An aerated cyclonic offshore algal control system and method of operation
The offshore algae control system with aeration and swirling flow utilizes high-pressure gas and a cooling circulation device to disturb the water body and create swirling flow, solving the problem of controlling cyanobacterial blooms in areas with slow water flow and achieving low-cost and high-efficiency cyanobacterial control.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XUZHOU UNIV OF TECH
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
In lakes and reservoirs with slow water flow, the passive nearshore control measures for cyanobacterial blooms have limited effectiveness and are difficult to control the accumulation and decay of cyanobacterial blooms on the shoreline. Furthermore, existing active algae control technologies have drawbacks such as high construction costs and difficult management.
An offshore algae control system with aeration swirl is adopted, which includes an air compressor, a water tank, a heat exchanger, and multiple aeration swirl mechanisms. Through high-pressure gas and a cooling circulation device, a swirling flow is formed to disturb the water body, destroy the growth conditions of cyanobacteria, and use the rising of air bubbles to drive the water flow and form a swirling flow, thereby increasing the degree of water turbulence, lowering the water temperature, and disrupting the photosynthesis and migration patterns of cyanobacteria.
It enables active algae control during periods of strong sunlight and high temperature, reducing construction and operation costs. It is simple to operate and easy to manage, effectively inhibiting cyanobacteria growth. It is suitable for lakes and reservoirs with slow water flow, improving algae control efficiency.
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Figure CN118598387B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention mainly relates to the technical field of offshore cyanobacteria control, specifically an aerated cyclone offshore algae control system and its operation method. Background Technology
[0002] Cyanobacteria thrive in water bodies rich in organic matter and with a high pH. Therefore, the nitrogen and phosphorus content and their forms in the water body, to a certain extent, restrict the growth of cyanobacteria. Internationally, it is generally believed that a total nitrogen concentration of 0.2 mg / L and a total phosphorus concentration of 0.02 mg / L in lake water are the concentrations at which eutrophication occurs. When the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the water body increase significantly, it provides favorable conditions for the rapid reproduction of cyanobacteria. However, analysis of the "Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard" (GB3838-2002) shows that for water bodies of the same functional category, the total phosphorus standard limit differs greatly between rivers and lakes, by about 2-4 times (see...). Figure 4 Under the same or even higher nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, there are far fewer cases of cyanobacterial blooms in rivers than in lakes. This shows that the degree of water turbulence has a decisive influence on the growth and reproduction of cyanobacteria, and cyanobacteria prefer still water.
[0003] Cyanobacteria thrive in sunlight, primarily because their photosynthetic rate varies with light intensity, and different algal species exhibit varying sensitivities to different wavelengths and intensities of light. Cyanobacteria can obtain the necessary light energy by adjusting their buoyancy (through the synthesis and rupture of pseudovacuoles and the synthesis and consumption of intracellular ballasts) to migrate vertically in water. This gives them a significant advantage in competition with other algae. Cyanobacteria prefer high temperatures, with an optimal range of 25-35℃. When the water temperature is below 30℃ and other conditions remain constant, algal growth is positively correlated with temperature, with the most suitable temperature being 28℃. Temperatures below 15℃ or above 30℃ are detrimental to cyanobacterial growth. However, some studies have shown that certain cyanobacteria can grow in water temperatures ranging from 25-55℃ or even higher. Tests have revealed that the surface water temperature of lakes can exceed 28℃ in summer. In conclusion, cyanobacteria prefer still water, strong light, and high temperatures, making them highly susceptible to outbreaks in lakes or reservoirs during the summer.
[0004] Currently, the main domestic measures for dealing with cyanobacterial blooms are passive nearshore control, including raising water levels, setting up dedicated enclosures for cyanobacteria, filtration, manual harvesting, mechanical harvesting, and supporting algae-water separation facilities. These measures are effective for low-level cyanobacterial blooms, but they are unlikely to have a decisive impact on cyanobacterial blooms at levels similar to those in Taihu Lake, and they are also difficult to effectively control the accumulation and decay of cyanobacteria in the coastal zone. There are also some cyanobacterial bloom control technologies that focus on source control, including plastic floating boards for shading, high-speed oxygenation or aeration using water purification vessels (or aerators) to accelerate the longitudinal and lateral movement of water, ultrasonic waves, chemical methods, and biological methods. However, these technologies have obvious drawbacks, such as high construction costs, difficult management, and poor practicality, and are rarely used on a large scale in practice.
