Pumps for Fish and Seafood Processing
Pumps for Fish and Seafood Processing
In fish and seafood processing, pumps play a vital role to support a range of applications from live fish handling to fish oil extraction and chum production. They are also used in aquaculture, where seawater or freshwater must be pumped and filtered to maintain optimal breeding conditions. Selecting the right pump is crucial to preserving the quality of seafood products, ensuring hygienic processing, and maintaining the welfare of live fish.
What are pumps used for in the Fish & Seafood Industry?
Live Fish Handling
Special pumps are designed to transfer live fish gently without stress or injury
Maceration for Chum Production
These pumps are equipped to grind and transport fish waste which can be used to produce fishmeal or animal feed
Fish Oil Extraction & Transfer
Gentle pumps that are capable of handling viscous fish oils without contamination or damaging the oil properties.
Seawater & Freshwater Circulation
This is essential for mussel washing, fish farming, and aquaculture feed systems.
Food Processing & Batching
Precise, hygienic and low-pulsation pumps may be required for metering fish-based ingredients into recipes or fish product processing lines.
What to consider when selecting a pump for fish and seafood processing?
Material Selection
Some species of fish can be sensitive to specific metals or chemicals. So pumps used in aquaculture and seafood processing must be made from corrosion-resistant and food-safe materials such as 316 stainless steel, plastic, or coated alloys to prevent contamination and maintain fish health.
Hygienic Design
Seafood processing requires strict hygiene standards to prevent bacterial growth which not only harm fish health but can pose a risk to humans. This means that pumps must be easy to clean through manual methods, Clean-in-Place (CIP), or Steam-in-Place (SIP) systems. Hygienic pumps are also specially designed with smooth, polished surfaces to prevent product build up and contamination.
Low Shear Flow
In applications such as mixing fish-based ingredients which require a set standard of volume and quality, pumps must maintain a steady and consistent flow without alteration changing the consistency of the end product.
Processing requirements
Selecting the right pump technology depends on whether the process requires whole fish transfer, maceration, or precise metering. Gentle pumping action is necessary for live fish, while robust macerating pumps handle fish waste and by-products effectively and efficiently.
Types of Pumps Used in Fish & Seafood Processing
Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic pumps provide gentle, low-shear pumping, making them ideal for transferring live fish, fish eggs, and delicate seafood products. They operate by compressing a flexible hose, preventing contamination and cross-contact.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are commonly used for seawater and freshwater circulation in aquaculture. They offer high flow rates but are best suited for low-viscosity liquids such as water and light fish oils.
Progressive Cavity Pumps
Progressive cavity pumps are ideal for handling thick, viscous materials. They are often used in fish oil extraction, chum production, and fish waste processing due to their steady, low-shear flow, which helps maintain product integrity. They have hoppers which are customisable depending on the solids being handled such as feed screws for products which do not flow, knives for the cutting of large solids or plates to liquidise fish morts.
Twin Screw Pumps – HSP Series
Twin screw pumps are highly versatile and hygienic, making them ideal for food and seafood processing. They can handle a wide range of viscosities, from thin liquids to thick pastes, and their smooth, low-pulsation operation ensures gentle product transfer.
Macerator Pumps
These are designed to grind and pump fish waste, and are often used in chum production, fishmeal processing, and waste management. Macerator pumps efficiently break down solids to facilitate easy transport and disposal – extending the value of waste material.
Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps (AODD)
AODD pumps are useful in seafood processing plants where hygienic, self-priming, and portable pumping solutions are required. They are commonly used for fish waste removal and thin fish slurry transfer.
Flexible Impeller Pumps
Also known as flexible vane pumps, these are ideal for processing seafood as they can handle viscous fluid, solids and pastes. Because they are low-sheer, delicate fluids are handled without effecting their quality.
Gear Pumps
Gear pumps are reliable and efficient, transferring fluid within a varied range of viscosities with efficiency and precision. Due to their nature, they are best suited for fluid without solids.
How North Ridge can help you with your fish and seafood processing needs
Pumps are an essential part of the fish and seafood industry, enabling efficient processing, waste management, and aquaculture operations. The correct pump selection ensures hygienic standards, product integrity, and efficient handling of delicate seafood products.
As a leading pump supplier and manufacturer, we offer customized solutions to meet the needs of fish processors, aquaculture facilities, and seafood manufacturers. Contact us today to discuss the best pump for your specific application.
