Algae as a turbocharger

They are teeny tiny but they have enormous strength: microalgae are considered a sustainable raw material and energy supplier of the future. In photobioreactors made of glass tubing, the microscopic organisms can grow to incredible sizes, thanks to optimal light penetration and protection from impurities and contamination.

Challenge

Microalgae are in fact truly multi-talented. Their metabolic products are used as ingredient supplements, for human food and animal feed, impart medications and cosmetic properties and can even be used to clean up wastewater. Because algae uses light as an energy source and converts carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, they form a biomass. This process is five times more efficient than that of terrestrial plants.

A market with a bright future

This biomass is primarily of interest from an industrial point of view because of the proteins, lipids, pigments, antioxidants, acids, and several other valuable elements within them. There are over a hundred thousand types of algae that have been identified to date, but only about two dozen are used today in industrial cultivation.
And that is precisely the beauty of it.

Innovation

Many ways to harvest algae

Cultivating them in open ponds seems to offer a promising amount of masses. However, it leaves the micro-organisms exposed to elements with no protection. In contrast, when algae are contained in closed photobioreactors, they are protected. This is where systems made of DURAN® glass tubing are better suited because they are more stable and easier to clean than plastic tubing. They bring the light algae needs to achieve optimal growth.

A 7-day harvest cycle

Algae needs (sun)light, carbon dioxide and nutrients to grow. Photobioreactors provide the optimal conditions. In closed DURAN® systems it takes only seven days to harvest. This kind of yield has even the experts in awe.

CO₂

Carbon dioxide

Sunlight

O₂

Oxygen

Biomass

Algae need (sun) light, carbon dioxide and nutrients to grow. Photobioreactors provide the optimal conditions.

Let SCHOTT help you achieve the perfect environment for new algae wonders.

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Downloads

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- Comparison of commonly used technologies for algae cultivation
- Ecoduna Case Story: Higher productivity

The right chemistry

Acids and alkalis cause most substances to go up in smoke. But not specialty glass: Even after six hours in boiling hydrochloric acid, it is virtually undamaged. This makes it an indispensable material for chemical applications with highly reactive substances.

Hidden Champions

When fighting cancer, the promise of a pharmaceutical drug being packaged in its proper type of glass is often overlooked. Even the best possible drug could not be stored, transported, or even administered without the right packaging. No one should have to worry about their own treatment.

New Dimensions of Protection

Our definition of progress involves achieving more protection and security in all aspects of life.
Materials, which are durable and flexible meet these criteria and bring it to a new level of meaning.

SCHOTT has been manufacturing hermetic housings since the 1930s.

More energy with safety

Our world is becoming increasingly digital – and our hunger for energy more insatiable. Glass plays a significant role in this process.

Specialty glass on demand

SCHOTT Tubing offers customers options even for their “mature” products..

Sustainable aquaculture

Fish not only tastes great but it is also good for you. It provides the body with important nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. The omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish are good for the heart, brain and immune system.

Algae as a turbocharger