[0005] Based on this, we have developed an aerated vortex offshore control system that can economically and effectively control cyanobacterial blooms by analyzing the habits and causes of cyanobacterial blooms. It is applicable to lakes (reservoirs) with slow water flow and can be operated during periods of strong sunlight and high temperature. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The present invention addresses the problem of overly simplistic solutions in existing technologies by providing a significantly different solution. Specifically, the present invention provides an aerated cyclone offshore algae control system and its operation method to solve the technical problem mentioned in the background that the current passive nearshore control method is commonly used for lakes (reservoirs) with slow water flow, which is unable to actively control algae offshore, resulting in low economic benefits and algae control efficiency.
[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:
[0008] An offshore algae control system with aeration swirl includes an air compressor, a water tank, a heat exchanger, a cooling circulation device, and multiple aeration swirl mechanisms. The heat exchanger is located inside the water tank, and the cooling circulation device is installed on the side wall of the water tank. Each aeration swirl mechanism includes an aeration main pipe, horizontal aeration branch pipes, and multiple vertical aeration branch pipes, which are connected by fittings. The vertical aeration branch pipes are linearly distributed at equal intervals on the horizontal aeration branch pipes. A connecting hose is provided between every two adjacent aeration main pipes, and each vertical aeration branch pipe has an aeration hole at its upper end. A base frame is provided below the aeration main pipe, and two pneumatic telescopic rods are provided on the base frame. Each pneumatic telescopic rod has a retaining ring at its output end, which is located on the horizontal aeration branch pipe.
[0009] Preferably, the heat exchanger includes an outer frame, a spiral heat exchange tube, and a bent pipe. The spiral heat exchange tube is located inside the outer frame, and the upper and lower ends of the bent pipe are respectively connected to the spiral heat exchange tube and the corresponding connecting hose.
[0010] Preferably, the output end of the air compressor is connected to a first fitting via a pipe, and a solenoid valve is provided at both interface positions of the first fitting.
[0011] Preferably, the cooling circulation device includes a water pump, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The water pump is installed at the interface of the water tank, the upper end of the inlet pipe is connected to the input end of the water pump, the lower end of the inlet pipe is provided with a porous filter cartridge, and the upper end of the outlet pipe is installed at the interface of the side wall of the water tank.
[0012] Preferably, the lower side of the base frame is threaded with two counterweights.
[0013] Preferably, a second pipe fitting is provided at the interface of two pneumatic telescopic rods on the same horizontal aeration branch pipe, and multiple second pipe fittings are connected to a side pipe.
[0014] Preferably, the two interface positions of the first pipe fitting are connected to the side pipe and the spiral heat exchange pipe respectively via pipes.
[0015] An operating method for an aerated cyclone offshore algae control system, the operating method specifically includes the following steps:
[0016] Step 1: First, place multiple aeration cyclone mechanisms into the lake bottom, ensuring that the vertical aeration branch pipes are vertically upward and the counterweights are placed stably in contact with the lake bottom. Then, place the heat exchanger into the water tank, and connect the two ends of the spiral heat exchange tubes to the upper end of the bent pipe and the interface of the first pipe fitting, respectively.
[0017] Step 2: Open the solenoid valve at the interface of the first fitting connected to the side pipe, and at the same time close the solenoid valve at the interface of the other first fitting. Then turn on the air compressor. The high-pressure gas enters the pneumatic telescopic rod through the first fitting, the side pipe and the second fitting. This pushes the multiple vertical aeration branches on the horizontal aeration branch to move upward, so that the aeration holes are located near the blue-green algae.
[0018] Step 3: Turn on the water pump to draw the cooler water from the bottom of the lake into the water tank through the inlet pipe, which will remove the heat from the high-pressure air in the spiral heat exchange tube. Then, through the outlet pipe, the warmer water in the water tank will be discharged into the lake, so that the water in the water tank can circulate.
[0019] Step 4: Close the solenoid valve at the interface of the first pipe fitting connected to the side pipe, and at the same time open the solenoid valve at the interface of the other first pipe fitting. Then turn on the air compressor again. The high-pressure gas passes through the first pipe fitting, the spiral heat exchange tube, the bent pipe and the connecting hose in sequence, and is sprayed out from the aeration hole after passing through the horizontal aeration branch pipe and the vertical aeration branch pipe, disturbing the water body.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:
[0021] (1) This invention, through the installation of an air compressor, a first pipe, an aeration main pipe, a horizontal aeration branch pipe, a vertical aeration branch pipe, and aeration holes, achieves active offshore algae control during periods of strong sunlight and high temperature. It utilizes the "air lift" effect generated by rising bubbles to drive the surrounding water flow upward and form a vortex, thereby increasing the Reynolds number and the degree of water turbulence, thus disrupting the requirement of cyanobacteria for still water. At the same time, the appearance of the vortex disrupts the normal migration pattern of cyanobacteria, preventing them from fully utilizing light energy and thus hindering normal photosynthesis. Furthermore, the vortex allows water layers of different temperatures to mix thoroughly, significantly reducing the surface water temperature and effectively controlling the growth of cyanobacteria. It is better suited for areas with slow water flow, such as lakes and reservoirs. Compared with existing offshore algae control technologies, this technology has the advantages of low construction cost, low operating cost, simple operation, and convenient management, and has high application value.
