A Big Step Forward for Pilot Algae Raceways
A Big Step Forward for Pilot Algae Raceways

MicroBio Engineering Inc (MBE) is proud to announce their new 3.4 m2 Algae Raceway®.  “Easy-to-clean was a driving factor during the design of this raceway” said MBE engineer Neal Adler, PE.  The HDPE raceway features a center divider that is integrated seamlessly into the tank for easier cleaning.  Typically, other small algae test ponds are assembled with center dividers fastened to the pond floor which invites unwanted bacteria to accumulate in hard-to-clean crevices.  The new RW3.4 Algae Raceway® reduces the time required for operators to clean the ponds after a harvest and quickly inoculate the next batch.  The raceway volume is 950 liters at 30 cm depth and comes standard in white HDPE with a UV stabilizer.  Food grade plastic is standard and it can be custom ordered in a variety of colors.

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EngineeringJohn Coyne
pH Control of Algae Raceway Ponds
pH Control of Algae Raceway Ponds

Carbon makes up about half of the dry weight of algae, so it is no surprise that carbon is the number one nutrient in demand for algae production.  While some types of algae can take in carbon from organic sources, when we discuss large scale algae biomass production, we focus on algae that take their carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2).  Atmospheric CO2 and bacteria cell respiration (more so in applications like wastewater treatment) meet this carbon demand to a point, but given a sufficient amount other nutrients and a comfortable growing environment (light, temperature, salinity, pH), algae need additional CO2 to maximize growth so that only sunlight is the limiting factor.

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EngineeringJohn CoyneAlgae, CO2 addition, pH Control