-
 Re: Neptunes Industries Inc. - NPDI
The founders of the company are working hard to come up with the capital. Once this is accomplished, this will propel the company forward. This firm has 4 revenue streams, making it a high prospect for a profitable future. If 100,000 shares are purchased, you will make 50 grand and possibly more in the future. When the company attains 500 million in capitalization, the price per share could easily be in the high digit or double digits range, thus bringing a higher return on your investment. This company is in the forefront, like Microsoft was with their operating system. So put this company on your watchlist and keep an eye on the news. You will be glad that you did. Pretty familiar statement that I have seen popping up all over the boards. Have a good day.
-
Re: Neptune Industries Inc. - NPDI
NEPTUNE INDUSTRIES INC ( NPDI)
Neptune Industries Inc. (NPDI) has 3 farm sites located in south Florida and two subsidiaries; they are Aqua Biologics Inc and Blue Heron Corp. Both are 100% owned and privately held. The company is well diversified with five separate products that are all in some way tied to its fish production. Their products are, (1) Freshwater Fish, with their greatest production concentrated in stripped Bass, (2) The Aqua Sphere (US Patent) is a highly advanced circular floating fish production closed containment system that can be placed in any body of water and is capable of growing fresh water and salt water fish, 3) Hydroponic vegetable and herb farming. 4) Ento-protein is a newly developed fish and livestock all natural feed product derived from insects developed with the collaboration of Mississippi State University, 5) Bio-fuel derived from algae and under grant from the State Of Florida.
The aqua sphere has an unprecedented harvest rate of 97%, and through its use has led them to shorten the growth cycle of fish by one full month and to produce the best quality fish in the nation. It is sold under the Blue Heron label. Their advanced hydroponics farm, which is under construction will produce organic vegetables and herbs. In preliminary trials they were able to produce vegetables from seed to seed in just 30 days, using the fish fertilizer as a growth stimulant. Bio-fuels are generated from algae grown in underwater hydroponic oxygenated “Socks”. Basically, the “Socks” are made from a special material that has the algae planted into its mesh before it is submersed under water. The algae growth is then stimulated with fish fertilizer, and controlled oxygenation. Because the algae are grown within these socks, it is ready for harvest upon reaching full growth. The algae growth cycle using their method and as tested is faster than under normal conditions and thereby is expected to produce a greater percentage of bio-fuels per acre than previously achieved. Estimated production is 14,000 gallons per acre per year and they expect to increase this production cycle once the operation is fully underway. In comparison as they state, corn gets a lower quality bio-fuel and produces only about 350 gallons per acre and needs replanting. The company received a grant from the State of Florida for this initial bio-fuel pilot program. They are presently using one acre as a trial but have a 43 acre production area. They are presently planning to begin using the compressed algae waste into another viable product. They have a patent pending Ento-Protein product which is a high protein food product for both live stock and fish. It is made from specially selected insects that have a prolific production rate and are high in protein content. The species of insects that meet their strigent criteria was determined using a three phase trial in cooperation with Mississippi State University. That trial period is over and was successful in all stages. They are now growing a limited amount, further studying the full requirements for mass production and harvesting and processing of the insects. It is a fore runner product and is expected to create a worldwide market. They have already received letters of intent to purchase from such notable companies, as Hormel. Part of the capital raise they are seeking will be used to construct the facilities to mass produce their Ento-protein product.
The company’s financial statements reflect considerable debt and high expenses although expenses have been reduced by 10% over last year. Management has stated that they are aggressively seeking $7,500,000 in equity capital to retire their debt and to provide sufficient capital to bring all products to market. Because of the very limited amount of shares issued and outstanding which is 38,000,000, the company has sufficient room to dilute without affecting the share value to any great extent at the time they execute such a possible future limited dilution. Management feels that once they have raised the initial amount they are seeking and their production of fish is expanded, along with the sale of the other products, the share value should increase due to what they feel is a pent up demand, only waiting for revenues to increase. It is their opinion that Investment capital can easily be paid back with profits from increased sales or by periodic small stock dilutions as needed and when volume and price dictate. Managements concern in any such business decision is maintaining stock value for its shareholders. They have stated unequivocably that is always their concern.
