Aqua EcoSystems follows a standard working process for every project and seeks align clientele with the stages project development to improve project awareness and decision making.
The core work for AES is technical planning, design and engineering but we are able to advise more widely on project preparation to help clients make informed decisions when planning an aquaculture operation. This would extend to advice on; species choices, system options, waste management/ discharge consent, product value adding and systems ancillary to land based aquaculture systems.
The standard process undertaken;
1. Information gathering from the client; (Species, Production levels, Operational units required; Broodstock, Hatchery, Nursery, On-growing, Purging, Location, Site specific restrictions (water availability, construction possibilities, etc).
2. Conceptual Design; this process would go through a series of project developmental stages to achieve a plan for the project that can be used by the client to further develop the overall project in terms of a business plan, applying for permits, gaining further quotation from architects/ contractors. Ultimately allowing the client to form a "feasibility study".
a) GROWTH MODEL - a mathematical model of the expected growth performance. b) PRODUCTION PLAN - a schedule of production to meet the desired output. c) SYSTEM CONFIGURATION - defining system units to accommodate operational activity d) MASS BALANCE CALCULATION- series of calculations to model wastes to be ameliorated e) PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING - defining fundamental components required for operations |
f) BILL OF QUANTITIES - comprehensive list of equipment for the proposed systems g) OPEX - operational expenditure expected from running the R.A.S. h) CAPEX - capital expenditure expected for purchasing the R.A.S. i) 3D "INDICATIVE DESIGN" - indicative design for client and engineers to visualise the project. |
3. Commissioned Project; after the client has made a decision to go ahead with a project AES will review the Conceptual Design with the client to ensure all amendments, additions and new information is built into the project before proceeding with the more detailed work. AES will work with other consultants, engineers, architects and clients to bring the project together.
All processes within the conceptual design stage will be undertaken again to build in the changes. In addition to those documents AES will also deliver;
j) SECOND STAGE ENGINEERING - amending system performance according to changes and additional level of detailed engineering.
k) PROCESS DIAGRAMS - diagrams to illustrate the mechanisms of the system.
l) SYSTEM PLANS - plans of the specialist systems showing the location of items and running of pipe work.
m) STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES- manuals to describe the running and maintenance of the systems.
4. System Installations and Commissioning; AES installs the specialist R.A.S. equipment and coordinates the installations with other consultants and contractors involved in the project. When all items are installed and verified by a qualified electrician, the system must be "commissioned" into action. AES will aid this process, whilst educating the client/ farm manager on how to manage the systems. The commissioning process duration is usually defined by the length of time bacterial populations in the bio-filter take to establish (3 - 6 weeks).