Air stream transport system

Abstract

To provide an air stream transport system capable of suppressing breakage of feed during transportation.SOLUTION: An air stream transport system 1 that transports feed stored in a storage tank 21 by an air stream includes a release part 4 that releases the feed transported by the air stream to a fish preserve 10, a downstream flexible tube 36 that is connected to the release part 4 and through which the feed transported by the air stream passes, a large-diameter pipe 34 that is connected to the downstream flexible tube 36 and through which the feed transported by the air stream passes, and is disposed upstream of the downstream flexible tube 36 in a flow path of the feed, and a medium-diameter pipe 33 that is connected to the large-diameter pipe 34 and through which the feed transported by the air stream passes. The downstream flexible tube 36 suppresses movement of the large-diameter pipe 34 due to the shaking of the release part 4. The medium-diameter pipe 33 has an inner diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter pipe 34, and is disposed on the upstream side of the downstream flexible tube 36 and the large-diameter pipe 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air current transport system for transporting bait to a fish cage. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in the field of offshore aquaculture, an air current conveying system that conveys feed by air current from a storage tank installed at a feeding base to a fish cage on the sea has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air current conveying system that includes a storage tank in which feed is stored, a pipe leading from the storage tank to the fish cage, an air current generating device that generates an air current in the pipe, and a release unit connected to the tip of the pipe and that releases feed into the fish cage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-11572 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the air current transport system of Patent Document 1 did not take into consideration the possibility that either the fish cage or the pipe to which the bait is transported may be displaced from its normal position (vibration) due to tidal currents or waves. In particular, vibration of the bait release section provided at the end of the pipe is transmitted to the pipe upstream of the flow path of the bait transported by air current, which can easily cause damage to the pipe. Furthermore, air current conveying systems such as those described in Patent Document 1 generally convey bait in the form of pellets or other granular materials, but due to various factors, the bait may be damaged, such as cracked or chipped, during conveyance. In this case, it becomes difficult for the farmed fish to recognize the bait as a feeding target, resulting in the problem of leftover bait.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an airflow conveying system that prevents vibrations from the bait release section from being transmitted to piping upstream of the flow path of the bait being conveyed by airflow, and also prevents damage to the bait being conveyed, such as cracks or chips. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] An air current transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an air current transport system that transports bait stored in a storage tank by air current, and includes: a release section that releases the air current transported bait into a fish pen; a downstream flexible pipe connected to the release section, through which the air current transported bait passes; a large diameter pipe connected to the downstream flexible pipe and through which the air current transported bait passes, the large diameter pipe being located upstream of the downstream flexible pipe in the bait flow path; and a medium diameter pipe connected to the large diameter pipe and through which the air current transported bait passes, the medium diameter pipe having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter pipe and being located upstream of the downstream flexible pipe and the large diameter pipe in the flow path.

[0007] [2] In the above [1], it is preferable that an upstream flexible tube is further provided which is connected to the medium-diameter pipe and is arranged upstream of the medium-diameter pipe in the flow path, and the upstream flexible tube suppresses the vibration of the medium-diameter pipe caused by airflow transport from being transmitted to the storage tank.

[0008] [3] In the above [1] or [2], it is preferable that the large diameter pipe branches off toward the first and second cages configured as cages.

[0009] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], it is preferable that the device further comprises a small-diameter pipe connected to the medium-diameter pipe and through which the bait transported by the airflow passes, and that the inner diameter of the small-diameter pipe is smaller than that of the medium-diameter pipe and that the small-diameter pipe is positioned upstream of the medium-diameter pipe in the flow path.

[0010] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], it is preferable that the small diameter pipe branches off toward each of the first and third cages that are configured as the cages.

[0011] [6] In any one of the above [1] to [5], it is preferable that the medium diameter pipe branches into a first large diameter pipe and a second large diameter pipe, which are configured as the large diameter pipe.

[0012] [7] In any of [1] to [6] above, it is preferable that a portion of the large diameter pipe is provided in at least one of the portions of the flow path through which the bait is transported by air, which are arranged so as to follow the seabed ground, or which are arranged at an incline so as to approach the seabed ground as they go downstream.

[0013] [8] In any of [1] to [7] above, it is preferable that the medium-diameter pipe is provided in at least one of the portions of the flow path through which the bait is air-transported, which are arranged so as to follow the seabed ground, or which are arranged at an incline so as to approach the seabed ground as they go downstream.

