CircLab is a new R&D environment
The environment enables large-scale piloting and demonstrating of nutrient recycling technologies, products, and services. Located in Micropolis in Ii, the space is open for all companies, researchers, and other interested parties.
The R&D environment can be used as a tool for developing circular economy models. By utilising industrial sidestreams in, for example, microalgae cultivation, waste can be a valuable component in the value chain instead of an expense.
This page contains information regarding the available services. The renovated CircLab was officially opened on the 23rd of August 2023.
Microalgae
Microalgae products can contain plenty of protein (up to 60%), vitamins (B1, B12), healthy fatty acids (Omega-3) and pigments. Chlorella and Spirulina microalgae can currently be purchased from stores, mainly as additional nutrients. Microalgae is often sold as powder, briquets or capsules. According to WHO, algae is one of the best superfoods available, and NASA has done research on using microalgae for food during space travel.
The greatest benefits of microalgae applications are seen in the production of fish and animal feed. Growing algae from industrial or agricultural side streams is more economical than using clean water and chemical nutrient solutions. Algae cultivation does not compete with food crops, as it does not require cultivable area. Compared to field cultivation, the advantages of algae cultivation are also the rapid growth of the algae and the nutrients and fertilizers saved in the process.
Equipment and premises
The instruments and equipment in the laboratory enable you to cultivate algae on various scales. See the link below for a list of available equipment. All the equipment and their use can be tailored to your needs.
CircLab R&D environment is separated into clean and dirty sections. The clean side contains, for example, the photobioreactor. The reactor has a capacity of 450 to 800 litres and it can be controlled on-site and remotely. There is also video surveillance in the laboratory.
The dirty side has an open pond with a capacity of 500 litres. The open pond can be used, for example, for researching how to clean dirty waters with microalgae and simultaneously harvest nutrients.
Why choose CircLab?
CircLab offers a process-scale piloting equipment for customers to use. Thus, the size of the equipment does not limit the research. Cultivation of microalgae can be started with a petri dish and gradually expanded into the large photobioreactor.
The premises are open for companies and research organisations.
Multiple organisations can work in the space simultaneously. In addition, the customers can purchase services for cultivating algae and utilising the laboratory from Feasib.
Based on feedback and wishes from the customers, the available services and equipment are developed continuously.
Collaboration
University of Oulu
You can collaborate with the Chemical Process Engineerig (CPE) research unit of the University of Oulu at CircLab. CPE has done ground-breaking research on utilising algae and has utilised the equipment in CircLab. Our customers have a unique chance to link themselves with high quality research.
Industrial Water Research Group, Senior researcher Tiina Leiviskä
tiina.leiviska@oulu.fi
Phone: 050 350 5231
Feasib
Services for the CircLab R&D Environment can be produced by Feasib Ltd. Established in 2018, Feasib provides expert services, sampling and laboratory services to industry and the public sector. Their premises are located in Ylivieska and Nivala. Feasib is a Finnish SME.
Development Engineer Jenna Finnilä
jenna.finnila@feasib.com
Phone: 041 311 5042
Location
CircLab is located on the premises of Micropolis Ltd. in Ii. The address is Piisilta 1 (A wing), 91100 Ii, Finland.
The municipality of Ii is located some 35 kilometres north of Oulu and 70 kilometres south of Kemi, along the National Road 4/European Route E8/75.
Contact
CEO Antti Tuomaala (renting the premises)
antti.tuomaala@iilaakso.fi
040 672 1389