OriginOil, Inc. announced Algae Screen, a process that keeps algae healthy and productive by selectively eliminating microscopic predators without the use of chemicals. The technology employs an electromagnetic pulse, similar to what it uses in its Live Extraction process. OriginOil will offer Algae Screen and Live Extraction in one integrated offering for growers.
Microscopic invaders, such as rotifers, reduce the value of the algae crop by metabolizing valuable oil and biomass. Additionally, invasions can choke off algae growth and reduce the percentage of daily harvest. The problem exists in all types of growth systems, but most acutely in open ponds.
Algae Screen targets invaders with calibrated pulses of low-power electromagnetic energy that leave the algae safe. The pulsing and power levels are adjustable for different algae types and environmental conditions such as water hardness and salinity.
Much of our technology is based on the same underlying science, so it makes sense to create functionality hubs to simplify field operations and create more value for producers. We see much more integration activity as the algae industry matures.
—Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO
The company recently filed for patent protection of the new Algae Screen technology, its twelfth patent application, entitled “Enhancing Algae Growth by Reducing Competing Microorganisms in a Growth Medium.”