Fish Farming Enclosure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fish farming enclosure (2). The enclosure (2) defines an internal volume (4) and includes a bottom (8), a sidewall structure (10), a water supply device (12) disposed in the sidewall structure (10) for introducing water into the internal volume (4), and a water discharge device (14) disposed centrally in the sidewall structure (10) for discharging water from the internal volume (4). The water discharge device (14) includes an elongated conduit member (26). A sludge collection member (36) extends beyond the elongated conduit member (26) in a radial direction (R). The sludge collection member (36) includes a through opening (38) such that a water passage is formed through the sludge collection member (36). The water passage forms part of the water discharge device (14).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fish farming enclosure. [Background technology]

[0002] In fish farming, good water quality is one of the important issues. In particular, water exchange and sludge removal in fish farming enclosures are factors that affect the water quality in fish farming enclosures.

[0003] WO 2020 / 126988 discloses a fish farming tank for cultivating live fish. The tank includes an active flow control system for generating a circulating water flow within the tank. The active flow control system includes a first water supply device for injecting water into the internal volume and a first water discharge device for discharging water from the internal volume. The first water supply device is configured to inject water over more than half of the maximum water depth, which corresponds to the maximum fill level from the internal surface of the bottom. The water discharge area of ​​the water discharge device extends vertically over a range exceeding 50%, 65%, or 80% of the maximum water depth. Thus, the water supply device and the water discharge device work together to generate a water flow throughout the entire tank. This eliminates areas of stagnant water within the tank.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 396966 discloses a so-called molt (dead fish) trap assembly with an upper ramp and a lower ramp. The molt trap assembly relies on a slide to ensure that dead fish are transported into the molt trap by gravity. A storage chamber is located below the upper ramp and in communication with the lower ramp. A malt removal pipe is fluidly connected to the storage chamber. The molt trap is located at the lower end of an enclosure. The enclosure takes the form of a net assembly. In such enclosures, sludge and debris smaller than the mesh size falls through the bottom of the net assembly. Thus, the molt trap assembly is designed to address only the removal of dead fish. Sludge removal is neither required nor anticipated in this molt trap.

[0005] In fish farming tanks of the type disclosed in WO 2020 / 126988, the conditions for ensuring good water quality in the fish farming tank are realized. However, it has been found that, despite the creation of a circulating flow in the fish farming tank, not all sludge is transported by the water flow out of the tank via the water discharge device. Therefore, there is room for further improvement of the water quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 126988 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 396966 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It would be advantageous to provide a fish farming enclosure that eliminates or at least mitigates sludge-related water quality problems. In particular, it would be desirable to be able to remove sludge from a fish farming enclosure that has a centrally located water discharge device. To better address one or more of these concerns, a fish farming enclosure is provided having the features defined in the independent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a fish farming enclosure for cultivating live fish. The fish farming enclosure defines an interior volume for holding water up to a maximum fill level and comprises a bottom, a side wall structure, a water supply device arranged in the side wall structure for introducing water into the interior volume, and a water discharge device arranged in the center of the side wall structure for draining water from the interior volume. The water supply device is configured to introduce water into the interior volume over substantially the entire distance between the maximum fill level and the level of the bottom in the area of ​​the water supply device. The water discharge device comprises an elongated conduit member extending longitudinally from a first end portion of the elongated conduit member to a second end portion of the elongated conduit member, the first end portion being arranged in the area of ​​the maximum fill level and the second end portion being arranged at the level of a central area of ​​the bottom. The fish farming enclosure also comprises a sludge collection member arranged in the second end portion of the elongated conduit member. The sludge collection member extends radially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and beyond the radial direction of the elongated conduit member, the sludge collection member having a through opening such that a water passage is formed through the sludge collection member, the water passage forming part of the water discharge device.

[0009] The elongated conduit member may either extend through the through opening in the sludge collection member or may be connected to the sludge collection member such that a sealed passage is formed from the elongated conduit member to the channels in the sludge collection member, so that any water flowing through the water discharge device passes through the channels in the sludge collection member and below the bottom of the enclosure without interfering with the sludge collected radially in the sludge collection member.

[0010] The water supply device is disposed in the side wall structure, and the water discharge device is disposed in the center of the side wall structure, thereby generating a water flow toward the center of the enclosure. The fish farming enclosure further comprises a sludge collection member disposed in the second end portion of the elongated conduit member, the sludge collection member extending radially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and extending beyond the radial direction of the elongated conduit member, the sludge collection member having a through opening such that a water channel is formed through the sludge collection member, the water channel forming part of the water discharge device, whereby sludge and other substances from the internal volume of the fish farming enclosure move toward the center of the enclosure and are collected in the sludge collection member. Furthermore, as water flows through the sludge collection member in the sealed passage, the sludge and other substances are collected in the collection member and are prevented from mixing with the water in the internal volume. Therefore, the fish farming enclosure is configured to achieve good water quality therein, and therefore good water quality conditions for aquaculture.

[0011] The fish farming enclosure may be a pen or cage floating in open water. At least a portion of the enclosure may be made from canvas or other sheet-like material that is water permeable or has at least limited water permeability. Furthermore, the fish farming enclosure may be made from a rigid / hard material, such as steel, plastic, concrete, or fiberglass, or a combination of a rigid material and a bendable material, such as canvas.

