COMPLETE FILTRATION SYSTEMS
DEPURATION SYSTEM
USER GUIDE
Tropical Marine Centre
Solesbridge Lane
Chorleywood WD3 5SX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1923 284151
Fax: +44 (0) 1923 285840
Email: commercial@tropicalmarinecentre.co.uk
Website: www.tropicalmarinecentre.co.uk
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SMALL SCALE SHALLOW TANK PURIFICATION SYSTEM
MATERIALS
Pallet Box
This food grade, highly robust container is constructed out of double walled polyethylene
and insulated with a layer of expanded polyethylene. It has excellent drainage provided
by 4 drainage ports with associated sumps in each of the corners. The rounded internal
corners make for easy cleaning. The total volume is 660 litres.
Pumps
The unit utilizes an Eheim 1260 pump. This pump is extremely reliable and 100%
waterproof (they are designed to be operated either submerged or out of the water).
Flow Meter
The flow meter is graduated up to a maximum flow rate of 35 litres per minute (2100
litres per hour). The body is constructed out of nylon, with PVC fittings and nitrile seals.
The internal guide-rod is 316 stainless steel, and the float made of 329 stainless steel
(duplex).
UV Steriliser
The UV steriliser is constructed by TMC, utilizing the same materials that have been
used to produce the high quality sterilisers for the tropical marine and aquaculture
industries for the past 25 years. The ABS body is extruded for TMC with our own UV
stable polymer. Each unit consists of two 25W lamps, resulting in all water passing
through the steriliser having a double exposure to UVC.
Stacking Trays
The open mesh construction of the base and sides allows for excellent water flows
through the stacked trays (not supplied as standard).
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OPERATING PROCEDURE
Please note that the TMC small scale depuration unit has been developed in collaboration with Seafish
Industry Authority and the industry, and is based on the Seafish standard design. Reference should be made
to the Operating Manual for the Small Scale Shallow Tank Purification System available from Seafish.
Loading the containers with Molluscs
The molluscs must first be thoroughly washed (taking care not to damage them) with clean water in order
to remove any sand, byssus etc before being placed into the containers. Any dead or damaged animals must
be removed. The molluscs must be placed in the containers at the recommended stocking density as
described in the table below, or as stated in the relevant conditions of approval that apply to the facility.
Species
Mussels
Pacific Oysters
Native Oysters
Clams
Cockles
Stocking Density / Container
15 kg
125 Oysters
125 Oysters
14 kg
15 kg
Total Stocking Density
90 kg
750 Oysters
750 Oysters
84 kg
90 kg
The above table taken from Cefas Protocol for Inspection and Approval of Purification (Depuration) Systems –England and Wales
(Version 9). Figures based on using the Allibert 41042 container.
Loading the Tank with Containers
Prior to loading the tank, make sure that the slots of the suction pipe are facing horizontally. This is
important in order to avoid purged material (and associated bacteria) from the animals being resuspended
by the pump.
The containers must be placed on top of the plastic pipes provided, in order to raise them off the tank floor
away from the faeces and sediment. They can be stacked centrally within the tank in two stacks three high,
with the narrow ends positioned at the spray bar and suction ends.
Filling with Water
Before commencing filling the system with water, it is advisable to check that the water salinity and
temperature are within the recommended range for the desired species. Thermal shock may result in
spawning and/or mortalities. The amount of suspended solids and water colour (turbidity) can effect the
dose rate of the UV. Water with high turbidity levels should therefore not be used. The water chemistry
(e.g. nitrates, ammonia and copper) should also be checked to make sure that the animals’ health is not
compromised. This is especially important if water is being reused.
Before filling, switch the UV unit on and check that all the lamps are functioning by checking that the
translucent purple end caps are glowing. If one or more of the lamps are not working, refer to the routine
maintenance section (page 5). All of the water entering the tank must pass through the UV steriliser.
To fill, close valves 2, 3, 4 and 6, and make sure that valves 1, 5 and 7 are all fully open. Connect the sea
water supply hose to the multi-stage hose connection situated at valve 1. Commence filling the unit. The
UV steriliser has a maximum flow rate capacity of 30 litres per minute, and must not be exceeded.
