This project involves the optimization of a Silkstream pump for the removal of sea lice from salmon in the aquaculture industry. Currently, the most common treatments involve chemical treatment and/or the fallowing of pens which both come at a significant cost to the farmer. The use of chemicals such as Slice has also raised environmental concerns due to potential interactions with the natural environment, and the potential for the lice to become resistant to the treatment requiring increased dosage, or becoming completely obsolete. The unique operation of the Silkstream pump allows for stress-free transferring of live salmon from pen to pen using the Coanda effect. The acceleration of the fish through the pump head has been proven to dislodge sea lice naturally through this pumping action. This study aims to quantify the variables associated within the design of the pump, and create an optimized design that may more thoroughly remove sea lice without the use of chemicals. Deliverables in Phase I include a comprehensive engineering design study complete with Finite Element Analysis and Flow Analysis, manufacturing of prototype(s), and testing of prototype(s). The final deliverable will be an optimized pump design that can be tested in a large-scale pilot study in Phase II.
