Apparatus and method for guiding and transporting fish and liquids in an aquarium

Abstract

An apparatus and method is disclosed for guiding and transferring marine life, such as fish, from a fish tank using a suction system connected to a central portion of a horizontally positioned guiding grid that moves upward through the water within the fish tank, where the fish move downward into the suction arrangement and are transferred to another tank.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for guiding and transporting marine organisms, such as fish, in a liquid within an aquarium, preferably the aquarium being circular, such as a marine life breeding tank. [Background technology]

[0002] Given the environmental challenges facing marine seafood farming, closed tank production will become increasingly necessary in the future. To boost production and yield, tanks are becoming larger, and to maximize their utilization, fish must be moved from tank to tank as they grow. Water—the liquid in which marine life lives—is precious, and such large tanks cannot be emptied to transfer the fish to a new location. Therefore, the water must be moved to a new tank along with the fish while maintaining the tank level. Fish movement is an increasingly important aspect of aquaculture operations as facilities grow larger, with the goal of maximizing the capacity of production tanks—that is, maximizing the biomass within them at all times.

[0003] The transfer of fish and other marine organisms can be divided into two stages: first, guiding the fish to the appropriate location within the tank, and then, transferring or transporting the fish to another tank. This is an important task because the act of guiding itself induces a stress response in the fish. This increases oxygen consumption and releases carbon dioxide, which is a major stressor for fish. Fish tend to move downward within the tank, a natural instinct for most fish species. Therefore, it is essential to take this into consideration when designing a system to guide fish out of the tank.

[0004] Description of the Prior Art Various solutions for guiding fish are currently available, whereby the fish are guided into a pipe system and transported further away from the tank. In marine fish pens, drive nets are typically used to collect the fish into bags from which they are sucked up and fed into a fish pump. This type of guidance system causes a great deal of stress to the fish, leading to high mortality rates. In closed tanks, various techniques are used, ranging from water drainage methods to various forms of guidance barriers to force the fish into a smaller area from which they can be pumped out. The best solution is to force the fish to the bottom of the tank and suck them out through holes in the tank wall. Typical examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,491 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,491.

[0005] In Patent Document 2, MMC Tendos AS describes a method for guiding fish in a cylindrical tank, but this method is primarily intended for use on wellboats used to transport fish. Issues regarding particle flow conditions and sedimentation in tanks on such workboats are not particularly relevant to this invention. The solution is based on upward-facing profiles attached to or near the bottom of the tank. A grid designed to roughly match the shape of the tank is lowered toward this upward-facing profile. Once the grid is flush with the upward-facing profile, one of the upward-facing profiles rotates around the center of the tank, pushing the fish into a small sector. The exit from the tank is located in the tank wall of this sector, and the fish are eventually pushed out through a hole in the tank wall and transferred to a new container.

[0006] This solution has several drawbacks, especially in aquariums where fish stay for a while and are fed. The upward profile of the bottom affects the flow in the tank, causing fish waste and food residue to settle around the profile. This is a major drawback in aquariums where a large number of fish must be produced. Furthermore, the holes drilled in the tank wall near the bottom are often buried underground, making them difficult to clean and making it very harmful to the fish when they are removed from the holes, as the water tends to stagnate and hydrogen sulfide is generated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Application No. PCT / NO2021 / 050275 [Patent Document 2] Norwegian Patent No. 324024 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a system (device and method) for collecting fish and guiding them into a piping system for transport to another aquarium. The object of this invention is to do this gently, preferably more gently than known methods and devices. The object is to take into account the natural reaction pattern of fish, which is to move towards the bottom when startled. It is also an object of this invention to have no penetrations in the aquarium wall below the water level.

[0009] The applicant holds various patents and patent applications related to closed aquarium solutions, emphasizing the importance of clean, smooth interior surfaces free of objects that could disrupt flow patterns or cause particle settling. Efficient closed aquarium farming requires clean, cylindrical tanks with good hydraulic properties and free of interior surface features. Similarly, because fish are frequently guided and moved, the fish guidance mechanism must be reliable and easy to use. Furthermore, the solution must be operable while water is circulating within the aquarium. The water flow velocity within an aquarium is typically on the order of 0.5 m / s, which can exert significant forces on the object guiding the fish. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The patented solution comprises a horizontally arranged induction grid in the form of a perforated lid that can move up and down around a central pillar in the aquarium. The grid is usually in an inoperative position at the bottom of the aquarium before marine life is transferred to it. The induction grid is perforated so that water passes through the holes, is sucked under the grid, and flows into the central pillar. This prevents particles from settling below the grid. Dead fish accumulate on the top surface of the grid and are periodically sucked towards the central pillar, through which they are discharged outside the facility.