[0014] [9] One aspect of the present invention provides an air current transport system for air current transporting bait stored in a storage tank, the system comprising: a release section that releases the air current transported bait into a fish pen; a vibration suppression pipe connected to the release section, through which the air current transported bait passes; and a large diameter pipe connected to the vibration suppression pipe and transporting the air current transported bait, the large diameter pipe being located upstream of the vibration suppression pipe in the bait flow path. The vibration suppression pipe prevents the large diameter pipe from moving due to vibration at the release section. Furthermore, the large diameter pipe has a larger diameter than the medium diameter pipe, thereby reducing the flow velocity within the large diameter pipe. This prevents the bait from cracking or chipping at the end of the large diameter pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The air current transport system of the present invention can prevent vibrations from the bait release section from being transmitted to the upstream piping of the air current transported bait flow path while also preventing an increase in the air current velocity, thereby preventing breakage of the transported bait, such as cracks or chips. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aquaculture system including an air current conveyance system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a piping diagram showing the airflow transport system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a piping diagram showing an airflow transport system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a piping diagram showing an airflow transport system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an aquaculture system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the air current conveying system 1 of this embodiment is used in an aquaculture system 100 for offshore aquaculture, etc., and conveys feed for aquaculture by air current. The feed may be in the form of pellets or other granular material.

[0018] First, an aquaculture system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The aquaculture system 100 includes a plurality of net cages 10 arranged on the sea and an air current transport system 1 that transports feed by air current to each net cage 10. The plurality of net cages 10 constitute one or more net cage groups arranged in any sea area. Note that Fig. 1 shows one net cage 10 as an example, and the other net cages 10 are not shown.

[0019] The fish pen 10 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sink-and-float type fish pen. This fish pen 10 can float above the sea surface or sink into the sea by letting air in and out of components such as the frame. The fish pen 10 is placed in a predetermined area on the sea by being tethered to a buoy or mooring line.

[0020] The air current transport system 1 comprises a feeding base 2 installed on land, a piping section 3 extending between the feeding base 2 and each of the fish pens 10, a discharge section 4 disposed in each of the fish pens 10, and a control device 5. Note that the feeding base 2 does not have to be installed on land, but may also be installed on an offshore platform or the like.

[0021] The feeding base 2 comprises a storage tank 21, an airflow generating device 22, and an ejector 23 (either an ejector or a confluence section). The storage tank 21 is a tank that stores feed sent from an arbitrary supply source. The feed in the storage tank 21 is sent out in appropriate amounts from the bottom outlet of the storage tank 21. The airflow generating device 22 is an air compressor such as a pressure blower. The ejector 23 combines the feed sent from the bottom outlet of the storage tank 21 with the compressed air sent from the airflow generating device 22 to form an airflow containing the feed, and sends the airflow to the piping section 3.

[0022] The piping section 3 will be described in detail later, but the piping section 3 forms a flow path F that circulates airflow from the ejector 23 of the feeding base 2 to each release section 4. The piping section 3 is mainly arranged along the seabed G, and may be fixed to the seabed G by fasteners or the like.

[0023] The release unit 4 is connected to the piping unit 3 and is disposed above the fish cage 10 so as to be submerged in the sea. This release unit 4 has an opening that opens vertically downward, and releases the bait transported by the air current through the piping unit 3 into the water within the fish cage 10. Note that the release unit 4 may have a configuration that separates the air and bait in the air current, as disclosed in Patent No. 6840484.

[0024] The control device 5 is configured by combining an existing computer system with a dedicated driver, and executes programs stored in a storage area to control the operation of each part of the air current conveyance system 1. For example, the control device 5 adjusts the flow rate and flow speed of the bait being conveyed by controlling the rotary valve of the storage tank 21 and the air current generating device 22, and selects the cages 10 to be conveyed by controlling the branching device 35 (described later) of the piping unit 3. The control device 5 can perform control via a signal line arranged along the piping unit 3 or wirelessly.

