Online Aquafeed Production School: Session 7 sees extrusion come under serious screw-tiny

As the Autumn edition of the Online Aquafeed Production School reaches session seven of twelve, this week's session focuses on the extrusion process within aquafeed production cycle.

With this subject dispatched with in the same level of detail that we have all come to expect from the Online Aquafeed Production School sessions, the organisers would like to remind any potential candidates that places are still available and all missed sessions can be caught up upon following the broadcast of the final session in December.

Split into four key sections, the first features a review of extrusion that utilises twin screw technology by Aquafeed Production School regular Joe Kearns, followed by a two part dissection of twin screw aquafeed production by Brian Streit, director of pet food and aquatic technology for Wenger Manufacturing.

Mr Steit covers two areas relevant to this topic -  twin screw extrusion and process control & automation, with each talk sitting astride the weekly five minute coffee break.

Like the previous six sessions in this edition, this one begins with a warm and welcoming introduction by long time industry publisher and journalist Roger Gilbert and Yiannis Christodoulou, founder/owner of Progressus Agrischools Asia, followed by two hours of live training, with proceedings brought to a close with a very thorough Q&A session.

The two hours of live training cover a broad range of topics from the world of aquafeed production including ingredients, equipment used, how it is operated and the desired final product specifications.

The aim is the course is to help you to build up an understanding of the design, development, and operation of an aquafeed production plant for the range of products typically used in this industry.

Subjects covered this week include ingredients, a general nutritional review, equipment used, and why are discussed, affording candidates the opportunity to understand the possibilities and developments over time with regards to what can be produced and how all aspects of the process interact for successful aquafeed production.

Organised and delivered by Progressus Agrischools and International Aquafeed magazine, each session is scheduled for the audience in Europe and Asia, each session is broadcast twice. The first is on Tuesdays at 9am (CET) for viewers in Europe/Asia, and the following Friday 10am (Chicago time) if you will be joining from the US/LATAM time zone.

Registration is now open and limited spaces are still available, for more information visit the website, HERE.

Garware fabric evaluted by Mowi to be effective against salmon lice

The Huenquillahue research center in Mowi Chile, Region X, has been analysing the retention capacity of Caligus rogercresseyi larvae for months on Garware cloths, which are to be used as a lice skirt as a mechanical barrier in salmon farming centres. The analysis considered the retention of larvae, the entry of these at different speeds of currents and fixation of copepodites to the fish. This resulted in a high-quality fabric that allows for the containment of infestations and the passage of water flow, allowing for necessary oxygenation in salmon farming centres.

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Garware fabrics to be used as lice skirt

The meshes were tested by means of sieves for the forced passage of the water flow with the addition of larvae in the nauplius stage (I-II) and copepodites. They were evaluated in three aspects: their retention capacity of C. rogercresseyi larvae, estimating the percentage of entry of larvae at different current speeds, and with fish to see the fixation of the copepodites that manage to pass through the fabric.

In this regard, the Mowi Chile health area noted that, 'The effectiveness tests of the fabrics that have been carried out, in conjunction with the Austral University of Chile, to combat Caligus, have brought good results and we are considering them for the non-drug management alternatives for the control of this parasite.'

The results of the study which were carried out by the Austral University, highlight the evaluation of fabric cages in a test channel for the estimation of permeability to the passage of the larvae. They registered a blockage of 99.6 percent of Nauplii larvae and 99.7 percent of Copepoditos larvae, so that they do not enter the cage.

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Evaluation of fabric cages in a test channel

In each case, the amount of water used was 340 litres with 3,700 larvae per test, totalling more than 133,800 larvae, where a flow of water was applied at current speeds of 0.5, 2 and 3.5 cm * s-1. Thus, the latest generation Garware X12 fabric is recommended as a mechanical barrier against C. rogercresseyi larvae, with its high-quality characteristics and allows the passage of water flow, without greater resistance at medium current speeds. This will be favourable, to maximise the natural oxygenation of the farm.

'The skirts in preventing infestation are a physical barrier that surrounds the fish tank cage. Thanks to the X12 fabric that allows the water to flow, this prevents the entry of lice. This allows 80 times more water flow than a common fabric for these purposes. The weave of the X12 cloth blocks the entry of the early stages of the parasite and promotes adequate water exchange,' Marcos Jofre, Business Associate at Garware Technical Fibres, explained.

'It is a non-pharmacological product, as part of the strategies to reduce the use of drugs, whose field experience shows a decrease in the frequency of baths of up to 50 percent, with a reduction of lice of up to 60 percent. Thus, we developed a three-dimensional fabric, with an opening of 80 to 150 microns for Norway, and a second generation of 60 to 100 microns for Chile, given that the local sea lice are smaller in numbers, thus generating a product applied to the national market.'

