The algae growing process is designed to use a minimal amount of energy. The process of separating the algae from the water, a.k.a. harvesting, is usually the most energy demanding step. AF&F has developed a patented method for pre-concentrating the algae with minimal use of energy: the coalescer. This method induces autoflocculation through the creation of specific flow patterns.
Water with algae is pumped through the packages of plates, which create a flow pattern. The algae sink to the bottom due to the autofloccution induced by the flow pattern. This concentrate at the bottom is drained with the harvesting taps. The concentrate is then led through the centrifuge to form a paste. The advantages of this low-energy pre- concentration is a very short centrifuge time, which saves a lot of energy. Below you can see the coalescer and the plate packages.
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Another advantage of this method is that no floc-chemicals are necessary. Moreover, it's relatively easy to handle, easily scaled to bigger volumes and suitable for agrarian environments.
For more information about our coalescers, please contact us.
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