[0012] Alternatively, the fish farming enclosure may consist of a tank with a solid bottom and solid side walls, which may be located on land, indoors, or outdoors.

[0013] For example, bottoms made from canvas and / or other sheet-like materials may be used to prevent sludge, debris, dead fish, and / or similar material that settles to the bottom of the fish enclosure from spreading into the surrounding open water. In land-based fish enclosures, sludge, debris, dead fish, and / or similar material will ultimately remain on the solid bottom of the enclosure.

[0014] As used herein, a fish farming enclosure may alternatively be referred to simply as an enclosure.

[0015] In this specification, positions and directions such as above, below, upward, downward, horizontal, and vertical relate to the fish farming enclosure and its associated features when placed for actual use and filled with water to approximately the maximum fill level.

[0016] As used herein, a longitudinal direction of the elongated conduit member is defined. When the fish farming enclosure is in use, this longitudinal direction extends substantially vertically. A radial direction referred to herein extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thus, the radial direction may extend substantially horizontally.

[0017] The interior volume of the enclosure forms a compartmented space in which the fish are cultivated. The bottom and side wall constructions form the interior volume. The side wall constructions may extend above the maximum fill level.

[0018] The side wall construction may extend substantially vertically and consist of one wall element, thereby forming, for example, a circular or elliptical enclosure. Alternatively, the side wall construction may consist of two or more interconnected wall elements, thereby forming a polyhedral enclosure, for example, a substantially square, hexagonal or octagonal enclosure. The bottom is connected to the side wall construction.

[0019] The water supply arrangement may comprise one or more water supply members, for example pipes, extending substantially vertically and positioned within the interior volume adjacent the sidewall formation.

[0020] The water supply device may have one or more water supply openings arranged along a vertical direction. For example, the one or more water supply openings may be arranged along one or more water supply members. Thus, the water supply device may be configured to introduce water into the interior volume through the one or more water supply openings over the entire distance between the maximum fill level and the bottom level.

[0021] The water supply device is configured to introduce water into the internal volume over substantially the entire distance between the maximum fill level and the level of the bottom in the area of ​​the water supply device, which may be defined as being configured to introduce water into the internal volume over substantially the entire distance from the maximum fill level to the connection between the wall structure and the bottom of the fish farming enclosure.

[0022] By centrally locating the water discharge apparatus in the side wall formation, we mean that the elongate conduit member is located at the midpoint of the longest diameter or diagonal of the horizontal cross section of the enclosure, and therefore the water discharge apparatus, and particularly the elongate conduit member, is located in the centre of the interior volume.

[0023] The longitudinal direction of the elongate conduit member may extend substantially vertically.

[0024] The first end portion of the elongated conduit member being positioned within the region of the maximum fill level may mean that the first end portion is positioned at a position within a range of 0 to 10% of the distance between the maximum fill level and the level of the central region of the bottom relative to the maximum fill level.

[0025] One or more water discharge openings of the water discharge device are disposed along the length of the elongate conduit member.

[0026] The water supply and discharge devices form an active flow control system for generating a circulating water flow within the enclosure.

[0027] The active flow control system is configured to provide circulating water flow within the enclosure, which circulating flow ensures good and uniform water quality within the interior volume during use of the aquaculture enclosure. As used herein, uniform water quality within the interior volume means that the water quality within the interior volume does not vary significantly between different parts of the interior volume.

[0028] During use of the enclosure, circulating water flows in a spiral pattern from the water supply located in the side wall formations to the centrally located discharge.

[0029] Furthermore, the circulating water flow may take the form of a vertically stratified water flow within the interior volume, i.e., the water flows from the water supply to the water discharge within each predominantly horizontal region, with the horizontal water exchange thus occurring significantly exceeding the vertical water exchange within the enclosure.

[0030] Stagnant water areas are effectively avoided by this laminar circulating water flow in the vertical direction of the tank, which is created by configuring the water supply device to introduce water substantially throughout the depth of the enclosure extending from the bottom interior surface to the maximum fill level.

[0031] The water supply device is configured to introduce water into the internal volume over substantially the entire distance between the maximum fill level and the bottom level in the area of ​​the water supply device, thereby achieving a substantially uniform flow between layers in the water depth direction.

[0032] The one or more water movement devices may form part of the water supply apparatus. The one or more water movement devices can contribute to the introduction of water into the enclosure. The one or more water movement devices can be any type of device capable of drawing water into the water supply apparatus and injecting it into the water in the interior volume of the enclosure through one or more water supply openings.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, one or more water movement devices may form part of the water discharging apparatus. These one or more water movement devices may contribute to the outflow of water from the enclosure. The one or more water movement devices may be any type of device capable of drawing water from the interior volume through one or more water discharging openings into the water discharging apparatus and transporting the water out of the interior volume through the elongated conduit member.

[0034] Examples of water moving devices are pumps, impellers, air lift pumps, injectors, and the like.

[0035] Dissolved feed particles, waste, etc. may constitute components of the sludge that forms within the enclosure. Debris may also constitute part of the sludge. The term debris may refer to larger, identifiable, separate particles, such as large pieces of fish food. Furthermore, dead fish is also material that should not remain in the interior volume of the enclosure for any longer than necessary.

