PROTEIN SKIMMING &
FOAM FRACTIONATION
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
These commercial-size foam fractionators are extremely efficient at removing dissolved organics and pollutants. They utilize Airmaster aquafoil design that injects microbubbles into a pressurized water flow where it mixes in the water column. The dissolved organics and pollutants are attracted to the microbubbles and rise into a waste collection cup. These foam fractionators are compatible with ozone. Foam collection cups have large surface area for foaming and easy maintenance. Fresh and salt water compatible, applications include aquaculture recirculating systems, aquarium/ zoological exhibits, mammal exhibits, seafood-holding systems, ornamental ponds and shrimp systems. The 160mm upto 400mm diameter skimmers are constructed of  PP. The 500mm and larger  have a polypropylene body with clear plastic collection cups. The 36" and 46" diameter skimmers include an injector manifold water pump.
Product BenefitsFoam fractionation offers several important benefits that improve water clarity and increase dissolved oxygen levels. This mode of filtration separates harmful dissolved organic waste from water before the biological filtering process takes place, reducing the load on the biological filter. By removing dissolved organic waste traditional large water changes are reduced lowering water and salt costs.
Foam fractionation is an efficient, cost-effective way to remove small particles and dissolved organic wastes from water while at the same time increasing dissolved oxygen levels. Foam fractionation is mixing air and water together through the Airmaster aquafoil. As the air bubbles travel upward through the water column, they collect dissolved, and small organic waste particles, on their bubble walls. These bubbles create foam that accumulates at the top of the column. As the foam accumulates it eventually falls out of the column, separating from the water inside the vessel. Several names have been given to this form of filtration such as protein skimming, protein stripping, or foam fractionation.Contrary to popular opinion, foam fractionation will work efficiently with commercial fresh water applications. Just like saltwater, freshwater systems suffering from a high dissolved organic contaminate level benefit from the continual separation and removal of dissolved organic wastes.
Important factors that affect the efficiency:
• Air to water injection method and ratio
• Contact column dimensions
• Contact time between the air bubbles and water
• Foam collimation area(area where the foam separates from the water)
• Maintenance
 Solids characteristics of foam condensate collected from recirculation        .aquacultural systems by a foam fractionator were investigated. Particle .sizes were analysed with a particle counter. Foam fractionation .removed suspended particles as well as dissolved solids. The majority .of the solids removed by foam fractionation were organic. Most of the .suspended particles removed were smaller than 30 microns in diameter.
Improved technology has made it possible to skim off harmful protein compounds from freshwater.
The Airmaster protein skimmers are specially developed for ponds and other freshwater applications making them the ideal skimmer for your freshwater pond/tank.
These skimmers remove proteins before they  decompose to toxic compounds, they reduce turbidity and algae will also be removed.


















Benefits of Protein Skimming include:-

    * Removal of suspended solids.
    * Removal of proteins and high molecular weight compounds.
    * Increased water clarity through removal of humic and
       phenolic compounds.
    * Increased oxygenation of the culture water.
    * pH stabilisation through removal of organic acids.
      
    * Performance is dependant on:
    
    * Air to water ratio
    * Air bubble diameter
    * Column height
    * Air/water contact time
    * Use of ozone


Bubble size is the most important of these and within the design of the Airmaster Aquafoil protein skimmer an efficient method of microbubble production is the most important part in ensuring maximum surface area for the adsorption of the organic compounds. Smaller bubbles also rise more slowly, allowing more contact time with the process water.
Generally it is difficult to generate a small enough bubble size in freshwater and achieve effective foam production. However, the Airmaster Aquafoil produces microbubbles which are most effective for use in ponds.
Protein skimming is further enhanced by the application of ozone into the air mixture, which further oxidises and breaks down complex organic compounds as well as providing a degree of disinfection, depending on the quantity used.
Frequently asked questions
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Skimming is achieved by millions of microbubbles produced by the unique Airmaster Aquafoil- not a venturi, and therefore does not restrict flow rates or put undue back pressure on the pump. 

In combination with ozone, these freshwater skimmers will considerably increase water quality.
Protein skimming or foam fractionation is the process by which dissolved and particulate organic carbons are removed from a liquid, in this case the fish culture water, by adsorbing them onto the surface of fine bubbles rising in a closed contact column.
The bubbles form stable foam at the top of the water column and the accumulated organic wastes are discharged from the column along with the foam produced.
The removed substances are called "surfactants" because they are surface active or "charged"
Recommended Applications
• Large aquatic mammal exhibits
• Aquatic bird exhibits
• Coldwater and tropical fish exhibits
• Reptile exhibits
• Aquatic wholesale holding systems
• Aquaculture grow-out recirculating systems
INDEX
CONTACT
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PROTEIN SKIMMERS
Code
Size (cm)
Inlet ---Outlet
Flow rate
Price
Order
AAFF45
45 dia x 60 high
1½" x 1½
4000 l/h
£
AAFF50
45 dia x 120 high
1½" x 1½
7500 l/h
£
AAFF55
55 dia x 150 high
1½" x 2"
9000 l/h
£
AAFF61
61 dia x 150 high
1½" x 2"
13500 l/h
£
Please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery
all + VAT