Processing technology provider Skaginn 3X was tapped by United Kingdom-based Denholm Seafoods to provide the pelagic seafood company with a newly-designed, state-of-the-art multifunctional ValuePump.
This latest iteration of the ValuePump device, which is the result of months of joint research and development by Denholm Seafoods and Skaginn 3X, can handle 60 metric tons of pelagic fish per hour, the companies said in a press release. What’s more, the ValuePump can move product 200 meters from the docks to Denholm’s facility in Peterhead, Scotland, via a 16-inch-diameter pipe.
“The design, development and implementation of the 16” ValuePump was certainly a challenge, but the outcome is truly remarkable,” said Ragnar Arnbjörn Guðmundsson, regional manager for Skaginn 3X. “We’ve spent months testing the pump, and I’m pleased to report that it has the proven capacity to convey 60 [metric tons] per hour over a distance of 200 meters, which is exactly what our clients requested. Most importantly, it handles the product gently along the way, ensuring that the quality of the fish is maintained throughout.”
Denholm’s technology is the latest addition to the ValuePump family, which has been in production since 1994, Skaginn 3X explained. Last year, Skaginn 3X began researching and testing improved designs for the device so it could accommodate increased capacity, like that seen by Denholm.
A processor of pelagic fish caught from sustainable North East Atlantic fisheries, Denholm Seafoods delivers its broad range of fresh and frozen products to customers in the United Kingdom and around the world.
“We are incredibly excited to start using the ValuePump. It will not only accommodate our high capacity operation,” said Richard Duthie, Denholm´s Commercial Director. “But also create value whilst transporting our product from A to B, as we will be chilling and sanitizing the product whilst conveying it to further processing. The ValuePump will also eliminate the use of trucks used to transport from the harbor to coldstore, which is very beneficial.”
The concept shaping the ValuePump’s function and design dates back to ancient civilizations, Skaginn 3X noted.
“The pump’s basic function is based on Archimedes’ screw, also known as a screw pump. Primitive screw pumps were used to move low lying water through a cylinder to elevated irrigation ditches,” the company said. “Based on this fundamental concept, the ValuePump conveys product gently through a closed, low-pressure pipe system. The conveyance is carried out in a liquid medium, which varies depending on application, but may take form of water, fluid ice or an additive solution.”
The ValuePump requires six times less energy consumption than conventional pumps, Ragnar said, creating substantial energy savings for seafood processors.
“Not only will the ValuePump help save energy, but it will also replace trucks used to transport product from the docks to Denholm’s facility, making this an environmentally sound enhancement, which is very important to our client,” Ragnar added. “We are continuously developing the ValuePump and we are currently working on various projects for the salmon industry.”
Photo courtesy of Skaginn 3X
