Build your own professional insect farming unit
Manna Insect piloting designs are the most efficient and risk free path to become a true black soldier fly farming professional
Unlock success with cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes
Manna Insect black soldier fly farming units are designed for the fastest and most cost efficient way to start black soldier fly production piloting.
Units will be fully sourced and build locally with our detailed assistance and client can choose to use either readily available 20ft shipping containers or any other suitable similar size space (3x6x2.5m) build and have needed insulation.
Note that these are only for examples but especially small rearing units offer the most cost-effective solution for construction and use, but MIND technology is not confined to just this size of units.
Example designs
All these examples have been tested and proven to work.
Example production capacity achievable in one rearing cycle in a pilot farming module
“Manna Insect BSF Farming technology targets converting all biowaste to clean larvae and dry frass, with no other side products or leftovers than water.”
Example of expenses of a pilot farming module
The price of a locally built insect farming unit consists of the following components:
- Module frame (c. $500 - $2000)
- Insulation materials and piping (c. $1,500 - $3,500 )
- Equipment (c. $1,000 - $2,000)
- Main A/C power unit (c. $600 - $1,000)
- Insect trays for rearing (c. $3 - $10 / tray)
- Waste processing and separation ($500 -$5,000)
The total cost of locally sourced materials and equipment can vary considerably depending on the customer’s country, the selected unit frame, and the needed level of insulation.
NOTE! Manna Insect will provide detailed guidance and support for constructing the first module, but Manna will not directly undertake the construction but additional local services for construction work are available.
What you need for the BSF production unit
Shopping list for BSF pilloting and testing units
Proper insulation is essential for saving energy and reducing production costs, as it helps maintain optimal internal conditions with minimal energy use. It’s important to select insulation materials that correspond to the external temperature conditions, ensuring the system’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The insulation material needs to be moisture-resistant, such as polyurethane, with all seams sealed and covered. Insulation is necessary in any weather conditions, and using high r-value materials will significantly reduce energy bills. PIR (Polyisocyanurate) or EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) sandwich panels are excellent options to consider for insulation.
Internal airflow is crucial to keeping larvae and flies active at all times. In our tested example installation, we use two long pipes with evenly spaced holes to distribute air uniformly throughout the space.
For ventilation, we use corrosion-resistant or plastic piping with 90-degree elbows to ensure durability and effective air circulation within the container. This setup helps maintain optimal conditions for the insects.
Pilot farming module should be equipped with paired semi-industrial inline duct fans for circulation, exhaust, and incoming air.
Example (Östberg CK160)
Larvae generate significant heat during digestion and movement, making it crucial to effectively lower the internal temperature to prevent overheating.
In compact-sized modules, it’s practical to use cost-effective, consumer-grade, low-power air conditioner split units for high-temperature regulation. These units offer an efficient and affordable solution to maintain the required climate conditions.
AC will be used only for cooling.
During the larvae rearing process, a significant amount of humidity is generated, and it’s essential to prevent water condensation by maintaining an optimal humidity level.
A single-phase semi-industrial dehumidifier (dryer) is highly effective in extracting moisture, ensuring the humidity remains at optimal levels. The recommended capacity for this setup is at least 50 liters per day. This helps to maintain a stable environment for larvae growth and prevent moisture-related issues.
Example (TTK 166 ECO)
Humidifier is essential especially for nursing and breeding spaces but it should be installed also in growing units because it will keep substrate moist enough when larvae are still small.
Small semi-industrial humidifiers can be sourced locally, but it is also possible to assemble one from individual parts using low-cost ultrasonic mist makers, which can be ordered from web shops.
Semi-industrial-grade fan heaters are essential for maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the rearing space. If at any point the temperature drops below 25°C, heating will be required during specific stages of the growth cycle to ensure optimal conditions for larvae development. These heaters help maintain a stable climate, preventing any negative impact on productivity.
Example (min 1 kW)
Basic lighting is essential for maintaining larvae within the trays throughout the entire growth cycle.
Special LED lights designed to mimic sunlight are available for breeding purposes, optimizing mating activities.
The main A/C power unit will be selected based on the size of the space and equipment are used. For example piloting modules we will provide an example list of components, schematics, and instructions for certified electricians to locally assemble the unit.
Example (by Manna Insect)
Rearing production
Stackable insect trays are essential to achieve maximum capacity
Example (600x400x145mm)
Breeding activities
locally build breeding cages, pupa boxes, egg traps and special LED light
- Example (Manna breeding cage design)
- Example (Manna pupa box and egg trap design
- Example (Breeding LED)
Nursing period
Nursing boxes with egg tables
Example (Manna nursing box design)
Separation
There is several possibilities to separate larvae from frass. For small and medium size production one vibrating sieve is enough.
Drying and defatting
There are several methods for drying the larvae, which vary depending on the time and cost ratio.
Manna Insect will provide detailed instructions and how-to guidelines
Other small tools such as weighing scales and crates are necessary for the production process.
One Manna MIND can control a single farming space for rearing, breeding, nursing, or a hybrid setup.
The price for one unit varies based on the size of the production and can be as low as €4,500.