harvest of the
“miracle algae”
Automated dewatering and treatment
Spirulina is a microalgae that is normally found in highly alkaline salt lakes in subtropical regions such as Australia or Central America. It is known for its high protein content, vitamins and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and important amino acids. But how do you get this “miracle algae” for the food industry? This is where our solutions for spirulina algae harvesting can help.
We offer you system solutions for all production steps in spirulina extraction. From automated harvesting and initial enrichment of the algae mass to final dewatering. Together with our partner Algenland, who specialises in spirulina cultivation in Germany, we gladly advise you on your algae production. Together we will find a solution tailored to your needs.
our solutions for your algae harvesting
Our innovative solutions optimally prepare the algae mass for thermal drying. We offer filters and systems for concentration, dewatering and surface enlargement – for your automated algae harvesting.
Vibration sieve for concentration
The vibrating sieve is used to concentrate the algae. This increases the dry substance content (the percentage of solids in a mixture of substances) from approx. 0.6 % (algae in the nutrient medium of the cultivation tank) to approx. 10 %. The sieve surface is made of stainless steel mesh, which is precisely adapted to the algae to be harvested. The excess nutrient medium is fed back into the cultivation tank via the conical discharge bottom so that no nutrients are wasted. The side discharge directs the pre-dewatered algae mass further towards the vacuum belt filter.
Vacuum belt filter for algae dewatering
Using vacuum belt filters, the previously concentrated microalgae are further dewatered in batches until they have a dry substance content of 20%. This dry substance content is necessary to increase the surface area of the algae mass by shaping it for subsequent thermal drying. The buffer tank of the filter, which transfers the pre-sieved mass into the feed tank, is continuously supplied by one or two vibrating sieves. The feed tank is coupled with a linear drive in order to be able to distribute the algae mass equally in defined batches on the filtration surface. After a dry substance content of 20% has been reached, the algae mass is discharged with the reversing filter belt and transferred to the automatic forming unit.
Piston filler for increasing the surface area
The piston filler increases the surface area of the mechanically dewatered microalgae mass. The individual batches that are transferred from the vacuum belt filter fall into the filling funnel of the piston filler. After the transfer, the piston moves and pushes the algae mass into the “pressure area”. A special forming tube now ensures the typical “spaghetti-like” appearance of the spirulina mass. Due to the surface enlargement achieved in this way, careful thermal drying can then take place at a low temperature (40 °C). This means that all the important nutrients are retained in the end product.
START YOUR ALGAE HARVEST WITH US
Together with Algenland GmbH, we are your contact for spirulina production.
Possible applications of spirulina
Large market for the miracle algae
The high nutritional-physiological potential of spirulina algae makes it a well-known representative in food production and a high-quality food supplement that is now very popular among consumers. The substances present in the algae cell, such as carotenoids, amino acids, alginates, colour pigments and vitamins, are also suitable for use in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In addition, algae oils can be used as biofuel.
As you can see, there are many possible applications for spirulina – so the market is definitely there.
Strong partners in algae harvesting
Spirulina production in Germany with Algenland
Our partners at Algenland GmbH have developed an innovative process that allows the sustainable, ecological and economical production of spirulina algae in Germany. The production as well as the utilisation of spirulina algae create an overall process for the use of climate-damaging Co2 and previously unused waste heat from power generators and industrial plants, such as biogas plants.
The extraction residues obtained and the algae biomass produced itself also represent a multi-purpose raw material, such as algae biomass as a fermentation substrate for biogas plants. With the cultivation of algae, a closed production cycle is achieved so that no waste is produced. The aim is to obtain a valuable and sustainable raw material that can be used in a variety of ways and is becoming more and more interesting economically.
START YOUR ALGAE HARVEST WITH US NOW!
We will be happy to consult you on all steps in the algae production process.