SSP 26_024 for LiqoFlux Algae Dewatering System

THAD COCHRAN MARINE AQUACULTURE CENTER | GULF COAST RESEARCH LABORATORY
703 East Beach Drive | Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Subject: Sole Source Justification - Liqoflux Automated Ultrafiltration and Algae Dewatering System
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), through the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC), is
requesting approval for the sole source procurement of the Liqoflux LF2AL15, a pilot-to-small-scale automated algae
harvesting and dewatering system for the new Oyster Hatchery and Research Center (OHRC) currently under construction at
the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Cedar Point Campus.
The Liqoflux LF2AL15 system provides a highly specialized and integrated solution for the concentration of microalgae
cultures and recovery of process water through proprietary ultrafiltration membrane technology. This capability is essential
to hatchery operations, where the consistent production of high-quality algal feed and efficient water management directly
impact larval survival rates, system biosecurity, and operational sustainability.
Unlike conventional harvesting technologies, the Liqoflux system incorporates several proprietary and uniquely integrated
components that are not available in competing systems:
LiqoCap Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane Technology
The system utilizes a proprietary membrane configuration specifically engineered for microalgae separation. This
technology enables selective retention of algal biomass while allowing clean water permeate to be recovered and
reused. The membrane design minimizes shear stress and cell damage, preserving algal viability-an essential
requirement for hatchery feed applications.
Closed-Loop Water Recovery and Reuse System
The LF2AL15 is designed as a closed-loop system that continuously recovers and recycles process water. The
ultrafiltration system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses from water,
producing high-quality filtered water. This reduces total water demand, maintains stable culture conditions, and
supports biosecurity protocols by limiting the introduction of external contaminants. Comparable systems do not
provide this level of integrated water reuse within a single unit.
Integrated Automation and Process Control
The system includes proprietary automation controls that regulate flow rates, transmembrane pressure, and fouling
management in real time. This ensures consistent performance across varying algal densities and species, while
reducing operator intervention and variability. Competing technologies typically require manual adjustment or lack the
level of precision required for sensitive hatchery operations.
Low-Shear, Algae-Specific Processing Design
The Liqoflux system is specifically engineered to handle fragile microalgae species used in aquaculture without causing
cellular damage. Traditional alternatives such as centrifuges or dissolved air flotation systems introduce shear forces or
chemical additives that can negatively impact algal quality and suitability as live feed.
Modular, Pilot-to-Production Scalability
The LF2AL15 platform is designed to bridge pilot-scale research and operational production, allowing for process
optimization and future scale-up using consistent technology. This continuity is critical for research-driven hatchery
programs such as TCMAC.
Turnkey Integration for Aquaculture Applications
The system is delivered as a fully integrated, turnkey unit designed specifically for aquaculture hatchery environments.
This eliminates the need for custom engineering, multi-vendor integration, and associated performance risks.

USM evaluated alternative technologies including centrifugation systems, belt filters, and non-specialized membrane
filtration units. While these technologies can perform partial functions of algae harvesting or dewatering, none provide the
same combination of low-shear processing, integrated ultrafiltration, automated control, and closed-loop water recovery
within a single system designed specifically for aquaculture applications.
Additionally, alternative approaches would require multiple pieces of equipment from different vendors, resulting in
increased system complexity, higher installation and maintenance costs, and greater operational risk. No other known vendor
offers a comparable, fully integrated solution with the proprietary features and aquaculture-specific performance
characteristics of the Liqoflux LF2AL15.
Given the specialized nature of this system, its proprietary membrane technology, and its unique ability to meet the
operational and research needs of the TCMAC Oyster Hatchery, Liqoflux is the only known source capable of providing this
equipment.
For these reasons, USM requests approval to procure the Liqoflux LF2AL15 on a sole source basis.
Dr. Reginald Blaylock, Director
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