[0025] Next, details of the air current conveyance system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Note that Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the air current conveyance system 1, and the dimensions of each component shown in Fig. 2 are different from the actual scale. Also, Fig. 2 illustrates four cages 10 included in one cage group, but the number of cages 10 is not limited to this.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the storage tank 21 has an upper supply port 211 to which bait is supplied from an arbitrary supply source, and a lower outlet 212 from which the bait is discharged. The lower outlet 212 of the storage tank 21 is connected to the ejector 23 via a supply pipe 24. A rotary valve 25 provided in the storage tank 21 discharges bait from the lower outlet 212 of the storage tank 21 and sends it to the ejector 23 via the supply pipe 24. As described above, the ejector 23 sends an airflow containing the bait to the piping section 3. The inner diameter of the supply pipe 24 is not particularly limited, but is larger than the inner diameter of the piping section 3, for example, 250 mm.

[0027] The piping section 3 forms a flow path F through which the airflow sent from the ejector 23 flows. The piping section 3 includes, in order from the upstream side of the flow path F, a small diameter pipe 31, a medium diameter pipe 33, and a large diameter pipe 34. The piping section 3 also includes an upstream flexible pipe 32 provided in the small diameter pipe 31, and a branching device 35 and a plurality of downstream flexible pipes 36 provided in the large diameter pipe 34.

[0028] The small diameter pipe 31 is disposed downstream of the ejector 23, and the upstream flexible tube 32 is provided at any position in the small diameter pipe 31. For example, in this embodiment, the upstream flexible tube 32 is connected to an intermediate portion of the small diameter pipe 31. However, the upstream flexible tube 32 may be connected to one end of the small diameter pipe 31 on the upstream or downstream side. The small diameter pipe 31 and the upstream flexible tube 32 together form a small diameter flow path FS through which the airflow sent from the ejector 23 flows. A pressure gauge 38 for detecting the pressure of the airflow is connected to the small diameter pipe 31. It is preferable that the small diameter pipe 31 and the upstream flexible pipe 32 have the same inner diameter. The inner diameter of each of the small diameter pipe 31 and the upstream flexible pipe 32 is, for example, 100 mm.

[0029] The medium-diameter pipe 33 is disposed downstream of the small-diameter pipe 31 and the upstream flexible pipe 32, and forms a medium-diameter flow path FM through which the airflow that has passed through the small-diameter flow path FS flows. The inner diameter of the medium-diameter pipe 33 is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter pipe 31, and is, for example, 125 mm.

[0030] The large diameter pipe 34 is arranged downstream of the medium diameter pipe 33, and branches toward each of the multiple fish cages 10 that make up the group of fish cages by using a branching device 35. As a result, the large diameter pipe 34 has large diameter branch tips 34A that correspond to each of the multiple fish cages 10. In this embodiment, any two of the multiple fish cages 10 that make up the group of fish cages correspond to the first and second fish cages of the present invention.

[0031] The branching device 35 is configured to include three-way valves 351 to 353. The large diameter pipe 34 includes a first large diameter distribution pipe 341 connected to the medium diameter pipe 33, a second large diameter distribution pipe 342 branching from the first large diameter distribution pipe 341 via the three-way valve 351, a third large diameter distribution pipe 343 branching from the second large diameter distribution pipe 342 via the three-way valve 352, and a fourth large diameter distribution pipe 344 branching from the third large diameter distribution pipe 343 via the three-way valve 353. The tips of the first large diameter distribution pipe 341 to the fourth large diameter distribution pipe 344 form large diameter branch tips 34A corresponding to each of the fish cages 10. A downstream flexible pipe 36 is connected to each of the plurality of large diameter branch tips 34A in the large diameter pipe 34. The large-diameter pipe 34, the branching device 35, and the downstream flexible pipe 36 together form a large-diameter flow path FL through which the carrier airflow that has passed through the medium-diameter flow path FM flows. Note that the branching device 35 may be configured to include a revolver-type valve element (for example, a system in which one pipe is branched into multiple pipes) in addition to the three-way valve. The large diameter pipe 34 and the downstream flexible pipe 36 preferably have the same inner diameter. The inner diameters of the large diameter pipe 34 and the downstream flexible pipe 36 are larger than the inner diameter of the medium diameter pipe 33, for example, 150 mm.

