New Innovation Series Videos
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Green Design Strategy - Evaluation of Pacific Seas Aquarium LSS
Doug Immerman1; John Hale, P.E.2; Joel V. Johnson, P.E.3, 1Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 2RCK Controls Inc, 3TJP Engineering Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The presentation focuses on design and operations of LSS with a focus on energy consumption. The new “Pacific Seas Aquarium” project recently opened at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, in Tacoma, Washington, is used as an operational basis of comparison. The authors/presenters address the issues from the perspectives of design, engineering, automated controls, and operations. Elements related to energy consumption include centrifugal pumps, filtration, lighting, temperature control systems, UV and ozone disinfection systems, and overall physical relationships of aquarium elements. The presentation uses real-world data gathered for energy used in filtration and water consumption. The authors present avenues for opportunities in new construction by taking advantage of products and strategies to reduce energy consumption and decrease our environmental impact. The presentation covers forethought and critical thinking necessary for a balance of proven methods, pointing out possible shortcomings of green strategies, with a focus on long-term viable success. |
Parts per Billion: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Karen Tuttle, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The Aquarium of the Pacific has built an intake system from the Long Beach Harbor to supplement natural seawater supply for our exhibits. The aquarium is situated along the busiest shipping port in the United States and is 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles River, a mostly concrete channel fed by rainwater, snowmelt and urban runoff, meets the harbor behind the aquarium and is a potential source of chemicals that can be hazardous to aquatic life. Copper and Zinc are metals that are hazardous in low parts-per-billion levels and are found in elevated levels in busy ports. The Aquarium of the Pacific monitors these metals in pumped seawater using analytical techniques called Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Due to high salinity of natural seawater, highly customized testing methods were developed. The analytical techniques, instrumentation, methodology and detection limits are discussed in detail. |
Temperature Stress Mitigation via Exhibit Life Support System Reassessment and Design
Gavin Moecklin, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
A gallery comprised of eight small (≤ 4,000 gallons), independent systems continually had temperature stress issues, particularly during warmer months. This has led to disease outbreak and overall reduced life expectancies for the animal collection. We hypothesized that unspecific system design and equipment selection and poor infrastructure were the main contributing factors. Life support systems for these exhibits were reevaluated and redesigned with appropriately sized, energy efficient pumps and filtration. This resulted in a decrease of up to 8°F in overall system temperature. Additionally, auxiliary cooling and circulation equipment was no longer needed, which directly resulted in lower ambient air temperature, and indirectly resulted in lower exhibit temperatures. The removal of auxiliary equipment and installation of more energy efficient equipment is projected to result in a 50% energy savings for the gallery. This presentation will emphasize the importance of appropriately designing life support systems to be exhibit-specific, and how it pertains to animal welfare and future system modifications. |