FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
AKVA’S FLYING NET CLEANER The FNC8 is AKVA’s dedicated net cleaning ROV. The remotely operated net cleaning rig came about as the result of a strategic partnership between Norwegian aquaculture powerhouse AKVA and Sperre AS, a leading player in the ROV industry.
by Vaughn Entwistle, Features Editor, International Aquafeed
T
he unique feature of the new cleaning rig is that it “swims” along the net line in the pen and cleans using high-pressure seawater. Nothing takes hold of the net that can damage and tear holes in it. This greatly reduces the risk of fish escape. The Flying Net Cleaner is based on a patent pending principle that ensures that the rig is in balance regardless of whether it cleans horizontally, vertically or upside down. This makes it easier for the operator to select the cleaning direction that is most appropriate, regardless of which type of net one is dealing with.
High efficiency is the key
The speed of the cleaning rig is important for those performing the job. The FNC8Flying Net Cleaner can achieve a cleaning efficiency far greater than many of its competitors. The Flying Net Cleaner is built using standard ROV components that are easy to clean and disinfect. The FNC8’s ease of use is also assisted by several built-in automated features, sensors that monitor cleaning and advanced camera systems. The FNC8 is also ready for the collection of dislodged organisms
Customised high pressure generator
AKVA group supplies and offers service for high pressure generators customised for the new Flying Net Cleaner. The pumps supplied are from Kamat or Hammelmann. Both pumps are quality products that are specially adapted to the environment one encounters during pen cleaning.
“An Incredibly reliable net cleaning system”
Using ROV based FNC8 net cleaners, the leading Australian fish farming company Huon Aquaculture has managed to clean about three times the number of square metres as before. With a downtime of only two percent, Business Development Executive, James Bender, describes the technology as the most reliable net cleaning system the company has ever had in operation. “The FNC8 net cleaners have been very good compared to the other cleaning systems we’ve used. High water temperatures make marine fouling a big challenge for us in Tasmania. We clean our inner nets every five days and our predator nets once a month,” he explains. “Our predator nets are prone to fouling with scallops and mussels, which are difficult to remove without force. With an increased capacity, we’ll be able to prevent the issue by increasing the cleaning intervals,” he points out. Thus, efficient net cleaning operations is a critical success factor for Huon Aquaculture. When the company received its two first FNC8 cleaners, they were used during two shifts, around the clock, for three months. Today, the company has four units divided between two service boats, which are operated 12 hours a day, seven days a week. They have also decided to invest in an additional four FNC8 cleaners.
Service is key
Although Sperre AS’s products are renowned for reliability, the partnership between Sperre and AKVA group will give customers peace of mind that access to spare parts and expertise is not far off. AKVA group’s service bases and staff will also be available for Sperre AS’s ROV customers so that they have access to local and thus faster service for products. Uptime is essential for users of equipment for services, and this partnership ensures that both companies will contribute to customers experiencing better service for their products.
44|September2018-InternationalAquafeed