Environmental Monitoring Station
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Get more out of your most important investments with Aanderaa’s Environmental Monitoring Station display and log of data oxygen salinity and temperature oxygen current speed and direction oxygen salinity and temperature current speed and direction It is essential to use sensor technology to monitor actual conditions in and around marine fish farming, one of Norway’s largest export industries. The monitored data, together with research into effective operation will provide productive management and also alleviate any negative environmental impacts. Since 1966 Aanderaa has developed and manufactured instruments, sensors and systems for oceanographic research related to the mapping of oceans and fjords. Our customers include marine research institutes, cartography firms, oil companies and the military who set strict requirements for the design, quality and accuracy of our sensors and instruments. Many of the measurement data used in oceanographic research are also applicable when monitoring the environment in fish farms. Aanderaa has recently developed separate systems intended for the fish farming industry based on its long experience gained from the development of instruments for research. Trustworthy intelligence about the environment the fish inhabit may prove the difference between poor or healthy fish farming economics. Monitoring Station Aanderaa Environmental Station is a complete system designed to monitor critical parameters, both in and outside the cage to ensure the best possible well-being and growth conditions for the fish. As a minimum oxygen, temperature, current direction and current strength are measured, while other parameters such as salinity can easily be added. All data are shown in real time via a graphical display system, and historical data is stored for later use as a basis for trend analysis or comparison of farms to optimize production performance. Oxygen Oxygen is the most important parameter. Low oxygen levels stress fish and increase the possibilities of disease. During feeding, low oxygen levels can decrease the intake of feed and increase the feed factor (feed use/economy). Current Good current conditions will ensure fresh oxygen rich seawater flowing through fish farms. Information about the current strength may also be used to limit the spread of feed outside cages. Temperature Temperature is also an important physiological parameter. Fish have greatest appetite under optimum temperature conditions. B182 JAN 2013

Environmental Monitoring station system description The Aanderaa Environmental Monitoring station consists of a combination of sensors placed at a fish farm in order to monitor the quality of the environment in which the fish live. Collected data contributes to optimizing feed routines to achieve the most efficient production possible. The system consists of three main systems: • Reference system: sensors that are placed at the outer edge of the farm to measure the available water quality outside the cage. • Sensor system in cage. • Software system: to display data in real-time and store...

Anchoring point Oxygen, salinity and sea temperature Current speed and direction Oxygen, salinity and sea temperature Current speed and direction Reference System The reference system consists of a range of sensors placed in series in a sensor string (see Figure 1). Sensors are placed in groups at preferred depths, usually in accordance with the prevailing NS9415 recommendation of 5 and 15 meters or other depths. Each group consists of one freestanding current sensor as well as a sensor housing with space for two sensors. One of them is used for a combined oxygen and temperature sensor. The...

Software systems The software kit accompanying the Environmental Monitoring Station enables the user to read the collected data in real-time. The software consists of the following two parts: 1. Aanderaa Real-Time Collector 2. Aanderaa Geoview Aanderaa Real-Time Collector is an open platform collecting data from multiple instruments and sensors. Data can be integrated and distributed to one or several databases or display programs through a well documented XML interface. It is also used to remotely configure sensors and instruments. Measurement data from the Displayed on feed barge or at HQ...

Environmental Monitoring station - User interface Current data (cm/s), last month Salinity (ppt), last month Figure 4 - Real time Real Time Oxygen saturation Oxygen saturation Oxygen saturation last 24 hours Water data Water temperature Water temperature last hour Water temperature last 24 hours Current Direction (Deg.M) Temperature (Deg.C) Current direction Current speed Current direction last 24 hours Current speed last 24 hours User-friendliness is one of the main points of the Aanderaa Environmental Monitoring station. The Geoview display program displays collected data either as...

Central Monitoring By pointing at the desired facility, data in real time and the trend from previous days is displayed. Large businesses with multiple farms in operation at various locations often need to observe conditions at individual farms from one or more central locations. If required, last weeks data (report function) can also be chosen. The Geoview display program is designed with a hierarchy of screen images, also called pages. The design of the pages can be individually adapted to different needs and customization is offered as an installation service, usually performed by...

Operation and Maintenance of Aanderaa Sensors Aanderaa sensors are designed to operate in demanding environments over long periods where inspection is not possible. Therefore strict requirements are set about mandatory calibration and servicing. The Aanderaa sensors are very stable and in the majority of cases the sensors will maintain calibration for a period of three to five years. In areas with significant algae growth, it may be necessary to clean the oxygen and conductivity (salt) sensors at regular intervals Minimal cleaning will normally be sufficient. Recommended cleaning intervals...