A Norwegian fish farmer achieved a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as well as cost savings during its delousing process by using nanobubbles, the company that supplies the technology says.
In the operation of oxygenation systems on aquaculture vessels, essential compressors and pumps are a major contribution to energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
But compared with traditional oxygenation systems, such as cones and diffusers, nanobubbles are significantly more efficient, writes Jan Eric Haagensen, Scandinavia director for US nanobubble generator producer Moleaer Inc.
During mechanical delousing operations, salmon must be crowded into a section of a pen before suctioning them into delousing lines on wellboats or workboats. This crowding leads to stress and often results in low oxygen levels. Maintaining optimal oxygen levels during crowding procedures is challenging, given the primary importance of fish welfare to operators, says Haagensen.
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“The system demonstrated superior oxygen transfer efficacy by injecting only a fraction of the typical amount of oxygen needed to support 200 tons of fish. The successful integration of nanobubble technology marked a significant advancement in not only addressing the company’s oxygenation requirements but also in its initiatives to lower CO2 emissions,” writes Haagensen.
The aquaculture company improved both oxygen and energy, reducing CO2 emissions while providing increased oxygenation to its salmon during delousing crowding. It recorded a 63% reduction in energy consumption vs. cone pump + PSA (pressure swing adsorption) oxygen generator, and a 57.1% reduction in oxygen consumption compared to cones during normal operations.
A 22.9% reduction in oxygen consumption from a PSA generator (while adding a pump) and 73.2% reduced oxygen consumption was achieved compared to diffuser hoses at maximum capacity.