[0036] The sludge collecting member may be devised so as to collect not only sludge but also other larger matter such as debris and dead fish.

[0037] The sludge collection member may be disposed in open communication with the interior volume of the enclosure and may have any shape forming one or more receptacles, bowls, plates, or similarly shaped structures suitable for receiving sludge and other materials from the interior volume.

[0038] The sludge collection member extending in radial length beyond the elongated conduit member means that the sludge collection member is designed to receive sludge and other matter from the internal volume while simultaneously forming a through opening that allows a water passage through the sludge collection member.

[0039] The water passage may be a passageway that is in direct contact with water being directed out of the enclosure, or alternatively, the water passageway may extend through a portion of the elongated or other conduit member, thereby forming a passageway that is not in direct contact with water being directed out of the enclosure.

[0040] The sludge collection member may have a substantially circular periphery when viewed along the length of the elongate conduit member, and therefore may have a larger diameter than the elongate conduit member.

[0041] The body of the sludge collecting member may be made of a water-impermeable material, such as a plastic material or a fiber-reinforced plastic material, so that sludge and other substances can be reliably collected within the sludge collecting member, in which only through-openings forming water channels allow the direct or indirect passage of water through the sludge collecting member.

[0042] For example, a portion of the body of the sludge collecting member may be formed as at least one trough in which sludge and other materials are collected. The sludge and other materials may settle in the trough for a limited period of time. The sludge may be transferred from the trough continuously or intermittently.

[0043] As used herein, a "trough" refers to a circular collector disposed around a through-opening, the walls of which are sloped or vertical to a floor, which may be flat or radially curved. The trough may have an opening toward the enclosure so that sludge and other materials fall into the trough. This opening may be the full distance between the walls on opposite sides of the floor. The sloped walls and curved floor may give the trough a V- or U-shaped axial cross-section on either side of the through-opening. If the walls are sloped and the floor is curved, the trough may have a donut shape. The trough may have vertical walls and a flat floor.

[0044] The floor of the collector may be sloped around the through-hole toward a discharge outlet, where sludge can be removed from the collector. In this way, all sludge collected on the floor slides in a circular motion around the through-hole and eventually reaches the lowest point of the collector, where a discharge outlet may be provided. The floor may be sloped from two or more sides toward a low point with a discharge outlet for sludge removal. The collector may be divided into two or more sections on different sides of the through-hole, possibly separated by a partition wall. The floor of each section slopes toward a discharge outlet for sludge removal.

[0045] The inventors have realized that by ensuring that the circulating water flow reaches the bottom of the enclosure, the circulating water flow generated by the active flow control carries sludge and other material that has settled at the bottom of the enclosure towards the center of the enclosure.

[0046] Thus, even in the case of enclosures with a bottom that has limited downward deviation from the horizontal, transport of sludge and other materials towards the centre of the enclosure is ensured.

[0047] Thus, a sludge collection member centrally positioned within the enclosure at the second end portion of the elongated conduit member collects sludge and other material from at least a major portion of the surface of the bottom of the enclosure, even in the case of an enclosure having a bottom configured with limited deviation from a horizontal plane.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the bottom of the enclosure may extend downwardly at an angle in the range of 0 to 30 degrees relative to the horizontal, for example at an angle in the range of 0 to 20 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the bottom of the enclosure may extend downward at an angle of up to 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the elongated conduit member may be configured to allow water to flow out of the interior volume over substantially the entire distance between the first end portion and the level of the central region of the bottom. In this way, in combination with a water supply device configured to introduce water into the interior volume over substantially the entire distance between the maximum fill level and the level of the bottom in the region of the water supply device, it may be ensured that the circulating water flow takes the form of a vertically stratified water flow within the interior volume, thereby ensuring the elimination of stagnant water areas within the interior volume.

[0051] Furthermore, in this way, it can be ensured that the circulating water flow reaches the bottom of the enclosure, thereby transporting sludge and other materials towards the central region of the bottom and the sludge collecting member.

[0052] The elongated conduit may be configured with a plurality of holes in the conduit to allow water to flow out of the interior volume over substantially the entire distance between the first end portion and the level above the sludge collecting member. This ensures circulating water flow within the enclosure from the water supply through the holes in the elongated conduit. At the level above the sludge collecting member, the conduit may be free of holes, preventing sludge and other materials transported toward the central bottom region from entering the runoff water. The distance from the sludge collecting member to the level containing the holes for runoff water must be long enough to prevent sludge from entering the holes and entering the conduit by being agitated and overflowing the openings in the sludge collecting member and / or by impacting the sides of the conduit and becoming swirled up.

[0053] According to embodiments, the bottom may be impermeable to sludge, so that sludge and other materials may be transported along the bottom of the enclosure toward a central region of the bottom and the sludge collecting member.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the sludge collecting member may include at least one trough-shaped portion for accommodating sludge therein, and the at least one trough-shaped portion may be located below the level of the central region of the bottom. In this way, sludge and other substances transported by the water flow toward the central region of the bottom will settle downward into the at least one trough-shaped portion. Once the sludge reaches the at least one trough-shaped portion, it is removed from the water flowing in the internal volume. Therefore, good water quality can be ensured in the internal volume.