[0032] Here, the small-diameter pipe 31, the medium-diameter pipe 33, and the large-diameter pipe 34 may each be a pipe having a certain degree of rigidity, such as an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe. The upstream flexible pipe 32 and the downstream flexible pipe 36 are each a flexible pipe, such as a bellows pipe or a flexible hose. The flexibility of the upstream flexible pipe 32 and the downstream flexible pipe 36 is greater than the flexibility of other pipes, such as the large-diameter pipe 34. In this specification, deviation of either the fish cage 10 or the piping section 3 from its normal position is referred to as "vibration." The flexibility of each of the upstream flexible tube 32 and the downstream flexible tube 36 may be such that it can absorb vibrations transmitted from other piping, the discharge section 4, etc., and suppress the transmission of the vibrations. For example, even if a deviation occurs between the downstream flexible tube 36 and the fish cage 10 due to vibration of the fish cage 10, the downstream flexible tube 36 can absorb the vibration and suppress the transmission of the vibration. Furthermore, even if a deviation occurs between the upstream flexible tube 32 and other piping due to vibration of the piping section 3, the upstream flexible tube 32 can absorb the vibration and suppress the transmission of the vibration.

[0033] The first enlarged diameter section 371, which is the connection between the small diameter pipe 31 and the medium diameter pipe 33, and the second enlarged diameter section 372, which is the connection between the medium diameter pipe 33 and the large diameter pipe 34, are each formed by a reducer that connects pipes having different inner diameters. The specific shape of this reducer is not particularly limited and may be a bottom flat type or a concentric circular type.

[0034] There is no particular limitation on the operating method of the air current conveyance system 1. For example, by combining the switching states of the three-way valves 351 to 353 of the branching device 35, it is possible to select the cages 10 to be conveyed and convey the bait to each cage 10 in order.

[0035] Next, the arrangement of the piping section 3 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. 1, the installation area of ​​the piping unit 3 includes a first area R1 from the feeding base 2 to the seabed G, a second area R2 on the seabed G, a third area R3 from the seabed G to the sea surface, and a fourth area R4 on the sea surface. Note that the seabed G in this embodiment is assumed to be ground that extends mainly horizontally.

[0036] In the present embodiment, for example, the first expanded diameter portion 371 is provided in the first region R1, and the second expanded diameter portion 372 is provided in the second region R2. As a result, the small-diameter flow path FS is provided in the first region R1, the medium-diameter flow path FM is provided from the first region R1 to the second region R2, and the large-diameter flow path FL is provided from the second region R2 to the fourth region R4. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the branching device 35 is provided in the third region R3, and the downstream flexible tube 36 is provided in the fourth region R4.

[0037] Here, due to the presence of rocks and the like deposited on the seabed, there is a possibility that even in the part of the flow path F installed in the first region R1 or the second region R2, there will be a part that slopes upward as it goes downstream. Therefore, in order to prevent the bait from clogging the piping due to a decrease in flow velocity, it is preferable that the first expansion section 371 and the second expansion section 372 be installed in a part of the flow path F that is arranged along the seabed G or in a part that slopes downward as it goes downstream, avoiding the part that slopes upward as it goes downstream.

[0038] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the air current conveying system 1 of this embodiment is an air current conveying system 1 that air current conveys bait stored in a storage tank 21, and is equipped with a discharge section 4 that discharges the air current conveyed bait into the fish cage 10, a downstream flexible tube 36 connected to the discharge section 4, through which the air current conveyed bait passes, a large diameter pipe 34 connected to the downstream flexible tube 36 and through which the air current conveyed bait passes, the large diameter pipe 34 being arranged upstream of the downstream flexible tube 36 in the bait flow path F, and a medium diameter pipe 33 connected to the large diameter pipe 34 and through which the air current conveyed bait passes, the medium diameter pipe 33 having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter pipe 34 and arranged upstream of the downstream flexible pipe 36 and the large diameter pipe 34 in the flow path F.

[0039] In conventional air current transport systems, when the fish cages sway due to tidal currents or waves, the release section located at the downstream end of the flow path is prone to shaking due to the influence of the swaying of the cages, which can easily cause damage to the piping. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the downstream flexible tube 36 suppresses the transmission of vibration of the discharge portion 4, and suppresses the vibration of the discharge portion 4 from being transmitted to the large diameter pipe 34. This suppresses stress concentration on pipes such as the large diameter pipe 34, and can suppress damage to the pipes.

