Phyco-Bubble

Column Photobioreactor

Our Phyco-Bubble columns bring a fully controllable laboratory scale reactor system to the marketplace. The columns are available in a range of incremental sizes from 3 – 25 L, and can be illuminated with LED or Gro-Lux back lighting that can be tailored to specific photosynthetic requirements. The systems are mixed by aeration which significantly reduces mechanical shear, and display excellent levels of turbulence and mass transfer. Standard fabrication is in Schott borosilicate glass, with manifolds and connectors made from PVC or aluminium. A variety of ports for inlet/outlet and sensor functions can be added dependent on requirements. For a specification, quotation, further technical and performance data please contact us.

Testimonials

The Varicon Aqua Phyco-Flow system has been in place and running for over a year in our facility. We have found it to be a robust production workhorse, with minimum moving parts allowing for ease of operation and maintenance. A propriety cleaning technology cuts down-time to a minimum. In combination these features mean that the Phyco-Flow system meets our cost of ownership expectation as a production system. Furthermore we have had great after sales support from Varicon Aqua Team.

- James Chang

Geb Impact Technology Co., Ltd. (2016)

In 2004 NSG began a project which required the cultivation of green chlorella vulgaris algae to act as a non-radioactive simulant for organic material present at a storage pond at Sellafield. Although we have considerable experience in inorganic materials simulation, NSG had no experience of cultivating and harvesting living material. In addition to the BioFence system and ancillary equipment designed by and purchased from Varicon Aqua Solutions, the advice from Mr Joe McDonald throughout the project was invaluable in getting a successful outcome. The BioFence™ ran successfully for many months and generated a substantial quantity of algae for our research and development trials. We would have no hesitation in recommending the company or the product to others.

- Jonathan Brown.

Technical Manager at NSG Environmental Ltd

Varicon Aqua Solutions have provided and installed three Biofences™ at our facilities at Swansea University. Throughout the process of procuring, planning, installation, commissioning, training and full operation of the systems Varicon have provided excellent support and service. This type of equipment can be challenging to operate especially for inexperienced staff but we have developed a good working relationship with Varicon staff who have always been supportive and quick to assist when needed.

- Alex Keay.

Technical Manager at Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University

Nous avons installe des 2 Biofence™ d'une capacite de 5000L il y a 3 ans, puis nous avons double cette capacite un an plus tard. L'equipe Varicon que ce soit celle du siege ou le bureau francais a toujour ete a nos cotes pour lever toute inquietude et nous aider a utiliser au mieux le materiel. Aujourd'hui cette unite de production de 10 m3 est utilisee pour produire 2 souches qui sont valorisees sur 2 de nos marches: la production de micro-algues pour l'aquaculture et la production d'ingredients a haute valeur ajoutee par les micro-algues.

- Jean-Yves Berthon (PDG) .

Greentech France

The BioFence™ photobioreactor manufactured by Varicon-Aqua Solutions LTD, UK is a well engineered and reliable continuous algae culture system. I helped install and operate several of these systems for the US Fish and Wildlife Service for about 3 yrs. During that period we grew 4 different species of algae continuously for periods up to a year without any significant problems with the systems. Trained as an algal physiologist I have over 40 yrs experience studying and growing algae using various types of continuous/semi-continuous culture systems of varying degrees of complexity. By far, the BioFence™ is the simplest and most reliable system with which I have ever worked.

- David M. Orcutt, PhD.

Phykos Solutions, Inc

We have been using the Biofence system nearly continuously since you were here just over two years ago for installation....the BioFence has so far been an invaluable tool to our research program for the production of biomass to support various project objectives, which has involved the production of biogas from anaerobic digestion of algal biomass and in the area of high value pigments and other co-products.

- Dr. Patrick J. McGinn

Institute for Marine Biosciences

We are extremely pleased with production capability of the BioFences, the low maintenance to operate the fences, and the efficient use of space the BioFences provide which allow us to grow more species in a small greenhouse... The BioFences have done a fantastic job of providing us with an abundance of viable and healthy live algal diets, which we need and feed on a continuous basis to our suspension-feeding freshwater mussels. on a regular basis.

- Catherine Gatenby, Ph.D.

Hatchery Manager and Project Leader at White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery and Aquatic Resource Recovery Center

We purchased our first BioFence in 2009. The system performed very well and was expanded in 2011. Over this period, our relationship with you and Varicon has been very positive. Varicon coordinated the design, manufacture, shipment and installation of the system. Varicon was receptive and prompt in addressing all our concerns. We were very pleased with all our interactions.

- Sergio Finkielsztein

CEO at Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc

Kuehnle Agro Systems has been a very satisfied customer of Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd. BioFences that we purchased from you and that you installed at two different locations on Oahu, Hawaii a few years ago. They produced high yields, have thus far been compatible with over a half-dozen different species including flagellates, and are compatible with our operations in conditions of high light and saltwater. As important, you were able to accommodate our specific site and end-use application requests. Also of great value was the courteous and responsive professionalism always displayed by Varicon, which was an integral part of our placing repeat orders with you. The customer support associated with the BioFence hardware has been terrific! For us, it is the only off-the-shelf complete service technology that we know of for consistent, easy, and scalable vertical (fence-like, for space savings) tubular photobioreactor installation and operations

- Adelheid Kuehnle, PhD

President and CEO, Co-Founder Kuehnle AgroSystems, Inc.

"We had good success in using the biofence system for growing a variety of micro algae over a 3 year period. We used the fences in an indoors installation with artificial lighting and controlled temperatures, and also outside using natural light and temperatures. In both inside & outside constellations the biofence produced good results in terms of algal growth and for producing good quality biomass the system works fine. We had not particularly expected the outside fence to do much (we were working in North Wales, not noted for high temperatures and good light), but in fact the results were great.

- Prof. David Thomas

Bangor University & Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)

We have been working with Varicon for about 2 years now, utilizing various photobioreactors that they offer. Joe and his team are always available to answer any questions, troubleshoot problems, and collaborate on ways to make the systems work best for our applications. I would highly recommend Varicon to anyone who is in the market for a supplier of algae cultivation systems.

- Chris Kiser

Director of Aquaculture, Cyanotech

The Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd. BioFence has proved to be just as reliable and time-saving as promised when installed on our remote island. The double tubular photobioreactors from 2008 and 2009 have been in constant use ever since. The systems compatibility with both diatoms and flagellates and the fraction of space and handling time that is required for operation is invaluable. The systems now provide us with a constant supply of diatoms and flagellates at high yields and qualities as bulk feed in the hatchery operation. We want to praise you and your crew for the service-mindedness and competence that you have provided through the years. This has greatly facilitated our skills to now operate the Biofence on a regular basis.

- Kent and Benno

Ostrea Sverige AB

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Phyco-Bubble

Column Photobioreactor

Testimonials

Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd,
Unit 12,
Ball Mill Top Business Park,
Hallow,
Worcester
WR2 6PD

+44 (0)1905 640728