Digital Ultrasonic Control of Algae and Biofilm from ImpactTec

We are pleased to introduce the new 'digital' Pond-Tec and Pool-Tec Range of ultrasonic algal control products developed by ImpactTec.
Ultrasound has been used as an environmentally friendly way to eliminate algae for some time, however the effectiveness of the systems is directly related to the ultrasound pattern generated and as such, results can be varied.

ImpactTec have been involved with aquatic ultrasound industry for many years and were aware of this problem and so have redesigned their systems using a microprocessor to generate the ultrasound signal and pattern for the Pond and Pool-Tec systems.
This 'state of the art' technology to produce ultrasound signals which is extremely effective at controlling algae, biofilms and water borne pathogens.

Why are the Pond-Tec and Pool-Tec products special? State of the art technology Re-programmable to cope with all algal species Transducer emits a multi-layered ultrasonic pattern of up to 25 frequencies Ultrasound generated in asymmetrical pulses for optimal efficiency Transducers designed specifically for each model Frequency range of 300 – 200,00Hz depending on programming Available in either 240v AC or 12V DC models Low power consumption of only 8 to 40 watts max – dependent on model Solar/wind power options available for DC models Pool-Tec models available for swimming pools

How does ultrasound work?

In most basic terms, the algae get shaken to bits – just like the opera singer smashing a wine glass with that perfect note!

The transducer(s) is positioned on the end of the pond or lake just below and horizontal to the surface and emits the ultrasound waves out into the water. When these high frequency pulses strike algal cells, the cells begin to oscillate. If the algae, such as the blue/greens, has a gas vacuole (for buoyancy), then the vacuole also starts to resonate - to such an extent that it continues to increase in size. There comes a point when the vacuole becomes unstable and collapses, making the algae sink to the bottom of the pond.
Algal species which don’t have gas vacuoles react differently. The vibrations from the ultrasound cause the inner cell wall of the algal cell (plasmalemma) to become detached from the outer cell wall – this means that water, gases and nutrients can neither be absorbed or expelled and as a result the algae dies.

The pictures below were taken by the Centre for Aquatic Plant Management and demonstrate the effect of ultrasound on the cell structure of Spirogyra as mentioned above. Once can clearly see how the plasmalemma becomes detatched from the outer cell wall.

Spirogyra cells	After 7 days ultrasound treatment	After 14 days ultrasound treatment

Re-programmable Ultrasound Signal

All these products are set up to cope with most common algal species, such as the greens, blue/greens and blanket weed. However, different algae are susceptible to different frequencies, so unlike other ultrasound systems on the market, the Pond and Pool-Tec models we can be re-programmed on site to emit frequencies that will work on the most stubborn species. Its just like changing the music to get rid of unwanted guests! If the unwanted guests like classical music, then we just change the music to heavy metal .... and watch them go!

Asymmetrical Ultrasound Production

If the ultrasound is generated in regular pulses, it will be reflected back by pond edges or other obstructions like islands. As a result, the outgoing and returning waves ‘cancel’ each other out creating ‘quiet’ areas where algae will be unaffected.
With Pond-Tec products, the ultrasound is generated at irregular intervals to guarantee maximum effectiveness.

Biofilm Removal

Not only will the ultrasound kill off the algae, but it also eliminates ‘biofilm’ – this is the ‘slime’ that can be found growing on submerged surfaces. Initially bacterial growth only, biofilms provide a substrate onto which algae can attach and grow.

Water Treatment & Cooling Systems

The ultrasound is also proven to eliminate many water borne pathogens such as E.coli and Legionella bacteria and so can also be used for water treatment or in cooling systems, thereby reducing the need for chemical treatments.

For more information and prices please contact us.