Design and startup of a decoupled aquaponic system for Atlantic salmon

22 Pages·2017·2.32 MB·English

by  Carlos Alberto Espinal

Design and startup of a decoupled aquaponic
system for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Design considerations, challenges and practical tips
About LandIng:
● Founded in 2014 by Rob van de Ven (Wageningen University)
● Re-structured in 2016, with Carlos Alberto Espinal (UB, UAB, UPC)
joining
● Aquaculture engineering and consultancy:
○ Market studies
○ Feasibility studies
○ Design and engineering
○ Procurement and supply
○ Construction and commissioning
● Main areas so far
○ Indoor shrimp farming (biofloc and RAS)
○ Aquaponic systems
○ Hatcheries (tilapia, shrimp, trout, eel)
○ Research, pilot and proof-of-concept systems
Background
 Salmon smolt RAS
 Lettuce and herbs
 Local production
of fish and herbs
 Unused building
 Pilot project
The goal
Pilot aquaponic system
Several plant growing
systems
Coupled-decoupled
Nutrient use
Adapted to existing
infrastructure
The process
Conceptual Front-End Detailed Engineering
Stage Procurement Construction Startup
Engineering Engineering (FEE) and Pre-construction
-Bioplan -Assembly of
-Contacting -Assembling the
-Sizing RAS, pipework,
suppliers installation team -Starting biofilter
-Reviewing site components tanks,
-Finalising detailed maturation
hydroponics,
Main -Placing purchase construction - Performing tests
-Establishing main -Finalising designs monitoring
tasks orders drawings and small fixes
dimensions of systems, sludge
-Liaising with -Training the client
system (RAS, -Detailing treatment
-Coordinating contractors and staff
tanks, plant budgets -Coordinating with
transport logistics - Final purchases
culture) and cost contractors
-Feasibility of the -Arrival on site
-Project closing
project at location -”Final” design
-Equipment
Results -Construction -Finished system
deliveries on site -After sales
-Possible -Lists of materials drawings and
support
challenges ahead planning
Conceptual Engineering
Feed load: 22kg
Stocking density: 45 kg/m3
Mass balance: 50-60 m3/h

Full salmonid RAS --> hydroponic system
installed in available area (~120m2)
Challenges:
Poor baseline information
Low roof clearance - CO2 degassing
needs pumping 1-2 meters
Cramped spaces
Solutions:
Design creativity (at this point)
Advice: Gather good baseline data!
Front-End Engineering (FEE)
• Salmonid RAS
Flow requirements
Size of equipment
• Maximised plant growing area
Three levels of NFTs, DWCs and 5 levels
grow mats
• Sludge treatment
Drum filter sludge  aerobic
mineralisation
• Coupling and decoupling possible
• Important details: new water supply,
emergency oxygen, electrics, monitoring
system
Front-End Engineering (FEE)
Front-End Engineering (FEE)
Challenges:
1.How to include a degasser in the RAS loop?
2.How to use sludge?
3.Using used equipment to save costs?
4.Flexibility vs simplicity
Detailed Engineering
and Pre-construction