Degassing device, use thereof and aquaculture system with such degassing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a degassing device, an aquaculture system having such a degassing device, and the use of a degassing device for removing carbon dioxide from water of an aquaculture system. The degassing device comprises a perforated rotating vane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquaculture and more specifically to carbon dioxide control of water in a recirculating aquaculture system. Background Technology

[0002] Pumps are used to recirculate water in aquaculture farms, such as recirculating aquaculture systems, for raising fish or other aquatic organisms. A recirculating aquaculture system typically includes one or more tanks (e.g., rearing tanks) or ponds for housing fish and / or other aquatic organisms, one or more water inlets to guide water into the tanks or ponds, and one or more water outlets to guide water out of the tanks or ponds. The water outlets are usually connected to the inlet of a variable-speed pump. The variable-speed pump typically pushes water through a filter and back into the tank through the water inlet. In a conventional recirculating aquaculture system, several parameters, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, are frequently monitored by farmers to ensure the survival of fish and / or other aquatic organisms in the recirculating aquaculture system. For example, for fish, oxygen levels cannot be too low for them to metabolize feed, and carbon dioxide concentrations cannot reach toxic levels. Therefore, oxygen is added to the water and carbon dioxide is removed from the water using a deaerator. However, carbon dioxide deaerators are expensive and inefficient.

[0003] RU2742558 discloses an apparatus for degassing various liquid media, including suspensions and emulsions, under vacuum, and this apparatus can be used in the mining, food, chemical, or other industries. The design features of this degasser are obtained by forming and studying a mathematical model, which, taking into account the diameter of the cylindrical shell of the degasser, reproduces the liquid velocity distribution at the inlet and outlet of the degassing degasser. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned problems. This invention provides a solution that is highly efficient in removing carbon dioxide from water and can operate without the use of electricity.

[0005] The first aspect relates to a degassing device adapted to release carbon dioxide from a water stream, said degassing device comprising: - A tubular structure comprising a saliva inlet and a water outlet; - An elongated shaft that holds multiple blades that are twisted about the central longitudinal axis of the shaft; the shaft is positioned within the tubular structure and between the inlet and the outlet; - A suspension element adapted to support the shaft within the tubular structure; The shaft is rotatably connected to the suspension member; Each of the blades comprises a central portion and two lateral portions, each located on either side of the central portion; wherein the main portion of the central portion is substantially without perforations, and wherein the lateral portions are perforated with a plurality of perforations, preferably the perforations being evenly distributed on the main portion of the lateral portions.

[0006] The tubular structure serves multiple functions. One function is to guide the received water toward and away from the blades. Another function is to facilitate the stirring and agitation of the water to force carbon dioxide out of the water. Preferably, the tubular structure may include a perforated wall, which preferably has multiple perforations, for example, the perforations covering 10% to 90% of the wall surface. Preferably, the perforations are evenly distributed on the main part of the tubular structure. Each perforation preferably has a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, and even more preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. Such perforations provide optimal stirring and agitation of the water.

[0007] In addition, the tubular structure can also serve to support the suspension element. In some embodiments, the suspension element can even be part of the tubular structure.

[0008] The movable component of the degassing device is an elongated shaft that holds multiple blades that are twisted about the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. Many different embodiments may be suitable, but a preferred embodiment has the blades twisted about the shaft by 15 to 90 degrees, preferably 30 to 75 degrees, and more preferably 45 degrees. When water impacts the blades, the blades are forced to rotate due to their shape and twist, as well as the position of the shaft in the suspension. Clearly, the shaft and blades are positioned within a tubular structure and between the inlet and the outlet. To prevent the rotation of the blades from being offset by water overflowing through the blades, the main portion of the central section is substantially without perforations; preferably, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, of the main portion of the central section is perforated. On the other hand, two lateral portions, each located on either side of the central section, are perforated with multiple perforations, such as perforations covering 10%-90% of the lateral portions; preferably, these perforations are evenly distributed across the main portion of the lateral portions. The perforations are present to agitate and stir the water, forcing carbon dioxide out of the water. Furthermore, the water is aerated, thereby increasing the oxygen level in the water. Preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, and even more preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. These perforations optimally agitate and stir the water.

