FAQ: Everything you need to know about Moleaer nanobubble technology 

Notice that your crop is doing reasonably well but could be doing better? Like nutrient uptake and better growth? Moleaer helps improve your crop. We've gathered answers to common questions about our nanobubble technology and its role in irrigation, plant health, and water quality.
Moleaer
René Mondt
Specialist Mechanical Equipment | November 21, 2024 | 6 min. reading time

General information about Moleaer systems 

1. How do nanobubbles increase dissolved oxygen levels in irrigation water?

Using purified oxygen, Moleaer’s nanobubbles raise dissolved oxygen levels beyond the natural saturation point more efficiently than other technologies. This is due to the system's high gas transfer rate and the unique properties of nanobubbles.

2. What is the optimal dissolved oxygen (DO) level for irrigation water

The optimal DO is typically determined by the grower. Most Moleaer customers target 18-25 mg/l, though some aim for and achieve levels above 30 mg/l.

3. Are Moleaer units operating continuously, or do they work intermittently?

Moleaer systems operate based on oxygen levels. Once the target oxygen level is reached (e.g., 20 mg/l), the system enters standby mode and reactivates as needed to maintain the set oxygen levels.

4. How long does it take to supersaturate irrigation water with dissolved oxygen?

The time and oxygen needed to reach target dissolved oxygen levels depend on water volume, temperature, oxygen flow rate, and residence time. Contact a Moleaer representative for detailed information.

Installation and system setup

5. Where should the injection system be installed — in fresh or recirculated drain water?

The system should be installed based on your irrigation setup. Freshwater tanks are generally preferred, but in some cases, such as large reservoirs, in-line systems may be used. Installation is tailored to the customer’s specific situation.

6. How and where should we measure oxygen levels?

Oxygen levels can be measured using a handheld sensor, similar to those used for conductivity or pH. It’s most important to measure at the plant level, as this is where oxygen is supplied to crops. You can also measure oxygen in water tanks or reservoirs, but plant-level measurement is crucial.

Performance and impact

7. What factors influence oxygen levels in water?

Oxygen levels are influenced by water source, temperature, salinity, and elevation. Well water typically has low oxygen levels and can benefit from oxygenation. Temperature (higher temps reduce oxygen saturation) and altitude also affect oxygen levels. Water quality factors like biological oxygen demand and iron content can also impact oxygen levels.

8. Do Moleaer units affect iron levels in the water?

Yes, oxygen from Moleaer units oxidizes iron, reducing concentrations to ideal levels for drip irrigation. After oxidation, the iron forms particles that must be filtered out. Chelated iron remains stable unless treated with stronger oxidants like ozone.

9. What is the impact of nanobubbles on biofilm?

Nanobubbles help reduce biofilm by scouring surfaces, weakening the biofilm’s EPS structure, and dislodging pathogens from areas like driplines or exposed surfaces.

10. Do nanobubbles affect chelated micronutrients?

Chelated micronutrients remain stable in the presence of elevated oxygen and nanobubbles. There are no adverse effects on these nutrients.

11. What maintenance is required for a nanobubble generator?

Maintenance requirements vary by model, but generally, they are simple and easy to maintain.

Effects on plants and crop health

12. Can nanobubbles boost crop yield?

Nanobubbles don’t directly increase yield, but they improve water quality and root health, which can lead to higher yields.

13. Do nanobubbles enhance THC/CBD levels in cannabis?

Research shows that oxygen nanobubble treatment consistently boosts THC and CBD levels in cannabis.

14. Do nanobubbles change the taste of vegetables?

Nanobubble injection enhances nutrient uptake, helping plants maintain optimal nutrient levels even with higher fruit production. This leads to better water quality and can improve or maintain the taste of your vegetables.

15. What experience do you have with plant propagators, and what oxygen levels are typical in those situations?

Moleaer has worked with propagators like Gernert and Beekenkamp. Nanobubbles improve seed germination and root health by providing higher oxygen levels. Propagators benefit from increased oxygen for healthier plants and a more secure cultivation process.

Product compatibility and cost considerations

16. Do I need oxygen tanks to use nanobubbles?

No, Moleaer’s nanobubble systems come with integrated oxygen concentrators, eliminating the need for oxygen cylinders. Working with onboard production is a more cost-effective solution. For more details, please contact a Moleaer representative.

17. What is the ROI for this system?

The ROI and payback periods depend on the crop and starting yields. Some customers report a payback in as little as 6 months, while most experience payback within 24 months.

