Queendom Tools

Biofilter Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) Production Calculator

Aquaculture process engineers designing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) need precise baseline estimates of nitrogenous waste loads to size biofilters accurately and prevent ammonia spikes during peak feeding schedules. This tool estimates daily TAN (Total Ammonia Nitrogen) load from fish feeding using the standard industry mass balance metric: TAN = Feed Rate * Protein % * 0.092, providing a critical data point for system design and operational planning.

Calculate TAN Production

TAN Production: 0.00 kg/day

Formula: TAN = Feed Rate * (Protein / 100) * 0.092

Note: This tool provides preliminary estimations only and is not a substitute for review by a qualified/licensed engineer.

How To Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the expected total daily feed rate in kilograms into the first field.
  2. Enter the crude protein percentage of the diet formulation into the second field.
  3. Read the instantaneous TAN production load in kg/day displayed below the inputs.
  4. Use the displayed mass-balance formula to verify calculations for your engineering documentation.
  5. Adjust values to simulate different feeding scenarios and evaluate biofilter capacity requirements.

FAQ

Q: How is daily ammonia production estimated from feeding data in a RAS?
A: By applying the standard mass-balance equation: TAN = Feed Rate × Protein % × 0.092, which derives from the nitrogen content of dietary protein excretion.
Q: Why is the constant 0.092 used in the TAN production formula?
A: This factor represents the average proportion of consumed protein that is oxidized to ammonia during metabolism and catabolism in commercial finfish species under typical RAS conditions.
Q: Once I estimate my TAN load, what parameter determines biofilter alkalinity demand?
A: Nitrification consumes alkalinity at approximately 7.14 mg of carbonate hardness per mg of TAN removed; cross-check your load using our Nitrification Alkalinity Consumption Rate Calculator to size your dosing system.
Q: Is this calculator suitable for preliminary design or detailed permitting?
A: It provides preliminary estimation only for rapid scenario planning; final designs require a review by a qualified/licensed engineer and site-specific effluent sampling data.