The Power House Vari-Speed Axial Flow System Takes Oyster Farming to a New Level

11th Mar 2019 | Posted by Savvy Boater
The Power House Vari-Speed Axial Flow System Takes Oyster Farming to a New Level

How the Power House Vari-Speed Axial Flow System Helps Oyster Farmers

A Floating Upweller System is a key tool used in oyster farming. It helps oyster spat grow within an appropriate sea environment and get the proper nutrition it needs. Oysters grown in Floating Upweller Systems get the benefits of direct nutrition from seawater. This means they get the advantage of growing in their natural environment while enjoying full protection from potential dangers they would encounter in a bottom-growing setting. Farmers using these systems also typically create added motion to tumble the oysters to strengthen their shells.

How a FLUPSY Works

 At its most basic, a Floating Upweller System consists of tanks that propel seawater upward through a mesh screen to flow over the oysters, which filter out plankton for nourishment; the water then flows out of the top of the tank. A Floating Upweller System, also called a FLUPSY, provides an easy way to get efficient water pressure and flow for optimal oyster growth.

A typical, old-school FLUPSY relies on water pressure and mechanics to maintain flow. The problem is that conditions often change to require a different flow rate. Maintaining optimal water flow and growth conditions with a traditional FLUPSY can be time-consuming and sometimes costly. Colder winter conditions necessitate slower flow. When faster growth is desirable, you will need faster, stronger flow with higher pressure to provide an increase of nutrients.

 Axial Flow

 The first axial flow FLUPSY was developed in 1995. This system incorporated the use of a deicer pump, which was used to break existing ice and prevent ice from forming in areas such as piers and docks. An ice eater works by drawing water from the bottom to the surface, creating continuous movement.

 Researchers at Cornell used an ice-eater pump to create flow through the silos by drawing water out of the central trough. While effective, the process of operating it throughout the oyster growth cycle was inefficient and involved numerous adjustments, as well as assembly and disassembly. Ice-eaters had to be changed out regularly replacing lower HP models for higher HP models as the seedlings matured.

How the Power House Vari-Speed Axial Flow System Works

Using a high-quality powered version gives you more control and helps you speed up oyster production time. The Power House Vari-Speed Axial Flow System has several features that can aid in upgrading production in an oyster farm or shellfish hatchery. This simple, effective system uses the Vari-Speed Control Panel and the Vari-Speed Ice Eater to manage flow effectively and allow you to easily change settings as needed.

The Vari Speed Axial Flow System is cost-effective in terms of electricity use. It also provides sufficient flow for proper oyster growth as well as silo and trough cleanliness. This is especially crucial when there is a high seed density.

 The ice-eater pump creates a steady flow through the oyster seedbed and thus a regular supply of nutrients. Its continuous motion keeps drawing water from the central trough of the FLUPSY. The motor can move up to 1,379 gallons of water per minute.

The Power House model has a 3-phase motor, which allows you to easily slow or speed up water flow to accommodate oyster growth. This, in turn, enables you to keep the same ice-eater pump throughout the duration of the growth cycle. The system's efficiency lets you get the flow you need while using less energy.

p>This ice eater model is more reliable than other types of ice eaters due to its unique construction. Its components are environmentally friendly, and it circulates water with very little bottom turbulence. The pump can be used in a variety of settings, including salt water and shallow water.

The following features make the Control Panel easy to use:

  • Simple dial allows you to easily increase or decrease flow
  • Load reactor provides consistent, reliable power while avoiding common motor problems like stuck propellers
  • Start or stop operation using the clearly labeled buttons
  • Run indicator light shows when the motor is operating
  • You can plug directly into the ice-eater pump
  • Plugs into standard 115V GFCI outlet

Why The Power House Vari-Speed Axial Flow System Works Better Than Other Upwellers

 Oyster farms generally find that using a FLUPSY can have three major drawbacks: cost, complexity and potential for breakage. The Power House Vari-Speed presents effective solutions for each of these issues. It allows you to reap the known benefits of using a FLUPSY, such as reliable food supply and a natural yet protected environment, while avoiding the drawbacks that can make farmers hesitate to use this cultivation method.

 Cost

 The main expenses of operating an axial flow FLUPSY include power costs, motor upkeep and replacing broken components. The Power House system's 1-horse power motor needs 6.2 amps when running at top speed, and as little as around 1 amp at its lowest setting. Its design makes it less likely to break down and need replacements than other types of motors.

 Complexity

 From the control panel to the inner workings of the pump motor, the Vari-Speed system is designed to be optimally easy to operate. Farmers who use a single-speed axial flow system typically have two options for dealing with varying flow needs. They switch their ice eater for a different size or use a rheostat to cut down the speed on a large ice eater. The first option means you have to buy several ice-eater pumps and spend a lot of time and effort switching them back and forth. The second results in wasted electric power as well as increased wear and tear on your motor, making it break down faster. On the other hand, using a Vari-Speed means all you have to do to change the flow is turn the dial on the control panel.

 Potential for Breakage

The Vari-Speed's three settings eliminate some major causes of motor breakage. The propeller design, housing materials and all components are all geared towards maximizing function in a variety of environments, including salt water.

 Please visit Savvy Boater’s ice-eater buyer guide for more information on The Powerhouse ice-eaters and Axial Flow System.