The Flowline system developed by Norwegian company Cflow is expected to have a significant impact on transport of live fish. Flowline is a result of close co-operation with Astorplast AS in Fosnavåg. The goal was to find solutions for bettering transport of live fish by creating a safer and more gentle way of handling the fish.
‘We chose an interdisciplinary approach to the development process with our focus on increased fish welfare,’ said Cflow’s CMO Gunnar Hoff.
‘Experts from Norwegian wellboat companies, biologists, and suppliers of cleaning systems have all contributed to the fine-tuning of all functions. Together, we have developed Flowline, a forward-looking concept that will both simplify and improve fish handling.’
The vessel that will become the world’s largest wellboat, Gåsø Høvding, is being equipped with Flowline valves as it takes shape at the Sefine Shipyard in Turkey for owners Frøy Rederi.
‘We are very happy with the development and the functions of the new pipe system,’ said Einride Wingan at Frøy Rederi. ‘We are very much looking forward to starting to use this system.’
‘After more than 30 years’ experience in fish handling, Cflow has developed a design philosophy based on prioritising the main functions of the fish handling system. This means reducing bends, valves, lifting height, and piping to a minimum on the more frequently used routes,’ explained Cflow senior engineer Tor Andre Rønning.
‘Current modern fish handling systems, both on land and at sea, have strict requirements for flexibility and options. Cflow’s new Flowline concept naturally meets both these requirements and those for gentleness. We have developed a new valve with four outlets, which will considerably increase flexibility. Four of these Flowline 5 valves can do the same job as 16 three-way valves on a wellboat with the same function.’
He commented that the valve will also simplify fish handling in land-based fish farms.
Increased stability and safe positioning
‘Part of the development process has been to find a type of plastic with better features than those used on similar valves today,’ said Birgitte Refsnes, Cflow biologist.
‘For Flowline, we have chosen a type of plastic that is stronger and more solid than the typical PE or PUR. This can handle greater tension and strain. An important focus in the development process has been to achieve the smoothest possible internal transitions.
Another has been to simplify cleaning and maintenance. The Flowline valves have therefore been given several ports for cleaning, flushing and draining. The plastic we chose ensures that all surfaces are smooth with no pores or scratches, in order to avoid conditions for bacterial growth.’
