Development of an Efficient Aeration System for Aquaculture

A new aeration concept developed at the St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory can significantly reduce the operating costs for aeration in aquaculture applications. This concept has been thoroughly evaluated in laboratory studies over a period of several years. This research indicated that energy savings of 30 percent or more are possible. This report describes the application of this technology to the development of an aeration system for use in deep water fish farming. Performance measurements were made using procedures established by the American Society of Civil Engineers which is the standard of the industry. This project was a joint venture between the Saint Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory (SAFHL) and Minnesota Aquafarms, Inc. (MAF). SAFHL was the lead institution in the program. The project was carried out in four phases: 1) Design and laboratory evaluation of a configuration specifically tailored for use in the fish pens of Minnesota Aquafarms, 2) Construction .of a prototype system, 3) Operation and evaluation of the prototype system and comparing its performance and energy efficiency against that of the existing aeration system, and 4) Data analysis and final report. The results of the field studies provided valuable data that will be useful for the design and implementation of improved aeration systems for a broad range of aquaculture applications. Significant information concerning the differences in the operational characteristics of aeration devices with circular and rectangular planform has been obtained This information will be useful in developing improved versions of the system.