[0055] In other words, the circulating flow in the internal volume does not have to reach into at least one trough-shaped portion located below the level of the central region of the bottom, so that the sludge can settle in this at least one trough-shaped portion.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the sludge collecting member may comprise at least one sludge outlet, so that the sludge collecting member can remove sludge through the at least one sludge outlet.

[0057] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0058] Various aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention, including certain features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and example embodiments set forth in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fish farming enclosure according to an embodiment. [Figure 1b] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fish farming enclosure according to an embodiment. [Figure 2a] 2 is a schematic diagram of a sludge collection member according to an embodiment. [Figure 2b] 2 is a schematic diagram of a sludge collection member according to an embodiment. [Figure 2c] 2 is a schematic diagram of a sludge collection member according to an embodiment. [Figure 3a] 1A and 1B disclose an embodiment of a water release device. [Figure 3b] 1A and 1B disclose an embodiment of a water release device. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fish farming enclosure according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a water release device. [Figure 5b] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a water release device. [Figure 5c] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a water release device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] Aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail for the sake of simplicity and / or clarity.

[0061] Figures 1a and 1b show schematic diagrams of a fish farming enclosure 2 according to an embodiment, with Figure 1a showing a perspective view of the enclosure 2 with a side wall portion partially removed and Figure 1b showing a cross-sectional view of the enclosure 2 with a side wall portion partially removed.

[0062] The fish farming enclosure 2 is configured for cultivating live fish therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the fish farming enclosure 2 is embodied in the form of a tank used for land-based aquaculture. In alternative embodiments, the fish farming enclosure may be embodied in the form of a pen or cage floating in open water, for example including sections made from canvas or other sheet-like material.

[0063] The enclosure 2 defines an interior volume 4 for holding water up to a maximum fill level 6. The enclosure 2 includes a bottom 8 and a sidewall formation 10. The interior volume 4 is at least partially defined by the bottom 8 and the sidewall formation 10.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall construction 10 comprises four wall elements arranged to define an interior volume 4 having a square or rectangular horizontal cross-section between the wall elements and the base 8. In alternative embodiments, the interior volume may have a different horizontal cross-section, for example circular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.

[0065] The maximum fill level 6 may, for example, be the overflow level of the enclosure 2. The overflow level may be set by a specially installed overflow outlet, which may, for example, be provided in the sidewall formation 10. Alternatively, the overflow level may simply be set, for example, as the level at which water begins to flow over the upper edge of the sidewall formation 10. Still alternatively, the maximum fill level 6 may correspond to a particular level mark that indicates the intended maximum fill level.

[0066] The fish farming enclosure 2 comprises a water supply device 12 for introducing water into the internal volume 4 and a water discharge device 14 for discharging water from the internal volume 4. The water supply device 12 is arranged in the side wall construction 10. The water discharge device 14 is arranged in the centre of the side wall construction 10, i.e. substantially in the centre of the internal volume 4 and the bottom 8.

[0067] The water supply device 12 and the water discharge device 14 form part of an active flow control system for generating a circulating water flow within the interior volume 4 .

[0068] The water supply device 12 comprises a plurality of individual water supply members 16 evenly distributed around the periphery of the interior volume 4. Each water supply member 16 has a vertical orientation and is positioned adjacent to the side wall construction 10, for example adjacent to a wall element of the side wall construction 10.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the water supply apparatus 12 includes three water supply members 16. In alternative embodiments, the water supply apparatus 12 may include any number of water supply members, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more, depending, for example, on the size and shape of the interior volume 4 and the desired flow rate within the interior volume 4.

[0070] In Figure 1a, for clarity, the two water supply members 16 are shown in horizontal cross section, while in Figure 1b, the two water supply members 16 are shown without upper end closures such as end walls or lids.

[0071] Each water inlet member 16 may comprise a tube having a water inlet opening 18. The tube itself defines an inlet passage 20. Thus, during use of the enclosure 2, water flows through the inlet passage 20 and into the interior volume 4 via the water inlet opening 18.

[0072] The water supply device 12 is configured to introduce water into the interior volume 4 over substantially the entire distance between the maximum fill level 6 and the level 22 of the bottom 8, in the region of the water supply device 12 where the sidewall construction is connected to the bottom. This water introduction may be achieved by a single vertically elongated water supply opening, or by multiple water supply openings 18 arranged vertically, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0073] For example, a single long opening may be provided by the water supply device 12 comprising an elongated slit, ie, a long, narrow opening defined by two straight, parallel edges.

[0074] The expression "substantially the entire distance between the maximum filling level 6 and the level 22 of the bottom 8 in the area of ​​the water supply device 12" can mean in this context at least 90% of the distance between the maximum filling level 6 and the level 22 of the bottom 8 in the area of ​​the water supply device 12.

[0075] It should be noted that the position of the level 22 of the bottom 8 in this region of the water supply device 12 will be either higher than the level 24 of the bottom 8 in the central region of the bottom 8, or at the same level as the level 24 of the bottom 8 in the central region of the bottom 8, depending on whether the bottom 8 slopes downward from the periphery towards the center.