It should be mentioned that as indicated in the SEC filings that the company, in fact has not lost its technology rights as the two main principals who control the company, are going to restructure the notes to themselves, which the technology is tied to and therefore the US patents will remain with NPDI. The notes that are coming due are from the first capital raise of $2,700,000. They have had some preliminary discussions regarding this issue well in advance of the maturity dates of these notes with the individual bond holders, and it appears that they will be not expected to have to meet all obligations as they will either be renewed or converted. In addition, it is believed that two of the largest single note holders, who hold a combined $1,000,000 of the debt, have already expressed a strong interest in obtaining a controlling interest, while leaving the company in tack as it presently stands but will probably modify the board members. Both individuals are purported to have between a high seven to nine figure net worth and are well known in the financial world. Some bondholders in a show of confidence have already converted or will opt to convert to stock and will effectively retire a portion of their debt. It appears the attitude of all note holders is quite positive for NPDI and the company is expected to continue its operation uninterrupted. Therefore the statements that are made in the financials are considered more Safe Harbor then immanent. The company’s technology has been deemed to be worth millions and should bring them to the fore front in industry. The high integrity of management in NPDI is one in which micro cap stockholders wish for in what is a highly speculative financial investment.
NPDI and its management have been featured on Discovery Channel and also syndicated to Natural Geographic. They have also been articled in the newspapers and have appeared on TV talk shows as well as being featured on the covers of industry magazines.
By. Aquaman
-
Re: Neptune Industries Inc. - NPDI
Good post. Hope others buy in.
-
 update status
The company is seeking $1,500,000.00 in equity capital to complete the build out of their South farm. They estimate that with this relatively small investment in the scheme of things, they can add $6,000,000 in gross revenues per year. They have the majority of the construction completed. These funds will basically let them bring these facilities into full operation. All produce and fish generated are already presold, with customers waiting in the wings. They cannot produce enough to meet the demand. They, unlike other micro cap companies, are offering their stockholders and small cap investors a once in a life time opportunity, to invest in convertible notes starting at $3,000.00 and up. NPDI is paying 15% interest quarterly on 2 or 3 year notes and giving 2 free shares of stock for each dollar invested as well as of course, paying back the original sum invested at maturity.
The note, if at $3,000.00 would earn an investor $450.00 per year. Where else can you get a return like this? In addition with the company poised to break out into full operation after being mostly in R&D the past two years, should see a rise in the price per share rather quickly. The issued and outstanding shares are only 38,000,000 with only 13,700,000 shares being traded in the open market. We feel that the share price should climb from its present position of .10 to over a $1.00 or more within a relatively short period of time. What the company is allowing the small investor to do is, somewhat control their own return on investment. We feel by helping them, you are in essence helping yourself.
In response to their present financial position, as indicated in their SEC filing, the company has not in fact lost its patent rights. The two principals who own the patents will renew the rights given to the corporation as soon as they recast the loan due to themselves. In addition, many of the note holders are standing strongly behind the company and will renegotiate terms and come to reasonable agreements. It appears that one if not two of the very wealthy and well known note holders, have already stated that they are willing to buy out the controlling interest and retire all of its obligations at a time when their particular notes come due next year. The company is not in default on any of its debt, and that is why they have now taken a new position in seeking capital and have drastically reduced their immediate needs. They would be basically off to the races with this much smaller small investor capital infusion. If you have an interest in
investing in this great company with a great return on investment, you may contact Mr. Daniel Hickey, Investor Relations, at the company directly. His number is 1-646-723-6262. Be a part of success.
By: Aquaman
“This information regarding the company’s offering may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of revenue, expenses, earnings or losses from operations or investments, or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above include risks that are so described”.
-
 The company
The Company:
>
> Neptune Industries Inc. (NPDI) has 3 farm sites located in
> south Florida and two subsidiaries; they are Aqua Biologics
> Inc and Blue Heron Corp. Both are 100% owned and privately
> held. The company is well diversified with five separate
> products that are all in some way tied to its fish
> production. Their products are, (1) Freshwater Fish, with
> their greatest production concentrated in stripped Bass, (2)
> The Aqua Sphere (US Patent) is a highly advanced circular
> floating fish production facility that can be placed in
> any body of water and is capable of growing fresh water and
> salt water fish.. 3) Hydroponic vegetable and herb farming.
