Research and Development

USDA SBIR Grant entitled "High Frequency Wash Airlift Bioclarifier Using Modified Floating Media for Recirculating Systems". Phase I & Phase II Funding. Period of Performance September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1999.

Project Abstract:

Recent research findings during Phase I of this project have led the research team to conclude that optimum nitrification performance in floating bead filters will only occur in filters subjected to high frequency washing, in which the adverse impacts of solids accumulation are virtually eliminated. The solids not only break down to produce ammonia (Matsuda et al., 1990), but also encourage rapid heterotrophic bacteria growth that competes with the nitrifiers for space, potentially limiting nutrients, and oxygen (Bovendeur et al, 1990). The beads will have to be re-formed to store increased volumes of nitrifying bacteria at loadings in excess of 2 Lbs/day-ft3 without a reduction in hydraulic conductivity. The beads will also have to provide for abrasion protection in aggressively washed formats, but, excessive protection should be avoided. In summary, this project proposes to continue the development of a highly specialized bioclarifier which will reduce the water reconditioning costs associated with the holding, breeding, or production of aquatic animals in recirculating aquaculture systems.

Collaborators:

  • Louisiana State University - Dr. Ron Malone
  • TilTech Aquafarm
  • Archer Daniels Midland

Results:

  • Data substantiating increased nitrification of Propeller-Washed Bead Filters using EN Bead Media.

End Products:

  • Enhanced Nitrification Bead Media
  • Automated Bead Filter Controllers
  • Rotational Molded 3 ft3 Propeller-Washed Bead Filter

DOC/NOAA SBIR Grant entitled “Continuous Culture Zooplankton System for Marine Aquaculture Feed Production”. Phase I Funding only. Period of Performance June 30, 1998 to December 30, 1998.

Project Abstract:

Declining natural harvests are driving the development of the marine aquaculture industry. Growth of this industry will come through vertical integration of facilities. At the bottom of the pyramid is live feed production. Enhanced production of zooplankton is critical to reducing feed costs for the marine aquaculture industry. The current bottleneck for many marine finfish culture facilities is providing live feed to larval stages. Lack of large-scale, advanced technologies forces most facilities to place larvae in outdoor ponds containing natural zooplankton populations, usually resulting in tremendous mortality rates. Computerized, integrated algal/zooplankton culture systems, which improve culture stability and reliability and reduce labor costs, are needed to fully control the “base of the food chain”. The overall goal of this research will be to investigate and refine an automated, integrated algal/zooplankton system. The Phase I objectives will be to develop design and operational protocols for the zooplankton component of the integrated system. Preliminary production capacities will be examined and an initial economic analysis will be performed to examine full-scale economic feasibility.


Collaborators:

  • Louisiana State University - Dr. Kelly Rusch

Results:

  • Confirmation that rotifers can be cultured using an "approximated plug flow" reactor comprised of a series of completely mixed reactors (CFSTR's).

End Products:

None to date

DOC/NOAA SBIR Grant entitled "Development of an Extremely Low Water Loss Floating Bead Filter for Biofiltration and Solids Capture on Recirculating Marine Aquaculture Systems". Phase I & Phase II . Period of Performance October 1, 1998 to December 1, 2001.

Project Abstract:

The shortfall in worldwide marine fisheries landings are aiding the development of aquaculture technologies on many fronts. However, the interest and use of recirculating systems for production of marine organisms have lagged behind their freshwater counterparts. A floating bead filter which is corrosion resistant (no metal parts), operating with minimal water loss, and can be automated to backwash with minimal electronics is needed to enhance the economic feasibility of marine recirculating systems. Phase I proved that the drop filter concept works. Phase II will address the scientific issues and conduct system evaluations needed for the production of a commercial-scale MRBF that is a compatible with projected integrated marine system designs based on airlift or pumped recirculation.

