Degassing

Maintain Optimal Oxygen Levels

Degassing of cultured water is required in many aquaculture systems. In intensive recirculating culture systems, carbon dioxide is introduced into the water through the respiration of fish and bacteria and decomposition of organic materials. High levels of CO2 can be detrimental; it reduces the fish's ability to absorb oxygen into their blood and can acidify the water of the entire system. Safe operating levels of CO2 is dependent on the species, life stage, and overall water quality but as stocking densities increase, proactive control of CO2 removal must be implemented. Degassing towers are a critical component for off gassing carbon dioxide and nitrogen while saturating dissolved oxygen into the water column. 

Degassing towers are also critical components for treating incoming water from wells or bodies of water supersaturated in nitrogen and deficient in oxygen. Independent of stocking densities, super saturation of nitrogen can occur from wave action or dam spillways, sudden increases in water temperature, or from leaks on the suction side of pumps. High partial pressures of nitrogen are dangerous to all life stages of cultured species leading to stress and gas bubble trauma.

Depending on the system design, species cultured, and source of the water, Oceans Design will develop a turnkey degassing system appropriate for your facility. All degassing systems can be fully installed on site by your experienced field crew or will be shipped on site ready for installation.