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.

“The number one request we get from customers is to get a paddle wheel that’s easy to clean” says Process Engineer Braden Crowe.  In response MBE redesigned their paddle wheel to be a simplified clamp-on style, 316 stainless steel, four blade design which has almost no hardware.  The design reduces corners, seams, and hardware that make it difficult and time consuming to clean.  The clamp-on style allows operators to completely remove the wheel for thorough cleaning and sterilizing.  

Assembly is now easier than ever.  Two people can put the whole raceway together in less than 30 minutes.  The tanks can now be nested to decrease shipping expenses.

The RW3.4 maintains many of the same great features as the previous generation including the optional magnetic coupler between motor and paddle which is an added safety feature that is a great option for Universities or other educational purposes.  There is a flush 2-inch pipe fitting for complete draining, and 2-inch double sided bulkhead for standpipes for partial harvests or continuous operation.  The HDPE Stand is corrosion resistant and easy to assemble. The NEMA 4X single phase speed controller accepts European or US standard voltages

If you are interested in learning more about algae raceway ponds head over to our products page!

Author:

Ian Woertz, M.S., P.E.

COO