[0022] (2) The present invention enables each aeration vortex mechanism to be stably placed on the lake bottom through the cooperation between the base frame and the counterweight, and enables each vertical aeration branch pipe to be vertically upward, adapting to the uneven placement area of the lake bottom. Furthermore, the side pipe, the second pipe fitting, the first pipe fitting, the solenoid valve, the pneumatic telescopic rod and the retaining ring are used to deal with the raised and sunken areas of the lake bottom, so that the aeration holes can be located near the blue algae, increasing the influence of the vortex and improving its universal applicability.
[0023] (3) This invention, through the installation of a water pump, inlet pipe, outlet pipe, outer frame, spiral heat exchange pipe and bent pipe, realizes the pumping of low-temperature water from the lake bottom into the water tank. The water in the water tank circulates to cool the high-pressure gas in the spiral heat exchange pipe, avoiding the influence of high summer temperatures. The air temperature released by the air compressor will further rise (the temperature rise is about 3-4℃), preventing the high-temperature air from raising the water temperature and thus promoting the growth of cyanobacteria. The porous filter cartridge prevents lake bottom sludge from entering the inlet pipe and causing pipe blockage. At the same time, with the cooperation of the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe, the geographical advantage of being close to the lake is utilized to optimize the cooling structure, reduce costs, and further make the water flow, further disturb the water body, and inhibit the growth of cyanobacteria.
[0024] The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the aeration cyclone mechanism of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air compressor, water tank, and heat exchanger of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the standard limit for total phosphorus in surface water environmental quality standards.
[0029] Attached Figure Descriptions: 1. Air compressor; 11. First pipe fitting; 12. Solenoid valve; 2. Water tank; 3. Heat exchanger; 31. Outer frame; 32. Spiral heat exchange tube; 33. Bent pipe; 4. Cooling circulation device; 41. Water pump; 42. Inlet pipe; 43. Outlet pipe; 44. Porous filter cartridge; 5. Aeration cyclone mechanism; 51. Aeration main pipe; 52. Horizontal aeration branch pipe; 53. Vertical aeration branch pipe; 531. Aeration hole; 54. Base frame; 55. Pneumatic telescopic rod; 56. Clamping ring; 57. Second pipe fitting; 58. Counterweight; 6. Connecting hose; 7. Side pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.
[0031] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0033] Example 1, please refer to the appendix for details. Figure 1-4As shown, an offshore algae control system with aeration swirl includes an air compressor 1, a water tank 2, a heat exchanger 3, a cooling circulation device 4, and multiple aeration swirl mechanisms 5. The heat exchanger 3 is located inside the water tank 2, and the cooling circulation device 4 is installed on the side wall of the water tank 2. Each aeration swirl mechanism 5 includes an aeration main pipe 51, horizontal aeration branch pipes 52, and multiple vertical aeration branch pipes 53, and the aeration main pipe 51, horizontal aeration branch pipes 52, and multiple vertical aeration branch pipes 53 are connected by pipe fittings. Vertical aeration branch pipes 53 are linearly distributed at equal intervals on horizontal aeration branch pipes 52. A connecting hose 6 is provided between each two adjacent aeration main pipes 51, and an aeration hole 531 is provided at the upper end of each vertical aeration branch pipe 53. A base frame 54 is provided below the aeration main pipe 51, and two pneumatic telescopic rods 55 are provided on the base frame 54. A retaining ring 56 is provided at the output end of each pneumatic telescopic rod 55, and the retaining ring 56 is provided on the horizontal aeration branch pipe 52.