18. What are the advantages of this system over electrolysis-based nanobubble machines?

Electrolysis methods can cause complex, uncontrolled reactions in nutrient-rich solutions, leading to unpredictable effects on plants, ponds, or fish. Moleaer systems simply introduce nanobubbles containing oxygen, increasing dissolved oxygen levels without affecting organic materials.

19. Should I use pure oxygen or an oxygen concentrator? What are the pros and cons of each?

Oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from the air, concentrating it to up to 93% by volume. They require energy, maintenance, and an upfront investment but provide on-demand oxygen. In contrast, liquid oxygen is stored in a tank, refilled by a gas supplier, and usually comes with lower operational costs but requires regular refilling.

20. I have an oxygen concentrator. How can I ensure it works with my Moleaer system?

Most oxygen concentrators have a maximum output pressure. Compare the pressure of your concentrator with the requirements of your Moleaer system. If your concentrator cannot meet the required pressure, it can be boosted with a recompressor from Moleaer or a third-party compressor.

Remote monitoring and water quality

22. What parameters do you monitor for equipment performance?

We monitor internal operational parameters such as pump pressure, gas pressures, power to the unit (and oxygen generator when applicable), and internal temperatures.

23. What water quality parameters can be measured?

We provide Dissolved Oxygen (DO) monitoring on all equipment. Many of our product families also offer advanced monitoring, including Chlorophyll A, Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), pH, temperature, and more.

24. What is the cost of remote equipment monitoring?

The cost for remote equipment monitoring is $1500 per year.

25. What is the cost of remote water quality monitoring?

Water quality monitoring has an initial cost based on the included sensors, followed by an annual fee of $1500 per year. This cost is separate from equipment monitoring.

26. What are the benefits of remote monitoring?

Remote monitoring allows you to track your equipment performance and water quality 24/7 without being on-site. It helps you identify trends, increases the accuracy of your measurements, and saves you valuable time throughout the day.

Algae Control and Biofilm

27. How long will it take to resolve algae problems?

Algae issues typically take 30-60 days to resolve, depending on environmental conditions.
Dissolved oxygen irrigation systems
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FAQ: Everything you need to know about Moleaer nanobubble technology 

Notice that your crop is doing reasonably well but could be doing better? Like nutrient uptake and better growth? Moleaer helps improve your crop. We've gathered answers to common questions about our nanobubble technology and its role in irrigation, plant health, and water quality.
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Water managementMachines and technical installations
Rene mondt Productspecialist Mechanical Equipment
René Mondt
Specialist Mechanical Equipment | November 21, 2024 | 6 min. reading time
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General information about Moleaer systems 

1. How do nanobubbles increase dissolved oxygen levels in irrigation water?

Using purified oxygen, Moleaer’s nanobubbles raise dissolved oxygen levels beyond the natural saturation point more efficiently than other technologies. This is due to the system's high gas transfer rate and the unique properties of nanobubbles.

2. What is the optimal dissolved oxygen (DO) level for irrigation water

The optimal DO is typically determined by the grower. Most Moleaer customers target 18-25 mg/l, though some aim for and achieve levels above 30 mg/l.

3. Are Moleaer units operating continuously, or do they work intermittently?

Moleaer systems operate based on oxygen levels. Once the target oxygen level is reached (e.g., 20 mg/l), the system enters standby mode and reactivates as needed to maintain the set oxygen levels.

4. How long does it take to supersaturate irrigation water with dissolved oxygen?

The time and oxygen needed to reach target dissolved oxygen levels depend on water volume, temperature, oxygen flow rate, and residence time. Contact a Moleaer representative for detailed information.

Installation and system setup

5. Where should the injection system be installed — in fresh or recirculated drain water?

The system should be installed based on your irrigation setup. Freshwater tanks are generally preferred, but in some cases, such as large reservoirs, in-line systems may be used. Installation is tailored to the customer’s specific situation.

6. How and where should we measure oxygen levels?

Oxygen levels can be measured using a handheld sensor, similar to those used for conductivity or pH. It’s most important to measure at the plant level, as this is where oxygen is supplied to crops. You can also measure oxygen in water tanks or reservoirs, but plant-level measurement is crucial.

Performance and impact

7. What factors influence oxygen levels in water?

Oxygen levels are influenced by water source, temperature, salinity, and elevation. Well water typically has low oxygen levels and can benefit from oxygenation. Temperature (higher temps reduce oxygen saturation) and altitude also affect oxygen levels. Water quality factors like biological oxygen demand and iron content can also impact oxygen levels.