> 4) Ento-protein is a newly developed fish and livestock all
> natural feed product derived from insects developed with the
> collaboration of Mississippi State University. 5) Bio-fuel
> derived from algae and under grant from the State Of
> Florida.
>
> The Products:
>
> The aqua sphere has an unprecedented harvest rate of 97%,
> and through its use has led them to shorten the growth cycle
> of fish by one full month and to produce the best quality
> fish in the nation. Their advanced hydroponics farm produces
> organic vegetables and herbs from seed to seed in just 30
> days, using the fish fertilizer as a growth stimulant.
> Bio-fuels are generated from algae grown in underwater
> hydroponic oxygenated “Socks”. Basically, the
> “Socks” are made from a special material that is
> submersed under water. The algae growth is stimulated with
> fish fertilizer, and controlled oxygenation. Because the
> algae are grown within these socks, it is ready for harvest
> upon reaching full growth. The algae growth cycle using
> their method is faster than under normal conditions and
> thereby produces a greater percentage of bio-fuels per acre
> than previously achieved. Estimated production is 14,000
> gallons per acre per year and they expect to
> increase this production cycle. In comparison as they
> state, corn gets a lower quality bio-fuel and produces only
> about 350 gallons per acre and needs replanting. The company
> received a grant from the State of Florida for their initial
> bio-fuel pilot program. The algae are grown on a 43 acre
> production facility. They are presently planning to begin
> using the compressed algae waste into another viable
> product. They have a patent pending Ento-Protein product
> which is a high protein food product for live stock and
> fish, made from specially selected insects with a massive
> production rate and high in protein content as was
> determined using a three phase trial in cooperation with
> Mississippi State University. That trial period is over and
> was successful in all stages. They have started a limited
> trial in further studying the mass production of harvesting
> and processing the insects. It is a fore runner and it is
> expected to create a worldwide market, when they
> have constructed the facilities to mass produce their
> Ento-protein product. They have received a letter of intent
> to purchase this feed product from Hormel.
>
> THE OFFERING:
>
> The company is now only seeking $1,500,000.00 in equity
> capital to complete the build out of their South farm. They
> estimate that with this relatively small investment in the
> scheme of things, they can add $6,000,000 in gross revenues
> per year. They have the majority of the construction
> completed. These funds will basically let them bring these
> facilities into full operation. All produce and fish
> generated are already presold, with customers waiting in the
> wings. They cannot produce enough to meet the demand.
> They, unlike other micro cap companies, are offering their
> stockholders and small micro cap investors a once in a life
> time opportunity, to invest in convertible notes starting at
> $3,000.00 and up. NPDI is paying 15% interest quarterly on 2
> or 3 year notes and giving 2 free shares of stock for each
> dollar invested as well as of course, paying back the
> original sum invested at maturity.
>
> The note, if at $3,000.00 would earn an investor $450.00
> per year. This is an excellent return, especially in
> today’s economic climate? In addition, with the company
> poised to break out into full operation after being mostly
> in R&D the past two years, we should see a rise in the
> price per share in a relatively short period of time. The
> issued and outstanding shares are 38,000,000 with only
> 13,700,000 shares being traded in the open market. This
> small float is rare and excellent for a micro cap company.
> We feel that the share price should climb from its present
> position of .10 to over a $1.00 or more within a relatively
> short period of time due to the capital injection which will
> substantially stimulate increased revenues. What the company
> is allowing the small investor to do is, somewhat control
> their own return on investment because by helping NPDI, they
> are in essence helping themselves. If the share price at the
> end of a two year period hits a
> reasonable, $3.00, then the $3,000 investment based on the
> 6,000 free shares received, would have earned $900.00 in
> interest, $18,000. In stock value, and still have been paid
> back their initial investment. Total amount received back at
> that share price is $21,900.00.
