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How does a Protein Skimmer work ?
The waste products are surface active substances (surfactants), which assemble
at air/water surfaces in a one molecule thick layer. Sometimes this can clearly
be seen in an aquarium when the powerheads are switched off, waste is
present as a thin oily layer on the water surface.
Inside a good Protein Skimmer a very large air/water contact area is created
by blowing numerous fine air bubbles into the seawater. Protein molecules
and other organic matter, assemble on the surface of these bubbles. As the
protein covered bubbles rise to the water surface of the Skimmer, a protein
rich foam is formed, which is pushed into the collection cup, by the constantly
administered air.
2. Features of Red Seas BERLIN Skimmers
The Berlin is available in the Classic, Hang on or XL configurations with a
choice of either Venturi or Turbo (motor driven) air injector.
2.1 Berlin Skimmer Reactor
Berlin Skimmers incorporate the Patented Technology (developed by the Julich
Research Center of the German Institute for Technology), which has resulted
in a unique, compact design that is more effective than Skimmers twice their
size. Features include:
a) Triple Air Pass Increases the contact time between the air bubbles and
water, due to the patented Air Return Skirt.
b) Tangential Water Inlet, causes turbulent flow and a swirling motion that
increases the mixing action of the water and air bubbles.
c) Removable Collection Cup & Inner Tubes for easy cleaning and
maintenance.
d) ptimal Compactness, without compromising the skimming efficiency.
Performs as well or better than skimmers twice their size. Performance is
measured as the total amount of concentrated waste material removed daily.
e) Efficient Concentration produces highly concentrated waste without
unnecessary loss of seawater.
f) Ability to concentrate and remove even the smallest amounts of waste
material. The Red Sea BERLIN Skimmers show skimming activity at waste
levels where other models fail to work. This is very important for a reef
aquarium.
2.2 Venturi Air Injector
The traditional venturi air injector allows the Berlin (Classic and XL models)
to be run from an external pump or submersed pump. The ozone resistant
parts, optional carbon air filter above the collection cup and air return skirt that
ensures that no air bubbles return to the aquarium make these models ideal
ozone reactors.
2.3 TurboJet Air Injector
The new TurboJet air injector with its unique 12 blade impeller provides an
increased quantity of superfine air bubbles in a powerful, homogenous air
water mixture. Without the small flow path required by the venturi models the
Turbo Air injector is less susceptible to blockages by particulate matter.
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3. Principle of peration
The Venturi or TurboJet air injectors produce a continuous stream of fine air
bubbles mixed into the water flow, which is introduced tangentially to the bottom
section of the skimmer chamber. The tangential water inlet causes a powerful
rotation of the Air/Water mixture. Air bubbles and waste are concentrated in
the center of the inner tube, ensuring good mixing and maximum surface
contact. This is the first step in efficient waste separation.
The Air/Water mixture swirls up the inner tube and into the
wider diameter middle tube, causing a relaxation of the
turbulent water and a separation of protein rich foam at the
water surface. The protein rich foam is pushed up into the
foam collection cup by the constant air supply. Air bubbles
are transported down the middle tube by the force of the
water current. The middle tube ends with the Air Return Skirt.
This funnel shaped part enlarges the diameter of the
middle tube thus decreasing the speed of the water such that
it is no longer capable of transporting the air bubbles.
The bubbles, with their collected waste materials, rise up
again, against the downward water flow. Thus the air has a
triple pass in the skimmers reaction chamber.
The third pass (of air through the skimmer) works according to the counter
current principle. On their way up, the air bubbles collect more waste materials,
since they constantly bump into downward moving bubbles, a further increased
contact time and mixing occurs. The smallest amounts of waste are stripped
from the water, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiency of these skimmers.
The protein stripped water then leaves the skimmer via the outer tube without
any bubbles. This is extremely important when applying ozone, since ozone
gas is thereby prevented from being introduced into the aquarium.
To complete the safe use of ozone a carbon filter is provided to prevent ozone
from passing from the reaction chamber to the atmosphere.
4. Pump Selection
All Turbo models are supplied with the Berlin Turbo pump including the 12
blade TurboJet impeller and combined air inlet / water flow regulator.
Venturi models are supplied with or without (see check box on package) the
optional Berlin pump which can also be purchased separately. If you have not
purchased a Berlin pump select a pump as defined below. If the pump is to be
located more than 8 (20cm) from the Venturi inlet a higher rated pump may
be required.
Berlin Venturi H & Classic Model :
500 gallons per hour (2000 liters per hour), 10 ft (3 meter) water or 4.3 psi
Berlin Venturi XL Model :
550 gallons per hour ( 2200 liters per hour), 10 ft (3 meter) water or 4.3 psi
Carbon Air Filter