Caligidosis infestation is a growth limiting factor in salmon production globally, where the use of antiparasitic products has become less and less effective due to the development of parasite resistance. The global focus, then, has been on the implementation of new complementary non-pharmacological control methods such as tarps, in managing infestations caused by salmon louse.

For more information, visit Garware Technical Fibres' website, HERE.

Alternatively, visit Mowi's website, HERE.

Image credit: Garware Technical Fibres

Online Aquafeed Production School Autumn 2021 edition reaches halfway point

As the Autumn edition of the Online Aquafeed Production School reaches session six of twelve, the organisers would like to remind any potential candidates that places are still available and all missed sessions can be caught up upon following the broadcast of the final session in December.

This week's session focuses on the topic of 'Extrusion vs Pelleting: Production via Single-Screw Extruders' - with the subject dispatched with in the same level of detail that we have all come to expect from the Online Aquafeed Production School sessions.

Split into four key sections, the first features a review of the differences between extrusion and pelleting from Aquafeed Production School regular Joe Kearns. This is then followed by a two part dissection of single screw aquafeed production by Brian Streit, director of pet food and aquatic technology for Wenger Manufacturing, which sits astride the five minute coffee break.

 

Like the previous five sessions in this edition, this one begins with a welcoming introduction by long time industry publisher and journalist Roger Gilbert and Yiannis Christodoulou, founder/owner of Progressus Agrischools Asia, followed by two hours of live training, with proceedings brought to a close with a very thorough Q&A session.

The two hours of live training cover a broad range of topics from the world of aquafeed production including ingredients, the equipment used, how it is operated and the desired final product specifications.

The aim is the course is to help you to build up an understanding of the design, development, and operation of an aquafeed production plant for the range of products typically used in this industry.

Subjects covered include ingredients, a general nutritional review, equipment used, and why are discussed, affording candidates the opportunity to understand the possibilities and developments over time with regards to what can be produced and how all aspects of the process interact for successful aquafeed production.

Organised and delivered by Progressus Agrischools and International Aquafeed magazine, each session is scheduled for the audience in Europe and Asia, each session is broadcast twice. The first is on Tuesdays at 9am (CET) for viewers in Europe/Asia, and the following Friday 10am (Chicago time) if you will be joining from the US/LATAM time zone.

Registration is now open and limited spaces are still available, for more information visit the website, HERE.

Teesside University's new micro-bubble technology

Teesside University is calling on businesses to deliver a proof of concept to show the potential of their ground-breaking new micro-bubble aeration technology, set to revolutionise the farming of seafood. Developed at Teesside University and University of Malaya by Dr Faik Hamad, Associate Professor in Engineering and Dr Poo Balan Ganesan, Associate Professor in Engineering, this new technology utilises a generator to produce microscopic bubbles which release free radicals and boost dissolved oxygen levels in water. This allows it to cleanse itself of waste products and increases the productivity of seafood.

Wastewater contains harmful micro-organisms, from viruses to bacteria, capable of infecting animals or humans and leading to disease, reduced biodiversity, and lower food yields within aquaculture. Micro-bubble technologies offer a safer, chemical-free, and low-energy alternative to current water disinfection methods. Developing countries will be able to access this revolutionary technology; barriers to adoption are low and operating costs are expected to be lower than existing solutions.

Teesside University is using konfer – the free-to-use innovation brokerage platform operated by the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) – to find commercial partners with which to demonstrate their micro-bubble aeration technology. Konfer harnesses AI-powered, smart-matching technology to connect universities with relevant businesses, making it easier and quicker to develop commercial partnerships and maximising the impact of UK research capabilities. Thanks to konfer, Teesside University has already engaged in discussions with technology developer Nova Q, dedicated to developing sustainable technologies within agriculture, aquaculture, disinfection, renewables, and wastewater.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive Officer at NCUB, said: 'Teesside University's micro-bubble project exemplifies the academic excellence and leading innovation present at our universities across the country, deploying out-of-the-box thinking to reduce marine pollution and promote healthier aquaculture. As the country seeks to harness innovation to tackle major environmental and societal challenges, it is crucial that the relevant universities and businesses can collaborate easily, rapidly and in a targeted way, and at konfer, we want to do just this.'

Dr Faik Hamad, Associate Professor in Engineering at Teesside University, said: 'This project is incredibly significant, as it intends to reduce the environmental and health-related impacts of wastewater, with game-changing implications for the aquaculture sector. Water is essential to everything from agriculture to industrial processes; as the issue of pathogenic micro-organisms becomes more prevalent, micro-bubble aeration technology has the potential to tackle this issue in a way that is sustainable and safe. We are delighted to be working with konfer, who have provided us with simplified access to a network of thousands of businesses.'