>
> THE DEBT:
>
> The company’s financial statements reflect considerable
> debt and high expenses although expenses have been reduced
> by 10% over last year, Management has stated in the
> financials that they are aggressively seeking $7,500,000
> in equity capital to retire their debt and to provide
> sufficient capital to bring all products to market It also
> states that the company has lost its patent rights because
> of the nonpayment of a note. It should be noted that the
> statement was as of the end of June 2008.
>
> In response, to those concerns and more currently their
> present financial position, the company has not in fact lost
> its patent rights. The two principals who own the patents
> will renew the rights given to the corporation and have
> re-casted the loan due to themselves. In addition, many of
> the note holders are standing strongly behind the company
> and will renegotiate terms and come to reasonable agreements
> at maturity. It has been indicated that one if not two of
> the very wealthy and well known note holders, who hold
> $1,000,000 in total of the debt have indicated that they are
> willing to buy out the controlling interest and retire all
> of its obligations at a time when their particular notes
> come due next year. The company is not in default on any of
> its debt, and that is why they have now taken a new position
> in seeking capital and have drastically reduced their
> immediate needs. Once the share value increases to a level
> that is well above a dollar, the
> company may consider diluting a few million shares or so
> to obtain additional capital for further expansion without
> incurring debt and without affecting share value. The
> dilution if and when executed would be relatively
> insignificant and would be executed only when the demand and
> price call for it. This company’s management unlike so
> many others is absolutely concerned about maintaining share
> value for its stockholders.
>
> If you have an interest in investing in this great company
> with a great return on investment, you may contact Mr.
> Daniel Hickey, Investor Relations, at the company directly.
> His number is 1-646-723-6262. Be a part of success.
>
> By: Aquaman
>
> “This information regarding the company’s offering may
> contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
> uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never
> materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of
> the Company to differ materially from those expressed or
> implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements
> other than statements of historical fact are statements that
> could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any
> projections of revenue, expenses, earnings or losses from
> operations or investments, or other financial items; any
> statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of
> management for future operations; any statements of
> expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions
> underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties
> and assumptions referred to above include risks that are so
> described”.
>
> NEPTUNE INDUSTRIES INFORMATION SITES
>
> Neptune Industries Acquires Worldwide Technology Rights
> http://studio-5.financialcontent.com...ge=MediaViewer
> Aqua Biologies
> Aqua Biologics
> From Farm Fish to Fuel ( Biodeisel Magazine Article)
> From Fish Farm to Fuel - Biodiesel Magazine
> Algae to Biodiesel
> http://studio-5.financialcontent.com...ge=MediaViewer
> New Insect Protein for Fish
>
> http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/...upply-concerns
>
> Ento-Protein
> From Fish Farm to Fuel - Biodiesel Magazine
> Neptune Industries fFilm on the Dicovery Channel
> Neptune Industries, Inc.
> Neptune Industries Featured on Local NBC Channel
> Neptune Industries, Inc. Featured on NBC Local News: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
>
>
>
>
>
>
-
NPDI Offering for Small Investors
NEPTUNE INDUSTRIES (NPDI)
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH MAKES AN INVESTMENT OFFER
The company is diversified with five separate products that are in fact aided by the production of fish. Their products are, 1) Fish, 2) Aqua Spheres (US Patent) which are highly advanced floating fish production “ Closed Containment Systems” that extract the fish waste every 45 minutes and then passed through a processing plant that in turn generates two more bi- products; One is Methane Gas that is pumped back to the Aqua Sphere as fuel to run its own motors. The other is an all natural fertilizer that is used in their hydroponics vegetable and herb farming and algae to bio-fuel facilities. One single 60' Aqua sphere can produce fish to full growth in 8 months instead of the normal 9 and can generate $5,000,000 in gross revenues at the end of each growth cycle. The extracted fish fertilizer is then passed through to its 3) hydroponics farm where they grow organic vegetables and herbs, using the fish fertilizer to stimulate growth. These are designated “Organic" products and with the addition of this special natural fertilizer they have been able to grow herbs and vegetables from seed to seed in one month. 