[0040] Furthermore, when the airflow flows through a relatively long flow path F as in this embodiment, the pressure of the airflow decreases toward the downstream of the flow path F, and the airflow tends to expand. In conventional airflow transport systems, pipes with a fixed inner diameter are used, and the expansion of the airflow as described above causes the flow velocity to increase toward the downstream of the flow path. This increases the impact when the bait comes into contact with the inner wall of the pipe, making the bait more likely to be damaged. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the diameter of the flow path F is expanded between the medium-diameter pipe 33 and the large-diameter pipe 34, so even if the airflow expands as described above, an increase in the flow velocity of the airflow can be suppressed. In particular, in this embodiment, the diameter of the flow path F is expanded between the medium-diameter pipe 33 and the large-diameter pipe 34 on the upstream side of the downstream flexible pipe 36, so the flow velocity of the airflow when passing through the large-diameter pipe 34 and the downstream flexible pipe 36 can be sufficiently suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress impacts when the bait comes into contact with the large-diameter pipe 34 and the downstream flexible pipe 36 during transport. Therefore, the airflow transport system 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to transport bait by airflow while suppressing damage to the bait. Therefore, according to the air current transport system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent vibrations of the release section 4 from being transmitted to the upstream piping, and also to prevent damage to the transported bait. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the expanded diameter position of the flow path F is set so as to avoid the downstream flexible tube 36, which can prevent the downstream flexible tube 36 from becoming complicated to handle.

[0041] The airflow conveying system 1 of this embodiment further includes an upstream flexible tube 32 connected to the medium-diameter pipe 33 and positioned upstream of the medium-diameter pipe 33 in the flow path F, and the upstream flexible tube 32 prevents the vibration of the medium-diameter pipe 33 due to airflow conveyance from being transmitted to the storage tank 21. In this configuration, the upstream flexible tube 32 absorbs vibration of the medium-diameter pipe 33 caused by air current transport, thereby preventing the vibration from being transmitted to the storage tank 21 located upstream of the upstream flexible tube 32. Furthermore, the upstream flexible tube 32 can absorb not only vibration of the medium-diameter pipe 33 caused by air current transport, but also deviations and vibrations of the medium-diameter pipe 33 caused by temperature changes, tidal currents, or waves, thereby preventing the deviations and vibrations from being transmitted to the storage tank 21. This prevents errors from occurring in the measurement of bait in the storage tank 21.

[0042] In this embodiment, the large diameter pipe 34 branches off toward the first and second cages configured as the cage 10, respectively. In such a configuration, the branch point of the flow path F connected to the multiple fish pens 10 is not located in the medium diameter pipe 33, but in the large diameter pipe 34 downstream of the medium diameter pipe 33. This makes it possible to transport bait to the multiple fish pens 10 while suppressing the total amount and cost of the overall piping for forming the flow path F, thereby reducing overall costs.

[0043] The airflow conveying system 1 of this embodiment further includes a small diameter pipe 31 connected to the medium diameter pipe 33 and through which the bait conveyed by the airflow passes, and the inner diameter of the small diameter pipe 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the medium diameter pipe 33 and is positioned upstream of the medium diameter pipe 33 in the flow path F. In this configuration, the diameter of the flow path F is expanded between the small diameter pipe 31 and the medium diameter pipe 33, and between the medium diameter pipe 33 and the large diameter pipe 34. That is, the diameter of the flow path F is expanded in two stages, which can suitably suppress an increase in the flow velocity of the airflow.

[0044] In this embodiment, a portion of the medium-diameter pipe 33 and a portion of the large-diameter pipe 34 are provided in a portion of the flow path F that is inclined so as to approach the seabed ground G as it goes downstream, or in a portion that is arranged along the seabed ground G. Here, in order for the bait transported by the air current to flow through the inclined portion (upward portion) of the flow path F that slopes away from the seabed G as it moves downstream, the air current needs to have a certain flow velocity. For this reason, it is preferable that the expanded diameter position of the flow path F that slows down the air current be located away from the upward portion of the flow path F. In this embodiment, the second expanded diameter section 372, which is the expanded diameter position of the flow path F between the medium diameter pipe 33 and the large diameter pipe 34, can be provided in a portion of the flow path F that is inclined so as to approach the seabed G as it goes downstream, or in a portion that is arranged along the seabed G. This allows the expanded diameter position of the flow path F that slows down the airflow to be suitably arranged, and the airflow transport of bait can be carried out without any problems. In addition, it is possible to suitably ensure space for installing the second expanded diameter section 372, which has a shape that expands in diameter as it goes downstream of the flow path F.

[0045] [Second embodiment] An air transport system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0046] The air current transport system 1 of the second embodiment is configured to transport bait not only to the group of cages described in the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the first group of cages 101) but also to another group of cages (hereinafter referred to as the second group of cages 102). Note that in Fig. 3, illustration of each element corresponding to the second group of cages 102 is omitted.