[0009] Each blade may include a blade root and a blade tip, wherein the blade root is secured to an axis. Preferably, the blade tip may be secured to a tubular member adapted to rotate freely within the tubular structure. This configuration makes the blade stable under water pressure, especially when the blade is made of a polymer material or a thin sheet of metal. Preferably, the tubular member includes perforated walls, the perforations preferably being evenly distributed over the main portion of the tubular member. Each perforation preferably has a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, and even more preferably, each perforation has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. Such perforations provide optimal agitation and stirring of the water. Preferably, the tubular structure may be longer than the width of the blade, thereby preventing the water level from potentially preventing the blade from rotating.

[0010] The function of the suspension is to support the shaft within the tubular structure. Obviously, the suspension can have many different configurations. In some embodiments, the suspension comprises two parts: a first part supporting a first end of the shaft and a second part supporting the other end of the shaft. The first and / or second part may include a swivel support. Generally, the suspension can be fastened to the tubular structure or even formed as part of the tubular structure. Preferably, the suspension or tubular structure is configured to define a plurality of water inlets, wherein each water inlet is adapted to guide water to a corresponding blade.

[0011] Advantageously, the water inlet can typically be adapted to direct water to the central portion of each of the blades.

[0012] The second aspect relates to an aquaculture system, which includes: - One or more water-filled tanks or pools suitable for accommodating fish and / or other aquatic species; - One or more water inlets that direct water into the tank or pool; - One or more water outlets that direct water out of the tank or pool; and - One or more degassing devices according to the invention.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, one or more degassing devices are positioned in a water tank in a manner that allows them to be in water communication with the one or more water outlets.

[0014] The third aspect relates to the use of one or more degassing devices according to the invention for removing carbon dioxide from water in an aquaculture system, preferably a recirculated aquaculture system. In this context, the term "recirculated aquaculture system" is understood to include any aquaculture system that recirculates all or part of the water in the aquaculture system, such as 1% to 99%, back to a tank or pond.

[0015] As used herein, unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. A range may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and / or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0016] It should be noted that the embodiments and features described in the context of one aspect of the present invention can also be applied to other aspects of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a degassing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a degassing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of a degassing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein the tubular structure has been removed.

[0020] Figure 4 A perspective view of a degassing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein the tubular structure and tubular components have been removed.

[0021] Figure 5 A perspective view of the middle portion of a shaft according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 A perspective view of a degassing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein most of the blades in the tubular member and blades have been removed.

[0023] Figure 7 A perspective view of a blade according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 A perspective view of a blade according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Examples of degassing apparatus 100, which are considered to be various embodiments of the present invention, are described below. The degassing apparatus 100 includes: a tubular structure 110; an elongated shaft 120 that holds a plurality of blades 130; and a suspension member 140 adapted to support the shaft 120 within the tubular structure 110.

[0026] The tubular structure 110 includes a perforated wall, a water inlet 112, and a water outlet 114. The tubular structure 110 is preferably suited for upright positioning, but horizontal positioning is also possible. The blades 130 are hydraulically actuated when they receive water flowing vertically through the water inlet 112. However, in general, rotation of the shaft and blades can also be achieved by other means, such as via a chain drive connected to the shaft and driven by a motor. This implementation can also be used in conjunction with hydraulics. Multiple blades 130, simplified herein as eight blades, are each twisted about the central longitudinal axis of the shaft 120. In this example, the blades are twisted about the shaft 120 by 45 degrees (e.g., ...). Figure 4(The best visible part of the blades) makes them particularly efficient at converting the gravitational and kinetic energy of water into rotational energy. Rotational energy itself is not of particular interest because the deaerator is not a water turbine. However, the rotational energy is used to agitate and stir the water to release carbon dioxide, making the water suitable for recycling back into aquaculture systems or for channeling to streams, rivers, oceans, lakes, etc.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the degassing device is shown. Here, it can be seen that the shaft 120 includes an intermediate portion 124 and a rod 126 extending through the intermediate portion 124. The function of the rod 126 is to support the intermediate portion 124 and connect it to the suspension member 140, thereby ensuring that the blades 130 can rotate. The rod 126 is positioned within the tubular structure 110 and extends between the water inlet 112 and the water outlet 114. Figure 5 The middle portion 124 is shown. To facilitate the twisting of the blade 130, the middle portion may include a recess 122, which serves as a guide during production. Figure 3 A perspective view of a degassing device 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein the tubular structure 110 has been removed to better observe the specific embodiments of the blade configuration. Here, each blade 130 includes a blade root and a blade tip, the blade root being fastened to the middle portion 124 of the shaft 120, and the blade tip being fastened to the tubular member 150. The tubular member 150 is adapted to rotate freely within the tubular structure 110, and the tubular member 150 is shown here as having a perforated wall, the perforations being uniformly distributed throughout the tubular member 150.