4) Bio-fuels are generated from algae grown in the first of a kind underwater hydroponic oxygenated “Socks " . The socks are made from a special mesh material that is placed under water and sewn with algae prior to submersion. The algae is then stimulated for rapid growth with fish fertilizer, and controlled oxygenation. The algae grow faster than under normal conditions using the fertilizer and control of the amount of sunlight needed. When it is ready for harvest they simply pull up the " Socks", clip the algae at the root and the harvest is complete. The sock is then quickly re-submersed to instantly restart the growth cycle. There is no replanting. Once the algae is harvested, It is then compressed into a high grade bio-fuel with an estimated production of 14,000 gallons per acre. Corn gets a lower quality bio-fuel and produces only 350 gallons or so per acre and has to be replanted. The company received a grant from the State of Florida for their initial bio-fuel pilot program. Remember Oil is derived originally from algae. They have 43 acres of production facilities presently available for this product. The company intends to use the algae after being compressed for oil into another food product, and 5) They have a patent pending Ento-Protein feed which is a high protein food product for live stock, poultry and fish,. It is made from specially selected insects having a prolific production rate and high protein content. These factors were determined using a three phase trial under the auspices of Mississippi State University. That trial period is over and was successful in all stages. Samples of the product are now being generated and will be sent out to such companies as Hormel, that has provided them with a “Letter of Intent” to purchase their product once their production facilities are completed. This product by itself will open a billion dollar market worldwide. NPDI will be the only company with it. It will provide for greater nutritional health and help in eradicating diseases caused by livestock eating their own reprocessed parts. There is every indication that this company's future will be very successful and its stock traded on the Amex someday. Their technology is years ahead of its time and is all eco friendly. They will hopefully be the leaders in the industries with these scientifically conceptualized products. They use every bit of bi-product. There is no waste
OFFERING:
They, unlike other micro cap companies, are offering their stockholders and small cap investors a once in a life time opportunity, to invest in convertible notes starting at $3,000.00 and up. NPDI is paying 15% interest quarterly on 2 or 3 year notes and giving 2 free shares of stock for each dollar invested as well as of course, paying back the original sum invested at maturity. The note, if at $3,000.00 would earn an investor $450.00 per year. Where else can you get a return like this? In addition with the company poised to break out into full operation after being mostly in R&D the past two years, should see a rise in the price per share rather quickly. The issued and outstanding shares are only 38,000,000 with only 13,700,000 shares being traded in the open market. We feel that the share price should climb from its present position of .10 to over a $1.00 or more within a relatively short period of time. What the company is allowing the small investor to do is, somewhat control their own return on investment. We feel by helping them, you are in essence helping yourself.
Financials:
In response to their present financial position, as indicated in their SEC filing, the company has not in fact lost its patent rights. The two principals who own the patents will renew the rights given to the corporation as soon as they recast the loan due to themselves. In addition, many of the note holders are standing strongly behind the company and will renegotiate terms and come to reasonable agreements. It appears that one if not two of the very wealthy and well known note holders, have already stated that they are willing to buy out the controlling interest and retire all of its obligations at a time when their particular notes come due next year. The company is not in default on any of its debt, and that is why they have now taken a new position in seeking capital and have drastically reduced their immediate needs. They would be basically off to the races with this much smaller small investor capital infusion. If you have an interest in investing in this great company with a great return on investment, you may contact Mr. Daniel Hickey, Investor Relations, at the company directly. His number is 1-646-723-6262. Be a part of success.
“This information regarding the company’s offering may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of revenue, expenses, earnings or losses from operations or investments, or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above include risks that are so described”.
Neptune Industries Acquires Worldwide Technology Rights
http://studio-5.financialcontent.com...ge=MediaViewer
Aqua Biologics
Aqua Biologics
From Farm Fish to Fuel ( Biodiesel Magazine Article)
From Fish Farm to Fuel - Biodiesel Magazine
Algae to Biodiesel
http://studio-5.financialcontent.com...ge=MediaViewer
New Insect Protein for Fish
Ento-Protein
From Fish Farm to Fuel - Biodiesel Magazine
Neptune Industries fFilm on the Discovery Channel
Neptune Industries, Inc.
Neptune Industries Featured on Local NBC Channel
Neptune Industries, Inc. Featured on NBC Local News: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
-
Amazing New Algae to Bio-fuel Technology
Amazing new approach to getting bio-fuels from Algae Nov 7, 2008 13:13:14 (ET)
BOCA RATON, FL, Nov 07, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Neptune Industries, Inc. (NPDI, Trade ) announced today that it has made advancements in its floating micro-algae system design and is beginning to harvest trial batches of micro-algae for testing oil content under its Grant from the State of Florida Farm to Fuel Program.
