Method and installation for collecting and packaging floating algae.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for collecting and conditioning floating algae in water, in which the following steps are carried out: a first volume of algae (v1) is collected using a collection device and a first trap containing the first volume of algae is formed using the conditioning device; at least a second volume of algae (v2) is collected using the collection device and at least a second trap (34) containing the second volume of algae is formed using the conditioning device; the first and second traps (32, 34) are connected to each other using a connecting element (40) to form a string of traps (30), said string of traps further comprising a geolocation device (50); the first and second traps connected together by the connecting element (40) are released into the water. Figure for the summary: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and installation for collecting and packaging floating algae. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of collecting and conditioning floating algae in water, in particular sargassum. Previous technique

[0002] Certain algae, such as sargassum, constitute a real health and economic scourge.

[0003] These harmful algae float and reproduce by cloning, forming large masses in the water. The Great Sargassum Belt is a gigantic mass of brownish algae that stretches across the Atlantic Ocean from Mexico to West Africa and grows year after year. When sargassum washes up on beaches and decomposes, it severely damages local biodiversity and emits foul odors (H2S) as well as other gases such as CO2, CH4, and NH3. These gas emissions are toxic to health.

[0004] In addition, the presence of these algae on the beaches has a very negative economic impact, threatening tourism because of the foul odors, but also fishing because the algae get stuck in the propellers of boats or the cooling systems of engines, preventing them from leaving the port.

[0005] These algae also cause harm to the environment due to the eutrophication of the ecosystem.

[0006] Harvesting this seaweed is currently an episodic and labor-intensive process, requiring work on beaches or in the nearshore zone with dedicated equipment, primarily using boats equipped with conveyors. The beaches suffer (loss of sand) as does biodiversity (destroyed turtle nests). The entire process is costly and remains relatively inefficient.

[0007] The sargassum harvest today is carried out:

[0008] On beaches, with public works type equipment or by hand;

[0009] Along natural or artificial dams, with boats of a type created for this Usage: A conveyor belt brings the sargassum seaweed on board, then it is placed in large bags and transferred to a barge. The sargassum is then sunk at sea after a short period of natural drying, which eliminates its buoyancy.

[0010] The processes currently used have several drawbacks:

[0011] Boats are not suitable for processing large volumes of sargassum individually. Boats used to collect the seaweed and equipped with conveyors are small due to their size, these ships quickly become saturated and must regularly unload onto an intermediate barge, which is costly and time-consuming.

[0012] The energy expenditure per ton harvested is very high, due to the small volumes processed and the use of intermediate barges.

[0013] The harvests are totally subject to the seasonality of the currents which bring - or do not - sargassum to the coasts.

[0014] Scaling up is almost impossible because the dedicated fleet is very limited in number, given the unit cost, even if it were capable of going to the high seas.

[0015] The issue of the nuisance caused by harvesting on land is real. If the harvest is not dumped at sea, it emits toxic gases due to storage on land. Description of the invention

[0016] A first object of the invention is to propose a method for collecting and conditioning floating algae that is more efficient than previous methods.

[0017] The process according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0018] a vessel is provided comprising a device for collecting floating algae, and a conditioning device for conditioning the algae collected by the collection device into a string of traps;

[0019] a first volume of algae is collected using the collection device and a first trap containing the first volume of algae is formed using the conditioning device;

[0020] at least a second volume of algae is collected using the collection device and at least a second trap containing the second volume of algae is formed using the conditioning device;

[0021] the first and second traps are linked together using a connecting element to form a chain of traps, said chain of traps further comprising a geolocation device;

[0022] The first and second traps, connected together by the connecting element, are released into the water. These traps, filled with live algae, float naturally.

[0023] It is understood that the string of traps is entirely released into the water after its formation. It is also understood that the process allows for the formation of several strings of traps, each containing several traps. Furthermore, the number of traps per string can vary from one string to another.

[0024] Advantageously, the first trap is formed by filling the first trap with the first volume of seaweed, and then the first trap is closed using the conditioning device.

[0025] Even more advantageously, the second trap is formed by filling the second trap with the second volume of seaweed, and then the second trap is closed using the conditioning device.

[0026] Preferably, the filling of the first trap with the first volume of algae is carried out as the first volume of algae is collected.

[0027] Similarly, preferably, the filling of the second trap with the second volume of seaweed is carried out as the second volume of seaweed is collected.

