ABOUT ALGAEWHEEL

OUR TECHNOLOGY

Algaewheel® is the most commercially advanced algal wastewater treatment technology worldwide, designed to deliver substantial energy reductions while abating greenhouse gasses.

THE WHEEL (RAC™)
OUR
DESIGN
BIOLOGICAL AERATION
TREATMENT
APPLICATIONS
PERFORMANCE

Algaewheel® is a revolutionary Rotating Algal Contactor

(RAC™)

Our wheel utilise a hybrid fixed-film technology that combines the performance benefits of algal biofilms and MBBR.

  • Buoyant Algaewheels float in shallow process tanks
  • A simple, very low energy air system rotates the Algaewheels
  • Air-driven RACs cause rising air bubbles to collect in the Algaewheel fins, causing them to rotate at 1-2 rpm
  • No mechanical bearing, gears or chains
  • The surfaces of each Algaewheel support bacterial growth
  • MBBR media inside the Algaewheels provides an ideal bacteria growth environment 24/7
the process

BIOLOGICAL AERATION:

The critical element

The Algae bio-film becomes saturated with oxygen during photosynthesis (the biological aeration process)

How the Process Works

Algae grow on rotating wheels, using light, CO2 and nutrients. Through co-evolution, algae and bacteria have developed an intricate relationship where the by-products of one group are the inputs for the other. Algae produce oxygen, consume carbon-dioxide, generate sugars, and nutrients. Bacteria consume the oxygen and sugars and produce carbon-dioxide, which is then used by the algae — completing the cycle.

When subjected to light, the algal biofilms become saturated with oxygen, enhancing BOD reduction and nitrification of ammonia.

Activated sludge systems depend on skilled control of the mixed liquor and aeration to maintain the treatment biology. By contrast, Algaewheel® requires no operational management, as nature’s balance of its diverse ecology and chemistry has been ‘expertly engineered’ over billions of years. Nature-based systems (especially fixed film) sustain their biology in periods of low flow and mitigate the effects of shock loadings.

This revolutionary system sustainably delivers the needs of the small-scale market by providing a stable and effective treatment which radically reduces energy and operator requirements.

OUR DESIGN

Sustainability is in our DNA

Algaewheel® was first approved by the USEPA in 2011. The technology is featured on the EPA’s website as an example of innovation in the wastewater sector

Scientific studies have validated the utilisation of algae in Algaewheel® as a ground-breaking, eco-technology capable of efficiently removing contamination from wastewater. 

Results from many pilot plants and full-scale commercial plants over the past twelve years have consistently validated Algaewheel® technology.

These have demonstrated that Algaewheel® offers a lower-cost, higher-standard, nature-based alternative to aging energy-hungry conventional wastewater treatment solutions.

As part of a cycle of photosynthesis algae naturally use pollutants such as carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen as a source of nutrition to fuel their growth. 

Nitrogen is common in human waste and food products and phosphorous is found in many soaps and detergents used in households. Large quantities of phosphorous and nitrogen are also present in fertilisers and animal waste.

As part of the process, algae produce oxygen which is needed for bacteria to thrive.

APPLICATIONS
SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS
ORIGINS
PROJECTS