MSR-Electronic has equipped a fish farm in Portugal with gas detection systems. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability within the fishing industry. As one of Portugal's largest aquaculture companies and the second-largest flatfish producer in Europe, responsible for over 3,500 tons of fish annually, the company is pioneering innovative aquaculture systems to advance the development of sustainable fishing villages.
Water treatment and sterilization are essential aspects of fish farming and are crucial for ensuring the production of healthy aquaculture. These processes impose stringent requirements on facilities and necessitate the implementation of new health and safety standards for the staff working in these environments.
Therefore, gas detectors, supplied by MSR-Electronic, were installed throughout the indoor fish farm to guarantee the maximum possible safety limits for all living creatures and systems.
Amur sturgeon fingerlings in the hatchery incub. Image Credit: ©AdobeStock
What Advantages Do Aquaculture Systems Offer?
Modern aquaculture systems incorporate a range of cutting-edge solutions that place emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. They leverage advanced technologies and concepts to facilitate efficient and responsible fish farming.
These innovative systems are establishing a new benchmark within the modern aquaculture industry. They integrate closed-loop systems that reduce water consumption, recycle waste products, and employ automated monitoring systems to continuously enhance water quality.
The main benefit of fish farming in aquaculture systems is that production is independent of location. For instance, these facilities can be strategically situated near consumer markets and in regions where water availability or suitable climatic conditions for specific fish species are limited.
How are Gas Detectors Used in Fish Farming in Portugal?
Gas detectors play a crucial role in safeguarding indoor fish farming systems against the risks associated with the escape of oxygen and ozone. Ozone is a globally recognized disinfectant for water in fish farms and aquariums, effectively eliminating viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
The key advantage of using ozone is that it leaves no residues and does not accumulate in living organisms. However, even at low concentrations, ozone poses significant health risks (TWA=0.1 ppm and IDLH=5 ppm). Monitoring oxygen levels in aquaculture ponds is therefore vital, as it is a critical parameter for maintaining water quality.
Adequate oxygen levels in the aquaculture system are essential for the health of living organisms. Oxygen reduces the risk of disease outbreaks and animal deaths and mitigates the effects of temperature-related stress. However, too much oxygen can also be harmful. OSHA prescribes a concentration of 23.5 % by volume.
This indoor fish farm is one of the largest on the Iberian Peninsula and is due to be expanded in the coming years.
Inside a shrimp farm. Pond shrimp closed system. Image Credit: ©AdobeStock
What Gas Hazards Can Arise in an Aquaculture System?
Farmed fish are sensitive to pathogens, water quality, and toxic substances. Therefore, maintaining high water quality and regular disinfection through ozonization are crucial.
However, ozone also presents health risks to employees at ozone production facilities. Intelligent gas detectors from MSR-Electronic provide essential protection against ozone gas leaks.
Various safety and health organizations, including OSHA, EU-OSHA, CAL/OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH, establish different permissible exposure levels (TWA, STEL, Ceiling) for hazardous toxic gases. Companies are advised to comply with these standards to ensure safety and health at workplaces.
Solution from MSR-Electronic
In this case study, SC2 sensors were installed to protect the safety of living creatures and equipment.
The electrochemical sensor, equipped with digital measured value processing and integrated self-diagnosis, is designed to continuously monitor the ambient air for toxic gases or oxygen.
This sensor includes an electrochemical cell and electronics featuring a measuring amplifier and a μController, which processes the measured values. All relevant data and measurements are securely stored in the internal memory of the μProcessor and are digitally transmitted to the board via the MSR's proprietary local bus.
Maintenance of the device is straightforward, allowing for simple sensor replacement or use of the integrated, user-friendly calibration routine directly on the system.
Gas sensor SC2. Image Credit: ©MSR-Electronic GmbH
Technical Features of the Gas Detectors
- Digital measured value processing, including temperature compensation
- Easy maintenance and calibration by replacing the sensor or by convenient on-site calibration
- Hardware and software in accordance with SIL-compliant development process
- High accuracy, selectivity, and reliability
- Internal function monitoring with integrated watchdog
- Low zero point drift
- Protection class IP65 (when installed)
- Reverse polarity protected, overload and short-circuit proof
- Sensor with long service life (depending on gas type)
The two projects in question were installed and commissioned by MSR-Electronic's customer in August 2023 and January 2024.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by MSR-Electronic GmbH.
For more information on this source, please visit MSR-Electronic GmbH.