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Versatile algae are widely regarded as a key raw material for the future. Efficient harvesting and maximum recovery of biomass require advanced separation technology. KESS has developed a specialized algae processing approach to meet these needs.
Due to their positive attributes, algae are increasingly used in coal production to reduce CO2 emissions and in sewage treatment plants to reduce high nitrogen and phosphor levels. This green bioresource grows in culture ponds or in photobioreactors. During the harvesting, algae are separated from their culture substrate and processed further to become a high-quality concentrate. The harvesting technology used has a decisive influence on the efficiency of the overall process: The aim is to keep both the investment costs and the operating costs for energy, water, etc. as low as possible. At the same time, for optimal processing, the separated algae concentrate should have as high a dry matter content as possible.
Two main process options are available, both utilizing high-quality KESS centrifuges: a single-step process with a KESS separator is ideal for small to medium-scale operations, while industrial-scale plants can benefit from a two-step process, in which a KESS high-efficiency decanter handles the main cell harvesting after initial pre-concentration.
Our industrial centrifuges for algae harvesting:
- Disc Stack Centrifuge
- Decanter Centrifuge
Customer Benefits
Algae harvesting with the KESS Separator
The algae suspension flows from the photobioreactor directly into the KESS Separator. Then the distributor gently accelerates the suspension to full speed. Due to the high centrifugal force of up to 12,000 g, the separator dewaters the algae suspension producing an algae concentrate with creamy consistency. Thus making the algae concentrate ideal for further processing. Small to medium-sized plant benefit in particular from the low investment and low operating costs of the single-stage process.
- up to 25 percent lower investment costs
- lower costs for further processing or drying due to a very high-quality algae concentrate
- suitable for medium and small businesses
Algae concentrate after processing with KESS decanter
Algae harvesting with the KESS decanter
Algae harvesting with the decanter is a two-stage process that is ideal for larger operations: The algae suspension from the photobioreactor is initially pre-concentrated. The algae concentrate then flows on into the KESS decanter, where the cell harvesting takes place. The decanter dewaters the algae concentrate to a compact cake with 22 to 25 percent dry substance content. Only this special decanter centrifuge is capable of thickening the fine and soft algae cells in such an efficient way.
The pre-concentration in the two-stage process saves energy when compared with single-stage processes. The more water that is separated beforehand, the less the decanter has to separate.
- up to 60 percent lower operating costs (e.g. energy)
- up to 25 percent lower investment costs
- 22 to 25 percent high dry solids content for optimum further processing
Algae concentrate after processing with KESS decanter
Test results confirm that algae are also suitable as a source of renewable energy: The total energy balance for different harvesting processes was compared in the example.
KESS decanter reduces the energy required to harvest algae by 75 percent when compared with conventional processing.
Contact Us
Ready to enhance your beverage production efficiency and product quality? Contact KES Separation today to discuss a customized centrifuge solution for your beverage application.