[0076] According to the illustrated embodiment, the water supply device 12 includes a water supply opening 18. The water supply opening 18 may be configured to introduce water into the interior volume 4 in a direction that includes horizontal and tangential components relative to the sidewall construction 10. In this manner, an active flow control circulating water flow within the interior volume may be induced.

[0077] More specifically, the water supply member 16 of the water supply device 12 may include a water supply opening 18 configured to introduce water into the interior volume 4 in a direction that includes horizontal and tangential components relative to the side wall structure 10.

[0078] The resulting horizontal and tangential water flows are indicated by dashed arrows 25 in Figure 1a.

[0079] As an example only, a direction including horizontal and tangential components relative to the side wall constituent 10 may be a direction extending ±10 degrees from the horizontal and ±30 degrees from the tangent to the side wall constituent in the area adjacent to the water supply device 12.

[0080] The water discharge device 14 comprises an elongated conduit member 26 extending in a longitudinal direction L from a first end portion 28 of the elongated conduit member 26 to a second end portion 30 thereof. The first end portion 28 is located in the region of the maximum fill level 6, and the second end portion 30 is located at the level 24 of the central region of the bottom 8.

[0081] The elongated conduit member 26 is configured to direct water out of the interior volume 4 along substantially the entire distance between the first end portion 28 and the level 24 of the central region of the bottom 8, or between the first end portion 28 and the upper level of the sludge collection member.

[0082] The expression "substantially the entire distance between the first end portion 28 and the level 24 of the central region of the bottom 8" may, in the present context, mean over at least 90% of the distance between the first end portion 28 and the level 24 of the central region of the bottom 8.

[0083] To this end, the elongated conduit member 26 comprises a plurality of water outlet openings 32 arranged along the longitudinal direction L. These water outlet openings 32 are configured to receive water exiting the interior volume 4, thereby allowing the water exiting the interior volume 4 to enter the elongated conduit member 26 and therefrom to exit the interior volume 4 downwardly below the bottom 8. The elongated conduit member 26 thus forms an outlet passage 34 for water from the interior volume 4.

[0084] The discharge openings 32 are positioned around the circumference of the elongated conduit member 26 so that water can be received from two or more horizontal directions. The plurality of discharge openings 32 are positioned around substantially the entire circumference of the elongated conduit member 26.

[0085] In alternative embodiments, the elongate conduit member may be provided with one or more elongate discharge openings, for example one or more slits, extending along substantially the entire distance of the elongate conduit member.

[0086] In an alternative form not shown, the elongated conduit member 26 is provided with openings 32 along substantially the entire distance between the first end portion 28 and a level above the central region of the bottom 8 to prevent any sludge, debris, or other material that has collected at the bottom of the enclosure from being able to pass through these openings into the conduit member. In this alternative embodiment, the lower portion of the elongated conduit member 26, extending from the connection to the sludge collection member to this level, is apertureless but has a water passage for allowing water to flow into the through openings 38 in the sludge collection member and out of the enclosure.

[0087] In Figures 1a and 1b, for clarity, elongate conduit member 26 is shown without an upper end closure, such as an end wall or lid.

[0088] The enclosure 2 includes a sludge collection member 36 disposed in the second end portion 30 of the elongated conduit member 26 .

[0089] 2a-4, the sludge collection member 36 will be discussed in further detail.

[0090] Figures 2a to 2c schematically illustrate a sludge collecting member 36 according to an embodiment. Figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of the sludge collecting member 36 and the elongated conduit member 26. Figure 2b illustrates a perspective view of the sludge collecting member 36. Figure 2c illustrates a cross section of the sludge collecting member 36.

[0091] The sludge collecting member 36 may be the sludge collecting member 36 as discussed above with reference to Figures 1a and 1b, and therefore, further reference will be made hereinafter to Figures 1a and 1b.

[0092] In the fish farming enclosure 2, the sludge collecting member 36 is disposed at the second end portion 30 of the elongated conduit member 26.

[0093] The sludge collection member 36 extends along a radial direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In this radial direction R, the sludge collection member 36 extends beyond the extent of the elongated conduit member 26. In other words, the sludge collection member 36 has a larger diameter than the elongated conduit member 26.

[0094] The sludge collecting member 36 is provided with a through opening 38 such that a water passage is formed through the sludge collecting member 36. The water passage formed by the through opening 38 forms part of the water discharge device 14 (see further Figures 1a and 1b) and is connected to the elongated conduit member 26 to form an enclosed water passage.

[0095] The sludge collection member 36 comprises a body 40. The body 40 may be a single element. Alternatively, the body 40 may be an assembly of two or more elements.

[0096] By way of example only, the body 40 may be made from a fiber reinforced plastic material.

[0097] The size of the sludge collecting member and its body 40 may be determined according to the size of the fish farming enclosure 2. By way of example only, the radial length R, i.e., diameter, of the sludge collecting member 36 and its body 40 may be in the range of 1.5 to 4 m.

