Aquaculture Centrifugal Pumps
Efficient and reliable centrifugal pumps are the backbone of modern aquaculture systems. Designed to optimize water flow in fish farming operations, these pumps ensure seamless water circulation and oxygenation for healthier and more productive farms.
Drawing on over 150 years of expertise, DESMI’s centrifugal pumps combine high efficiency with a compact design, ideal for installations with limited space. Maintenance is straightforward, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum reliability for modern aquaculture operations.
Aquaculture operations depend on efficient, reliable water movement to sustain healthy environments for fish growth. DESMI’s aquaculture centrifugal pumps are purpose-engineered to deliver precise circulation, transfer and oxygenation performance in demanding fish-farming and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Combining high hydraulic efficiency with rugged materials suitable for both freshwater and seawater, our centrifugal pump range ensures stable flow, low energy use and dependable long-term operation in commercial aquaculture facilities worldwide.
Aquaculture centrifugal pumps for reliable water movement
DESMI’s aquaculture centrifugal pumps are built for industrial-scale water management, providing controlled flow and pressure across fish tanks, hatcheries and full RAS installations. By accelerating water through a high-speed impeller, these pumps maintain continuous circulation, distribute oxygen evenly and prevent stagnation or sediment build-up. They integrate seamlessly with filtration, UV disinfection and oxygenation systems such as the AquaShield UV system to ensure clean, oxygen-rich water essential for optimal fish welfare and productivity. Whether for salmon farms, shrimp hatcheries or freshwater recirculating plants, DESMI pumps achieve reliable performance under continuous operation, handling both low and medium heads with excellent efficiency.
Designed for modern aquaculture and RAS systems
In recirculating aquaculture systems, consistent flow and water quality are vital. DESMI’s energy-optimised centrifugal pumps support these controlled environments by providing stable flow rates that help maintain ideal oxygen levels, regulate water temperature and remove waste. The pump design accommodates variable-speed operation, allowing precise adjustment to the biological load of the system. Vertical and horizontal configurations ensure flexibility in layout for compact installations or large-scale fish-farming facilities. Typical RAS applications include inlet water pumping, oxygen control circuits, cooling or heating loops and seawater or freshwater transfer. Each pump is selected and configured according to the system’s hydraulic requirements, ensuring both environmental and operational efficiency.
Learn more about our pump solutions for aquaculture applications and how our technology supports efficient RAS operation.
Key benefits for sustainable fish farming
- Stable fish health and welfare - Continuous, balanced water movement ensures uniform oxygen distribution and reduces stress.
- Lower energy consumption - High-efficiency impeller geometry and low NPSH values minimise power usage and cavitation risk.
- Reduced downtime - Rugged construction and easy access for inspection support uninterrupted operation.
- Adaptability - Suitable for freshwater, brackish and seawater conditions across diverse aquaculture settings.
- Sustainability - Designed for long service life and energy-efficient performance to support environmentally responsible fish farming.
Technical design and material specifications
DESMI’s aquaculture pumps feature precision-balanced, single-stage centrifugal impellers available in open, semi-closed or closed designs. Semi-closed impellers are particularly suitable for handling water containing small solids or biological debris typical of recirculating systems. Hydraulic components are optimised for reduced turbulence and uniform velocity distribution, supporting efficient, quiet and low-vibration operation.
Available materials include cast iron, bronze, duplex stainless steel and NiAlBz alloys for seawater resistance. Shafts and mechanical seals use corrosion-resistant materials that maintain structural integrity even under continuous exposure to oxygenated or saline water. Pumps can be supplied with standard or explosion-proof motors, including options for variable frequency drives (VFD) to provide adjustable flow control.
Energy efficiency and performance optimisation
Energy represents a significant operating cost in commercial aquaculture. DESMI centrifugal pumps are engineered to optimise hydraulic efficiency, meeting flow demands with minimal energy input. Low NPSH-required values ensure smooth operation even in systems with limited inlet head, reducing cavitation and extending component life. Advanced impeller designs and optional inducers further enhance efficiency, delivering measurable reductions in total cost of ownership.
For operators pursuing sustainable production goals, this performance translates into fewer emissions, stable oxygenation rates and improved feed conversion efficiency across the entire aquaculture process.
Compliance, durability and environmental responsibility
DESMI pumps can be supplied in designs tested to meet applicable international and marine standards, ensuring performance and safety under demanding conditions. Durable materials such as Super Duplex stainless steel and NiAlBz alloys offer high resistance to corrosion, erosion and temperature variations, critical for long-term reliability in fish-farming operations. Our design philosophy prioritises low environmental impact, reduced energy use and recyclability of components throughout the product lifecycle.
Service life, maintenance and global technical support
Low-maintenance design is a core feature of DESMI aquaculture centrifugal pumps. Spacer-coupling arrangements allow easy access to seals and bearings without dismantling the motor. Straightforward assembly, minimal wear components and globally available spare parts simplify service routines and minimise downtime. DESMI’s worldwide service network of centres and authorised partners supports fish farms and system integrators in more than 100 countries, ensuring expert assistance throughout installation, operation and maintenance.
Proven success in recirculating aquaculture applications
Across RAS installations globally, DESMI centrifugal pumps have proven their ability to maintain continuous and controlled water circulation. Used in land-based salmon and trout systems, shellfish hatcheries and marine recirculation plants, they deliver dependable flow stability and efficient oxygen transfer. Operators report improved water clarity, reduced energy bills and enhanced fish growth performance following pump upgrades or system optimisation using DESMI technology.
FAQ - Aquaculture centrifugal pumps explained
What are centrifugal pumps?
Centrifugal pumps are devices that use a rotating impeller to impart energy to water. The impeller converts mechanical energy from the motor into velocity and pressure, generating continuous water flow ideal for circulation and transfer tasks in aquaculture.
Why choose centrifugal pumps for aquaculture?
They efficiently handle large water volumes with consistent flow at relatively low operational cost. Their simple design, reliability and scalability make them perfect for intensive RAS and pond-based fish farming.
How do centrifugal pumps improve water flow?
By continuously circulating and oxygenating water, centrifugal pumps prevent stagnation, aid filtration processes and distribute oxygen evenly. This promotes fish health and maintains robust water quality.
How to maintain centrifugal pumps?
Routine inspection of impellers and seals, verification of motor alignment and timely replacement of worn parts are recommended. DESMI pumps provide easy access to serviceable components to ensure consistent performance.
What are the best centrifugal pumps for fish farms?
The optimal model depends on flow rate, head and water conditions. DESMI offers vertical inline and horizontal configurations adaptable for RAS systems, seawater circulation and freshwater transfer applications. Our engineers can advise on pump selection to match your fish-farming setup.
Partner with DESMI for your aquaculture project
From small hatcheries to industrial RAS developments, DESMI delivers reliable and efficient aquaculture centrifugal pumps designed for long-term operation. Our engineering teams provide expert guidance on configuration, materials and performance optimisation to match your exact process conditions. Contact DESMI today to discuss how we can support your next aquaculture project or request detailed documentation for system integration.