kiertovesilaitteita

Kiertovesilaitteita, often translated as circulating water devices or recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), are integrated systems designed to raise aquatic animals in a controlled environment where water is continuously treated and recirculated. These systems are primarily used in aquaculture to produce fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms. The core principle of a RAS is to minimize water exchange with the external environment, thereby conserving water resources and reducing the discharge of waste.

A typical kiertovesilaite includes several key components. A biological filter is essential for converting toxic ammonia, a byproduct of fish metabolism, into less harmful nitrates through nitrification. Mechanical filtration removes solid waste particles from the water. Oxygenation systems maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels for the aquatic life. Other components may include de-gassing units to remove excess carbon dioxide, UV sterilizers or ozonation to control pathogens, and temperature control to optimize growth conditions.

The advantages of using kiertovesilaitteita include significantly reduced water consumption compared to traditional flow-through systems. They also allow for higher stocking densities, leading to increased production efficiency. Furthermore, the controlled environment minimizes the risk of disease outbreaks from external sources and allows for year-round production independent of seasonal variations. However, RAS require significant capital investment and a high level of technical expertise for operation and maintenance due to the complex interplay of biological and mechanical processes. Energy consumption for pumping, aeration, and filtration can also be considerable.