting processes today.
Flocculation: In flocculation, a chemical flocculant is added to a mixture of algae and water which then causes the algae to aggregate or clump together.
Micro-screening: In micro-screening, also known as membrane separation, the water-algae mixture passes through a filtration system, usually in the shape of a funnel.
Centrifugation: In centrifugation, a mechanized form of separation occurs, often through the use of a continuous flow centrifuge.
Screeners for collecting algae
With years of experience manufacturing vibratory screening equipment for a host of industries, including food and beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and biofuel production, VibraScreener ™ uniquely understands the expectations involved in designing and supporting a screener. of algae harvesting that is robust and profitable enough to ensure profitable commercial use.
Unlike the flocculation process that requires the additional cost of chemical additives, or micro-screening, which generally results in fouling of the membranes, VibraScreener ™ has designed its equipment such as the Dynamic Screener ™ and Ranger Separator ™ to operate efficiently. and effective. Additionally, all of our equipment is easily disassembled for thorough cleaning, so fouling is not a problem, and our machines are industry-leading for low-noise output and maximum reliability during operation.
Enjoy high-quality equipment and expert advice from VibraScreener ™
Ready for algae harvesting with screening equipment, a customer service and service department designed around your needs? We have years of experience designing, supplying and supporting screening and filtration systems for everyone from Fortune 500 processing facilities to independent operators. To find the right vibratory separator or industrial screen for your purposes, contact us or sign up to speak with a screening expert today.