[0011] When it is necessary to induce fish to move out of the tank, the induction grid moves vertically upward from its inactive position at the bottom of the tank. The suction arrangement is lowered into the tank and positioned centrally directly above the induction grid. The fish are collected in this position and transferred out of the tank (to a new tank) via the suction arrangement. Preferably, the suction arrangement is connected to a siphon that pulls the marine life out of the tank through flexible tubing.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for guiding and transferring live marine organisms from an aquarium, the apparatus comprising at least one suction arrangement for removing liquid and marine organisms, and a horizontally arranged porous guide grid, the suction arrangement being centrally positioned directly above the horizontally arranged porous guide grid, the guide grid being designed to rise vertically from an inoperative position at the bottom of the aquarium and to guide the liquid and marine organisms out of the aquarium through the suction arrangement.

[0013] In one embodiment, the induction grid rises within the aquarium at the same time that a constant flow of water is introduced into and rises through the suction arrangement.

[0014] In one embodiment, the guide grid is movably mounted on vertical guides and moves vertically up and down within the aquarium along the aquarium's central column and aquarium walls.

[0015] In one embodiment, the guide grid includes a central channel and is configured to direct fish toward the channel as the guide grid moves upward.

[0016] In one embodiment, the channels of the induction grid include recesses in at least one section.

[0017] In one embodiment, a suction arrangement is disposed in the recess. In one embodiment, a suction arrangement is disposed in the channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the induction grid is configured as a frame with inner and outer rings having thin, soft, flexible plastic-like strips that contact the aquarium walls and central post.

[0019] In one embodiment, the guide grid is designed so that the center of the guide grid and the suction features are located vertically lower than the outer edges of the guide grid.

[0020] In one embodiment, the induction grid is made of a mesh, grating, or lattice-like material with a plurality of holes sized to fit the size of the marine life in the aquarium, preventing marine life from passing through the holes in the induction grid while allowing liquid to pass freely through the induction grid.

[0021] In one embodiment, the suction arrangement is connected to a siphon that draws the marine organisms out of the tank via flexible tubing.

[0022] In one embodiment, the stress levels and location of marine organisms are monitored and this information is used to control the height of a horizontally positioned induction grid.

[0023] In one embodiment, visual and audio methods such as cameras, hydrophones, and / or radar are used to monitor the stress levels and location of marine life, and the movement of the induction grid is slowed or stopped if the fish are stressed or misplaced in the tank.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for guiding marine life in an aquarium, comprising: moving a horizontally positioned guide grid upward in the water column while a suction arrangement positioned directly above the guide grid sucks water and marine life from the aquarium that moves toward the center of the guide grid.

[0025] In one embodiment, the induction grid moves from a low, inactive position within the aquarium to an upper position within the aquarium, directing the marine life to a central position directly above the induction grid.

[0026] In one embodiment, a channel is provided at the innermost end of the guide grid, and during fish driving, the guide grid is moved upward to direct the fish into the channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the channel is provided with at least one recess into which the fish are guided during guidance, and the suction arrangement is located in the recess.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a marine life aquarium with the guide grid in a non-operating position. When fish need to be guided out of the aquarium, the guide grid is moved upward to guide the fish towards the channels of the guide grid and the suction arrangement. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the same tank as in FIG. 1 with an induction grid placed on top. [Figure 3]FIG. 3A shows a water bath with one suction arrangement, and FIG. 3B shows a water bath with two suction arrangements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The basic principle of the present invention is that the opening for transferring marine organisms from the aquaculture tank 12 moves along with the movement of the induction grid 16, i.e., the opening is located directly above the induction grid and in the center (outside the central pillar 18). The suction arrangement 14 is located near this opening.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the device for guiding and transferring fish (an example of marine life) includes a cooperating guide grid 16 and a suction arrangement 16. In Figure 1, the guide grid 16 is shown in a low, non-operational position, and when the fish need to be guided for transfer to a new tank, the guide grid moves upward simultaneously with the suction arrangement 14. Thus, the suction arrangement 14 comprises a flexible pipeline, such as a hose.

[0032] The guide grid 16 is permeable to liquid, meaning that the water in which the fish resides flows freely through the guide grid 16. The openings in the guide grid are small enough that marine life cannot move from one side of the grid to the other.