Collaborators:

  • Louisiana State University - Dr. Ron Malone
  • TilTech Aquafarm - Tilapia
  • Archer Daniels Midland - Tilapia
  • Kent SeaTech - HSB
  • Auburn University - Dr. Ron Phelps - Red Snapper
  • Texas A&M University - Dr. Tzachi Samocha - Shrimp
  • Carters Fish Hatchery- Jeff Carter - Tropical Fish

Anticipated Results:

  • Determination of performance parameters including the volumetric nitrification rate for MRBF.

Anticipated End Products:

USDA SBIR Grant entitled “Development of Production and Nutritional Characteristics of HISTAR: Beta II Evaluation ”. Phase I & Phase II Funding. Period of Performance May 15, 1999 to August 31, 2003.

Project Abstract:

Commercial microalgal production still relies heavily on batch culture methods. Recent investigations have been successful in the development of enclosed photobioreactors, though mostly still at the research level. Due to several factors, production costs of continuous culture methods remain high and thwart the adoption within the commercial aquaculture sector. This project will investigate the use of greenhouses and control algorithms to enhance production and reduce energy input in a Hydraulically Integrated Serial Turbidostat Algal Reactor (HISTAR). Phase I results indicate that HISTAR is capable of sustained production and contaminant mitigation under varying temperature and irradiance regimes seen in greenhouses. The objective of this Phase II project is to refine the HISTAR technology at AST, develop design, production and operational criteria, determine nutritional consistency, determine profitability and execute Beta II testing at three commercial sites. A suite of 1.5-month studies will be performed over the two-year project period to collect the productivity data required for modeling and economic analysis efforts. The data will also be compared to performance data collected historically on HISTAR operated under artificially illuminated conditions. Systems will be installed at three commercial sites in the second year and evaluated using the same protocols developed for the AST system. Successful results will position the HISTAR technology for commercial adoption within one year following the end of this project.

Collaborators:

  • Louisiana State University - Dr. Kelly Rusch
  • Louisiana State University - Dr. john Supan -Oysters
  • Auburn University - Dr. Ron Phelps - Red Snapper
  • Sea Perfect - Knox Grant - Clams

Anticipated Results:

  • Reduce Cost of Micro algal Production
  • Document Nutritional Characteristics of Several Algal Species produced using HISTAR
  • Confirmation of HISTAR Controller Operation

Anticipated End Products:

  • Manufacture and Sale of Turnkey HISTAR Systems and/or major system components such as the proprietary system controller.

USDA SBIR Grant entitled "Development of a Dissolved Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Control System for Large Scale Intensive Marine Commercial Aquaculture Recirculating Systems". Phase I Funding only to date. Period of Performance May 15, 2001 to November 30, 2001.

Project Abstract:

Commercial-scale marine aquaculture has the potential to close the gap between an increasing demand for high quality seafood products and a marine fisheries near maximum sustainable yields. Intensive recirculation systems are regarded as one critical component of a commercially viable marine aquaculture development program. However, the application of recirculating technology for the production of marine organisms has lagged behind freshwater applications, due in part to the lack of design criteria for system components operating in a marine environment. To fully realize the economic potential of intensively stocked marine recirculating systems, a gas exchange system capable of transferring oxygen into the water, while removing carbon dioxide is critical. This research project will modify a multi-stage low head oxygenator (MS-LHO) and its supporting gas transfer simulation program to operate efficiently in a marine system over a range of salinities with minimum energy input. Dissolved carbon dioxide removal capability will be added by coupling a low profile packed-bed stripping column to the MS-LHO as a pretreatment step. Overall system performance will be optimized using simulation programs for gas transfer and field experience with prototype systems. Finally, the economic feasibility of producing full-scale marine grade MS-LHO units coupled with stripping columns will be determined.

Collaborators:

  • Freshwater Institute - Dr. Brian Vinci and Dr. Jim Ebeling
  • Louisiana State University - Dr. Steven Hall

Anticipated Results:

  • Determination of key design data over a range of salinities to calibrate supporting model.
  • Design of a scalable MS-LHO/Carbon Dioxide Stripping Unit.
  • Evaluate and Optimize performance of MS-LHO Stripper and comparison to results predicted by model.

Anticipated End Products:

  • Manufacture and Sale of MS-LHO Stripping Units for marine RAS’s.

 

 

 
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