Protein Skimmers

Protein Skimming or Foam Fractionation is a valuable mode of filtration when used with closed recirculation systems. Both saltwater and freshwater systems can benefit from protein skimming, especially in those carrying intense fish loads.

How Protein Skimming Works

Protein Skimming is accomplished by injecting (with a venturi injector) "Micro-Fine" air bubbles into the water stream as it enters the contact reactor.

The "Water-Air" mixture is held inside of the contact reactor for a predetermined retention time (60-120 seconds). During this retention time, the fine air bubbles are given the chance to accumulate dissolved organic wastes and tiny particles on their bubble walls.

The many "Micro-Fine" air bubbles, laden with organic waste, eventually rise to the top of the contact reactor where a dense foam collimates.

Once the foam accumulates at the top of the reactor and into the waste collector. When foam exits the reactor the protein skimming process is complete.

Protein Skimming Notes
Water effluent will vary from a light colored, yellowish liquid to a dark green. A dark color effluent has less water content representing a more concentrated waste. Lowering the water level inside the reactor and increasing the foam collimating time will produce a more concentrated waste effluent.

AquaFoam Polyethylene Protein Skimmers

AquaFoam Polyethylene Venturi Protein Skimmers have a "flow-through" design which requires that the system's water is circulated through the unit. A dedicated pump constantly circulates water in the skimmer's contact chamber via the pump, pump manifold and Dual Venturi Manifold.

• Industrial grade, Clear PVC Wash-Down Waste Collector (standard with all AquaFoam Poly Models) features a removable lid, conical foam collimating assembly and waste effluent discharge port.
• Our unique Vessel-Waste Collector Flange creates a dependable watertight seal while maximizing durability.
• Wash-Down, Pig-Tail Nozzle and Wash-Down Spray Port knocks off solid waste that has accumulated on the foam collimating tube and acrylic sight tube.
• Exclusive Dual Venturi Manifold allows precise air/ozone injection adjustments. This Dual Venturi arrangement allows independent adjustment of both injectors. Inlet Pressure Gauge identifies pressure prior to the Venturi injectors, which is critical for making accurate operating adjustments.
• All AquaFoam Poly Models come with a dedicated Water Pump and a Unionized Pump Manifold. The pump manifold includes a wash-down solenoid (timer-controlled) valve, gate valve and by-pass valve.
• Optional Clean Water Outlet Stand Pipe is available upon request with your requirements.

*COM3020-NP does not include Venturi Manifold Pump or Auto-Wash down valve

Call: 610-970-0440 • Fax: 610-970-0443 • Email: info@EmperorAquatics.com
9am-5pm Eastern Standard Time • Monday-Friday • $30 Minimum Purchase

Protein Skimming in Freshwater with Ozone

The benefits of protein skimming are well known. No other form of filtration removes dissolved organic wastes (fats/phenols) while at the same time re-oxygenating the water. In the past, the protein skimming process was thought to be only possible in heavier saltwater, as opposed to freshwater. However, this is a misconception. Protein Skimming is well-suited for freshwater applications.

Protein Skimming, used with a smaller freshwater home aquarium, is probably impractical. However, when applied to commercial recirculation systems, the benefits are quite extraordinary. For example, consider the waste production of a single 10,000 gallon Tilapia recirculation system without the use of protein skimming. The resulting color of the water would most likely be orange since enormous amounts of both solid and dissolved organic waste are constantly being produced. Contrast this to systems using properly sized protein skimmers where the water would be substantially clearer.

Removing solid waste is easily accomplished with separators and screens, but fine solids and dissolved organic material are different. On a large scale installation, there are essentially two choices: either large water changes (to dilute) or protein skimming (to remove).

Combining a small amount of ozone with protein skimming enhances its performance in freshwater by oxidizing the available organic contaminants. This ultimately enhances flocculation and absorption onto the bubble wall.

When considering the use of ozone, be certain that the air (preferably pure oxygen) that is used to feed the ozone generator is dry and clean. The feed gas to the ozone generator ultimately establishes the efficiency and operation life of the equipment. Managing ozone dosing can be achieved by implementing an OPR (oxygen reduction potential) Meter.

Custom Equipment

Emperor Aquatics, Inc. specializes in customizing equipment to your application, according to your specifications. Whether your requirements are integrated ozone injection with controls or specific port sizes or dimensions, simply supply us with a shop drawing and we will build the filter you need.

Delzone Corona Discharge Ozone Generators
Features include 20 kHz frequency and ceramic tube dielectric ozone generator cells for consistent and reliable ozone production. Delzone models CD-2 to CD-45 feature configurable feed gas options, multiple safety features and sturdy construction.

Call: 610-970-0440 • Fax: 610-970-0443 • Email: info@EmperorAquatics.com
9am-5pm Eastern Standard Time • Monday-Friday • $30 Minimum Purchase