Since obtaining the grant in February 2008 to develop an integrated micro-algae production system for bio-diesel feedstock, Neptune has made a number of successful advancements in the system design to promote better circulation and growth. Utilizing fish waste from an integrated fish/algae operation significantly reduces labor costs, eliminates fertilizer expenses, and helps to purify fish production effluent. The Company believes this creates a very promising model for commercial expansion. Neptune has been contacted by numerous bio-fuel processors who are interested in purchasing micro-algae for feedstock in their facilities. Further, with the price of fertilizers sky rocketing, certain land-based micro-algae producers are concerned that if fertilizer costs continue to rise, it may make micro-algae production costs prohibitive for operations that are not integrated. Neptune has a natural solution to the problem since it captures solid waste during the production of fish in its aquaculture operations. This waste has proven very desirable, cost effective, and reliable not only for micro-algae production but for use in production of hydroponic crops, organic fertilizer, and bio-gas.
Neptune industries Inc ( NPDI) Has taken a very unique approach is growing micro-algae for Bio-Fuels. The micro-algae are grown in underwater hydroponic oxygenated “Socks”. Basically, the “Socks” are made from a special mesh material that is first planted with micro-algae then submersed under water where it takes root directly into the material itself. The algae growth is stimulated with fish fertilizer, and controlled oxygenation, and because they can adjust the depth of the socks, can also control the amount of sun light that reaches the plants. Because the micro- algae are grown within these socks, it is ready for harvest upon reaching full growth. The algae when harvested are clipped leaving the roots in tack within the mesh. The “sock” is then re-submersed immediately to begin its next growth and harvesting cycle, which will be repeated indefinitely. The efficiency of this newly developed system pares down on labor costs in all areas of handling. The use of fish fertilizer extracted from their fish farming operations eliminates the cost for fertilizers that are incurred by other such operations. When considering the full merits of this operation you will realize that they have a much greater profit margin built into the manufacture of the Bio-fuel.
The algae growth cycle using their method is faster than under normal conditions and thereby produces a greater percentage of bio-fuel per acre more rapidly than previously achieved. Estimated production is 14,000 gallons per acre per year and they expect to increase this production cycle. In comparison as they state, corn gets a lower quality bio-fuel and produces only about 350 gallons per acre and needs replanting. They base this on the fact that crude oil is derived from algae sub-surfaced millions of years ago. The company received a grant from the State of Florida for their initial bio-fuel pilot program. The micro-algae are presently grown on a 43 acre production facility. They are presently planning to begin using the compressed micro-algae waste into another viable feed product. The company is presently seeking investors. If you have an interest in that area, please contact Joseph_Amll@Gmail.Com
BY: Aquaman
Advances in Algae Production System:
Neptune Industries, Inc. Announces Advances in Algae Production System: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Bio-diesel Magazine Article:
From Fish Farm to Fuel - Biodiesel Magazine
Last edited by camco33; 11-11-2008 at 07:25 PM.
-
Re: Amazing New Algae to Bio-fuel Technology
camco33 thanks for the post on NPDI. Here is the chart.
All my signatures are purely my opinion. Please use your own buy and sell signals and never invest in a stock you can not afford to lose money on.
-
Re: Neptune Industries Inc. - NPDI
Is anyone interested in investing $3000 in NPDI in exchange for a 15% interest plus 2 shares per dollar? If so, please contact Dan Hickey at NPDI.
-
Mon.11/10,2008 Organic Producer Article on Neptune Industries Inc.(NPDI)
From Fish Farm to Fuel 11/10,2008
by Jerry W. Kram
Neptune Industries, a Florida company, is looking to collect waste generated byits fish farming operation to fertilize algae production for biodiesel feedstocks.
