RAS (Recirculating aquaculture systems)

UV disinfection plays an essential role in maintaining optimal health conditions within RAS facilities by neutralizing pathogenic microorganisms that can cause disease. This process helps to prevent the spread of infections among the selected species, leading to healthier, more robust growth and higher survival rates. It is a non-invasive and non-chemical method that sustainably ensures the well-being of the fish.

Integrating UV disinfection systems into an existing RAS facility is an investment in the longevity and productivity of the entire aquaculture operation. While there is an upfront cost for the equipment and installation, the long-term benefits include reduced mortality rates, improved water quality, and decreased reliance on chemical treatments. These factors contribute to an increased long-term cost-efficient operation by lowering ongoing expenses related to fish health and water management, enhancing the overall efficiency of the aquaculture system.

UV disinfection systems are designed for ease of maintenance, ensuring that they can be serviced with minimal downtime. Additionally, alarms regarding performance, lamp lifetime, etc., are available through the control cabinet, allowing for proactive maintenance. This can be combined with automatic sleeve wiping technology to further enhance operational efficiency and minimize maintenance requirements.

UV disinfection positively affects water quality in RAS without altering its chemical composition. Unlike chemical treatments, UV disinfection does not leave any residues or by-products in the water. This means the water remains safe and healthy for the species being cultured, without the risk of chemical buildup in the system.

Depending on the source of intake water, the environment can be very corrosive due to salinity or air humidity. This can be a challenging setting for commonly used materials in UV reactors and control cabinets.

Based on 25 years of experience in seawater disinfection in warm and cold-water environments, ULTRAAQUA has developed the UV stabilized polypropylene (PP), which is resistant to warm seawater due to its non-corrosive construction. For cold seawater and freshwater applications, fully electropolished SS316L reactors are available. This ensures an increased corrosion resistance on the outside surface, and increased UV light performance due to internal reflection on the inside surface.