Microalgae open pond systems

Microalgae biomass is produced in specially engineered facilities. Currently, open pond and photo bio-reactor (PBR) systems are the two most viable options for large-scale commercial production of algal biomass for biofuel. 

Open systems include raceway ponds, circular ponds and tanks. They resemble mostly closely the nature of microalgae and serve as the oldest and simplest systems for algal produetion. The simplicity lowers the production costs. An open pond usually is shallow (0.25-0.4 m deep) beeause optical absorption and self-shading by the algal cells limits light penetration through the algal broth." ... 

Between 1980 and 1987, the ASP funded the development of two larger-scale microalgae mass culture systems—one at the University of California and one at the University of Hawaii. Both systems utilized open raceway designs and performed their studies in ponds lOOm or less. The effects of fluid flow patterns, light intensity, dissolved O2 levels, pH, and algae harvesting methods were studied in both systems and locations. 

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