Photobioreactor Lab System

Subitec GmbH LS180

Complete, as-new Subitec LS180 photobioreactor lab system, built and commissioned in 2025 (07/2025), used only in a controlled laboratory environment. A ready-to-run, turn-key platform for microalgae cultivation and process development — not a bare reactor frame, but a full working package: reactor, high-power lighting, gas management, cooling and a modern B&R automation system with touchscreen and secure remote access, all in one compact unit.
At its core is a 180 L Flat-Panel Airlift (FPA) reactor in transparent PVC. Internal static mixers and downcomer geometry create gentle, continuous circulation between lit and shaded zones for optimal growth — without any mechanical stirring.
Highlights:

Superior, proven performance: in-house cultivation has reached growth rates above 5 g/L/day and densities up to 14 g/L with Chlorella vulgaris.
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Powerful lighting, high-efficiency light path: double-sided dimmable LED (~4,080 W, full 400-780 nm spectrum), ideal for high-density cultivation and for studying versatile light regimes.
Easy to run and keep clean: low-shear airlift circulation, transparent panel with no gradual film build-up, intuitive touchscreen operation.
Compact footprint vs. bulky tubular systems (approx. 2.6 x 0.8 x 3.2 m).
Tailor-made beyond the standard Subitec design: automatic CO2 dosing via a Bürkert control valve and real-time concentration measurement of the outgoing (off-gas) CO2 for carbon-uptake monitoring.
Data-ready automation: all key process variables (pH, temperature, CO2 dosing and off-gas uptake) continuously logged on an open B&R platform.

Technical data:

Reactor: Flat-Panel Airlift (FPA), 180 L, transparent PVC; aluminium frame
Dimensions (L x W x H): approx. 2.6 x 0.8 x 3.2 m
Year built / commissioned: 2025 / 07/2025 — as-new
Temperature range: 5-30 °C; noise < 70 dB(A)
Lighting: LED, double-sided, ~4,080 W, 400-780 nm, max. 500 µmol/m²/s per panel, dimmable
Automation: B&R X20 PLC (X20CP1685 / X20EM1612), 4 GB eMMC, Profinet, full I/O set
HMI: B&R Power Panel T80 12.1" touchscreen
Remote access: Tosibox Lock 670 secure router
CO2 dosing: Bürkert 8741 mass flow controller (0-10 Nl/min, Modbus TCP), pH-based PID control
CO2 off-gas: Norsk Analyse GD10P NDIR analyser (0-100 vol-%, CH4-immune)
Cooling: two reactor-integrated heat exchangers + dedicated chiller
Control cabinet: Rittal (800 x 1200 x 300 mm); Hager main switch, 3-phase RCD & breakers
Supply: 3 x 230 VAC / N / PE, 16 A; 24 VDC control

Scope of delivery (single working package): 180 L FPA reactor in aluminium frame; double-sided dimmable LED lighting; gas-mixing unit and filtered (0.2 µm) gas supply; Bürkert CO2 mass flow controller; Norsk Analyse off-gas analyser; chiller and integrated cooling; periphery (media/harvest lines, filters, sampling unit); exhaust unit (foam trap + air lock); Rittal cabinet with B&R automation and 12" touchscreen; Tosibox remote access; temperature and pH sensors.
Support: operator training included (remote, or on-site by agreement). We can also advise on the best use of Chlorella strains, recommend species that perform well in this reactor, and share relevant cultivation data.
Location: Lahti, Finland — viewing by appointment. Price and delivery terms by agreement.