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
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.
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"
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONSThese 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. 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
We manufacture both
large and small
Bubble size is the most important of these and within the design of the Airmaster 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.
Low wattage pumps often do not have sufficient flow or pressure to activate the venturi effect of the Airmaster Aquafoil, so we make the CDPS range of protein skimmers which utilise ceramic disc technology to generate air bubble production, these are powered by an air pump and are very efficient. The CDPS range will deliver consistently high water quality by stripping DOC from contaminated water as it flows through the unit.
Higher powered, higher flow rated pumps of 4000 litres per hour or more are ideal for use with the Airmaster Aquafoil type protein skimmers. This unique process produces millions of microbubbles whilst minimising back pressure on the pump, so that flow rates are hardly affected. This helps to maintain the efficiency of the AAFF and AAPS range of protein skimmers.
Protein skimming is also enhanced by including 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.
Improved technology has made it possible to skim off harmful protein compounds from freshwater, brackish, salt water and other wastewater streams.
Airmaster protein skimmers are specially developed for these applications making them the ideal protein skimmer for your waste water cleaning requirements.
These skimmers remove proteins before they decompose to toxic compounds, they reduce turbidity and typically the water will be deodourised as well.
Sizing a Protein Skimmer Successful removal of dissolved organic compounds is all about contact time - the amount of time the bubbles have in contact with the water flowing through the skimmer.
So deciding on which skimmer to have may be dictated by either the size of pump available, the volume of water to treat or the rate at which it is treated.
Skimmers are available in different sizes, but they all do the same job, the difference is in the capacity of the the skimmer body- the volume it holds, this is the key to the rate at which water can be treated.
A 'contact time' of 90 seconds is usually regarded as the optimum time for bubble/water flow contact in the vessel.
We indicate flow rates and contact times in the product specifications to allow you to decide which protein skimmer is most appropriate for your requirements.
Installing a Protein Skimmer. Both CDPS(ceramic disc) and AAPS (airmaster aquafoil) type protein skimmers are similar to install.
Both are pump fed and gravity return, they do not pressurise internally.
Water flow from your pump is connected to the inlet valve, in the case of the CDPS the flow will go directly into the body of the skimmer, with the AAPS it will pass through the airmaster venturi and then into the skimmer.
The outlet return can overflow directly to another part of the filtration system not requiring a pressurised flow, to a holding tank or pond, so long as all of these are below the initial outlet height.
An airline must also be connected to the air inlet valve on CDPS skimmers.
Waste from the foam outlet can be disposed of or reused as a high quality liquid fertilizer.
Operation of a Protein Skimmer. Freshwater foams can be very weak and collapse readily, so setting the water level in a protein skimmer is a critical part of successfully operating one. The water level can easily be seen in the transparent cone and foam tube in the top of the skimmer. By adjusting the inlet and outlet valves the water level can be raised or lowered to a point where just the foam will discharge from the foam tube into the foam collecting chamber on top of the skimmer.Once set this level will remain constant, provided the delivery from the pump remains constant also. If the pump is used simultaneously for other applications these probably will have an effect on the operation of the skimmer.
Installing a protein skimmer
Operating a protein skimmer
Sales office, Wood Norton, Dereham, Norfolk. NR20 5BJ. UK +44 (0) 1362 683 364
