In the competitive fishing industry, innovative technologies are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. With a focus on prioritising boat owners’ needs, SNG, a leading trawl designer and producer, utilises flume tank testing to optimise fishing gear designs.
Discover the numerous benefits flume tanks provide, ensuring that you, as a boat owner, stay ahead in fishing practices.
1. Flume Tank: A Controlled Environment for Precision Testing
A flume tank can create a controlled setting where various water conditions—flow rates, currents, and turbulence—can be replicated. This precision enables SNG to conduct extensive evaluations of different trawl designs, ensuring they meet boat owners’ specific needs. The resulting data translates into reliable gear, empowering informed decisions to maximise productivity on your vessel.
World-Class Flume Tank Facilities
The flume tanks at the Flume Tank North Sea, in Hirtshals, Denmark, and the Marine Institute facility in Newfoundland, Canada, are renowned for their contributions to fishing gear innovation. Hirtshals’ facility, stretching 44 meters in length, focuses on fishing gear development and environmental impact studies. In Newfoundland, one of the largest tanks in North America supports sustainable fishing practices and gear performance testing. These cutting-edge facilities provide valuable insights into hydrodynamic testing, enabling us at SNG to continually refine our trawl designs and meet the evolving needs of boat owners worldwide.
2. Cost-Effective Scale Models for Research
Testing full-scale prototypes can be a financial challenge for boat owners. Flume tanks allow SNG to explore scale models, offering comprehensive assessments without incurring the costs of full-sized prototypes. This method conserves resources and accelerates the development of new fishing technologies, providing cutting-edge tools sooner.
3. Enhanced Safety During Experiments
Conducting experiments in real marine environments carries risks, such as equipment failure and unpredictable weather. Flume tanks offer a safer alternative, allowing SNG to conduct tests without outdoor hazards. Enhanced safety means thoroughly vetted gear, providing boat owners with products they can trust for reliable performance at sea.
4. Deep Insights into Hydrodynamics
Conducting experiments in real marine environments carries risks, such as equipment failure and unpredictable weather. Flume tanks offer a safer alternative, allowing SNG to conduct tests without outdoor hazards. Enhanced safety means thoroughly vetted gear, providing boat owners with products they can trust for reliable performance at sea.
5. Continuous Refinement of Fishing Technologies
Data from flume tank testing is vital for continuous trawl design refinement. SNG can adjust net geometry, material choices, and deployment strategies based on insights from controlled experiments. This commitment to innovation results in more efficient and environmentally friendly gear, benefiting boat owners striving to enhance operations and meet evolving fisheries standards.
Conclusion
The integration of flume tanks into the development of trawls marks a pivotal advancement for boat owners in the fishing industry. Flume tanks create a controlled, cost-effective, and safe environment for testing, enriching understanding of trawl dynamics and promoting sustainable practices. As SNG collaborates with boat owners, fishermen, and skippers, innovations in trawl design remain grounded in real-world needs.
As the industry continues to evolve, insights from flume tank experiments will significantly influence future fishing practices. For boat owners focused on optimising gear and operations, leveraging flume tank technology is essential—not just for catching more fish, but for responsibly managing our ocean resources for future generations. Invest in these advancements today to enhance your fishing operations and maintain a competitive edge on the water!