Exceeding this flow rate will reduce the dose rate of UVC, resulting in the effective kill rate being
compromised. Make sure that there are no leaks on the UV unit, pumps, unions etc. Once the unit is full,
close valve 1 and switch off the water supply.
Circulating the Water
Open valves 2, 5 and 7, and make sure that valves 1, 3, 4 and 6 are closed. Start the Eheim pump. The flow
can be set at the required flow rate of 20 litres per minute by adjusting valve 5 and using the flow meter.
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Draining the System
The tank must be drained prior to removing the molluscs in order to avoid resuspension and possible
ingestion of the settled out material (faeces, sand etc). To drain the system, attach a hose to the multistage
hose adapter on valve 5 and lead to a suitable drain, or holding tank. With the pumps and UV running, open
valve 6. Once the water level has reached the level of the suction line inside the unit, the pump will lose its
prime and stop delivering water. Switch the pump and UV steriliser off as soon as this happens to avoid the
equipment running dry. The remaining water can be drained out to waste by unscrewing one or more of the
four drainage plugs situated in all four corners of the container. This waste water must be made up again
with fresh sea water if the water is to be reused. If operating under warm temperatures, evaporative loss
may also need to be made up for. Once the system has completely drained, the animals can be removed for
washing and further processing.
Cleaning the System
The system must be thoroughly washed whilst still wet with the drainage port(s) left open. It is advisable to
run the system with fresh water in order to clean the pipes. It is especially important to rinse the UV
steriliser, as calcification on the quartz sleeve will result in reduced transmission of the UVC, and a reduced
kill rate. If the quartz is found to have calcareous deposits on it, refer to the section dealing with UV
maintenance (pages 5 and 6).
Minimum Salinity and Temperature
The above table taken from Cefas Protocol for Inspection and Approval of Purification (Depuration) Systems –England and Wales
(Version 9)
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Commercial Ultraviolet Water Steriliser
INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION AND USE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
• All units must be mounted with the lamps in a horizontal position. Under no
circumstances must any unit be mounted with the lamps in a vertical position. If
mounted with lamps in a vertical position there is a real risk of air being trapped
allowing the unit to overheat, resulting in damage to the white plastic body.
• Never look directly at an illuminated UV lamp.
• Do not run the unit dry.
• Always isolate the unit from mains electricity and turn off the water supply before
carrying out any maintenance.
• Always disconnect from mains supply before putting your hands into the water.
• We strongly recommend the use of an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB).
• This unit must be earthed. Never use a fuse larger than 3 amps.
• Rating 220 – 240v 50Hz. Class 1. IP64.
• This unit must not be submerged in water.
• This unit must be either fully frost protected or taken inside during the winter months.
• To prevent this unit falling into water do not install it above or immediately alongside the
system.
CONNECTION TO ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
If in doubt consult a qualified electrician.
Caution: Use in the area of your system only if the installation complies with the relevant wiring
regulations. Please consult a qualified electrician.
Caution: Always disconnect the UV unit from the mains electricity supply before putting your hands into
the water.
Caution: We strongly recommend the use of an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB).
All electrical installations and wiring must be adequately protected to prevent any damage. This unit is
fitted with 5 metres of cable. For safety, this unit must be connected to permanent wiring. To prevent the
unit inadvertently falling into the system we strongly recommend that it be securely positioned at least 2
metres from the edge of the body of water. Any flexible cabling used between the unit and the permanent
wiring should also be kept to a minimum length. We recommend a maximum length of 1.5 metres.
A switch with 3mm contact separation must be provided in the fixed wiring to provide disconnection from
the electricity supply.
INTERNAL FUSE REPLACEMENT
Always isolate from mains supply before undertaking any maintenance. Use only a 3 amp fuse.
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ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
• Never look directly at an illuminated UV lamp.
• Always isolate from mains electrical supply and isolate the water supply prior to carrying
out any maintenance.
