A Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is a closed-loop system that is designed to grow aquatic organisms in a controlled environment. The key components of an RAS system include tanks, filtration systems, aeration equipment, and a recirculating mechanism that work together to maintain water quality and provide optimal growing conditions for the cultured species.
When designing an RAS system, several factors must be taken into consideration, including water chemistry parameters such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, flow rate, and the specific requirements of the species being cultured. To ensure the robust health and well-being of the organisms, the RAS design must also include disease prevention measures, stress mitigation strategies, and growth promotion techniques.
The AP RAS design portfolio provides customized solutions for growing aquatic organisms in controlled environments.
In the past, like the rest of the industry, we used to design facilities specifically for each client. However, we now recognize that the industry has progressed to a new phase. Creating unique designs leads to prototypes with inherent risks and challenges. As the industry becomes more professional, there is a greater demand for proven second and third-generation designs.
In light of this perspective, Aqua-Partners ApS has shifted its focus to designing and optimizing a few standard designs that are suitable for modular expansion. One such example is the RAS2020 technology, which has several advantages over alternative technologies, including:
- The blueprint /area required per ton of production capacity is significantly reduced compared to alternative technologies.
- The welfare of the fish is greatly improved compared to growing them in standard circular tanks.
- Fish handling, transport, and grading is made simpler and centralized with a short distance between the fish tanks and grading station, leading to reduced stress on the fish and decreased labor effort.
- The design is suitable for modular expansion into large-scale production, with the potential for up to 30,000 tons or more of annual production at each site.
At Aqua-Partners ApS, we have advanced our technology to the third generation, specifically optimized for the production of Steelhead Salmon (RAS Model 5). Meanwhile, Veolia (link) has also developed a third-generation technology for Atlantic salmon.
To avoid confusion with Veolia's version, we have agreed with Veolia to name our third-generation of the RAS2020 as "RAS Model 5" (Protected trademark).
As a result of this strategy, Aqua-Partners ApS will only offer a limited number of RAS grow-out technologies for a limited number of fish species.
Concepts offered by Aqua-Partners for RAS production:
1. RAS Model 5 for Yellowtail Kingfish and Steelhead Salmon cultivation, capacity of 1500 tons per year per Module, from 100 g to 3.5 kg. * Subject to certain conditions
2. Integrated concept for grouper production, 400-2000 tons annually, from 5 g to desired market size.
3. Soon to offer RAS Model 6 for Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead Salmon, Barramundi, and Groupers, with a capacity of 2000 tons per year, from 100 g to market size.
In addition, we can offer proven design for:
3. Broodstock facilities for some marine species. Including / experiences with: Turbot, Cod, Yellowtail Kingfish, some Tuna species
4. Hatchery /nursery production systems for Atlantic salmon and Steelhead Salmon from egg incubation and up to 400 grams
Additionally, we provide comprehensive design services, including feasibility studies and commissioning.
Below is a comparative table of different growout systems part of our portfolio:
Dambrugs model (3) |
RAS Model 4 |
RAS2020 |
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Production capacity |
Up to 200 tons per module |
Preferable below 800 tons but Flexible |
Up to 1200 tons per module |
Up to 1800 tons per module |
Up to 2000 tons per module |
Optimised for Fish species |
Trout |
Atlantic Salmon |
Atlantic Salmon |
Steelhead Salmon |
Steelhead Salmon Groupers |
Biofilter options |
Semi fluidised |
Fixed Fluidised bed or fluidised |
Fluidised |
Fluidised |
Fixed Fluidised bed or fluidised |
WTS Flow structure options |
Single loop |
Double loop |
Parallel loop |
Parallel loop |
Double loop with option for parallel loop |
Tank flow structure |
Horizontal Homogen |
Circular tank - horizontal plus vertical |
Horizontal homogen |
Horizontal homogen |
Horizontal homogen |
Advantages |
-Easy and efficient for operation. |
Old proven concept. |
-Flow structure optimal for Salmonids. |
-Flow structure optimal for Salmonids. |
-Easy and efficient for operation. |
Disadvantages |
Poor waterquality. |
Flow structure in tanks not optimal. |
Complicated construction. |
Complicated construction. |
A new concept even if mainly based on the integration of proven technologies. |
Concept development |
Dansk Akvakultur DTU |
General knowledge |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
Detail design and dimensioning |
Dansk Akvakultur |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
Veolia |
Aqua-Partners Aps |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
IP Ownership |
None |
None |
Veolia |
Veolia |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
IP protected |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Technology /equipment supply |
Various |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
Veolia |
Aqua-Partners ApS |
Aqua-Partners ApS |