[0028] Preferably, the first trap is filled with seaweed, closed once filled, and then released into the water. Next, the second trap is filled with seaweed, closed once filled, and then released into the water.

[0029] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the string of traps may include a number of traps greater than two.

[0030] The first and second traps can be separated from each other after the first trap has been released and before the second trap has finished filling. Although the first and second traps are separated from each other, they preferentially remain connected to each other by means of the connecting element.

[0031] Thanks to the invention, the string of traps is stored in the water and its geographical position can be located thanks to the geolocation device.

[0032] The storage of algae in water, particularly at sea, can involve very large volumes and requires less energy than previous processes provided that the algae are not stored wet in a barge or in the hold of a ship.

[0033] Thanks to the invention, any ship can then come and collect the string of traps. The string is towed by the ship to a dedicated quay or to its unloading point.

[0034] Moreover, a single vessel can tow several strings of traps containing a total volume of seaweed that can be much greater than the volume that can be loaded into the ship's hold. The invention therefore offers superior energy efficiency compared to conventional methods, which generally require loading and storing the seaweed on board the ship.

[0035] Another advantage of the invention is the ability to tow the string with any type of ship, regardless of the ship's gross tonnage.

[0036] In other words, the invention makes it possible to process large volumes of algae while minimizing the ratio of energy consumed per mass of algae.

[0037] It also makes it easier to manage algae stocks.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and second traps are successively dropped into the water.

[0039] Advantageously, the second trap is filled during or after the first trap has been released into the water.

[0040] Preferably, the first trap is dropped into the water after it has been filled and then the second trap is filled.

[0041] Advantageously, the geolocation device is mounted on one of the first and second traps, or on the connecting element.

[0042] Preferably, the geolocation device comprises a GPS beacon and a transmitter. The chain can then be located by this transmitter, which may be supplemented by other transmitters along the chain, joined in all cases by a single connecting element.

[0043] Preferably, the geolocation device further comprises a float. The geolocation device can therefore constitute an autonomous, floating unit that is connected to the chain.

[0044] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first and second traps are formed successively by the conditioning device from the same tubular net.

[0045] The tubular net includes, at one of its ends, an inlet through which the collected seaweed enters, and a bottom located at the opposite end of the inlet.

[0046] The tubular net is cut into two or more contiguous portions in order to successively form the first and second traps.

[0047] The connecting element can be attached to the first and second traps before they are released into the water. Alternatively, the connecting element can be pre-attached to the tubular net at various points before the traps are formed.

[0048] The collection device preferably has a tubular shape to receive the tubular net. The attachment can be manual or achieved with suitable fastening means.

[0049] Advantageously, the first trap is formed in a first portion of the tubular net, while the second trap is formed in a second portion of the tubular net.

[0050] It is understood that the first and second portions of the net are initially connected to each other.

[0051] The first portion of the net is initially open towards the entrance of the tubular net in order to allow the algae to enter the tubular net

[0052] Furthermore, the first portion of the net is located between the second portion of the net and the bottom of the tubular net.

[0053] Preferably, the first portion is filled with seaweed, the first portion is closed once filled to form the first trap, the first trap is separated from the net, and then the first trap is released into the water.

[0054] Next, the second portion is filled with seaweed, the second portion is closed once filled to form the second trap, then the second trap is separated from the net and the second trap is released into the water.

[0055] Preferably, the first and second portions are contiguous, and the packaging device further includes a closure device for closing the ends of the first and second portions which are opposite each other.

[0056] Preferably, the closing device is arranged to close at the same time one of the ends of the first portion of net in order to form the first trap, and the end of the second contiguous portion, located opposite said end of the first portion, in order to form the bottom of the second trap.

[0057] The first and second portions of the net can have different lengths. In one variant, the length of the portion of the net is chosen according to parameters such as, for example, the density of the algae, or other parameters.

[0058] The first and second sections of the net can be connected together by breakable wires. The breakable wires are broken to separate the traps from each other, it being specified that they remain connected together via the connecting element.

[0059] Advantageously, the conditioning device further comprises a separation device for separating the first portion from the second portion after the closure of said ends.

[0060] Preferably, the separation device is configured to break the breakable wires that initially connect the first and second portions of the net. The separation device may consist of the material constituting the breakable wires or of a weak point created in the breakable wires. This closing and cutting operation may also be performed by an electromechanical device.

