Warrenville, Illinois: Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FTEK), renowned for its advanced engineering solutions, has unveiled a game-changing development in shrimp farming. The company’s patented Dissolved Gas Infusion (DGI®) technology, initially tailored for water and wastewater treatment, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing shrimp production while ensuring optimal health conditions for the crustaceans.
The recent release of a white paper by Fuel Tech, titled “Demonstration of the Fuel Tech, Inc. Dissolved Gas Infusion (DGI®) Technology for the Royal Caridea Aquaculture Raceway,” marks a significant milestone in the evolution of aquaculture practices. The collaborative trial, conducted in partnership with shrimp farm technology provider Royal Caridea, presents compelling evidence of DGI®’s potential to revolutionize shrimp farming operations.
The trial, conducted at a domestic shrimp farming facility, focused on growing Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei) in a raceway system employing Fuel Tech’s DGI® gas infusion system. Notably, the study showcased the ability of DGI® to reliably dose and maintain dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, thereby significantly increasing total shrimp production compared to conventional aeration methods.
Shrimp farming is gaining momentum globally in response to burgeoning consumer demand, necessitating innovative solutions to optimize production efficiency. The trial, conducted over two consecutive growth cycles, yielded promising results in terms of shrimp survival, growth, and overall health.
During the first growth cycle, traditional bubble aeration was utilized until the oxygen demand of the water surpassed sustainable levels, necessitating partial shrimp harvesting to maintain acceptable DO concentrations. In contrast, the second growth cycle employed Fuel Tech’s DGI® technology, ensuring DO concentrations at 150% of atmospheric saturation. This approach not only facilitated higher shrimp densities but also led to likely health improvements for the crustaceans.
The white paper underscores the transformative potential of DGI® in shrimp production, emphasizing its adaptability across diverse water and wastewater processes, environmental remediation endeavours, and industrial applications. The innovative technology, originally designed for water treatment, has seamlessly transitioned into aquaculture, promising multifaceted benefits for producers and the environment alike.
John M. Boyle, PhD, Senior Director of Technology Development at Fuel Tech, is set to present the trial results at Aquaculture America on February 21, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Co-author Maurice Kemp, President of Royal Caridea, will also be in attendance, further highlighting the collaborative spirit driving innovation in aquaculture.
Bill Decker, Vice President of Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies at Fuel Tech, expressed enthusiasm about the trial outcomes, emphasizing the significant benefits of deploying DGI® for oxygen injection in aquaculture applications. With global shrimp demand on the rise, DGI® offers a compelling solution to enhance stock health, optimize yields, and promote sustainable shrimp farming practices.
Fuel Tech’s DGI® technology, validated through rigorous testing methodologies endorsed by industry experts, promises unparalleled oxygen transfer efficiency, surpassing 99%. With its innovative approach and tangible results, DGI® heralds a new era of sustainable shrimp farming, propelling the industry towards greater efficiency, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