[0047] The medium diameter pipe 33 branches toward the first group of cages 101 and the second group of cages 102 via a three-way valve 61. Specifically, the medium diameter pipe 33 includes a first medium diameter distribution pipe 331 that connects the first expanded diameter section 371 and the second expanded diameter section 372, and a second medium diameter distribution pipe 332 that branches off from the first medium diameter distribution pipe 331 via a three-way valve 61 provided at an arbitrary position on the first medium diameter distribution pipe 331. The tip ends of the first medium diameter distribution pipe 331 and the second medium diameter distribution pipe 332 are connected to the second expanded diameter section 372 as medium diameter branch tip ends 33A.

[0048] The same configuration as the downstream side of the medium diameter pipe 33 in the first embodiment is provided on the downstream side of each of the first medium diameter distribution pipe 331 and the second medium diameter distribution pipe 332. That is, the large diameter flow path FL (large diameter pipe 34, branching device 35, and downstream flexible pipe 36) corresponding to the first group of cages 101 is provided on the downstream side of the first medium diameter distribution pipe 331, and the large diameter flow path FL (large diameter pipe 34, branching device 35, and downstream flexible pipe 36) corresponding to the second group of cages 102 is provided on the downstream side of the second medium diameter distribution pipe 332. Note that in each of the large diameter pipes 34 corresponding to the first group of cages 101 and the second group of cages 102, a switching valve 62 (a check valve that prevents seawater from the cages 10 from flowing back into the upstream pipe) may be provided immediately before the branching device 35.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the large diameter pipe 34 (at least any of the first to fourth large diameter distribution pipes 341 to 344) corresponding to the first group of cages 101 corresponds to the first large diameter pipe of the present invention, and the large diameter pipe 34 (at least any of the first to fourth large diameter distribution pipes 341 to 344) corresponding to the second group of cages 102 corresponds to the second large diameter pipe of the present invention. That is, in the second embodiment, the medium diameter pipe 33 is configured to branch into the large diameter pipe 34 (first large diameter pipe) corresponding to the first group of cages 101 and the large diameter pipe 34 (second large diameter pipe) corresponding to the second group of cages 102.

[0050] In the second embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the vibration of the bait releaser 4 is prevented from being transmitted to the upstream piping, and the bait can be transported by air current while preventing damage to the bait. Furthermore, by branching the medium-diameter piping 33, the bait can be transported to both the first group of cages 101 and the second group of cages 102. Furthermore, by controlling the switching valve 62, the feed can be circulated through either the first medium-diameter distribution pipe 331 or the second medium-diameter distribution pipe 332, thereby transporting the feed to a selected fish cage 10 from the first fish cage group 101 or the second fish cage group 102.

[0051] [Third embodiment] An air transport system 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0052] The airflow transport system 1B of the third embodiment includes not only the storage tank 21 (hereinafter referred to as the first storage tank 21A) described in the first embodiment, but also another storage tank 21 (hereinafter referred to as the second storage tank 21B). Similar to the first storage tank 21A, the second storage tank 21B is connected to an ejector 23 to which compressed gas is supplied from an airflow generating device (not shown). Therefore, the small diameter piping 31 includes a first small diameter distribution pipe 311 connected to the ejector 23 corresponding to the first storage tank 21A, and a second small diameter distribution pipe 312 connected to the ejector 23 corresponding to the second storage tank 21B and joining the first small diameter distribution pipe 311 via a three-way valve 64.

[0053] A switching valve 63 is connected between the first storage tank 21A and the ejector 23, and between the second storage tank 21B and the ejector 23. An upstream flexible pipe 32 is provided immediately before the three-way valve 64 in each of the first small diameter distribution pipe 311 and the second small diameter distribution pipe 312.

[0054] The air current transport system 1 of the third embodiment is configured to transport bait not only to the group of cages described in the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the first group of cages 101) but also to another group of cages (hereinafter referred to as the second group of cages 102). Note that in Fig. 4, illustration of each element corresponding to the second group of cages 102 is omitted.