[0061] Advantageously, the collection device has a working position in which it is immersed at least partially in the water in order to collect the algae, and a transport position in which it is arranged above the water.

[0062] Preferably, when the pickup device is in the submerged position, the ferrule is submerged to a depth at least equal to its radius.

[0063] It is understood that the collection device is brought into the transport position when the vessel is moved to the collection area. During transport, the seaweed is not collected. When the vessel is in the collection area, the collection device is brought into the working position in order to collect the seaweed.

[0064] When the string of traps filled with seaweed is in the water, the position of the string of traps is located using the geolocation device, a vessel is brought close to the string of traps, which is then towed to a collection station of a seaweed processing facility. The treatment facility could be, for example, an algae processing facility.

[0065] The invention further relates to a string of traps obtained by implementing the process according to the invention, said string comprising a first trap, a second trap connected to the first trap by a linking element, and a geolocation device.

[0066] Advantageously, the string of traps further comprises a third trap containing a third volume of seaweed, the connecting element being attached to each of the first, second, and third traps. The number of traps per string can be much greater than two or three.

[0067] Preferably, the traps are spaced apart from each other, while being connected together by the connecting element, which is preferably a long, thin element, such as a rope.

[0068] Preferably, at least one of the traps is mounted to the connecting element in a sliding manner.

[0069] The invention also relates to an installation for collecting and conditioning floating algae in water, for implementing the process according to the invention, comprising:

[0070] a vessel comprising a device for collecting floating algae, and a conditioning device for conditioning the algae collected by the collection device into a string of traps, the string comprising at least a first and a second trap;

[0071] a connecting element for joining together at least the first and second traps; and

[0072] a geolocation device mounted on a string of traps.

[0073] Advantageously, the boat further comprises a flotation device, and the pickup device is mounted movable relative to the flotation device between a working position and a transport position, which is raised relative to the working position.

[0074] The craft further comprises a displacement device for moving the collection device between its working position and its transport position. The craft may be towed by a vessel or may include propulsion means enabling its autonomous movement.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the collection device is in the form of a ferrule, while the conditioning device further comprises a tubular net, a trap closure device, and a separation device. fish traps.

[0076] The ferrule preferably comprises an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. The tubular thread is preferably disposed between the inner and outer walls.

[0077] Preferably, the tubular net is initially folded back on itself like an accordion. It has an opening and a bottom which is closed.

[0078] Preferably, the tubular thread is arranged around the inner wall of the ferrule, the tubular thread comprising a plurality of successive tubular portions.

[0079] Advantageously, the geolocation device includes a float. This is, for example, a buoy. Preferably, the geolocation device also includes a GPS antenna and a transmitter.

[0080] Preferably, the geolocation device is mounted on at least one of the traps, or on the connecting element. Even more preferably, the geolocation device is attached to the first trap.

[0081] Advantageously, the connecting element comprises a long, thin element arranged to connect the traps together. This is, for example, a rope. Preferably, the connecting element is arranged to be connected to each of the traps. The traps are thus connected together via the connecting element. Description of the drawings

[0082] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of an embodiment and implementation of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0083] [Fig.1] Fig.1 schematically illustrates a floating seaweed collection and conditioning installation according to an embodiment of the invention, showing the filling of the first trap;

[0084] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates the installation of [Fig.1], after the first drop fish trap;

[0085] [Fig.3], [Fig.4] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the closure of the first inlet fish trap and the bottom of the second fish trap;

[0086] [Fig. 5], [Fig. 6] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the separation of the first and second fish traps;

[0087] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates the flotation device of the installation of [Fig.1], and working and transport positions; and

[0088] [Fig.8] Fig.8 illustrates an example of a string of fish traps obtained by placing work of invention. Detailed description

[0089] Figure [1] illustrates an installation 10 for collecting and conditioning floating algae 100 in water W.

[0090] This installation 10 implements the process according to the invention which will be described below.

[0091] In this example, the installation includes a boat 12, visible in [Fig. 7], which comprises a collection device 14 for floating seaweed 100, for example, sargassum. The collection device is in the form of a ferrule 16 having an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. The boat 10 further includes a flotation device 18, which in this example comprises floats 18a and 18b arranged on either side of the collection device 14. As can be seen in [Fig. 7], the collection device is mounted vertically relative to the flotation device 18 between a working position and a transport position, which is raised relative to the working position.