[0033] The guide grid is fixed to the outer surface of the tank wall 12a and the central post 18 via guide elements provided on each of the tank wall 12a and the central post 18. These guides (guide elements) are not shown in detail, but may be in the form of slots through which pins on the grid move vertically up and down.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the guide grid 16 is vertically higher than the center, sloping toward the center of the tank. This configuration encourages fish to move toward the center during drive-in. The guide grid preferably includes an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring being higher than the inner ring. As the grid is raised in the aquarium 12, the fish perceive it as a threat and move toward the grid, where they are guided toward the center and sucked into the suction portion of the flexible pipe, where they are lifted out of the aquarium 12 and carried out of the aquarium 12. This design also draws the last remaining fish toward the center and into the channel 16a when the guide grid 16 is fully raised.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a suction arrangement is connected to the siphon so as to utilize the siphon principle to guide the fish from the aquarium 12. Alternatively, or in combination, a pump can be used to suck the fish out of the aquarium.

[0036] Preferably, the induction grid has a circular channel 16a near its center. During induction, the fish head towards the channel 16a and begin to explore within the channel 16a. Preferably, the channel 16a has one or more recesses 16b, and the suction arrangement is preferably located in one or more of these recesses 16b.

[0037] This solution makes it possible to gently guide the fish out of the aquarium 12 and into a new aquarium by raising the induction grid 16 in the aquarium 12. This induces the fish to gather directly above the induction grid 16 and in the centre of the aquarium. The fish are then guided through a channel 16a, preferably a recess 16b, into a suction arrangement 14 which draws the fish out of the aquarium 12. As this solution is very gentle on the fish, it is particularly suitable for aquaria where the fish will only stay for a short time, such as a tank for slaughtering.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus (10) for capturing and transferring live marine organisms from an aquarium (12), the apparatus comprising: at least one suction arrangement (14) for removing liquid and marine organisms; and a horizontally disposed porous guide grid (16), the suction arrangement (14) being centrally positioned directly above the horizontally disposed porous guide grid (16), the guide grid (16) being designed to rise vertically upward from a non-operational position at the bottom of the aquarium (12) to guide liquid and marine organisms out of the aquarium (12) through the suction arrangement (14).

2. 2. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the induction grid (16) rises within the water tank (12) simultaneously with a constant flow of water being introduced into and rising through the suction arrangement (14).

3. 2. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the guide grid (16) is movably mounted on a vertical guide and moves vertically up and down within the water tank (12) along a central post (18) and a water tank wall (12a).

4. 2. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the induction grid (16) comprises a central channel (16a) and is configured to direct fish toward the channel (16a) as the induction grid (16) moves upward.

5. The apparatus (10) of claim 4, wherein the central channel (16a) of the induction grid (16) comprises at least one recess (16b).

6. The device (10) of claim 5, wherein the suction arrangement (14) is disposed in the recess (16b).

7. The device (10) of claim 5, wherein the suction arrangement (14) is disposed in the channel (16a).

8. 4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein the induction grid (14) is configured as a frame including inner and outer rings having thin, soft, flexible plastic-like pieces that contact the aquarium wall (12a) and the central pillar (18).

9. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the induction grid (14) is designed so that the center of the induction grid (14) and the suction arrangement (14) are positioned vertically lower than the outer edge of the induction grid (16).

10. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the induction grid has a grid structure made of a mesh-like, grating-like, or lattice-like material having a plurality of holes adjusted to fit the size of marine life in the aquarium (12), thereby preventing marine life from passing through the holes in the induction grid (16) while allowing liquid to pass freely through the induction grid (16).

11. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the suction arrangement (14) is connected to a pump that draws marine organisms from the aquarium (12) through flexible tubing (14a).

12. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus monitors the stress level and location of marine organisms and uses the information to control the height of the horizontally disposed induction grid (16).

13. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the stress level and location of marine life is monitored using visual and audio methods such as cameras, hydrophones, and / or radar.

14. A method for guiding marine life in an aquarium (12), comprising: moving a horizontally disposed induction grid (16) upward in the water column while drawing water and marine life moving toward the center of the induction grid (16) from the aquarium (12) by a suction arrangement (14) located directly above the induction grid (14).

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the induction grid (14) moves from a low, non-operating position in the aquarium (12) to an upper position in the aquarium (12) to induce marine life to a central position directly above the induction grid (16).

16. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a channel is provided at the innermost end of the induction grid (16), and during induction, the induction grid moves upward to guide the fish towards the channel (16a).

17. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the channel (16a) is provided with at least one recess (16b), to which the fish are directed during induction, and the suction arrangement (14) is located in the recess.

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