3D printed successive pool fish pass

Abstract

Fish passes with successive basins and additive manufacturing process for a fish pass with successive basins. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: 3D printed successive basin fish pass

[0001] The invention relates to fish passes with successive basins, in particular fish passes with successive basins constructed by additive manufacturing. The invention also relates to a method for additive manufacturing a fish pass with successive basins.

[0002] The document "Fish passes; expertise and design of crossing structures" by Messrs. Larinier, Porchet, Travade and Gosset - Collection mise au Point, 1996, which constitutes a reference work in the field of fish passes, is already known in the state of the art.

[0003] For the proper functioning of the main phases of their biological cycle, certain fish species need different living environments and must move to reach their reproduction or fattening areas. It is essential for these species to maintain free movement so as not to disrupt their migration because it is an essential phase of their survival; and this, whether for downstream migration (from upstream to downstream) and / or especially for upstream migration (from downstream to upstream). However, the construction of obstacles, among which we will cite as an illustration navigation dams, water intake dams and river weirs, has been and still is the main factor responsible for the regression or even the disappearance of migratory fish species.

[0004] The field is complex because it requires taking into account a very large number of factors related to the obstacle to be crossed, whether for an existing or new structure. Although essential, the geometric characteristics and knowledge of the hydraulic conditions on and at the foot of the structure, in particular the drop height, must be accompanied by numerous other data / knowledge / studies to successfully complete any crossing project. The constraints will be as much structural (topography, bathymetry, equipment and networks, available space) as functional (hydrology, hydraulics, hydrobiology, environmental status, fish passability, etc.) as legislative and / or regulatory, requiring multidisciplinary teams for each crossing project. The function of a crossing device is to ensure the passage of fish at the obstacle, "fish continuity".The principle is either to open a waterway to bypass the obstacle, for example the dam (fish pass), or to trap the fish before transporting them and releasing them upstream of the structure (elevator, etc.).

[0005] Solutions for maintaining or regaining the longitudinal connectivity of rivers include basin and pre-dam passes, slowdown passes, “natural” passes, lifts and locks and eel passes.

[0006] The invention relates to fish passes with successive basins.

[0007] The principle of the fish pass with successive basins is to divide the total difference in height of the obstacle, for example the dam, into a series of falls, in order to form a hydraulic staircase compatible with the swimming capacity of the fish, said capacity being a function of the species, the size of the individuals as well as the temperature of the water. The falls are controlled by vertical partitions which separate the basins, said basins making it possible to dissipate the energy of the fall and to provide a resting area for the fish.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to respond by a single means of manufacture to the various constraints of producing fish passes with basins while providing numerous advantages as they will be described in the description which follows.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a fish pass with successive basins having walls formed of more than 25% of curved surfaces relative to their total surface area, said walls being made up of a superposition of layers of mortar and / or concrete by additive manufacturing.

[0010] According to a particular optional feature of the fish pass, the superposition of layers is a superposition of layers of at least one double extrudate of mortar and / or concrete by additive manufacturing. A double extrudate layer of mortar and / or concrete constitutes an important optional feature as illustrated in the rest of the text and figures; its production by additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce walls which meet mechanical strength and water flow objectives while satisfying requirements related to the passage of fish. The fact that the walls are thus made up of superimposed double extrudate layers implies that the walls are in reality double walls as illustrated in the rest of the text and figures. In one embodiment, the fish pass with successive basins is characterized in that the double extrudate is contiguous.In another embodiment, the fish pass with successive basins is characterized in that the double extrudate comprises a space between the extrudates which can be filled with mortar and / or concrete; the function of the mortar and / or concrete, which will be, for illustrative purposes, different from that used for the additive manufacturing of the extrudates of the walls, will be to give the double wall a structural resistance responding to particular constraints encountered in the field.

[0011] According to a particular optional feature of the fish pass, the extrudate is essentially continuous, preferably continuous. By essentially continuous, it is understood that the implementation of the additive manufacturing process of the extrudate avoids any discontinuity of said extrudate. Exceptional discontinuities, generally linked to operational problems of additive manufacturing, may be tolerated without this departing from the invention. By way of illustration, less than ten, or even five extrudate discontinuities will be tolerated per basin, for example less than four, less than three, less than two, or even no discontinuities per basin. By way of illustration, less than ten, or even five extrudate discontinuities will be tolerated per pass, for example less than four, less than three, less than two, or even no discontinuities per pass.