[0034] The above structure enables active offshore algae control during periods of strong sunlight and high temperature. Utilizing the "airlift" effect generated by rising bubbles, it draws surrounding water upwards, creating swirling currents that increase Reynolds number and water turbulence. This disrupts the algae's requirement for still water, and the swirling currents also interfere with their normal migration patterns, preventing them from fully utilizing light energy and thus hindering photosynthesis. Furthermore, the swirling currents thoroughly mix water layers of different temperatures, significantly reducing surface water temperature and effectively controlling algae growth. This technology is better suited for slow-moving areas such as lakes and reservoirs. Compared to existing offshore algae control technologies, this technology offers advantages such as low construction costs, low operating expenses, simple operation, and convenient management, making it highly valuable for application.
[0035] The specific operation is as follows: First, place multiple aeration swirl mechanisms 5 into the lake bottom, ensuring the vertical aeration branch pipes 53 are vertically upward. Place the counterweight 58 stably in contact with the lake bottom. Then, place the heat exchanger 3 into the water tank 2. Connect the two ends of the spiral heat exchange tube 32 to the upper end of the bent pipe 33 and the interface of the first fitting 11, respectively. Then, open the solenoid valve 12 at the interface of the first fitting 11 connected to the side pipe 7, and simultaneously close the solenoid valve 12 at the interface of another first fitting 11. Next, turn on the air compressor 1. High-pressure gas passes through the first fitting 11, the side pipe 7, and the second fitting 57 into the pneumatic telescopic rod 55, which in turn pushes the multiple vertical aeration branch pipes 53 on the horizontal aeration branch pipe 52 upward, thus aerating the water. The vent 531 is located near the blue-green algae. The water pump 41 is then turned on, and the colder water from the bottom of the lake is drawn into the water tank 2 through the inlet pipe 42. This removes the heat from the high-pressure air in the spiral heat exchanger 32. The warmer water in the water tank 2 is then discharged into the lake through the outlet pipe 43, allowing the water in the water tank 2 to circulate. Then, the solenoid valve 12 at the interface of the first pipe fitting 11 connected to the side pipe 7 is closed, while the solenoid valve 12 at the interface of the other first pipe fitting 11 is opened. Subsequently, the air compressor 1 is turned on again, and the high-pressure gas passes through the first pipe fitting 11, the spiral heat exchanger 32, the bent pipe 33, and the connecting hose 6. After passing through the horizontal aeration branch pipe 52 and the vertical aeration branch pipe 53, the gas is sprayed out from the aeration vent 531, disturbing the water.
[0036] Example 2, please refer to the appendix for details. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the lower side of the base frame 54 is threaded with two counterweights 58. The counterweights 58 ensure that the base frame 54 is stably placed on the lake bottom. The interfaces of the two pneumatic telescopic rods 55 on the same horizontal aeration branch pipe 52 are provided with a second pipe fitting 57, and multiple second pipe fittings 57 are connected to a side pipe 7. A solenoid valve 12 can be installed at the interface of the two pneumatic telescopic rods 55 on the same horizontal aeration branch pipe 52 to control the height of a single horizontal aeration branch pipe 52, which can better adapt to the height of different parts of the lake bottom. The two interfaces of the first pipe fitting 11 are connected to the side pipe 7 and the spiral heat exchange pipe 32 respectively through pipes. Through the cooperation between the side pipe 7 and the second pipe fitting 57, high-pressure gas is introduced into the pneumatic telescopic rod 55 to control the height.
[0037] Example 3, please refer to the appendix for details. Figure 1 and 3As shown, the heat exchanger 3 includes an outer frame 31, a spiral heat exchange tube 32, and a bent pipe 33. The spiral heat exchange tube 32 is located inside the outer frame 31. The upper and lower ends of the bent pipe 33 are respectively connected to the spiral heat exchange tube 32 and the corresponding connecting hose 6. Through the spiral structure of the spiral heat exchange tube 32, the contact time with water can be increased within a limited space, thereby improving the cooling effect. The output end of the air compressor 1 is connected to a first fitting 11 through a pipe. Solenoid valves 12 are installed at both interfaces of the first fitting 11. 2. High-pressure air is sequentially introduced into the pneumatic telescopic rod 55 and the vertical aeration branch pipe 53. The cooling circulation device 4 includes a water pump 41, an inlet pipe 42, and an outlet pipe 43. The water pump 41 is installed at the interface of the water tank 2. The upper end of the inlet pipe 42 is connected to the input end of the water pump 41. The lower end of the inlet pipe 42 is provided with a porous filter cartridge 44, and the upper end of the outlet pipe 43 is installed at the interface of the side wall of the water tank 2. The porous filter cartridge 44 prevents lake bottom sludge from entering the inlet pipe 42 and causing pipe blockage.