Dr Poo Balan Ganesan, Associate Professor in Engineering at the University of Malaya said: 'At the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, micro-bubble aeration has been tested for aquaculture species such as marine white shrimp and Giant freshwater prawn. The investigations show significant improvements on the growth of the species (by 30 percent) and a reduction of food conversion ratio.'

For more information visit Teesside University's website, HERE.

Image credit: smalljudge on Flickr CC by 2.0

Cemre's collaboration with Hydroniq Coolers for largest live fish carrier

 Cemre Shipyard has awarded Norwegian company Hydroniq Coolers with a contract to deliver a marine cooling system to two wellboats the Turkish shipyard is building, including what will be the world's largest live fish carrier. Cemre Shipyard is building the two wellboats – newbuilds 76 and 77 – for Norwegian wellboat company Seistar Holding.

Hydroniq Coolers will supply its 'Rack' seawater cooling system to the two wellboats, integrated in the hull below the main engine room of the vessel, where it reduces temperatures in the ship's engines and other auxiliary systems through use of seawater. This is without taking up valuable engine room space and is a favoured solution for both vessel crew and owners.

'Our Rack seawater cooler is the most popular choice amongst the Norwegian shipyards that are building wellboats. It is becoming increasingly popular internationally too, with Cemre Shipyard being one of the international frontrunners who are very familiar with our technology,' says Jan Inge Johannesen, sales manager at Hydroniq Coolers.

Developed by the SALT Ship Design, the two live fish carriers for Seistar will be equipped with circular fish tanks. The vessels will be 69.9 metres and 110 metres long, respectively.

The larger vessel will have a storage capacity of 8,000 cubic metres and a deadweight of approximately 12,000 tonnes, making it the world's largest live fish carrier once completed. The smaller vessel will have a load capacity of 2,200 cubic metres.

'Some would argue that size doesn't matter, but everyone in the maritime and aquaculture industries will admit that it is always fun to be involved with the biggest projects,' adds Jan Inge Johannesen. 'We at Hydroniq Coolers are no different, and we look forward to delivering a seawater cooling system that is a perfect fit for these very different vessels.'

Hydroniq Coolers will manufacture and assemble the equipment at its headquarters outside Aalesund, Norway, and deliver it to Cemre Shipyard in Turkey.

Hydroniq Coolers is owned by Norwegian investment company SMV Invest AS.

For more information visit the Cemre Shipyard website, HERE.

Alternatively, visit the Hydroniq Coolers website, HERE.

Image credit: Salt Ship Design

Project to look into creating clothing from seafood waste

A team of Scottish researchers is exploring a new bio-based process where fish processing waste could be used to create one of the key components in the production of nylon, in what is believed to be a global first.

Plastic experts from Impact Solutions, biotechnology researchers from the University of Edinburgh led by Dr Stephen Wallace, seafood producer Farne Salmon, part of Labeyrie Fine Foods and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) are all exploring the feasibility of a more environmentally friendly, circular approach to the production of synthetic clothing – specifically focusing on adipic acid, a precursor to nylon.

The group are taking waste material generated from fish processing and using biological enzymes to extract the fatty components of the fish waste. Through advanced molecular biology, genetically modified bacteria can then turn the fatty components into a mixture of adipic acid and useful by-products.

The feasibility study marks an important step towards finding a sustainable, bio-based alternative for the production of adipic acid, typically derived from petrochemicals.  The steps involved in the current process have a significant impact on the environment. Waste nitrous oxide is one of many by-products of the process, with some reports stating that it could be more harmful to the climate than CO2.

 
In addition to nylon, adipic acid is used in a range of products including polyurethane-based items such as building insulation and furniture cushioning, as well as cosmetics, lubricants, pharmaceuticals and food additives and flavourings.

As much as 492,000 tonnes of waste is created annually by the UK's fish processing industry – comprising of fish remains, oils, and wastewater collected during the clean down of processing plants. Currently, the waste must go through either expensive and energy-intensive treatment and separation or used in low value products such as animal feed or fertiliser, but this new process could uncover alternative uses for the waste material. Waste used in the feasibility study is being provided by Farne Salmon, furthering its commitment to eliminating waste for landfill.

Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement at IBioIC, said: 'Exploring sustainable bio-based alternatives to petrochemical-based processes is an important step in Scotland's efforts to reach net zero, and there is a huge opportunity to make more use of co-products and extract value from industrial waste as part of that. Supporting valuable collaborative research, such as this, underlines IBioIC's commitment to the development and growth of a more circular economy, with a variety of innovation projects and partnerships with organisations such as Zero Waste Scotland, beginning to unlock new opportunities.'