[0028] Figure 6 A perspective view of a degassing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein most of the blades in the tubular member and blades are removed to better show the tubular member 150 and the intermediate portion 124 relative to the blade 130.

[0029] Generally, each blade in the blade 130 includes a central portion 132 and two lateral portions 134, each located on either side of the central portion 132. The central portion 132 is substantially without perforations, while the lateral portions 134 are perforated with a plurality of perforations 136. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Two examples of blade 130 are shown. Figure 7 In the middle, the central part 132 has no perforations at all, while... Figure 8 In the middle, the central portion 132 includes a strip portion with perforations and two strip portions without perforations.

[0030] Figure Labels 100 degassing device 110 tubular structure 112 Water Inlet 114 Water Outlet 120 axis 122 recess 124 Middle Part 126 strokes 130 blades 132 Central Section 134 Lateral section 136 perforation 140 suspension components The first part of the 142 suspension component Part 2 of 144 suspension 150 tubular components.

Claims

1. A degassing device (100) adapted to release carbon dioxide from a water stream, the degassing device (100) comprising: - A tubular structure (110) including a water inlet (112) and a water outlet (114). - An elongated shaft (120) that holds a plurality of blades (130) which are twisted about the central longitudinal axis of the shaft (120); the shaft (120) is positioned within the tubular structure (110) and between the water inlet (112) and the water outlet (114); The degassing device (100) is characterized in that it further includes: A suspension member (140) adapted to support the shaft (120) within the tubular structure (110); The shaft (120) is rotatably connected to the suspension (140). Each blade (130) comprises a central portion (132) and two lateral portions (134), each of the two lateral portions (134) being located on either side of the central portion (132); wherein the main portion of the central portion (132) is not perforated, and wherein the lateral portions (134) are perforated with a plurality of perforations (136), the perforations (136) being configured to agitate and stir the water and being evenly distributed on the main portion of the lateral portions (134), thus the blade is configured such that during rotation, water flows from one side of each blade through the perforations to the other side of the blade, thereby generating a mixed crossflow of the water.

2. The degassing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the perforations (136) has a diameter ranging from 2 mm to 20 mm.

3. The degassing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tubular structure (110) includes a perforated wall.

4. The degassing device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The perforations of the tubular structure (110) are evenly distributed on the main part of the tubular structure (110).

5. The degassing device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The perforations of the tubular structure (110) have a diameter ranging from 2 mm to 20 mm.

6. The degassing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each blade (130) includes a blade root and a blade tip; wherein the blade root is fastened to the shaft (120) and the blade tip is fastened to a tubular member (150) adapted to rotate freely within the tubular structure (110).

7. The degassing device (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The tubular member (150) includes a perforated wall.

8. The degassing device (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The perforations of the tubular member (150) are evenly distributed on the main part of the tubular member (150).

9. The degassing device (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The perforation of the tubular member (150) has a diameter in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm.

10. The degassing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The water inlet (112) is adapted to direct water to the central portion (132) of each of the blades (130).

11. The degassing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The suspension (140) is configured to define a plurality of water inlets (112), wherein each water inlet (112) is adapted to direct water to a corresponding blade (130).

12. An aquaculture system, the aquaculture system comprising: - One or more water-filled tanks or pools, said tanks or pools being adapted to contain fish and / or other aquatic species; - One or more water inlets that direct water to the tank or pool; - One or more water outlets that direct water out of the tank or pool; and - One or more degassing devices (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aquaculture system according to claim 12, wherein, One or more degassing devices (100) are positioned in a water tank in a manner that is in water communication with one or more of the water outlets.

14. Use of one or more degassing devices (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for removing carbon dioxide from water in an aquaculture system, wherein, The aquaculture system is a recirculating aquaculture system.

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