FRP SOLUTIONS FOR ONSHORE HYBRID FLOW THROUGH FACILITIES

Key points for Hybrid Flow Through projects with FRP

• Hybrid Flow Through is especially relevant in Icelandic smolt production
• FRP can be used for walkways, gangways, platforms, stairs, handrails, covers, gratings and tank related planks
• Fibreglass is relevant where saltwater, humidity and daily operation create corrosion pressure
• Fiberline does not supply pumps, water treatment systems or biological process technology
• RAS is a related onshore aquaculture system, but it has a different water management principle

What is Hybrid Flow Through?

Hybrid Flow Through is an onshore fish farming system used in smolt production, where clean water supply is combined with recirculation. In Fiberline content, the system should mainly be connected to Icelandic onshore facilities, where clean groundwater and stable water conditions can be part of the project context.

The water story is important, but it should not overshadow the practical infrastructure around the system. Fiberline’s role is to support the surrounding facility with FRP profiles, planks, gratings and access structures used around tanks, treatment areas and service zones.

For aquaculture owners, engineering consultants, system builders and EPC suppliers, the material choice around the process is a long term operational decision. Wet areas, salt air, cleaning routines and daily foot traffic all place demands on walkways, platforms, covers and handrails.

Why is FRP relevant in Hybrid Flow Through facilities?

FRP is relevant because Hybrid Flow Through facilities include wet and often corrosive environments around tanks and technical areas. In these areas, traditional materials such as galvanised steel can be challenged by corrosion, especially where saltwater, humidity and cleaning routines are part of daily operation.

Fibreglass, also known as FRP or GFRP, does not rust or rot. This makes it a practical material choice for access routes, service platforms, gratings, covers and supporting structures in onshore aquaculture.

The advantages of fibreglass are especially useful when project teams need low maintenance materials that are practical to install. Low weight can make handling, preassembly and on site adjustment easier compared with many traditional materials.

Where can fibreglass be used in a Hybrid Flow Through facility?

Fibreglass can be used around tanks, treatment areas, access routes and technical service zones. These are the parts of the facility where corrosion resistance, safe access and practical maintenance are often central concerns.

Typical applications include:

• Gangways and walkways around tanks and production areas
• Platforms and access ways for inspection and service
• Stairs and handrails between levels and technical zones
• Gratings for wet areas where drainage and ventilation matter
• Covers and planks for channels, service zones and tank related areas
• Supporting structures around technical equipment
• Perforated FRP planks for tank related applications where the system design uses air distribution through small holes – to oxygenate the water.

The right solution depends on the specific project. Load requirements, spans, fixings, chemical exposure, water conditions, cleaning routines and documentation needs should be reviewed before final specification.

How does FRP support smolt production infrastructure?

FRP supports smolt production infrastructure by reducing corrosion related maintenance concerns in the structures around the production process. It can support durable access and service areas around the equipment in the facility.

In daily operation, teams need reliable access to tanks, covers, platforms and technical areas. When these structures are exposed to water and salt air, corrosion resistant materials can help reduce the risk of unexpected repairs in surrounding infrastructure.

Fiberline can support professional stakeholders with standard products and custom solutions to meet your need. This is especially relevant for system builders, RAS system integrators, EPCs and contractors who need components that can fit into repeatable facility designs.

How is Hybrid Flow Through different from RAS?

Hybrid Flow Through combines new water supply with recirculation, while RAS, Recirculating Aquaculture System, is based on treating and reusing water within an onshore system. Both systems can create wet and demanding environments where FRP components are relevant around tanks, access routes and technical zones.

RAS is especially relevant in Iceland and Norway, while Hybrid Flow Through should mainly be treated as an Icelandic smolt production topic. The systems should therefore be explained separately, even though many material considerations around access structures are similar.

Read more about fibreglass for RAS systems here

When does FRP make sense, and when should you choose something else?

FRP makes sense when corrosion resistance, low maintenance and practical installation are important for the surrounding facility infrastructure. It is especially relevant for access structures, planks, gratings, handrails, covers and tank related components exposed to water, humidity or salt air.

You should choose a specialist process supplier for pumps, air systems, filtration, water treatment, control systems and biological process design. Fiberline does not supply the technology behind Hybrid Flow Through or RAS.

The best material choice should be based on the specific operating environment. Fiberline can help with documentation, specifications and project dialogue before final design approval.

Why work with Fiberline onland based aquaculture projects?

Fiberline supplies FRP profiles, planks, gratings and access structures for land based fish farming facilities where corrosion, safety and maintenance are central project concerns. With 40 years of experience in fibreglass, we help professional project teams challenge conventional construction where traditional materials create long term maintenance challenges.

For Hybrid Flow Through projects, our focus is practical and clearly defined. We support the structures around the tanks and technical areas, not the biological system inside them.
Contact Fiberline to discuss FRP components, documentation and project specific recommendations for your onshore aquaculture facility.

FAQ about Hybrid Flow Through

What is Hybrid Flow Through?
Hybrid Flow Through is a land based smolt production system where part of the water is newly supplied and part is recirculated. In Fiberline content, it should mainly be connected to Icelandic onshore facilities unless other project documentation supports a wider scope.

Can Fiberline supply Hybrid Flow Through technology?
No. Fiberline supplies FRP profiles, planks, gratings and access structures around the facility. Fiberline does not supply pumps, air systems, water treatment systems or biological process technology.

Why use fibreglass in Hybrid Flow Through facilities?
Fibreglass is relevant because wet aquaculture environments can create corrosion pressure on traditional materials. FRP can be used for walkways, platforms, stairs, handrails, covers, gratings and tank related components where low maintenance and corrosion resistance matter.

Is Hybrid Flow Through the same as RAS?
No. Hybrid Flow Through combines new water supply with recirculation, while RAS is based on treating and reusing water within a land based system. Both can create demanding wet environments where FRP components are relevant around tanks and technical areas.

Can FRP be used for perforated tank related planks?
Yes, FRP planks can be used in tank related applications where the system design uses air distribution through small holes. The component function can be described, but performance, oxygenation and fish welfare claims should be documented by the relevant system designer.