[0098] The sludge collecting member 36 includes at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42' for containing sludge therein. For example, the body 40 may define at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42'. The trough-shaped portion, as in the illustrated embodiment, has an outer sloping wall and an inner vertical wall connected by a floor. A sludge-containing compartment or trough is formed between the walls and the floor. The trough is in open communication with the enclosure 2 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0099] At least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42' is arranged below level 24 in a central region of the enclosure bottom 8, see further Fig. 1b. Thus, sludge and other materials will fall from level 24 of the bottom 8 into the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42'. Furthermore, in this at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42', the flow in the internal volume 4 cannot prevent the sludge and other materials from settling.

[0100] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42′ may be circumferentially disposed relative to the longitudinal direction L of the elongated conduit member 26. In this manner, the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42′ may be configured to contain sludge and other material along the entire circumference of the elongated conduit member 26.

[0101] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the sludge collection member 36 may include at least two trough-shaped portions 42, 42' for containing sludge therein. In this manner, two separate compartments may be provided for containing sludge and other materials. The sludge in each trough-shaped portion 42, 42' may more easily settle toward the bottom of each trough-shaped portion 42, 42', and therefore more easily removed therefrom, than if the sludge collection member 36 included only one trough-shaped portion 42, 42'.

[0102] For example, at least one partition wall portion 43 may be disposed between the at least two trough-shaped portions 42, 42′, such that the at least one partition wall portion 43 provides separate sludge-receiving compartments within the sludge collecting member 36.

[0103] For example, the at least one partition wall portion 43 may be positioned at a distance from the second end portion 30 of the elongated conduit member 26 when viewed along the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, the at least one partition wall portion 43 may be positioned at a distance from the lowermost water discharge opening 32 of the elongated conduit member 26. This allows the circulating flow within the internal volume 4 to remain stable up to a position adjacent to the elongated conduit member 26, thereby ensuring that sludge and other materials are drawn into the at least two trough-shaped portions 42, 42′ by the circulating flow.

[0104] According to the illustrated embodiment, the sludge collector has two trough-shaped sections / compartments for receiving sludge. Both sections / compartments have a circular floor that slopes around the through opening 38 toward a tip end, and at least one sludge outlet 44 is provided at the tip end. That is, the floor of each section / compartment for receiving sludge has two sections, one sloping clockwise and the other sloping counterclockwise, which ultimately meet. As a result, all sludge that enters the section / compartment slides along the floor and is collected at the tip end. Furthermore, the above-mentioned partition wall 43 may be part of the floor. In this way, sludge can be removed from the sludge collecting member 36 via at least one sludge outlet 44, 44'. Further explanation will now be made with reference to FIG. 4.

[0105] Referring to Figure 2b, the sludge collecting member 36 may be provided with a separate discharge outlet 56 for dead fish and optionally also with a separate discharge outlet 59 for live fish.

[0106] Figures 3a and 3b show an alternative embodiment of a water discharge device 14 that may be provided in the embodiments of the fish farming enclosure 2 discussed herein. Accordingly, further reference is made hereinafter to Figures 1a to 2c.

[0107] The water discharge apparatus 14 shown in Figure 3a may be used in the embodiments of the fish farming enclosure 2 discussed above with reference to Figures 1a and 1b. More specifically, in enclosures 2 intended for land use, where runoff from the water discharge apparatus 14 needs to be directed from the enclosure 2 to, for example, a particular destination or receiving point, the water discharge apparatus 14 comprises a further conduit section 46 arranged downstream of the elongated conduit member 26.

[0108] However, the water discharge device 14 shown in Figure 3a can also be used in enclosures 2 intended for marine use, i.e. to direct runoff water from enclosures 2 used in open water to a specific destination.

[0109] This further conduit section 46 may be directly connected to the elongated conduit member 26. In such an embodiment, the sludge collection member 36 is not in direct contact with the water being directed out of the enclosure 2 within the channel formed by the through openings 38 in the sludge collection member 36.

[0110] Alternatively, this further conduit portion 46 may be connected to the through opening 38 of the sludge collecting member 36, i.e. to the water channel formed by the through opening 38. In such an embodiment, the sludge collecting member 36 is in direct contact with the water that is directed out of the enclosure 2 in the water channel formed by the through opening 38 of the sludge collecting member 36.

[0111] The water discharge device 14 shown in Figure 3b may be used in an enclosure 2 intended for marine applications, i.e. an enclosure 2 used in open water.

[0112] In these embodiments, the through openings 38 of the sludge collecting member 36 lead directly to the water below the enclosure 2. Thus, in such embodiments, the water channels formed by the through openings 38 of the sludge collecting member 36 are in direct contact with the water being pumped out of the enclosure 2.

[0113] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of a fish farming enclosure 2 according to an embodiment. This enclosure 2 may be the enclosure 2 according to the embodiment discussed above with reference to Figures 1a to 3b. Therefore, hereinafter, a repeated description of the features will be largely avoided.

[0114] Again, the enclosure 2 defines an interior volume 4 for holding water up to a maximum fill level 6. The enclosure 2 comprises a bottom 8, a sidewall formation 10, a water supply device 12, and a water discharge device 14.

[0115] Again, the enclosure 2 includes a sludge collection member 36 disposed in the second end portion 30 of the elongated conduit member 26 of the water discharge device 14. The sludge collection member 36 includes at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42'.

[0116] In FIG. 4, one water supply member 16 of two, three, four, five or more water supply members 16 of the water supply device 12 is illustrated.