[0012] According to other optional characteristics of the fish pass taken alone or in combination:

[0013] - each basin consists of walls, a bottom, an inlet and a exit hatch;

[0014] - over the entire height of the wall greater than the height of the inlet and outlet openings, the two opposite ends of the double extrudate form a continuous curved surface. Additive manufacturing will thus be controlled so as not to generate an angular area during the formation of the double extrudate. This characteristic has proven relevant not only for the improvement of water flow but also for the longevity and general efficiency of the fish pass at the point where fish must pass between the basins;

[0015] - the walls of the pass basins are formed of more than 50% curved surfaces, more than 75%, or even more than 99% of their total surface area. This characteristic of getting as close as possible to an absence of sharp angles in the design of the walls of the basins has proven relevant for the improvement of water flow as well as for the longevity and general efficiency of the fish pass;

[0016] - the top view (horizontal projection) of the walls of each basin is a closed curve with variable curvature; for example, the curve may include positive and negative curvature; for example, the curve will include less than 50% straight part, or even less than 25% straight part, or even no straight part;

[0017] - the top view (horizontal projection) of the outer walls of the pass is a closed curve with variable curvature; for example, the curve may include positive and negative curvature; for example, the curve will include less than 50% straight part, or even less than 25% straight part, or even no straight part;

[0018] - the walls of the basins are essentially vertical, for example vertical;

[0019] - the inlet of a basin corresponds to the outlet of the basin which precedes in the direction of water flow;

[0020] - two successive basins share at least part of their wall.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for additive manufacturing of a fish pass with successive basins having walls formed of more than 25% of surfaces curved in relation to their total surface area and consisting of a superposition of layers of at least one double extrudate of mortar and / or concrete, the double extrudate being formed by essentially continuous extrusion of mortar and / or concrete per layer.

[0022] By essentially continuous, it is understood that the implementation of the additive manufacturing process of the extrudate avoids any discontinuity of said extrudate. Exceptional discontinuities, generally linked to problems of additive manufacturing operation, may be tolerated without this departing from the invention. By way of illustration, less than ten, or even five extrudate discontinuities will be tolerated per basin, for example less than four, less than three, less than two, or even no discontinuities per basin. By way of illustration, less than ten, or even five extrudate discontinuities will be tolerated per pass, for example less than four, less than three, less than two, or even no discontinuities per pass.

[0023] Additive manufacturing, also known as “3D printing,” is a method in which a computer-controlled robot manufactures three-dimensional objects by continuously depositing material layer upon layer.

[0024] In this text, concrete or mortar refers indifferently to a material comprising a hydraulic binder and aggregates. In general, the wet mortar, obtained by mixing a dry mortar and mixing water, is pumped and conveyed to a print head secured to a robot or a gantry whose movement is controlled by computer. A layer of wet mortar is deposited on a layer of mortar previously deposited, generally by being extruded through a nozzle. The print head is continuously moved according to a predetermined pattern in order to manufacture the walls layer after layer, each layer being formed of a double contiguous extrudate or with spacing between each extrudate by essentially continuous extrusion of mortar and / or concrete. The nozzle is advantageously guided along three axes x, y, z to allow the manufacture of the walls.The production of the different layers is carried out by translation, in height / along the z axis, or rotation of the print head and therefore of the nozzle. This translation along the Z axis by a defined distance allows each increment to deposit the appropriate quantity and thickness of material.

[0025] The method therefore preferably comprises a step of mixing a dry mortar composition with water in order to obtain a wet mortar of pasty consistency. The wet mortar is preferably pumped and conveyed, generally in a pipe, to the print head of a printer. The print head comprises in particular a nozzle through which the wet mortar is extruded. The extrusion nozzle is preferably located less than 100 mm from the underlying layer. The printer is for example an industrial robot or a gantry, carrying the print head, and the movement of which is controlled by a computer. The computer comprises in particular a support recording in which a set of data or 3D model is stored as well as instructions, which when executed by the computer lead the latter to control the movement (trajectory, speed, etc.) of the print head.

[0026] According to other optional characteristics of the additive manufacturing process of a fish pass with successive basins taken alone or in combination:

[0027] - the double extrudate, the double extrudate layers and the corresponding walls are formed using a single extrusion head with a single extrusion nozzle;

[0028] - the printing (or extrusion) speed is typically 30 to 1000 mm / s, in particular from 50 to 300 mm / s;

[0029] - the thickness (or height, since this is the dimension in the direction vertical) of the mortar layers is between 5 and 40 mm, in particular between 10 and 20 mm;

[0030] - the width of a mortar extrudate is between 10 and 300 mm, in particular between 20 and 100 mm;

[0031] - in section in a plane transverse to the walls, in other words in the plane of the mortar layers, the wall thickness is between 20 and 600 mm, particularly between 60 and 240 mm. A greater thickness is possible, particularly if there is space between the extrudates to serve as formwork. Brief description of the figures

[0032] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] is a three-dimensional view of a fish pass.