• If the quartz sleeve is accidentally cracked it must be replaced before reconnecting either
the electrical supply or the water supply. If you do not have a replacement quartz sleeve
then use the two blue blanking plugs supplied with the unit to close off the ends of that
particular tube. Only do this once the broken quartz sleeve has been removed.
HALF YEARLY MAINTENANCE
All maintenance must only be undertaken by trained and competent staff.
The UV lamps should be changed at six monthly (approximately 4000 hours) intervals if a higher UV
efficiency is required. Should the lamps only be changed at annual intervals
(approximately 8000 hours) there will be a depreciation of 15% UV efficiency over a one year period.
PROCEDURE:
Isolate the ultraviolet steriliser from the electrical supply at the control panel.
Isolate the ultraviolet steriliser from the water supply by closing any utility valves fitted.
Drain the water from the unit by opening the drainage tap (orange bib tap) located on the bottom support
bar of the unit. Wall mounted units are not fitted with a drainage tap.
Carefully remove the numbered black lamp end cap from the lamp. Repeat this procedure at the opposite
end of the same lamp assembly.
Carefully slide out the used UV lamp ensuring that no pressure is applied to the quartz sleeve.
Unscrew the compression fitting at either end of the lamp assembly.
Remove the 'O' ring at either end of the quartz sleeve assembly.
NOTE: If water pours out of the unit at this stage then the unit has either not been isolated from the system
or not drained prior to commencing the maintenance procedure.
Remove the 'O' rings and discard them. New 'O' rings should be used at each service interval.
After removing the 'O' ring carefully slide out the quartz sleeve. Clean the quartz sleeve by washing in
warm soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly in fresh water and then dry and polish it using a paper towel.
NOTE: If the quartz sleeve has calcified with limescale deposits from the water it should be cleaned with
a proprietary plastic kettle descaling solution, following the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Plastic gloves and eye protection should be worn for this process.
The quartz sleeve should be rinsed in fresh water, dried and polished with a paper towel.
To reassemble the unit reverse the above procedure by carefully sliding the quartz sleeve
back into the plastic housing and locating it correctly. Slide the new 'O' rings over either end of the quartz
sleeve and locate them into the 'O' ring recess on the main casing.
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Ensure that the female threads on the compression fitting and the male threads on the main plastic body are
clean. Wipe a little silicon grease or Vaseline (NOT silicon sealant) onto these threads. As these threads are
only serviced twice a year this lubrication will help prevent them binding. Then replace and firmly hand
tighten the compression fittings.
NOTE: The compression fitting must be adequately tightened onto the 'O' ring and quartz sleeve or the unit
will leak water when reconnected to the main system.
Once all the quartz sleeves, 'O' rings and compression fittings have been reassembled the drainage tap at the
base of the unit must be closed and any utility valves must be opened. At this point check each assembly
and ensure there are no water leaks. If water is leaking from any of the assemblies then the unit must be
drained down again following the procedure above. At the points where water is leaking the quartz sleeve
must be checked to ensure it has not been damaged and the 'O' ring must be checked to ensure it is
positioned correctly. Also ensure that the compression fitting has been tightened correctly.
Assuming there are no water leaks, slide the new UV lamp into the quartz sleeve and replace the correct
lamp end cap onto each lamp. Each end cap has a unique number that refers to each lamp. It is critical that
the correct lamp end cap is fitted to the appropriate lamp.
Once all the lamps have been connected the UV steriliser unit should be turned back on at the control
panel. Each lamp should be checked to ensure that it is working. Only view the lamp through the plastic
locknut compression fitting - NEVER look directly at an exposed UV lamp.
Always ensure that water is circulating through the UV steriliser before the lamps are turned back on.
IMPORTANT
The plastic body of this unit has been manufactured from polymers that have been specifically stabilised to
protect them from the effects of germicidal UVC emitted from the UV lamp. Despite this UV protection the
unit will be eroded by a combination of the UVC and water flow. As a matter of course it should be
inspected whenever a lamp change is carried out, to ensure that it is not showing excessive wear and tear.
Replacement parts are available from our Chorleywood factory.
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