[0117] One or more water movement devices 48 may form part of the water supply apparatus 12, in which case the one or more water movement devices are provided for injecting water into the interior volume 4. Additionally or alternatively, one or more water movement devices 48' may form part of the water discharge apparatus 14, in which case the one or more water movement devices 48' are provided for withdrawing water from the interior volume 4.

[0118] Thus, an active flow control system may be implemented by the water supply device 12 and the water discharge device 14 .

[0119] By way of example only, one or more water movement devices 48, 48' forming part of the water supply apparatus 12 and / or the water discharge apparatus 14 may be configured to generate a water movement velocity of 0.15 to 1 m / s within the interior volume 4. Thus, sludge and other materials may be transported by the circulating water along the bottom 8 towards a central region of the bottom 8. The water movement velocity is a velocity measured in a direction tangential to the circulating water flow.

[0120] During use of the fish farming enclosure 2, fresh water from a fresh water source such as the sea, lake, river, or pond may be supplied to one or more water transfer devices 48 forming part of the water supply apparatus 12, or may be supplied directly to the water supply member 16.

[0121] During use of the fish farming enclosure 2, the outflow of water through the water discharge apparatus 14 may be natural outflow caused by excess water injected into the interior volume 4 and gravity, and / or forced outflow caused by one or more water movement devices 48' forming part of the water discharge apparatus 14.

[0122] According to an alternative embodiment, one or more water moving devices 48 forming part of the water supply apparatus 12 may be connected to the water discharge apparatus 14, for example via a filter and / or a water purification device and / or a water conditioning device, thereby realizing a closed loop water flow circulation system.

[0123] The bottom 8 of the enclosure 2 may extend downwards at an angle α in the range of 0 to 30 degrees relative to the horizontal, for example at an angle α in the range of 0 to 20 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0124] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the fish farming enclosure 2 includes a distinct transition 50 from the bottom 8 of the enclosure 2 to the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42′. In this manner, gravity can contribute to the movement of sludge and other materials from the bottom 8 of the enclosure 2 into the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42′ of the sludge collecting member 36.

[0125] Therefore, furthermore, the circulating flow within the interior volume 4 may not penetrate downward into the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42′, or at least not to a significant extent, so that the flow within the interior volume 4 cannot disturb the settling of sludge and other material within the sludge collecting member 36.

[0126] This sharp transition 50 from the bottom 8 of the enclosure 2 to the at least one trough-shaped portion 42, 42' is a transition from the surface of the bottom 8 to the water-contacting surface and / or sludge-contacting surface of the sludge collecting member 36. The sharp transition 50 may include an abrupt change of direction of 20 to 90 degrees.

[0127] The sludge collection member 36 may be configured to remove sludge therefrom.

[0128] Accordingly, the fish farming enclosure 2 may include a sludge removal device 52 configured to remove sludge from the sludge collecting member 36, the sludge removal device 52 being coupled to at least one sludge outlet 44, 44'. In this manner, the sludge collecting member 36 may continuously or intermittently remove sludge collected therein.

[0129] The sludge removal system 52 may include a conduit connected to at least one sludge outlet 44, 44' and a suitable sludge transfer device, such as a pump, air lift pump, injector, or the like.

[0130] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the sludge collecting member 36 may include at least one strainer 54 disposed in a position between the level 24 in the central region of the bottom portion 8 and the at least one sludge outlet 44, 44'. The at least one strainer 54 extends across the cross section of the sludge collecting member 36 to prevent materials larger than the strainer opening size from reaching the at least one sludge outlet 44, 44'. In this manner, the strainer 54 can prevent materials larger than its opening from blocking the at least one sludge outlet 44, 44'. Therefore, sludge removal from the sludge collecting member 36 through the at least one sludge outlet 44, 44' can be performed without hindrance.

[0131] The cross section of the sludge collecting member 36 over which the at least one strainer 54 is present may be a cross section lying in a plane extending in the radial direction R.

[0132] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the sludge collecting member 36 may include a separate dead fish outlet 56. In this case, the separate dead fish outlet 56 is located at a position between the strainer 54 and the level 24 of the central region of the bottom 8. In this manner, dead fish and other material larger than the strainer opening size of the strainer 54 can be removed from the sludge collecting member 36.

[0133] A suitable dead fish transfer element 58, such as an air lift pump or injector, and conduit may be connected to the dead fish outlet 56 to transfer dead fish and other material from the sludge collection element 36.

[0134] Additionally, the sludge collecting member 36 may be provided with a separate raw fish outlet 59. See Figure 2b.

[0135] According to embodiments such as the one shown, the fish farming enclosure 2 may include a surface skimmer device 60 located centrally in the side wall construction 10. The surface skimmer device 60 is located near the maximum fill level 6 and includes an outlet 62 for receiving debris from the water surface within the interior volume 4. In this way, particles and debris that are lighter than water and therefore float on the water surface may be removed from the water surface during use of the enclosure 2.

[0136] The active flow control and resulting circulating water flow within the interior volume 4 transports lighter-than-water particles and debris at the water surface towards the centre of the interior volume 4. Thus, the surface skimmer device 60, located in the centre of the sidewall construction 10, is positioned to suck particles and debris from the water surface.