[0092] To achieve this, the boat includes a displacement device 19 connected to the boat body 20 on one side and to the collection device on the other. In this example, the displacement device 19 includes a cylinder capable of vertically moving the collection device relative to the boat body and therefore relative to the flotation device.

[0093] When the pickup device is in the transport position, the ferrule is above the water so as not to create hydrodynamic resistance to the boat's forward movement. In the working position, the ferrule 16 is immersed in the water, in this example to a depth greater than the ferrule's radius.

[0094] The craft 12 may also include propulsion means cooperating with the flotation device to ensure its movement in the water. Alternatively, the craft may be towed by one or more vessels.

[0095] In [Fig. 1], the pickup device is shown in the working position, without the flotation device.

[0096] According to another variant, the vessel may include several collection devices arranged next to each other.

[0097] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the ferrule has an inlet 16a and an outlet 16b arranged at an opposite end of the inlet 16a.

[0098] Inside the collection device is a conditioning device 19 for conditioning the seaweed collected by the collection device into a string of traps. The conditioning device comprises a long tubular net 22, which in this non-limiting example is arranged in the collection device between the inner and outer walls of the ferrule.

[0099] The tubular thread 22 initially has a length that is greater than the length of the ferrule. The tubular thread is initially folded back on itself, accordion-style, so as to enter the ferrule 16. The thread has an opening 22 that cooperates with the opening 16a of the ferrule, and a bottom 22b that is opposite the opening 22a.

[0100] In [Fig. 1], arrow F illustrates the direction of movement of the boat relative to the water surface. As the boat 12 moves forward, the algae 100 enter the ferrule and the tubular net 22. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the algae 100 accumulate at the bottom of the tubular net.

[0101] The conditioning device is configured to condition the algae collected by the collection device into a string of 30 traps. In this example, illustrated in [Fig.8], the string of 30 traps comprises the first, second and third traps 32, 34, 36.

[0102] The installation also includes a connecting element 40 arranged to link together the first, second, and third traps 32, 34, 36. In this example, the connecting element comprises a long element 42, for example a rope, arranged to link the traps together. As can be seen in [Fig. 8], the connecting element 40 is arranged to be connected to each of the traps 32, 34, 36.

[0103] In this example, at least one trap, in this case the second trap 34, is connected to the connecting element 40 by sliding. For this purpose, a loop 44 connected to the second trap 34 and through which the connecting element 40 passes may be provided.

[0104] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the installation further comprises a geolocation device 50 which is arranged to be mounted on the string of traps.

[0105] In this example, the geolocation device 50 is connected to the first trap 32. Alternatively, it could be mounted on the connecting element 40 or on another trap. The geolocation device includes a float 52 which is connected to the first trap 32 by a rope 53. The geolocation device further includes a GPS beacon 52 equipped with an antenna 54, as well as a transmitter 56 connected to another antenna 58. The geolocation device is arranged to transmit its location, and consequently the location of the string of traps, by radio waves. The geolocation device also includes a float 51.

[0106] With the help of figures 2 to 6, we will now describe a method of collecting and conditioning floating algae in water corresponding to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0107] This method for collecting and packaging floating algae finds advantageous application in the collection of sargassum. As is known, sargassum are algae that float on the surface of the water.

[0108] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], as the vessel moves forward, a first volume of seaweed V1 is collected using the collection device, and the first trap 32 is formed by filling it with this first volume of seaweed. Once filled, the first trap is closed before being released. The first trap is previously attached to the connecting element and the geolocation device.

[0109] Then a second volume of algae V 2 is collected using the collection device and the second trap 34 is filled with the second volume of algae. Once filled, the second trap is closed and released. It is also connected to the connecting element.

[0110] In this example, the second trap is filled during the release of the first trap 32 into the water.

[0111] The traps are linked together using the connecting element 40 to form the string of traps. [Fig. 8] illustrates an example of a string comprising three traps 32, 34, 36.

[0112] In this example, the first and second traps are formed successively by the conditioning device from the same tubular net 22, which is made up of a succession of sections. The first trap is formed in a first section 23 of the tubular net, while the second trap is formed in a second section 25 of the tubular net. The first and second sections 23, 25 of the tubular net are contiguous and can be separated from each other by rings. The vessel preferably includes a release device for successively releasing the filled traps. A movable, controlled stop may be provided, retaining the rings and releasing them once the trap is full to allow release.

