Aquaculture

In harsh aquatic environments, piping systems must withstand extreme conditions such as high humidity, salinity, and temperature fluctuations. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) piping is a preferred choice due to its corrosion resistance, flexibility, and durability in these environments. Additionally, pre-insulated piping systems like COOL-FIT are ideal for transporting heated or cooled fluids, offering superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency. These pre-insulated systems do not require additional working steps and feature a robust outer jacket that resists wear and tear, ensuring longevity in tough conditions. Also, as the insulation does not absorb moisture if can handle humid conditions.  PVC and polypropylene pipes are also suitable for aquaculture. They provide excellent chemical resistance and low maintenance requirements.

GF Piping system, with his superior material expertise, offer a wide range of solutions in various materials to meet specific process needs. Georg Fischer Piping is experienced in plastic systems since 1965. Our plastic systems, including piping, valves and  measurement solutions, are light in weight, corrosion free and designed to work long-term.  

Discover here more about our piping systems.

For Life Support System (LSS) installations in aquaculture, the best actuators are typically pneumatic and electric actuators, each offering distinct advantages depending on system requirements:
Pneumatic Actuators are robust and reliable in harsh environments, such as aquaculture systems exposed to moisture and corrosive elements. They are ideal for fast, repetitive movements and can function in extreme conditions where electric actuators may be compromised. Pneumatic actuators are mainly used for open/close applications where the valves have normally many open/close cycles. The operating speed can be regulated using throttle valves on the exhaust air.

Electric Actuators are ideal for precise control, easy automation, and integration with centralized control systems. They are energy-efficient, reliable, and suited for applications requiring frequent adjustments, like regulating water flow and oxygen levels in LSS systems. You are not required to have a compressor system, and for cold systems, they are preferred over pneumatic actuation that could cause damage to the piping system if the PPA torque is too fast or hard.

It is recommended to speak to the GF LSS experts to discuss your specific application.

Read more here on our actuation possibilities.

Right valve selection for Life Support System (LSS) depends on your requirements. Butterfly valves are typical in large dimensions up to 1200 mm in diameter. Ball valves are also common for open- and close function.

Diaphragm valves are the preferred choice for flow requlation since they provide better flow control than ball valves. This precision is critical in LSS, where maintaining stable flow and water quality is essential for fish health. Diaphragm valves have a sealed design that isolates the valve mechanism from the fluid, reducing the risk of contamination. They are also a preferred choice for handling slurries and fluids with solids, which can clog or damage ball valves. The diaphragm valves from GF Piping Systems have a linear flow characteristic. This property allows the diaphragm valves to be regulated very precisely. Furthermore, diaphragm valves from GF Piping Systems have a significantly lower pressure loss, which means that pump energy is saved significantly.

Read here more about GF Piping system diaphragm valve offering. 

GF Dissolved Oxygen (DO)  sensor can be mounted submersed or in line with our installation fittings. The sensor can be connected to the building automation system or to a local transmitter.

Download the GF M&C catalog to learn more

The GF 9950 six-channel transmitter allows for 6 relays for each sensor. This is a nice solution for the LSS that helps to save costs on the readouts while increasing the aquatic life safety. The set-up can serve as local back-up for the central system or as a stand-alone in smaller set-ups. 

Read more here about the GF 9950 six channel transmitter.

Monitoring water quality in RAS (recirculating aquaculture system)  is essential. Key methods include:

1. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Monitoring
2. pH Monitoring
3. Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, CO2 Monitoring
4. Temperature Monitoring
5. Salinity Monitoring
6. Flow Monitoring
7. Tank level sensing
8. Pressure Monitoring

These methods ensure optimal water conditions, promoting fish health, efficient biofiltration, and stable system performance.

GF piping Systems has over 30 years of experience in liquid analysis solutions for aquaculture. Read more here.

Aquaculture can be sustainable if it is practiced responsibly. This includes using sustainable feed, minimizing pollution, protecting habitats, and promoting biodiversity.

Especially land-based aquaculture, such as RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) technology is promoted for its sustainability. Compared to net-pen farming the emissions to natural waters are controlled. On the other hand, controlled system increases the energy demand.

Pumps and temperature controllers are among the biggest energy consumers in land-based aquaculture. Selection of piping systems can contribute to the energy efficiency. GF piping systems excel having smooth inner surfaces with low friction losses. Reduced flow resistance results in energy saving in long-term pumping operations. Additionally, pre-insulated piping systems like COOL-FIT are ideal for transporting heated or cooled fluids, offering superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency. These pre-insulated systems do not require additional working steps and feature a robust outer jacket that resists wear and tear, ensuring longevity in tough conditions. Also, the insulation does not absorb moisture if can handle humid conditions. Speak to our experts to learn more.