[0038] The present invention has been described by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvement made by adopting the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, shall be within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An aerated cyclone offshore algae control system, comprising an air compressor (1), a water tank (2), a heat exchanger (3), a cooling circulation device (4), and multiple aerated cyclone mechanisms (5), characterized in that... The heat exchanger (3) is located inside the water tank (2), and the cooling circulation device (4) is installed on the side wall of the water tank (2). Each of the aeration swirl mechanisms (5) includes an aeration main pipe (51), a horizontal aeration branch pipe (52), and multiple vertical aeration branch pipes (53). The aeration main pipe (51), the horizontal aeration branch pipes (52), and the multiple vertical aeration branch pipes (53) are connected by pipe fittings. The vertical aeration branch pipes (53) are linearly distributed at equal intervals on the horizontal aeration branch pipes (51, 52, and 53). 2) A connecting hose (6) is provided between each two adjacent aeration main pipes (51), and an aeration hole (531) is provided at the upper end of each vertical aeration branch pipe (53). A base frame (54) is provided below the aeration main pipe (51), and two pneumatic telescopic rods (55) are provided on the base frame (54). A retaining ring (56) is provided at the output end of each pneumatic telescopic rod (55), and the retaining ring (56) is provided on the horizontal aeration branch pipe (52). The heat exchanger (3) includes an outer frame (31), a spiral heat exchange tube (32) and a bent pipe (33). The spiral heat exchange tube (32) is located inside the outer frame (31). The upper end and the lower end of the bent pipe (33) are respectively connected to the spiral heat exchange tube (32) and the corresponding connecting hose (6). The cooling circulation device (4) includes a water pump (41), an inlet pipe (42) and an outlet pipe (43). The water pump (41) is installed at the interface position of the water tank (2). The upper end of the inlet pipe (42) is connected to the input end of the water pump (41). The lower end of the inlet pipe (42) is provided with a porous filter cartridge (44). The upper end of the outlet pipe (43) is installed at the interface position of the side wall of the water tank (2). A second fitting (57) is provided at the interface of two pneumatic telescopic rods (55) on the same horizontal aeration branch pipe (52), and multiple second fittings (57) are connected to a side pipe (7).
2. The aerated cyclone offshore algae control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output end of the air compressor (1) is connected to a first pipe fitting (11) via a pipe, and a solenoid valve (12) is provided at both interface positions of the first pipe fitting (11).
3. The aerated cyclone offshore algae control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base frame (54) has two counterweights (58) threadedly connected to its lower side.
4. The aerated cyclone offshore algae control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two interface positions of the first pipe fitting (11) are connected to the side pipe (7) and the spiral heat exchanger pipe (32) respectively through pipes.
5. An operation method for an aerated cyclone offshore algae control system, characterized in that, The operation method of using the aerated cyclone offshore algae control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: First, place multiple aeration swirl mechanisms (5) into the lake bottom, so that the vertical aeration branch pipe (53) is vertically upward and the counterweight (58) is placed stably in contact with the lake bottom. Then, place the heat exchanger (3) into the water tank (2) and connect the two ends of the spiral heat exchange tube (32) to the upper end of the bent pipe (33) and the interface of the first pipe fitting (11), respectively. Step 2: Open the solenoid valve (12) at the interface of the first fitting (11) connected to the side pipe (7), and at the same time close the solenoid valve (12) at the interface of the other first fitting (11). Then turn on the air compressor (1). The high-pressure gas enters the pneumatic telescopic rod (55) through the first fitting (11), the side pipe (7), and the second fitting (57). This pushes the multiple vertical aeration branches (53) on the horizontal aeration branch pipe (52) upward, so that the aeration holes (531) are located near the blue algae. Step 3: Turn on the water pump (41) and pump the colder water from the bottom of the lake into the water tank (2) through the inlet pipe (42), taking away the heat of the high-pressure air in the spiral heat exchange tube (32). Then, through the outlet pipe (43), the water with a higher temperature in the water tank (2) is discharged into the lake, so that the water in the water tank (2) can circulate. Step 4: Close the solenoid valve (12) at the interface of the first fitting (11) connected to the side pipe (7), and at the same time open the solenoid valve (12) at the interface of the other first fitting (11). Then turn on the air compressor (1) again. The high-pressure gas passes through the first fitting (11), the spiral heat exchange tube (32), the bent pipe (33) and the connecting hose (6) in succession. After passing through the horizontal aeration branch pipe (52) and the vertical aeration branch pipe (53), it is sprayed out from the aeration hole (531) to disturb the water.
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