Angus Forbes, environment and projects manager at Labeyrie Fine Foods, said: 'Our mission is to be a more sustainable business managing all aspects and impacts of our daily activities and in particular utilising in full the scarce resources we impact upon on a daily basis. Our waste streams have been a major focus in recent years and wherever possible we have found routes to divert them to businesses who have the foresight and technology to utilise them as a raw material for further processing. We are therefore delighted to be involved in this project.'

Find out more information about the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, HERE.

Image credit: IBioIC

OptoScale reaches the $4.1m mark in efforts to scale up fish farm monitoring technology

Norwegian business OptoScale has successfully raised $4.1 million to scale up use of its real-time fish farm monitoring technology in major exporting countries. The proprietary sensors and software that OptoScale leases to fish farmers is revolutionizing how fish producers monitor production pens remotely, in less intrusive ways.

The company, already operating in Norway, Scotland and Canada, will push further into these markets and also expand into Iceland, Chile, and Australia. The market is expected to grow from $10 million today to $400 million by 2030.

The data – which includes accurate and real time average weight as well as the detection of welfare issues like wounds, deformation and lice – helps producers optimise the 18 month production cycle including, among others, fish growth, feed utilization, and treatments.

'Aquaculture being a relatively young sector makes it ripe for innovation,' explained Sven Jørund Kolstø, CEO of OptoScale. 'Before, farmers would have to get in boats once a week or month and manually assess a small selection of fish by hand. Not only is this laborious and stressful for the fish, it is also quite imprecise.'

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, OptoScale's technology means that producers can now assess up to 200,000 fish each day compared with around 50 to 100 fish using traditional methods. An underwater camera is submerged in each pen and sends real-time measurements guaranteed to be accurate within three per cent on a daily basis.

 

'In the future, fish farmers will need to spend virtually no time trying to understand what is going on in the fish pens in the water,' said Ragnhild Hollup, CTO of OptoScale. 'All of the data they need will be at their fingertips, meaning that their time may be used for clever decision-making, not tedious sampling.'

With this information available, fish farmers can improve the feed conversion ratio and avoid overfeeding. Accurate feeding can reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from production, which on average produces pollution equal to 100,000 cars annually.

Fish farmers are also able to respond to animal welfare issues quickly and in targeted ways. Detecting diseases early ensures fish are not wasted and can grow to full maturity before being harvested. Automated detection of lice in particular helps avoid manual inspections out of water, which can affect fish health.

'Fish farming is a huge growth market,' said Christian Lim, co-Managing Director of the Blue Ocean fund at SWEN Capital Partners, the lead investor in the round. 'Yet, to realize its potential, the industry needs to considerably improve productivity while solving fundamental sustainability issues. OptoScale provides critical technology to achieve both.'

Demand for so-called 'blue foods' – including fish, shellfish and algae – is estimated to almost double by 2050, with most of the increased supply expected to come from fish farming rather than wild-caught fisheries.

'Farmed fish is already a climate-friendly and nutritious food source,' added Kolstø. 'OptoScale is helping our customers not only improve their margins, but also to contribute to healthier societies while minimising the sector's environmental impacts.'

For more information, visit the OptoScale website, HERE.

CC by 2.0

Equipment supplier LiftUP becomes part of Framo

 LiftUP, with its competence within sludge collection from open cages and unique patented dead fish system, suits well with Framo's AquaStream systems. This acquisition by Alfa Laval creates a sustainable growth platform for the future. LiftUP will, at the same time, gain access to Framo's competence in pumps and Alfa Laval's expertise in separation technology, explains Martijn Bergink, managing director of Framo.

Located outside Bergen on the west coast of Norway, LiftUP manufactures, sells, and installs pumps and cleaning equipment for the removal of dead fish, waste, and sludge from open cages. LiftUP is a leading supplier of this type of equipment. The company has gained a solid position within the aquaculture industry, which is increasingly focusing on sustainable salmon production.

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LiftUp sludge collection system (Courtesy LiftUP)

'LiftUP has experienced tremendous growth and we are incredibly happy to have Framo as our new home. With their competence we will be able to develop and further improve our sludge collection system,' states Liam Heffernan, manager of LiftUP.

Framo has already developed a system that replaces water, improving oxygen levels and temperature inside closed and semi-closed facilities. Framo's AquaStream system for open cage facilities significantly improves cage environments with lice skirts installed. This system contributes to increased growth as well as reducing or eliminating problems connected with sea lice, diseases and algae. AquaStream will improve its sustainability with LiftUP's sludge collection solutions.

'Framo aims to be the leading supplier of systems meeting current and future aquaculture industry challenges. Through close collaboration with fish farmers, the products and systems we have developed for both open and closed facilities have been very well received by the industry. With LiftUP on our team we now have access to leading technology that is perfectly suitable for our focus within sustainable aquaculture,' reveals Oddbjørn Jacobsen, director of Framo Innovation.

Image credit: Framo