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My clear goals are to increase production by providing an optimal environment, make system operation safe & smooth, simplify work processes and reduce OPEX.
Start-up of new plants & water quality management
Starting a new system can be challenging. Once completed, it is important to stress test the system properly before the biomass is introduced. This allows problems to be identified and rectified at an early stage and prevents production losses later on. Also the biofilter must be inoculated in good time to avoid major delays.
Everything in RAS naturally starts with the right water quality for your species. I can show you a whole range of ways to improve water quality. Based on collected data, initial conclusions can be drawn about possible bottlenecks in the system.
RAS optimization
Individual compartments of your RAS are examined and assessed whether it is working at optimum capacity and is correctly dimensioned. I also look for certain functions in your system, I call them linked functions. These functions have a significant influence on one or more downstream functions and therefore have sometimes a great deal of leverage regarding OPEX. The optimization then can take place on several levels, such as changing mass balances, energy improvement, hydraulic improvement. This can be achieved through conversions, new installations and adapted management.
Customized solutions
The solutions are as individual as your RAS. Often a customized solution for your improvement or problem is needed, taking into account the specifics of the system and selecting the right technology. I attach great importance to ensuring that the implementation is designed in such a way that it is less susceptible to faults and if possible highly redundant, the same applies to the technology used. At the same time, I am an advocate of the “keep it as simple as possible” approach, which saves costs.
Fixedbed Filter management & remodeling
Today's system concepts rely more and more on moving-bed-filters (MBBR´s). They basically require little to no maintenance and have low operating risk with regard to the build-up of organics and thus the build-up of off flavor or worse sulphur compounds.
This is why the correct handling of fixed-bed-filters is particularly important, which do not have these advantages. Furthermore, the conversion from fixed bed to moving-bed is possible to a certain size.
Wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment is sometimes overlooked, but in many cases it is just as important as water treatment. The framework guidelines specify the limit values contained in the discharge permit. However, these can also be tightened at any time, which forces land-based plants to pay particular attention to the limit values. With experience in operating sludge treatment and denitrification plants with activated sludge and scientific collaboration, I can provide you with further assistance.
Troubleshooting
I get down to the root of the trouble. As former leading alarm Staff I know a lot of pitfalls you can run into and how to resolve problems quickly. On the long run my goal is to solve the cause in the system, so that you don't have to deal with a problem any longer. However, major system interventions may sometimes be necessary, for example, if a complete system shutdown is required. The right preparations must be made to protect the precious creatures. If you need to move large quantities of biomedia in situ, I also have a solution for you.
Operational management optimization
Ease workflows or new strategies. Developing and following standards and clear protocols offers many advantages. Standarts create comparability in the first place, so that if problems arise, the exclusion procedure can be followed. It is therefore also an important part of quality management in order to deliver consistent work quality over and over again. It can also help to prevent major problems from arising in the first place.
Research projects support
I believe that science and industry can make a strong team. It is important to continuously transfer scientific findings from the laboratory or small scale to the production scale. Ideas and results must have the opportunity to prove themselves under real conditions and can thus lead to improvements for plant operators. I'm taking gladly part in scientific work that deals with practical questions & problems.
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144860923000560
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About
It's more than work, It's my passion.
I am glad about every successful RAS project which strengthens this very unique industry. Above all, I see the current development very positively in terms of the synergies that result from various "waste products" from the plants. These are sources of nutrients for new start-ups with products such as macro and microalgae, which in turn can make a valuable contribution to nutrition or feed production. This is especially positive in terms of closing nutrient cycles and using valuable nutrients correctly. RAS can achieve much more if nutrient cycles are properly connected and closed. This will be a strong argument in favor of these systems in the future.
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My mission is to help and support operators in this still pioneering industry, to share knowledge and promote the right mindset. As former systems manager at Danish Salmon A/S which operates 2 different land based RAS concepts, I had the opportunity to generate a deep and broad base of knowledge from two RAS worlds. Further I had the honor of preparing & launching successfully the new expansion systems with my team. As an independent consultant now, I started RAS WORKS Consult to give advice and know-how to operators that face the special challenges in RAS.
Each RAS is unique and therefore requires a precise analysis of the weak points and special features. One of the important task is to identify potential production hazards and to initiate countermeasures.
In the best case scenario, careful planning means that these problems don't arise in the first place. But even well-planned projects can have pitfalls and teething problems that need to be resolved quickly. My motto is: be part of the solution, not part of the problem. The costs of a targeted, controlled, prepared intervention are significantly lower than those of accepting a production outage.
I combine the given circumstances of a system with each other, from which I can draw conclusions as to whether a certain area has potential dangers. Then the suspicion can be investigated with suitable methods. If a suspicion is confirmed, measures can be taken. The right method is chosen based on the risk that already exists.
In any case, I will explain the needed measures and describe the expected outcome. I've experienced several system shutdowns, both planned and unplanned. I've been involved in planning and directly implementing major rebuilds and planned many other rebuilds from hatchery to growout. I always consider changes and implementations from the view of impact, risks, redundancies and the optimal function regarding the system. Sometimes the discovered problem is only the symptom whose cause is due to feedback effects elsewhere in the RAS (The devil is in the details). It's most important to me to find the root of the cause.
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Therefore I consider a visit ON Site to be essential in order to provide targeted advice for you.
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For optimization or troubleshooting, I have to familiarize myself with the system and have an open exchange of experiences about system problems with you. In doing so, it is important to me that your information is handled confidentially and discreetly.
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I look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your case.
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Quotes from practice with truthful content
&
how to counteract
"If it can go wrong it will go wrong"
System redundancies
"The devil is in the details"
Experience and standardization
"An idea without a plan is a wish"
Clear objectives and execution
"Almost every big problem was small."
Timely and appropriate action
Contact
Get in touch
Florian Rüppel
RAS WORKS Consult
Calle Amadeo Vives 4
Boadilla del Monte
florian@rasworks-consult.com
Tel.: +34 (0) 634 602 683
Nr.-IVA: ES Z24 115 49G