While in the minds of many Americans Florida is beaches, Disney World and Cape Canaveral, in reality it is one of the nation’s agricultural powerhouses. Biofuels pioneers are looking for ways to take advantage of the bounty of byproducts the state has to offer to feed the energy needs of its expanding population. This has led to the development of projects which would make fuel from citrus peels, sugarcane bagasse and livestock manure. A new project is taking another agricultural operation—fish farming—and using the byproducts to create feedstocks for biodiesel production.
Neptune Industries Inc. and its subsidiaries have come up with a way to solve a long-standing problem in aquaculture—how to keep the fish excreta and uneaten food from becoming a pollution problem, says company Chief Executive Officer Ernest Papadoyianis. The company’s invention, called the Aquasphere, keeps this waste out of the environment and collects it so it can be used for other purposes. One of those purposes is algae production for biodiesel feedstock.
Enter the Aquasphere
Neptune Industries, which was founded in 1998, is primarily a technology development company with an emphasis in aquaculture, Papadoyianis says. The company was started by Papadoyianis and his partner and Neptune’s chief operating officer Sal Cherch. They first investigated the feasibility of using Florida’s quarry lakes for aquaculture—fish farming. The lakes were formed in the pits where limestone and other minerals were mined. “These lakes are an untapped resource,” Papadoyianis says. “Most are privately owned and once the mining companies dig down (as far as their permit allows) that’s it. After that, they can leave the lake open and pay the taxes on it as an industrial mine, or they can close the mining permit and mitigate the lake, which is expensive. Once you’re done it’s a liability you have to clean up.” Raising fish in the lakes after mining has ceased allows the operation to be zoned as agricultural property and saves a significant amount of money in taxes, postpones mitigation and produces revenue.
Neptune started to raise fish in the lakes using traditional aquaculture equipment, cages and net pens. The company also raises its trademark hybrid striped bass in a land-based raceway system. Testing showed that the water quality in the lakes was good. Pilot projects in three lakes, however, turned up several problems with the equipment. They had high levels of predation and fry escaping as turtles and alligators gnawed through the nets. They also saw that all the fish waste and uneaten feed went out into the lake and hurt the water quality.
“Isolating the crop from the outside environment was a real issue,” Papadoyianis says. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was when we had a lake turn over.” Many lakes have a thermocline, a sharp division between warm, oxygen-rich water near the surface and cold, oxygen-poor water near the bottom. Under certain meteorological conditions, these two layers can mix, causing the oxygen level in the whole lake to plummet. Because the fish weren’t isolated from the environment, the operation lost several cages of tilapia and hybrid striped bass in a matter of hours.
Papadoyianis notes that salmon farmers’ operations in shallow ocean waters faced similar problems with toxic algae blooms, and pressure from environmental groups and regulators to reduce the waste nutrients going into the environment. “Our vision is that the aquaculture industry is going to be using water acres instead of land acres,” he says. “With limited water resources, we feel the future is going to be using what we see as underutilized resources like quarry lakes, impoundments, mineral mines and estuaries.
If you had a system that was eco-friendly you could utilize a lot of areas that right now could not be permitted for aquaculture with net pens because of the pollution.”
To solve these issues, the company developed the Aquasphere, a solid steel floating cage. The system uses a low-energy, low-head pumping system called an air lift to deliver oxygenated water to the fish and collects waste and uneaten food in a filter system at the bottom. Neptune’s land-based fish farm requires a 200 horsepower pump while the air-lift system uses a 2 horsepower blower. The Aquasphere also has hinge points that allow it to flex with ocean currents and waves. Ten 30-foot diameter Aquaspheres can produce 1 million pounds of fish per year.
The Future of Fish Farming and Biofuels
Papadoyianis sees the future of traditional aquaculture being limited, somewhat ironically, by a lack of fresh water. Systems that rely on aboveground tanks and groundwater will face increasing competition for resources from industrial and municipal water users. He sees that same competition inhibiting biofuels production. “You have a system where you can take advantage of all these surface water acres,” he says. “It could be done not only in quarry lakes but in bays, estuaries and even in the ocean.”
