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

Pilot aquaponic system

Several plant growing

systems

Coupled-decoupled

Nutrient use

Adapted to existing

infrastructure

The goal

-Bioplan -Reviewing site -Establishing main dimensions of system (RAS, tanks, plant culture) and cost

Conceptual Engineering

Stage

Main

tasks

Results

-Feasibility of the project at location -Possible challenges ahead

Front-End Engineering (FEE)

-Sizing components -Finalising designs -Detailing budgets

-”Final” design -Lists of materials

Procurement

-Contacting suppliers -Placing purchase orders -Coordinating transport logistics

-Equipment deliveries on site

Detailed Engineering and Pre-construction

-Assembling the installation team -Finalising detailed construction drawings -Liaising with contractors - Final purchases

Construction

-Arrival on site -Construction drawings and planning

Startup

-Assembly of RAS, pipework, tanks, hydroponics, monitoring systems, sludge treatment -Coordinating with contractors

-Finished system

-Starting biofilter maturation - Performing tests and small fixes -Training the client and staff

-Project closing -After sales support

The process

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!

Conceptual Engineering

• 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

Front-End Engineering (FEE)

Detailed Engineering and Pre-construction

Detailed Engineering and Pre-construction

Expensive in the long run? Fit for purpose?

How far does the project need to be modified?

Biosecurity? Guarantees? Risk of

malfunction/downtime?

Used equipment

Detailed Engineering and Pre-construction

Simplicity Less capacity to decide what to do

with the water Automation can simplify a system

Mechanical and analog switches are simpler

Electronic monitoring is complex at first sight

System performance is more or less fixed

KISS principle is (almost) never bad

Flexibility Flexible production

More intensive water treatment More complex system

Reusing nutrients and waste A whole new filtration

component More control over power

consumption Steeper learning curve

Final tips

• Planning

• Make trade-offs

• Find the right people

• Communication

• Allow for flexibility

• Don’t compromise on water flow

• Solids removal

• Ventilation – Humidity control

• Energy balances

• Do the math

Thank you!