Cawthron Institute is New Zealand’s largest independent science organization, offering a broad spectrum of services to help protect the environment and support the sustainable development of primary industries. Cawthron’s scientists have expertise in aquaculture research, marine and freshwater resource management, food safety and quality, algal technologies, biosecurity, and analytical testing. Its ground-breaking science is supported by substantial testing and research laboratories, state-of-the-art technology, and a purpose-built aquaculture park.
Chinook salmon research facility
Together with Fresh By Design, ULTRAAQUA UV installed its UV systems in chinook salmon research facilities for the latest Cawthron Institute project – Finfish Research Centre (FRC). The FRC facility has six individual systems – four large feed trial systems and two smaller physiology systems that can be run on either freshwater or seawater. The facility was designed to conduct chinook salmon research from fry to harvest size, however, it can also be used for multiple fish species due to the flexibility of its design. Each of the individual systems has 8,000L or 2,500L liter bespoke fiberglass tanks with dual drains and swirl separators for waste collection and analysis.
ULTRAAQUA UV disinfection systems at FRC
ULTRAAQUA UV systems are installed at different points across the facility. At the water entry point, one UV unit ensures no dangerous pathogens get in RAS through intake water. Additionally, two UV units are within production itself – for feed trial systems and physiology systems. They help to control the microbiology of the species and eliminate potentially dangerous microorganisms. The FRC facility wastewater treatment process includes clarification, ozone treatment with UV being the final step before water release back into the environment.
All ULTRAAQUA UV systems used in the facility are fitted with UV irradiance monitoring sensors providing superior disinfection and energy efficiency for the user. They are also made from polypropylene and polyethylene materials that are known for their excellent corrosion-resistant qualities.
“Our ULTRAAQUA UV units are integral parts of our RAS systems, they are trouble free and we have been impressed by their performance and durability in both freshwater and seawater. The UV sensor output is a great addition and helps with our routine water quality monitoring,” said Chris Ensor, aquaculture operations manager at Cawthron Institute.
