Plastika Kritis has engineered a liner utilizing specialty polymers designed to effectively seal the pond, while also boosting productivity and simplifying maintenance.
What are raceway ponds?
Raceway ponds are one of the most commonly used open pond types for the large-scale cultivation of microalgae. The raceway pond system was initially used to culture Spirulina for commercial production and is now employed for the mass culture of many other microalgal strains. Microalgae cultivation in raceway ponds has emerged as a promising approach for carbon sequestration, offering a sustainable and scalable method for CO2 capture while producing valuable biomass.
Raceway ponds constitute an ideal environment for the enhanced cultivation of microalgae, consisting of a series of closed oval-shaped loops that resemble an automotive raceway circuit. This system is perceived as a maze of shallow circuits, 0.25–0.40 m deep, in which the water is kept in constant motion through a powered paddle wheel. The continuous flow operation ensures an equal distribution of nutrients and prevents the sedimentation of microalgae biomass.
Algae cultivation has many commercial and industrial uses and appears to be a promising long-term sustainable source of biomass.
Plastika Kritis pioneers liner system for algae cultivation
To make the system effective and cost-efficient, special attention must be given to the design and construction of the pond to achieve optimal outcomes. One of the primary challenges in raceway pond construction is ensuring a watertight environment that can withstand constant exposure to sunlight, fluctuating temperatures, and mechanical stress. Another challenge lies in maintaining the integrity of the pond structure over time to prevent leaks, which could compromise the microalgae cultivation process and result in lost productivity.
Plastika Kritis has engineered a liner utilizing specialty polymers designed to effectively seal the pond, while also boosting productivity and simplifying maintenance. This liner is crafted from a uniquely flexible polymer combined with carbon black and additive masterbatches produced in-house, resulting in a Black & White liner that exceeds international standards and specifications. The innovative design of the liner significantly enhances the system’s performance and productivity. Specifically, the liner's white surface amplifies photosynthesis, empowering microscopic photosynthetic organisms — microalgae — to more efficiently absorb CO2 and transform it into organic matter. By harnessing solar energy and utilizing CO2, microalgae cultivation in raceway ponds can effectively sequester carbon while generating biomass with diverse commercial applications.
Plastika Kritis’ solution offers a cost-effective option that does not compromise on quality, providing a durable, easily welded, and chlorine-resistant liner. This liner can be easily installed, maintained, and cleaned, making it as a superior choice for algae cultivation operations. We take pride in our involvement in numerous raceway pond liner installations, which have consistently delivered maximum yields for the cultivators. Our approach is recognized as one of the most fitting and economical solutions available in the industrial market for algae cultivation.
