Protecting Salmon Farms from Marine Corrosion
Corrosion is an invisible enemy that can silently undermine structures and infrastructure in fish farms worldwide. This is especially critical for salmon farms in marine environments. The marine environment is inherently corrosive. Without proper protection, it can severely damage the facility's metallic components, such as frames, nets, and anchoring systems. This can lead to significant financial losses and potentially jeopardize the production of farm-raised salmon.
Challenges for fish farming
Fish farms face unique challenges when it comes to corrosion. Salty seawater, oxygen, and biological organisms work together to accelerate the corrosion process. Repairing damage underwater is both costly and technically challenging. Making preventive measures such as corrosion protection is crucial. Untreated corrosion damage can rapidly worsen, leading to structural damage and safety risks. This is a problem for aquaculture of salmonids in places like Norway, where the harsh marine conditions require robust and durable solutions to ensure long-term production and safety.
Organizations like WWF provide information about the risks associated with poorly maintained fish farms. Escaped fish pose a threat to wild populations, which is why the durability of the metal is critical for safe aquaculture
Methods for corrosion protection in fishing farms
To address these challenges, we offer customized corrosion protection solutions based on the latest technology. Common solutions is Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems and NoCor® Modular Wire Anodes.
ICCP systems works by using a low electrical current to counteract corrosion on submerged steel surfaces, significantly extending the structure's lifespan. NoCor® anodes, made from marine-grade aluminum alloy, are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions found in marine environments.
Understanding corrosion's impact on fish farm safety
An important aspect to consider is the construction of the structures where the fish are kept, especially the frames and the fastenings where nets and other components are attached. Specifically, these parts are particularly vulnerable to corrosion due to their constant exposure to water environments and the stresses that nets and fish place on them. As a result, corrosion in these areas can lead to significant safety risks. Weakened structures and fastenings increase the likelihood of nets or other parts becoming detached or breaking. If this occurs, it could result in large numbers of fish escaping from the fish farm. Consequently, such an event would not only lead to significant financial losses but could also have serious ecological consequences. This will, in turn, impact both local ecosystems and wild fish populations.
For a detailed overview of the risks associated with fish escaping from aquaculture farms, you can explore this in-depth report from NOAA Fisheries on the subject.
Key Benefits of ICCP Systems and NoCor®
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: The systems require minimal maintenance and offer a cost-effective solution over the structure's lifespan, significantly reducing overall operational costs.
- Extended Lifespan: The anodes used are made from materials that dissolve very slowly, providing a lifespan of up to 30 years.
- Environmentally and Fish-Friendly: Our ICCP systems emit less than 20 grams of mixed metal oxide over a 25-year period, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to traditional galvanic anode cathodic protection (GACP).
Complete corrosion protection solutions for salmon farms
We offer comprehensive corrosion protection solutions for fish farms and salmon farms, ranging from design to installation. Our technical solutions include complete systems as well as customizable components such as bonding cables, reference electrodes, and anodes. All solutions can be configured to meet specific installation requirements and environmental conditions.
We always offer full support during installation. For customers considering starting a fish farm or preferring to carry out the installation themselves, we provide all necessary materials along with detailed instructions and support.
After installing our corrosion protection systems, we recommend an annual inspection. Additionally, measurement of the protection level is advised to ensure the system operates optimally. This helps guarantee that your structures remain protected against corrosion throughout their lifespan.
Our commitment to delivering reliable, innovative, and environmentally friendly solutions to the fish farming industry drives us to continuously improve our systems and services. We are here to ensure that your fish farm remains safe, efficient, and sustainable in the long term.
Enhance safety in fish farming with remote monitoring
We offer a modern remote monitoring system for cathodic protection in fish farms, ensuring effective corrosion management and maintaining a safe environment for the fish stocks. Our system provides real-time updates, alerts, and continuous data collection. This allows operators and technicians to optimize operations and minimize the risks associated with corrosion damage.
Conclusion: Protect your fish farm from corrosion
We are here to help you protect your investment and ensure a successful and corrosion-free future for your fish farm.