Nitrogen Water Treatment for Salmon Ectoparasite Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods and systems for controlling ectoparasites on Salmonidae such as Atlantic salmon and/or rainbow trout are not very effective for the Salmonidae.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for introducing gas into a casing with water, using a nitrogen providing unit and nitrogen introducer to control ectoparasites on Salmonidae without harming them, by intermittently introducing nitrogen into the casing, controlling oxygen saturation, and using freshwater or hot water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If warm water bath is used to remove ectoparasites, then ectoparasite removal effectiveness is improved, but fish health and survival deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveectoparasite removal effectivenessVSAvoidfish health and survival
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the water temperature parameter from warm (which harms fish) to cold/fresh (which is safe for fish). This parameter change allows the water bath to effectively remove ectoparasites while maintaining fish health and survival, resolving the contradiction between removal effectiveness and fish welfare.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If continuous nitrogen introduction is used, then ectoparasite control effectiveness is improved, but fish stress and treatment time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveectoparasite control effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment time and fish stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic nitrogen introduction instead of continuous introduction. Nitrogen is introduced at specific intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes to several hours) rather than continuously, which maintains ectoparasite control effectiveness while reducing fish stress and optimizing treatment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous control effectiveness through multiple nitrogen introduction events spaced apart in time. By repeating the nitrogen introduction process multiple times over the treatment period, the system maintains continuous pressure on ectoparasites while allowing fish recovery periods between treatments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively controls ectoparasites on Salmonidae such as Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout without causing harm, reducing treatment time and stress, and allowing for a simplified and less stressful method.

Implementation Method 1

introducing nitrogen into the casing by using the nitrogen providing unit and the nitrogen introducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas dissolution: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

ectoparasites on the Salmonidae can be effectively controlled, without harming the Salmonidae. In particular, the ectoparasites might be affected such that they fall off the Salmonidae

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas-induced ectoparasite removal:

Data Source

PatentEP4674260A1System and method for introducing nitrogen into a casing with water
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 BLÅ BIOTEK AS
  • EP4674260A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4674260A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4674260A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and system for introducing gas into a casing with water. A casing 5 with water 7 and Salmonidae 6, a nitrogen providing unit 2 and a nitrogen introducer 3, 4 are provided, wherein the nitrogen introducer 3, 4 is connected to the nitrogen providing unit 2. Nitrogen is introduced into the casing 5 by using the nitrogen providing unit 2 and the nitrogen introducer 3, 4. Preferentially, the nitrogen is introduced intermittently. Moreover, preferentially, the nitrogen is introduced into the water such that the oxygen saturation in the water is below 80% and/or above 40%. In an example, the oxygen saturation is lower in the upper part of the casing than in the lower part of the casing. Introducing the nitrogen into the casing 5 with the water and the Salmonidae allows to effectively control the ectoparasites on the Salmonidae, without harming the Salmonidae.