[0055] The small diameter pipe 31 branches toward the first group of net cages 101 and the second group of net cages 102 by interposing a three-way valve 65 downstream of the three-way valve 64. Specifically, the small diameter pipe 31 includes not only a first small diameter distribution pipe 311 and a second small diameter distribution pipe 312, but also a third small diameter distribution pipe 313 that branches off from the first small diameter distribution pipe 311 via the three-way valve 65. The tip ends of the first small diameter distribution pipe 311 and the third small diameter distribution pipe 313 are connected to a first expanded diameter section 371 as small diameter branch tip ends 31A. In addition, a midstream flexible pipe 39 is provided between the three-way valve 64 and the three-way valve 65 of the first small diameter distribution pipe 311. This midstream flexible pipe 39 has the same configuration as the upstream flexible pipe 32 and the downstream flexible pipe .

[0056] The same configuration as the downstream side of the small diameter pipe 31 in the first embodiment is provided on the downstream side of each of the first small diameter distribution pipe 311 and the third small diameter distribution pipe 313. That is, the medium diameter flow path FM and the large diameter flow path FL (medium diameter pipe 33, large diameter pipe 34, branching device 35, and downstream flexible pipe 36) corresponding to the first group of cages 101 are provided on the downstream side of the first small diameter distribution pipe 311. The medium diameter flow path FM and the large diameter flow path FL (medium diameter pipe 33, large diameter pipe 34, branching device 35, and downstream flexible pipe 36) corresponding to the second group of cages 102 are provided on the downstream side of the third small diameter distribution pipe 313. In addition, a switching valve 62 (a backflow prevention valve that prevents seawater from the cages 10 from flowing back into the upstream pipes) may be provided immediately before the branching device 35 in each of the large diameter pipes 34 corresponding to the first cage group 101 and the second cage group 102.

[0057] In the third embodiment, any one of the plurality of cages 10 constituting the first group of cages 101 corresponds to the first cage of the present invention, and any one of the plurality of cages 10 constituting the second group of cages 102 corresponds to the third cage of the present invention. That is, in the third embodiment, the small diameter pipe 31 is configured to branch toward the cage 10 corresponding to the first group of cages 101 (first cage) and the cage 10 corresponding to the second group of cages 102 (third cage).

[0058] In the third embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the bait can be transported by air current while preventing damage to the bait. Furthermore, by branching the small diameter pipe 31, the bait can be transported to each of the first group of cages 101 and the second group of cages 102. Furthermore, when different types of bait are stored in the first storage tank 21A and the second storage tank 21B, by controlling the switching valve 63 so that the bait in one of the first storage tank 21A and the second storage tank 21B flows to the downstream pipe, it is possible to supply bait appropriately selected from multiple types of bait to each of the cages 10.

[0059] In addition, in the third embodiment, if a vibration occurs in the first small diameter distribution pipe 311, the midstream flexible pipe 39 absorbs the vibration, thereby preventing the vibration from being transmitted to other elements (such as the downstream medium diameter pipe 33, and the upstream first storage tank 21A and second storage tank 21B). Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the piping section 3 is branched using a three-way valve 65 that is smaller than that in the second embodiment. Therefore, the cost required for branching the piping section 3 can be reduced.

[0060] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an aquaculture system 100A according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 5, the air current transport system 1 may be applied to a fish cage 10 other than a sink-and-float type fish cage, such as an offshore fish cage. The release unit 4 does not constitute an opening submerged in the water inside the fish cage 10, but may be configured as part of a feed tank 7 installed on the sea inside the fish cage 10. The feed tank 7 temporarily stores the feed transported by the piping unit 3 and releases the feed from the release unit 4 into the fish cage 10 at any time. The branching device 35 may be installed on a raft on the sea.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the arrangement of each element of the piping section 3 in the installation areas (first area R1 to fourth area R4) of the piping section 3 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first expanded diameter section 371 may be installed in the second area R2, or the second expanded diameter section 372 may be installed in the first area R1.

[0063] In the above-described embodiments, corrugated tubes or flexible hoses have been used as examples of the upstream flexible tube 32 and the downstream flexible tube 36, but the present invention is not limited to these. That is, each of the upstream flexible tube 32 and the downstream flexible tube 36 may serve as vibration-suppressing piping of the present invention as long as it absorbs vibrations occurring in the connected components and suppresses the transmission of the vibrations to other components.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the first enlarged diameter portion 371, which is the connection portion between the small diameter pipe 31 and the medium diameter pipe 33, and the second enlarged diameter portion 372, which is the connection portion between the medium diameter pipe 33 and the large diameter pipe 34, are each configured by a reducer, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the small diameter pipe 31 and the medium diameter pipe 33, and the medium diameter pipe 33 and the large diameter pipe 34 may each be connected by any configuration.

