Achieving Effortless Algae Cultivation with the RotoFlex™ Resource Recovery Strainer
In a recent interview, Aaron Hickman, a business development manager at Kadant Solutions, explained how the RotoFlex resource recovery strainer is impacting the algae industry. With his experience in finding innovative solutions for complex industrial processes, Aaron has focused on helping algae producers improve their operations by reducing energy consumption, enhancing nutrient absorption, and streamlining maintenance.
VH: How is algae being used across so many different industries today?
AH: Natural food colorants, biodiesel, vitamins, carbon remediation, municipal wastewater treatment, and renewable plastics all have one thing in common, Algae! It is a key resource for these industries because of its versatility and sustainability. Manufacturers are cultivating various strains of algae and separating them from processed water, aiming to use minimal energy. The RotoFlex resource recovery strainer makes this process more efficient by harvesting and concentrating the algae, which works perfectly for both open ponds and photobioreactors. This system ensures continuous, low-maintenance operation, making algae a practical solution across many sectors.
VH: What influences algae growth and productivity in large-scale cultivation?
AH: All juvenile algae need light, nutrients, and minimal competition from larger microalgae to grow in large setups such as open ponds or photobioreactors. If larger filaments and adult algae are not removed, they will consume all the resources. Filtering the larger microalgae will help to create an ideal environment for younger algae to thrive, promoting faster, more robust growth. This will lead to higher yields and ensure the harvested algae is in optimal condition for further processing.
VH: How does the RotoFlex resource recovery strainer enhance algae harvesting and energy efficiency?
AH: The RotoFlex resource recovery strainer is designed to handle volume capacities as high as 1,000 gallons per minute, enhancing productivity, lowering energy costs, and simplifying systems for large-scale operations. First, the fluid is sent to a header, then to the stationary arms that are parallel to the screen, then using the special slots on each header, an even low-pressure of distribution of liquid will create a force that rotates the screen assembly. The water drains from the bottom after filtering, while the retained solid material slides down the angled screen to the center for processing.
VH: What makes the RotoFlex resource recovery strainer improve downstream processing and ensure continuous operation during system upset conditions?
AH: The RotoFlex resource recovery strainer streamlines downstream processes by effectively concentrating algae for easier handling and extraction. The system is designed for continuous operation despite fluctuations in algae concentration or flow rates, in part due to its automatic upset recovery feature. The system can manage varying conditions autonomously, crucial for large-scale algae production.
VH: What are the benefits of the RotoFlex resource recovery strainers unique filter media design?
AH: The RotoFlex resource recovery strainer uses a patented method to keep the filter medium open while harvesting concentrated algae from the surface. The conical media hangs freely from the upper support ring without being attached to the strainer below. The feed flow through the distribution header allows the media to rotate and flex, enabling algae to fall into the collection area without requiring cleaning showers or scraping.
The filter media minimizes wear, does not need to be replaced frequency, and efficiently handles different algae sizes for consistent, low-maintenance results.
VH: How does the RotoFlex resource recovery strainer contribute to reducing maintenance downtime while helping algae producers meet sustainability goals?
AH: The RotoFlex resource recovery strainer needs little maintenance and supports sustainability. Its replaceable backless filter media minimizes downtime for continuous operation. The RotoFlex resource recovery strainer sheds algae and debris, reducing manual intervention and ensuring efficient operation. It operates without external power or motors, reducing energy consumption for algae producers. These features boost productivity and aid producers in achieving sustainability goals by lowering energy use and conserving resources.
Kadant Solutions is improving sustainable algae manufacturing with the RotoFlex resource recovery strainer. Under Aaron’s guidance, we aim to help algae manufacturers boost their growth, reduce energy costs, and optimize operations for better efficiency and output.
