FEATURES AND APPLICATIONS
The APIS series of ATS units brings new innovations and features to the popular waterfall designed algae turf scrubbers.
The APIS series of ATS units is constructed from polycarbonate which is stronger and much more impact resistant than acrylic. The parts for the ATS units are machined using a CNC router for precise and consistent dimensioning.
The uniqueness of the Foursquare Aquatics algae turf scrubbers is that the algae is grown inside of a removable drawer box placed inside of a waterproof box inside of the main box. The completed units are constructed using 27 pieces of black and clear polycarbonate. The polycarbonate pieces are bonded together with a solvent weld for maximum strength.
In addition to all of the polycarbonate, the ATS units come with a 3/4” black PVC spray bar that is inserted into a 3/4” Slip x Thread Bulkhead on the back of the unit. The bulkhead is threaded on the nut side to accommodate your plumbing option. The ATS has two drains that have 1-1/4” Slip x Slip bulkheads; one includes a short standpipe to use as the emergency drain. The final piece of the ATS unit is the plastic mesh screen. The screen is “attached” to the lid of the scrubber drawer by tabs on the lid that fit through openings in the screen.
Scrubber Drawer
The most unique and innovative design feature of the APIS series of ATS units is the scrubber drawer. The drawer allows the unit to be placed in a location that only needs the front of the unit accessible for maintenance. There are no union fittings that have to be disconnected for a routine harvest and cleaning. In fact, depending on the amount of water flow feeding the ATS unit, you may not even have to turn the water supply off to harvest the algae from the screen. The scrubber drawer can be used to carry the algae filled screen to a remote location without dripping water along the way.
Scrubber drawer with algae screen installed.
led LIGHT fixtures
The two LED fixtures are placed inside of the main ATS unit box. A partition keeps the LEDS from getting splashed with water from the spray bar. A window in the partition allows light into the scrubber chamber while almost eliminating the amount of light to escape the unit and cast the pink glow normally associated with ATS units.
View of the two LED fixtures from above with the top removed.
Photo credit: 2019 Christopher Kriens
spray bar
The drilled spray bar is inserted into a slip bulkhead on the back wall of the unit to be supplied with the system’s water. A spray bar guide that is bonded into the top of the ATS unit keeps the spray bar aligned over the center of the scrubber drawer for proper operation. The spray bar can be removed from the ATS unit for cleaning when needed.
Spray Bar and Guide.
Drains
The ATS units come with two drains located on the bottom of the units; a primary drain and an emergency drain. Each drain has a 1-1/4” Slip x Slip Bulkhead. The emergency drain will have a short standpipe to allow the water to use the primary drain first. Each drain can be plumbed to direct the water back into a sump or elsewhere.
SPILL SHELF
With an opening on the side of the ATS unit, there is the potential for water to leak out. To prevent any leaks from causing damage to the surrounding area, the drawer is recessed into the main unit. A spill shelf is located below the drawer opening that will catch any drips and direct the water back inside the main unit through a small hole. This small hole also allows you to see when the lights are turned on.
View of the front of the unit when the drawer is closed with the Spill Shelf.
Photo credit: 2019 Christopher Kriens
Drains.