[0065] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the medium-diameter pipe 33 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter pipe 34 is used is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one end of the large-diameter pipe 34 may be configured to suppress cracking or chipping of the bait, such as by providing an area with an enlarged inner diameter at one end of the large-diameter pipe 34. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1, 1A, 1B...Air current conveying system, 10...Cage, 100, 100A...Aquaculture system, 101...First group of cages, 102...Second group of cages, 2...Feeding base, 21...Storage tank, 21A...First storage tank, 21B...Second storage tank, 22...Air current generating device, 23...Ejector, 24...Supply pipe, 25...Rotary valve, 3...Piping section, 31...Small diameter pipe, 311...First small diameter distribution pipe, 312...Second small diameter distribution pipe, 313...Third small diameter distribution pipe, 31A...Small diameter branch tip, 32...Upstream flexible pipe, 33...Medium diameter pipe, 331...First medium diameter distribution pipe, 332...Second medium diameter distribution pipe Piping, 33A...medium diameter branch tip, 34...large diameter pipe, 341...first large diameter distribution pipe, 342...second large diameter distribution pipe, 343...third large diameter distribution pipe, 344...fourth large diameter distribution pipe, 34A...large diameter branch tip, 35...branching device, 351-353...three-way valve, 36...downstream flexible pipe, 371...first enlarged section, 372...second enlarged section, 38...pressure gauge, 4...discharge section, 5...control device, 61...three-way valve, 62...switching valve, 63...switching valve, 64...three-way valve, 65...three-way valve, 7...feed tank, F...flow path, FL...large diameter flow path, FM...medium diameter flow path, FS...small diameter flow path, G...seabed ground.

Claims

1. An airflow transport system for airflow transporting bait stored in a storage tank, A release unit that releases the bait transported by the air flow into a fish cage; a downstream flexible tube connected to the release section, through which the bait transported by the air current passes; a large-diameter pipe connected to the downstream flexible pipe and through which the bait transported by the airflow passes, the large-diameter pipe being located upstream of the downstream flexible pipe in the bait flow path; a medium-diameter pipe connected to the large-diameter pipe and through which the food transported by the airflow passes; Equipped with the downstream flexible tube suppresses movement of the large diameter pipe due to vibration of the discharge portion, the medium-diameter pipe has an inner diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter pipe, and is disposed upstream of the downstream flexible pipe and the large-diameter pipe in the flow path. An airflow transport system characterized by:

2. an upstream flexible pipe connected to the medium-diameter pipe and disposed upstream of the medium-diameter pipe in the flow path; The upstream flexible pipe suppresses vibration of the medium-diameter pipe from being transmitted to the storage tank.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

3. The large diameter pipe branches out toward a first cage and a second cage, each of which is configured as the cage.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

4. Further provided is a small diameter pipe connected to the medium diameter pipe and through which the bait transported by the air flow passes, The small diameter pipe has an inner diameter smaller than that of the medium diameter pipe, and is disposed upstream of the medium diameter pipe in the flow path.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

5. The small diameter pipe branches out toward a first cage and a third cage, each of which is configured as the cage.

5. The airflow transport system according to claim 4.

6. The medium-diameter pipe branches into a first large-diameter pipe and a second large-diameter pipe, each of which is configured as the large-diameter pipe.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

7. The airflow conveying system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the large diameter piping is provided in at least one of a portion of the flow path through which the bait is airflow conveyed, the portion being arranged so as to follow the seabed, or a portion being arranged at an angle so as to approach the seabed as it goes downstream.

8. The airflow conveying system of claim 1, wherein the medium-diameter pipe is provided in at least one of a portion of the flow path through which the bait is airflow conveyed that is arranged along the seabed or a portion that is inclined so as to approach the seabed as it goes downstream.

9. An airflow transport system for airflow transporting bait stored in a storage tank, A release unit that releases the bait transported by the air flow into a fish cage; a vibration suppression pipe connected to the release section, through which the bait transported by the air current passes; a large-diameter pipe connected to the vibration suppression pipe and transporting the bait transported by the airflow, the large-diameter pipe being arranged upstream of the vibration suppression pipe in the bait flow path; The vibration suppression pipe suppresses movement of the large diameter pipe due to vibration of the discharge portion, An airflow conveying system, wherein the large diameter pipe prevents the bait from cracking or chipping at the end of the large diameter pipe.

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