Separating algae from water from a raceway pond - Page 3

 

Jim,

Good option, I think the key to this will be testing, what a
location's indigenous algae's doubling-rate at different temperature
within it natural-growth temperature-range, once I figure that out, I
can test to see what improvement (if any) in the algae's doubling rate
the different rates of circulation has.

Depending on the results, I now have two options and can choose the
option that best fits the need; I think if the raceway needs high
circulation the paddle-wheel will be better, but if high circulation
is not needed your Archmedian screw idea seems to have a lower power
consumption.

I think all I'll need to test indigenous algae's doubling-rate at
different temperature within it natural-growth temperature-range will
be a thermometer, a couple dozen clear 2-liter soda bottles, and a
log.

If the results seem reasonable to produce enough compost, then a 1:12
model should give me all the answers I need for compost, although I'd
still like to test Jean Pain's (1kg of bio-mass produces 1m^3 of gas)
claim.

Your algae sticking to rocks point I haven't considered; another
potential fly in the ointment to think about.

Thanks,

Curbie

 

You could put construction fencing (the orange plastic stuff)
in the raceway, put groundcloth over it.
It would maybe isolate the agae from the concrete or whatever
of the raceway.
Then, you could roll up some of the fence, raise it up, cause
the water to drain off,.harvest the algae.

 

On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:10:27 -0800 (PST),
Michael,

Thanks for the feedback, I read that waist-water document today.

Curbie

 


I understand the need to experiment and to characterize the process,
but at some point you could be converting electricity into algae.

I finally measured how much electricity my solar laundry water heater
saves: 2/3 KWH or $
.10 per week. It wasn't even worth the time spent
filling and hauling the bucket.

jsw

 

Jim,

If indigenous algae doubles fast enough to be grown in a small raceway
AND the total volume of bio-mass produces gas at anywhere near Jean
Pain's claims, the bio-mass will produce enough methane to power a
small converted gasoline engine for compression, circulation, methane
for cooking and some left over.

Jean Pain CLAIMS he produced all his heating needs by aerobic compost
to heat anaerobic composting (for the gas), his house, his water, used
the gas produced for cooking, compression, and to drive his car, I not
sure I believe his claims, and they are real short of the numbers, but
John Fry is NOT short on the numbers, so there seems to enough there
to do a little experimenting.

If I can get couple tons of organic compost, through a fairly labor
free process I'd be happy, and if at the end of the day I had compost
and enough gas to perpetuate the process and extra for cooking I'd be
ecstatic.

Again, the great thing here is that the real numbers for real answers
won't cost spit, I'm just trying to visualize the process so I'll know
what number I need.

Curbie