Water technology company Xylem has expanded its Wedeco ultraviolet disinfection product line specifically developed for the tank-based aquaculture industry.

Xylem’s new closed-vessel Wedeco BX (pictured) and Quadron series UV systems are designed for inactivating fish pathogens, the company says. The systems are contained in duplex stainless steel reactors capable of resisting the corrosive effect of saltwater. The new Wedeco units will enable customers to handle pressurized flows ranging from 10 to more than 4,000 cubic meters per hour, the company says.

Xylem says large-scale fish farms in European countries such as Norway — a country with some of the longest established and most advanced aquaculture industries — rely on the company’s disinfection equipment to protect their aquatic livestock from the spread of diseases and to ensure clean, safe water for their aquaculture businesses. Xylem’s aquaculture UV solutions are approved by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) and validated according to the EPA standards.

Aquaculture is the most rapidly growing sector of food production worldwide, Xylem says. Higher fish density can lead to pathogen increase, which is a significant threat to aquaculture operations. Disinfection by UV or ozone can reduce the risk of disease in aquaculture systems and results in less need for vaccination, as well as higher growth rates and decreased fish mortality.