Centrifugal Chemical Pumps for Aquafarming Applications
Aquafarming requires a careful balance of preventing disease with the management of harsh chemical solutions. Proper treatment of the aquatic environment is key, and it calls for durable and reliable systems. Finish Thompson’s centrifugal chemical pumps are built from the ground up to provide the level of resilience and precision necessary to meet the diverse needs of the aquafarming industry.
Typical Applications
- Pumping aquaculture medicines like Formalin and hydrogen peroxide from drums and totes
- Water recirculation and filtration
Which Series are Applicable?
Pump Details
Drum Pumps
Finish Thompson drum pumps are extremely versatile and are not just for use in in drums. A wide range of tube lengths and materials of construction allow them to be used for a wide range of applications including water or chemical transfer for treatment or testing.
Features
- PP, PVDF or 316SS tubes– Select based on your application.
- ODP (open drip proof), IP24, splashproof, TEFC and air motor drive options– Lithium-ion battery powered motor on select models
- Built-in hose and cord clips – On select models
- Lightweight & economical for light duty transfer
- Integral strainer
- Unique double suction impeller provides high flow and high head.
- Greater flow control with variable orifice discharge (PFM/PFP/PFV only)
- Dual impeller options for either high flow or high head
- 40mm tube diameter for smaller bung openings.
DB Series, SP Series
Magnetically coupled, sealless centrifugal pumps. Finish Thompson DB Series and SP Series pumps are are designed from the ground up to pump corrosive chemicals in electroplating and anodizing facilities.
Features
- No mechanical seal – Powerful rare earth magnetic drive system eliminates the troublesome mechanical seal.
- Corrosion resistant – Engineered for the most aggressive liquids, manufactured from polypropylene or PVDF.
- Run dry ability – Makes them less prone to operator error or system upset.
- Self-priming option – SP Series pumps can lift fluid from as deep as 25 feet (7.6 meters) below the pump or can pull liquid out of the top of a tank eliminating through-the-sidewall bulkhead fittings.
A Case in Point
Fish Hatcheries and Fish Farms: Reliable Pumps for Aquafarming Applications
More than 50% of fish consumed worldwide is farmed, according to the Sustainable Trade Initiative. The Food and Agriculture Organization reports that aquaculture will provide nearly 66% of global food fish consumption by 2030.
To meet these increasing demands, aquafarms must implement reliable systems that protect their investments and produce quality results. At tank-based fish farms, the fish are particularly sensitive to stress. If optimal conditions are not carefully maintained, the stress results in disease and death.
To support healthy water conditions, two aspects are key: water treatment and water recirculation. Both require dependable pump solutions to ensure success.
Water Treatment
“Aquafarmers must control their fish environments to mitigate the risk of disease and fungus,” explains Pete Scantlebury, VP of Development for Finish Thompson. As Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service notes, diseases on aquafarms “can trigger huge financial losses associated with state and federal quarantines.” Texas A&M reports that disease outbreaks and issues with osmoregulation are typically caused by poor water quality, which can cause serious fish losses.
On the flip side, aquafarmers who implement reliable systems can establish a reputation for safety in the industry and enjoy a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This is accomplished with best practices in aquafarm management – which makes Finish Thompson the perfect partner for aquafarming professionals.
Scantlebury explains, “Aquafarmers use substances such as hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde to kill parasites and keep their fish healthy. The concentrations of these products are very high (the peroxide you use at home is 2%; here it’s 35%), so the farmers need heavy-duty pumps to handle these solutions. Finish Thompson drum pumps are ideal for handling these products, due to their durable construction, which is designed specifically for the transfer of acids, corrosives and water treatment chemicals.”
Water Recirculation
The Southern Region Aquaculture Center notes that recirculating systems “use a fraction of the water required by ponds to produce similar yields.” They also require less land. What they require more of is reliable pumps to recirculate the water. Finish Thompson’s sealless pumps are perfect for this application.
“Aquafarmers are finding our mag-drive pumps can handle the large volumes they need for bigger tanks,” notes Will Weathers, Finish Thompson Regional Manager. “We offer pumps for a wide range of flow rates and tank sizes, so we’re a one-stop shop for fish farmers. This complete line of pumps is helpful in the aquafarming industry, where operators need separate tanks for fry, fingerlings and market-ready fish.”
Leak Prevention
“The heavy-duty construction of our pumps also makes them great for withstanding harsh saltwater,” notes Weathers, “and their sealless design offers a huge advantage in these settings. Mechanically sealed pumps are susceptible to damage from the organic solids present in the tanks. These particles inevitably get caught in mechanically-sealed pumps, causing leaks.” Particularly challenging are shrimp and tilapia, which thrive in water that contains bio-flock. This environment can quickly cause pump seals to become clogged and fail.
Operating in these settings, many mechanically sealed pumps must be replaced every three to four months. Weathers concludes, “Our sealless design does a better job of protecting farmers’ investments and reduces the cost of long-term ownership.”
