Perflouromembranes for Low Cost Oxygen Enrichment of Aquaculture

Success in aquaculture depends heavily on delivery of oxygen to fish. Currently, liquid oxygen and on-site generation by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) are two methods for supplying oxygen to aquaculture. Both are costly and have absorption efficiency problems. Membrane contractors, paddle wheels, and porous pipes are used with limited success to enhance oxygen transport to aquaculture. We have developed novel perflouromembranes that are extremely efficient, and provide oxygen enrichment. Compact systems of these membranes would offer low cost, reliability, portability, and improved absorption efficiency. Portable oxygen delivery systems are valuable for reducing stress on fish during shipment. Currently, membrane systems are not compact or low cost. We propose developing hollow fiber thin film composite (HF-TFC) membrane systems to supply 26-32% of oxygen enriched air (OEA) with productivity 20-30 times existing membranes. Our perfluoropolymer HF-TFC will therefore provide the needed cost savings, reliability, and portability for oxygen delivery in aquaculture markets. Phase I will include fabrication of membrane modules plus comprehensive evaluation in pilot aquaculture systems. The non-porous nature and low surface energy should allow these perflouromembranes to be submerged in aquaculture with minimal fouling; resistance to steam sterilization and harsh chemicals allow for various cleaning methods if fouling is a problem.