[0034] [Fig.2] is a set of top views of a rea ​​strategy illustration additive manufacturing of the fish pass in [Fig.l].

[0035] [Fig.3a] is a top view of the fish pass of [Fig.3b].

[0036] [Fig.3b] is a three-dimensional view of a fish pass.

[0037] [Fig.3c] is a view of a cross-section of the fish pass of [Fig.3b] along the AA axis shown in [Fig.3a]. Detailed description

[0038] [Fig.l] shows a three-dimensional illustration of a fish pass which comprises respectively an upstream basin, six successive basins and a downstream basin in the direction of water flow. In this illustration, the upstream and downstream basins are not necessarily part of the fish pass as claimed because they can very well illustrate the entry and exit points (for example of the river or watercourse) which are connected by the fish pass to six successive basins.

[0039] The six successive basins are made up of walls, a bottom, an inlet opening and an outlet sluice. The inlet sluice of a basin corresponds to the outlet sluice of the basin which precedes it in the direction of water flow. The walls of the six successive basins of the pass are vertical and have curved surfaces. In one embodiment, the difference in vertical elevation of the upper parts of the walls of the basins is generally between 15 and 70 cm between two successive basins.

[0040] In the illustration according to [Fig.l], the bottoms of the basins are not shown; in reality, their vertical elevation will depend on the design of the pass and its requirements, including the volume of water that each successive basin must contain. In one embodiment, the difference in vertical elevation of the upper parts of the bottoms of the basins is generally between 15 and 70 cm between two successive basins.

[0041] The height of the walls of each basin will depend on the design of the pass and its requirements, including the volume of water that each successive basin must contain; the total height of the walls may then depend on the ground and / or the support on which the structure must be placed as illustrated in [Fig.l] in which the construction of all the walls begins at an identical level of vertical elevation, which we will call zero elevation for descriptive purposes. This illustration helps to show the importance of using additive manufacturing in the design and construction of the fish pass as explained by means of [Fig.2].

[0042] [Fig. 2] is a set of top views of an illustration of an additive manufacturing production strategy for the fish pass of [Fig. 1]. This [Fig. 2] includes 16 sub-figures which are read first from left to right and then from top to bottom and which illustrate 16 stages of manufacturing the fish pass, each corresponding to the additive manufacturing of a height of all the walls of the pass concerned by this height. The first stage represented by the first sub-figure corresponds to a top view of the fish pass because it represents the first height of all the walls of the pass located above the zero elevation; this first height of the walls will also be called the first slice in this text.

[0043] As shown in the first figure in connection with the second figure, the 16 superimposed slices of the walls correspond to the 16 printing steps, each successive step corresponding to a wall height with identical elevation; thus, the sixteenth slice corresponding to the sixteenth printing step during which the last wall elevation is carried out, in this case that of the upstream basin as shown in the figures.

[0044] Printing continuity between each step is preferred so as to avoid any discontinuity of extrudate when printing the entire walls of the basins. This continuity makes it possible to guarantee the geometry of the curved surfaces of the walls; it also allows the two opposite ends of the double extrudate to form a continuous curved surface over the entire height of the wall greater than the height of the inlet and outlet openings.

[0045] Although the double extrudate is preferred, it is obvious that the walls could be made with multiple extrudates, for example with triple or quadruple extrudates, in a particular embodiment depending on the mechanical resistance constraints linked to the design of the fish passage structure to be produced.

[0046] The double extrudate principle illustrated in the figures made it possible to meet the requirements of continuity and curved surfaces of the walls.

[0047] The figures and, in particular, the top views (horizontal projection) of the walls of each basin, make it possible to illustrate the principle of a closed curve with variable curvature, of essentially vertical walls and of the fact that two successive basins share at least part of their wall.

[0048] The mortar preferably comprises a hydraulic binder and aggregates.

[0049] Wet mortar, of pasty consistency, is formed by mixing dry mortar with water. Dry mortar means a powdery mixture. After setting and hardening, the final mortar is called hardened mortar, or "concrete".

