The Feasibility of pilot production of Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima cultivated newly constructed raceway pond in Republic of Korea

Abstract

This study reports a novel microalgae raceway with 40 ton culture medium, which is modified from traditional paddlewheel-driven raceways. To control cold and heat in the raceway during winter season, the pond is excavated to 1 m-deep substrate with passive solar green house constructed by building information modeling (BIM). The flow and mixing rate (15-30 rpm) of seawater is controlled by new developed paddlewheel and controller. For optimizing the design factors of the mixing ground, flow visualization, velocity measurement and cell density ultrasonic detector were employed to investigate the flow mixing features. An optimized pilot plant design for microalgae mass culture in temperate area and details of mixing are presented. The capability of the pilot production of Spirulina maxima was tested in Ansan, South Korea (37.287°N, 126.833°E). In a pre-industrial trial using raceway ponds, the strain displayed satisfactory growth under batch condition. In 2-years trial in the ponds, average production was recorded 0.99±0.16 g/L which showed stable productivity in a year. Maximum production was estimated 1.418±0.09 g/L in August 2011 while minimum production was estimated 0.597±0.05 g/L in October 2011. In conclusion, intensive pilot production of S. maxima is feasible in Korean climates, a region previously thought to be outside its geographic limits. The study presents an inventive design for microalgae mass cultate with passive solar green house constructed by building information modeling (BIM). The flow and mixing rate (15-30 rpm) of seawater is controlled by new developed paddlewheel and controller. For optimizing the design factors of the mixing ground, flow visualization, velocity measurement and cell density ultrasonic detector were employed to investigate the flow mixing features. An optimized pilot plant design for microalgae mass culture in temperate area and details of mixing are presented. The capability of the pilot production of Spirulina maxima was tested in Ansan, South Korea (37.287°N, 126.833°E). In a pre-industrial trial using raceway ponds, the strain displayed satisfactory growth under batch condition. In 2-years trial in the ponds, average production was recorded 0.99±0.16 g/L which showed stable productivity in a year. Maximum production was estimated 1.418±0.09 g/L in August 2011 while minimum production was estimated 0.597±0.05 g/L in October 2011. In conclusion, intensive pilot production of S. maxima is feasible in Korean climates, a region previously thought to be outside its geographic limits. The study presents an inventive design for microalgae mass cult