In May 2016, we introduced ...

In May 2016, we introduced our ultrasonic algae control device called a Quattro-DB and branded as Hydro BioScience, Eco Driven Solutions.  It is currently patent pending.  It has two frequency bandwidths.  The lower bandwidth is from 24 to 58 kilohertz and it produces 1565 frequencies there.  The upper bandwidth is from 195 to 205 kHz with 17 frequencies.  The upper target is blue-green algae and was chosen based on research done at that frequency range for effectiveness on Microcystis, a troublesome species that shuts down many lakes worldwide.  In the lower bandwidth, used by most companies in our industry, the primary target is green algae and diatoms where an internal cell wall (plasmalemma) is caused to tear from a contractile vacuole (think pump) and this disables the algae by disrupting internal fluid flow.  Most blue-greens have gas vesicles (hundreds per cell) that are a protein layer thick and provide buoyancy.  The cells have a density very close to that of water and daily photosynthesis provides hydrocarbon ballast that allow these algae to sink to the bottom where phosphates and other nutrients are higher in concentration.  Cell division is usually done during this cycle as well.  In about three days, gas from the vesicles diffuses through the outer cell wall and the cell becomes permanently heavier than water, sinking to the bottom where insufficient light will finally cause it to die.  The outer cell wall is NOT RUPTURED as has been incorrectly reported.  Our device does not create cavitation and was specifically designed not to do so for safety reasons.  Some devices do create a small amount of cavitation, but the effect does not go beyond a few inches from the device.

The Quattro-DB has two piezos for generating sound and each emits sound in two directions.  They are arranged at right angles to each other to cause sound output in four directions simultaneously.  Sound output is 0.4 seconds on and 0.6 seconds off with the maximum instantaneous power at 50 watts.  On average, our device uses a meager 12.5 watts.  Most people think that wattage is important when selecting a device.  It is not.  What is important is choosing the correct piezo material and dimensions for the application and providing head and tail masses to it to spread out its effective operating range.  Our piezo was strategically selected to operate in two very different ranges as mentioned above.  In the name, Quattro is for four way output and DB is for dual bandwidth.

With four way output and generating about 185 dB sound level across our operating range, our device has a green algae radial control range of 150 meters range (17.5 acre) and 400 meter range for blue-green algae with gas vesicles (120 acres).

The device does not kill bacteria, but can cause anaerobic bacteria to suspend colonization close to the device.  This is attributed to creating a sound vibration that to these type of bacteria resembles water turbulence where they cannot effectively create a colonial biofilm layer.  This is effectively used in water treatment facilities to reduce bacterial growth on walls and reduces Chlorine consumption and disinfection by-product generation of THM's (trihalo methanes) and HAA's (halo acetic acids) which are carcinogens and regulated by the EPA.

The technology works via a phenomenon called critical structural resonance, much like what happens when a crystal glass breaks due to response to its on natural vibrating frequency.

Most algae problems occur due to high nutrient levels, primarily phosphate.  Our general recommendation is to find the source of the nutrients and stop them from entering your water system if possible.  In natural systems, we recommend beneficial bacteria and aeration along with ultrasound to create a healthy water body.  We generally refer to this technique as The Water Trifecta®.

Ultrasound is safe for fish.  In hatcheries of catfish and trout, we have reports that turning the ultrasound off during feeding cycles improves the food intake and growth of the fish.  Catfish have been found to grow faster with ultrasound present and also off-flavor (musty taste in the fish from algae) has been effectively reduced thus increasing the marketability of the fish.

Hopefully this helps clear up how the device operates. 
George Hutchinson, President AlgaeControl.US LLC,
email: george@algaecontrol.us