Neptune Industries also sees its system as a way for fish farmers to diversify their income. Instead of having a waste stream that contaminates the environment or needs costly disposal, combining the Aquasphere with algae production creates a second income stream by producing feedstock for biodiesel. Papadoyianis also sees benefits to the biodiesel industry as aquaculturists move into algae production. “The way I see it, buying a piece of land and constructing an algae facility and having a whole staff just to produce the algae will make your cost of production go way up,” he says. “We are looking at this as a secondary crop that doesn’t take a huge secondary investment. For a medium-sized operation
you can basically use the same staff as you have for the fish operation.”
The process could be diversified even further as the company develops a third product, an insect-based fish food it calls Ento-Protein. The product would replace food currently made from fish meal, which has more than doubled in price since 2006, and is made from insects grown on agricultural waste and industrial coproducts, including distillers dried grains from ethanol plants. Papadoyianis foresees using the algae cake remaining after the oil is extracted as another feedstock for the Ento-Protein operation.
Systems Approach
“We always looked at the Aquasphere with an eye toward full integration, using all the parts of the system,” Papadoyianis says. “We never looked at the waste as a liability but rather as an asset.” Neptune first used the waste for anaerobic digestion. The waste was pumped into barrels and fermented and the resulting methane was captured. The remaining digested waste was used for producing hydroponic herbs and vegetables. The company’s newest application uses the waste to fertilize algae which can be used as a biodiesel feedstock. “Fish waste is a great fertilizer,” he adds. “It’s not acidic at all like horse and cow manure and you have a lot of nitrogen from the high protein. So it makes a great fertilizer for any plant whether it is algae or seaweed or plants.”
Michael Joubert, the farm’s manager, who was interested in the potential of using algae to produce biodiesel, started experimenting with what Papadoyianis calls a floating sock system. “We send the fish waste into these floating algae tubes,” Papadoyianis says. “The beauty of the system is that these clear vinyl socks are very, very cheap. You can buy the tubing in huge rolls and it floats on the surface of the water.”
Neptune Industry’s algae system is uncomplicated and takes advantage of the aquasphere’s environment. Long strips of plastic tubing are suspended on a frame of PVC piping and water and the fish waste fertilizer are circulated through the system. The system floats so the algae get all the sunlight it needs. Because the tubes are partially submerged, the system maintains a constant comfortable temperature for the algae. “It is basically a closed system,” Papadoyianis says. “You put the waste, which is the fertilizer, and the algae innoculum in, and it circulates around in a huge manifold. The water traverses literally thousands of feet as it circulates around. It gets the sunlight and keeps cool so you have the best of all possible worlds.”
The first test of the system used the dominant species of algae growing in the lake where the company was doing the work. That species wasn’t feasible so Neptune is working with an undisclosed company to provide algae species that have high-oil content. The company began testing using the new algae species in mid-June. While Papadoyianis could not say which company was providing the algae innoculum, he did say it was developing systems for extracting algae oil. “It’s a good marriage because we are working on the production system and harvesting, and they are working on how to extract and refine that oil,” he says. Neptune is still in the design stages of creating a harvesting system that will separate the algae from the water.
Papadoyianis believes Neptune Industries and its partner will be at the point where they can harvest algae and start oil extraction on a test scale before the end of the year. The company has received a three-year grant from the state of Florida to support its work in algae production. Papadoyianis believes the company will have a commercial version of the algae production system up and running well before that grant runs out. “I think in the next 12 months and maybe sooner we will have the system refined and will be able to take it to market as a commercial system,” he says.
Among the challenges to scaling up the system will be keeping the algae culture pure, Papadoyianis says. Although the algae socks are a closed system, being submerged in lake water will allow opportunities for native species to contaminate the operation. Another issue of concern is working out the proper amount of waste from the AquaSphere to fertilize the system. But Papadoyianis’ main concern is separating the algae from the water after production. “I known we can raise the algae with no problem,” he says. “It’s going to be the separation that will be the problem.”
The work being done by Neptune Industries is being supported by a $158,000 Farm to Fuel Initiative grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture. The company has also been encouraged by Miami and Dade counties as the local governments want to transition all county vehicles to biofuels in the next five years. “They are very, very committed to doing that,” Papadoyianis says. “They wrote a nice letter to the state for us supporting our research. So it is a big issue in south Florida
Link to Article:
Organic Producer: From Fish Farm to Fuel
|
Checking For Related Data... |
View Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks