100% success for electrostatic lice filter

Steffen Kildal, managing director of Norwegian firm Askvik Aqua, said it had taken a year to develop the electrostatic filter from the first sketch to the finished full-scale plant.

"The product is basically fully developed and ready for market," said Kildal.

The first electro-filter was put into operation with Bremnes Seashore at the end of July this year. Kildal said it had been invaluable to the development process to have a professional partner in the aquaculture industry.

Trawling for lice

"Bremnes Seashore had faith in the concept of the first small-scale tests, and has been a great help in the development," said the Askvik Aqua boss.

He said the majority of the development period was taken up running a large number of tests to find the right parameters to kill sea lice.

"We would trawl the southwest of the country after fresh lice in various stages, for use in these tests. Furthermore, we have invested significant resources in the identification of the appropriate components and materials, development of management and the design and sizing of major components."

Kildal stated that independent fish health service Fomas - Fish Health and Environment had been commissioned by Bremnes Seashore to carry out independent studies of the effect on lice when the electro-filter was used in conjunction with a Thermolicer, with very good results. The Fomas report (in Norwegian) can be read here.

"Fomas has observed lice have been exposed to electro-filter at several stages in the development," said Kildal. "The latest report from Fomas was prepared in August from observations on board the vessel Eva Elisabeth, belonging to Bremnes Seashore, shows 100 per cent killing of lice in full scale.

Nauplii die after hatching

"In addition to taking lice at all stages, we also see a repeatable effect on eggs in egg strings. That electro-pulse damages the eggs even when they are packed together in the egg strings, so nauplii die after hatching. We consider these to be very good results."

According to Kildal the filter has a large capacity and can be easily adapted on board vessels / barges.

Ernst Olav Helgesen, chief sea technology officer for Bremnes Seashore, confirmed good results on the Eva Elisabeth.

"We have not had the filter in use for so long that we can say something in particular about the results or experiences is definite. But we think it looks very promising, and saw in the tests that the filter took all stages of lice. The effect has been 100 per cent, which is fantastic," said Helgesen.

No special monitoring

What makes the product more attractive, said Kildal, is that there is no restriction on water flow, and it requires no special monitoring during operation, so it does not occupy personnel.

Currently, the company has sold one system, but Kildal stated that they are currently in talks with several potential customers.

"The feedback we have received is brilliant. Better than we imagined. The effect of the filter is proven on several occasions, and it's probably the most important thing for customers," he said.