[0113] The conditioning device further includes a closure device, visible in Figures 2 to 4, which functions to close the ends 32a, 34a of the first and second portions 32, 34, which are opposite each other. In other words, the closure device closes the entrance of the first trap and the bottom of the second. In this example, the tubular net has meshes 27 that connect the first and second portions to each other. When the first trap is full, it is released and moves through the water, pulling on the meshes 27, which has the effect of simultaneously closing the ends 32a and 34a.

[0114] The conditioning device also includes a separation device 70 which has the function of separating the first and second traps after the release of the first trap.

[0115] The separation device comprises two breakable wires 72, 74 which connect the ends 32a, 34a to each other after said ends have been closed. The separation device functions to separate the first portion of the tubular net from the second portion after the ends have been closed. This has the effect of closing both ends of the first trap 32, and of closing the bottom of the second trap 34 before it is filled.

[0116] The process is repeated until a string of 30 traps is obtained, containing the desired number of traps.

[0117] It is understood that the process described above makes it possible to generate several strings of traps.

[0118] It is also understood that the tubular net 22 shortens as the traps are formed. When the remaining length of net is no longer sufficient to form a new trap, the operator places a new tubular net in the ferrule 16.

[0119] As explained above, the string of traps, illustrated in [Fig.8], is dropped into the water and can then be located using the geolocation device.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for collecting and conditioning floating algae in water, in which the following steps are carried out: a vessel (12) is provided having a device for collecting floating algae (100) and a conditioning device (19) for conditioning the algae collected by the collection device into a string of traps (30); a first volume of algae (VI) is collected using the collection device and a first trap containing the first volume of algae is formed using the conditioning device; at least a second volume of algae (V2) is collected using the collection device and at least a second trap (34) containing the second volume of algae is formed using the conditioning device;the first and second traps (32, 34) are linked together using a connecting element (40) to form a string of traps (30), said string of traps further comprising a geolocation device (50); the first and second traps connected together by the connecting element (40) are released into the water.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first trap is formed by filling the first trap with the first volume of seaweed, and then the first trap is closed using the conditioning device.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second trap (34) is formed by filling the second trap with the second volume of seaweed, and then the second trap is closed using the conditioning device.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the second trap (34) is filled during or after the first trap (32) is released into the water.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the geolocation device is mounted on one of the first and second traps, or on the connecting element.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second traps (32, 34) are formed successively by the conditioning device from the same tubular net (22).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the first trap is formed in a first portion (23) of the tubular net, while the second trap is formed in a second portion (25) of the tubular net.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the first and second portions (23, 25) are contiguous, and wherein the conditioning device further comprises a closure device for closing the ends (32a, 34a) of the first and second portions (32, 34) which are opposite each other.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the conditioning device further comprises a separation device (70) for separating the first portion from the second portion after the closure of said ends.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection device has a working position in which it is immersed at least partially in the water in order to collect the algae, and a transport position in which it is arranged above the water.

11. A string of traps (30) obtained by implementing the process according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first trap (32) containing a first volume of algae, at least a second trap (34) comprising a second volume of algae and connected to the first trap by a linking element (40), and a geolocation device (50).

12. A string of traps according to claim 11, wherein the string of traps further comprises a third trap containing a third volume of seaweed, the linking element being connected to each of the first, second and third traps.

13. Installation (10) for collecting and conditioning floating algae (100) in water, for carrying out the process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a boat (12) having a device for collecting floating algae (14) and a conditioning device (19) for conditioning the algae collected by the collection device into a string of traps (30), the string of traps (30) having at least a first (32) and a second (34) trap; a linking element (40) arranged to connect together at least the first and second traps; and a geolocation device (50) arranged to be mounted on the string of traps.

14. Installation according to claim 13, wherein the boat (10) further comprises a flotation device (18), and in that the pickup device is mounted movable relative to the flotation device (18) between a working position and a transport position, which is raised relative to the working position.

15. Installation according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the collection device (14) is in the form of a ferrule (16) while the conditioning device further comprises a tubular net (22), a trap closure device and a trap separation device.

16. Installation according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the geolocation device (50) includes a float (51).

17. Installation according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the geolocation device (50) is mounted to at least one of the traps, or to the connecting element (40).

18. Installation according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the connecting element (40) comprises a long element (42) arranged to connect the traps together.

19. Installation according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the connecting element (40) is arranged to be connected to each of the traps.

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