[0050] The mixing ratio, i.e. the ratio between the quantity of mixing water and the quantity of dry mortar (by weight) can be adjusted if necessary or be the same for all the walls. The mixing ratio is preferably at most 0.5, in particular between 0.05 and 0.20. The wet mortar has a pasty consistency and can be pumped and transported to the print head. Pumping is carried out, for example, by means of a screw pump. Transport is typically carried out in a pipe. The transport device therefore preferably comprises a pump, in particular a screw pump, and at least one pipe.

[0051] The hydraulic binder is preferably chosen from Portland cements, aluminous cements, sulfoaluminous cements, hydrated lime, ground granulated blast furnace slags, fly ash and mixtures thereof. The hydraulic binder preferably comprises a Portland cement. It is advantageously made of Portland cement.

[0052] The aggregates are preferably chosen from siliceous, calcareous, dolomitic aggregates and mixtures of these. The maximum size of the aggregates is preferably at most 3 mm, in particular at most 2 mm and even at most 1 mm, taking into account the reduced section of the pumping device and the nozzle of the print head.

[0053] The dry mortar preferably comprises at least one additive, in particular chosen from superplasticizers, thickeners, accelerators and retarders. The dry mortar advantageously comprises inorganic thickeners, for example swelling clays, capable of increasing the elastic limit at rest of the wet mortar. The accelerators and retarders make it possible to adjust the time required for setting and curing of the hydraulic binder. The composition of the dry mortar is preferably adjusted so that the wet mortar exhibits thixotropic behavior. Preferably, the viscosity of the wet mortar increases by a factor of at least 50 only one second after the wet mortar leaves the printing nozzle. The wet mortar then has a low viscosity for high shear rates so that it can be easily pumped and conveyed, but exhibits an immediate increase in its structural stability as soon as it leaves the nozzle of the print head, thus allowing it to support the overlying layers before setting and hardening. This deposition on a still-wet mortar layer improves the adhesion between the successive layers, and therefore the final mechanical strength of the wall.In contrast, conventional processes use accelerators to greatly accelerate the setting and hardening of the mortar so as to deposit on layers of mortar that has already set or hardened, which ensures dimensional stability during printing but at the expense of adhesion between successive layers.

[0054] Continuous deposition also makes it possible to improve the adhesion between each extrudate when the latter are contiguous, which contributes to the mechanical resistance of the double wall.

[0055] The method comprises the successive deposition of superimposed layers of mortar. As indicated above, the layers are preferably deposited on an underlying layer which has not yet set or hardened.

[0056] The mortar layers are advantageously dense and capable of playing their structural role. Preferably, the density after hardening (in particular after 28 days) of the mortar layers of the walls is at least 2000 kg / m3, in particular at least 2100 kg / m3. This density is preferably less than or equal to 2500 kg / m3.

[0057] In a particular embodiment, additive manufacturing has made it possible to produce a fish pass whose wall roughness characteristics have demonstrated their usefulness in terms of improving water flow as well as for the longevity and general efficiency of the fish pass. This roughness was measured using the classic roughness parameters Ra, Rq, Rz. The profilometer used is a Keyence LJ-X8400. The zero is set arbitrarily relative to the sample-laser distance. The lateral laser pitch is 100 pm with a total width of 29 mm. The laser scan pitch is 75 pm with a total scan length of 81.7 mm. The scan area is approximately 3 x 8 cm with approximately 300 lines of 8 cm long.This type of measurement has demonstrated that a roughness having values ​​between plus or minus 30% of the following values ​​could advantageously be used in the present invention: a value of Ra (pm) of 85 and / or a value of Rq (pm) of 106 and / or a value of Rz (pm) of 442.

[0058] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show another fish pass, respectively by means of a top view, a three-dimensional view and a view of a cross-section along the axis AA shown in [Fig.3a].

[0059] These representations correspond to a practical case of the construction of a fish pass, the characteristics of which are indicated in the following table.

[0060] [Tables 1] : $ 1 f 1 ‘ Cote L . . 1 1, ( L- «. . J Puissance § IVamme sL i.t^ rrss . . 5 j Cote rond Cote eau | .. Ivmumoüp iBasw § Surface (mj fâchancrw^. . .. . Id eau OP^pnO^ L 1 6M twmj i 1 1 p— i :¾ 1L1A 584.>583.] s 584“““““^ [_____________583^_____________ 1 583.1 582 J 5§2S| 381J i 584,58 | | | 584. 1,12 78170.2fl58.91221 581 L3A$ 0 2F1Î3 48351 t 583,68 1 559Q4 0 M 1205341 583 4 1 236 & ù 3| UT 0024] 1 SP-s O 1 0 z4 12 3. / 3814 i Ü LL 582.s 581.] 582.4 2 09152 C> 2$ 8 S 693031 _________9_________J ___________ââlJ 582,¾| 0.1J]

[0061] Basins 7 and 0 are respectively the upstream and downstream basins, in reality a representation of the entry and exit points (for example of the river or watercourse in the direction of water flow) which are connected by the fish pass to six successive basins.