8. Do Moleaer units affect iron levels in the water?

Yes, oxygen from Moleaer units oxidizes iron, reducing concentrations to ideal levels for drip irrigation. After oxidation, the iron forms particles that must be filtered out. Chelated iron remains stable unless treated with stronger oxidants like ozone.

9. What is the impact of nanobubbles on biofilm?

Nanobubbles help reduce biofilm by scouring surfaces, weakening the biofilm’s EPS structure, and dislodging pathogens from areas like driplines or exposed surfaces.

10. Do nanobubbles affect chelated micronutrients?

Chelated micronutrients remain stable in the presence of elevated oxygen and nanobubbles. There are no adverse effects on these nutrients.

11. What maintenance is required for a nanobubble generator?

Maintenance requirements vary by model, but generally, they are simple and easy to maintain.

Effects on plants and crop health

12. Can nanobubbles boost crop yield?

Nanobubbles don’t directly increase yield, but they improve water quality and root health, which can lead to higher yields.

13. Do nanobubbles enhance THC/CBD levels in cannabis?

Research shows that oxygen nanobubble treatment consistently boosts THC and CBD levels in cannabis.

14. Do nanobubbles change the taste of vegetables?

Nanobubble injection enhances nutrient uptake, helping plants maintain optimal nutrient levels even with higher fruit production. This leads to better water quality and can improve or maintain the taste of your vegetables.

15. What experience do you have with plant propagators, and what oxygen levels are typical in those situations?

Moleaer has worked with propagators like Gernert and Beekenkamp. Nanobubbles improve seed germination and root health by providing higher oxygen levels. Propagators benefit from increased oxygen for healthier plants and a more secure cultivation process.

Product compatibility and cost considerations

16. Do I need oxygen tanks to use nanobubbles?

No, Moleaer’s nanobubble systems come with integrated oxygen concentrators, eliminating the need for oxygen cylinders. Working with onboard production is a more cost-effective solution. For more details, please contact a Moleaer representative.

17. What is the ROI for this system?

The ROI and payback periods depend on the crop and starting yields. Some customers report a payback in as little as 6 months, while most experience payback within 24 months.

18. What are the advantages of this system over electrolysis-based nanobubble machines?

Electrolysis methods can cause complex, uncontrolled reactions in nutrient-rich solutions, leading to unpredictable effects on plants, ponds, or fish. Moleaer systems simply introduce nanobubbles containing oxygen, increasing dissolved oxygen levels without affecting organic materials.

19. Should I use pure oxygen or an oxygen concentrator? What are the pros and cons of each?

Oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from the air, concentrating it to up to 93% by volume. They require energy, maintenance, and an upfront investment but provide on-demand oxygen. In contrast, liquid oxygen is stored in a tank, refilled by a gas supplier, and usually comes with lower operational costs but requires regular refilling.

20. I have an oxygen concentrator. How can I ensure it works with my Moleaer system?

Most oxygen concentrators have a maximum output pressure. Compare the pressure of your concentrator with the requirements of your Moleaer system. If your concentrator cannot meet the required pressure, it can be boosted with a recompressor from Moleaer or a third-party compressor.

Remote monitoring and water quality

22. What parameters do you monitor for equipment performance?

We monitor internal operational parameters such as pump pressure, gas pressures, power to the unit (and oxygen generator when applicable), and internal temperatures.

23. What water quality parameters can be measured?

We provide Dissolved Oxygen (DO) monitoring on all equipment. Many of our product families also offer advanced monitoring, including Chlorophyll A, Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), pH, temperature, and more.

24. What is the cost of remote equipment monitoring?

The cost for remote equipment monitoring is $1500 per year.

25. What is the cost of remote water quality monitoring?

Water quality monitoring has an initial cost based on the included sensors, followed by an annual fee of $1500 per year. This cost is separate from equipment monitoring.

26. What are the benefits of remote monitoring?

Remote monitoring allows you to track your equipment performance and water quality 24/7 without being on-site. It helps you identify trends, increases the accuracy of your measurements, and saves you valuable time throughout the day.

Algae Control and Biofilm

27. How long will it take to resolve algae problems?

Algae issues typically take 30-60 days to resolve, depending on environmental conditions.
Dissolved oxygen irrigation systems
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist René Mondt will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Rene mondt, Product specialist Mechanical Equipment
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Categories:
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Tags:
ArticleVegetable growingFloriculture