[0062] The elevations indicated in the table correspond to absolute elevations of the project considered. The surface column indicates the free surface of the water in m2 in each basin. The notch dimension corresponds to that of the sluices of each basin. The bottom dimension corresponds to that of each basin. The water dimension corresponds to the elevation of the upper surface of the water for a water flow corresponding to 63 liters per second. The volume of water in m3 corresponds to that of each of the 6 successive basins. The previous basin drop corresponds to the difference in water level between two successive basins; as illustrated in the second table, it depends on the water flow. The dissipated power density is in W / m3; This criterion of energy dissipation per basin corresponds to the formula “Pv = pg Q DH / V” with Pv: Dissipated power volume (watts / m3) p: density of water (1000 kg / m3) g: acceleration of gravity (9.81 m / s2) Q: flow rate in the structure (m3 / s) DH: drop between basins (m) and V: volume in the basin (m3). .

[0063] The second table differs from the first because the data corresponds to a water flow rate of 53 liters per second.

[0064] [Tables2] -------S S----------------- Basin ^Surface I'5'! Bottom dimension: Water dimension 531 / 4 Water volume 33Vs Low fall previous Vùwmsque dtepee power 53: / s (W / mb 58 : > 584.5 J “““““““““ni û an 58. 584.2 ? LÜO 1 O» t oilioé 583. 582 585 9 1 1 3222 4 0 L HO333 1 21^ 58 L 58 / 583 6 î 1.534^ 8 (LL 108.4119 1.0131 583, 582. 583.3 § O 2 oj: 137.648$ l.wt 582.« hxJ seio | 1.37d 5 012^ ■ 105,780- 1| 1..83¼ 582. £58X, 582.7 5 2.Ô42 5 03 76.36670 ..................................................[......................... 1 582.4 .....0 5

[0065] The positioning of the sluices in the walls of the basins is advantageously carried out so that the orientation of the water flows through the sluices of the basins does not disturb the presence of a calming zone within each of the basins.

[0066] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art. It is in particular possible to design passes with more or less successive basins depending on local constraints.

Claims

Claims

1. Fish pass with successive basins having walls formed of more than 25% of curved surfaces relative to their total surface area, said walls being made up of a superposition of layers of mortar and / or concrete by additive manufacturing.

2. Fish pass with successive basins according to claim 1, the walls of which are made up of a superposition of layers of at least one double extrudate of mortar and / or concrete by additive manufacturing.

3. Fish pass with successive basins according to claim 2 characterized in that the double extrudate is contiguous.

4. Fish pass with successive basins according to claim 2 characterized in that the double extrudate comprises a space between the extrudates filled with mortar and / or concrete.

5. Fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, the walls of which are formed of more than 50% curved surfaces relative to their total surface area.

6. Fish pass with successive basins according to claim 5, the walls of which are formed of more than 75% curved surfaces relative to their total surface area.

7. Fish pass with successive basins according to claim 6, the walls of which are formed of more than 99% curved surfaces relative to their total surface area.

8. Fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, the top view of the outer walls of the pass being a closed curve with variable curvature.

9. Fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, the walls of the basins of which are vertical.

10. Fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, each basin consisting of walls, a bottom, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening of a basin corresponding to the outlet opening of the basin which precedes it in the direction of water flow.

11. Fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, two successive basins of which share at least part of their wall.

12. Fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, the measured roughnesses Ra, Rq and / or Rz of which are between plus or minus 30% of 85 pm for Ra and / or between plus or minus 30% of 106 pm for Rq and / or between plus or minus 30% of 442 pm for Rz.

13. Method for additive manufacturing of a fish pass with successive basins according to any one of the preceding claims, the basins having walls formed of more than 25% of curved surfaces relative to their total surface area and consisting of a superposition of layers of at least one double extrudate of mortar and / or concrete, the double extrudate being formed by essentially continuous extrusion of mortar and / or concrete by layer.

14. A method of additive manufacturing a fish pass with successive basins according to claim 13 in which the double extrudate, the double extrudate layers and the corresponding walls are formed using a single extrusion head with a single extrusion nozzle.

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