[0137] For example, the surface skimmer device 60 may include a pump 64 or other suitable device for sucking water, along with lighter-than-water particles and debris, from the surface of the water. The pump 64 or other suitable device is connected to an outlet 62 located near the maximum fill level 6.

[0138] Figures 5a to 5c show schematically an embodiment of a water discharge device 14 that may be provided in an embodiment of a fish farming enclosure 2 as discussed herein. Accordingly, further reference is made hereinafter to Figures 1a to 4.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the elongated conduit member 26 may comprise a collapsible wall portion 66 and a plurality of ring members 68 or at least one helical member 70 that are coupled to the collapsible wall portion 66 such that the collapsible wall portion 66 is fixed in the radial direction R. In this way, it is possible to design a cost-effective elongated conduit member 26 for draining water from the interior volume 4 of the enclosure 2.

[0140] More specifically, the foldable wall portion 66 can be folded to facilitate transport and installation into a corresponding aquaculture enclosure 2. The ring members 68 or at least one spiral member 70 prevent the foldable wall portion 66 from collapsing during use of the aquaculture enclosure 2.

[0141] 5a, the ring member 68 is coupled to the collapsible wall 66 such that the collapsible wall 66 is fixed in the radial direction R. For example, the collapsible wall 66 may include a channel or loop through which the ring member 68 extends.

[0142] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5b, the elongate conduit member 26 comprises a collapsible wall portion 66 and at least one helical member 70. The at least one helical member 70 is coupled to the collapsible wall portion 66 such that the collapsible wall portion 66 is fixed in the radial direction R.

[0143] It should be noted that Figure 5b only shows a portion of the elongated conduit member 26 and the discharge openings of the elongated conduit member 26 are not shown.

[0144] These ring members 68 or at least one helical member 70 ensure that the elongate conduit member 26 has an open cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L for transporting water through the elongate conduit member 26 .

[0145] The exemplary collapsible wall 66 may be made from a thin canvas, such as the type used in automobile airbags, a thin nylon canvas, or a thin PVC canvas. The ring member 68 or at least one spiral member 70 may be made from a material that is heavier than water, such as a nylon material.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the ring member 68 and the spiral member 70 have a substantially circular shape. According to alternative embodiments, the ring member 68 and the spiral member 70 may have a different shape that expands the foldable wall portion 66, such as, for example, an oval, a hexagon, a square, or a triangle.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the collapsible wall 66 may include a mesh structure, whereby the water discharge openings 32 are formed by the mesh openings of the mesh structure. In this manner, the collapsible wall 66 may allow water to flow out through the elongated conduit member 26 that forms part of the water discharge device 14.

[0148] In FIG. 5 a , the mesh structure is illustrated as having circular water release openings 32 in the collapsible walls 66 .

[0149] 5c illustrates a portion of the collapsible wall 66. In these embodiments, the mesh structure is illustrated as having diamond-shaped water release openings 32.

[0150] In alternative embodiments, the collapsible wall 66 may have a mesh structure of a different shape.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the water discharge device 14 may comprise a buoyant member 72 disposed at the first end portion 28 of the elongated conduit member 26. In this way, it may be ensured that the elongated conduit member 26 extends along the longitudinal direction L during use of the fish farming enclosure 2.

[0152] The buoyant member 72 floats upward in the water within the fish farming enclosure 2. The buoyant member 72 may be positioned at or below the water surface during use of the enclosure 2.

[0153] It should be understood that the foregoing illustrates various exemplary embodiments, the present invention being defined solely by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these exemplary embodiments can be modified and different features of these exemplary embodiments can be combined to produce embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 2. Fish farming enclosures 4. Internal volume 6 Maximum filling water level 8 bottom 10 Side wall structure 12 Water supply device 14 Water spray device 16 Water supply components 18 Water supply opening 20 Inflow passage 22 Bottom Level 24 Bottom central area level 25 dashed arrow 26 Slender conduit member 28 first end portion 30 second end portion 32 Water outlet 34 Outflow passage 36 Sludge collection member 38 Through-hole 40 Main Unit 42 Trough-shaped part 42' trough-shaped section 43 Partition wall 44 Sludge outlet 44' Sludge Outlet 46 Further conduit sections 48 Water Transfer Device 48' Water Transfer Device 50 Clear Transition 52 Sludge removal equipment 54 Strainer 56 Separate outlet for dead fish 58 Transfer member 59 Separate raw fish outlet 60 Water surface skimmer device 62 Outlet 64 Pump 66 Foldable wall 68 Ring member 70 Spiral member 72 Buoyancy member L Longitudinal direction R Radial direction, radial length α angle

Claims

1. A fish farming enclosure (2) for farming live fish, comprising: The fish farming enclosure (2) defines an internal volume (4) for holding water up to a maximum fill level (6), and comprises a bottom (8), a side wall structure (10), a water supply device (12) arranged on the side wall structure (10) for introducing water into the internal volume (4), and a water discharge device (14) arranged in the center of the side wall structure (10) for draining water from the internal volume (4), the water supply device (12) is configured to introduce water into the internal volume (4) over substantially the entire distance between the maximum fill level (6) and the level (22) of the bottom (8) in the area of ​​the water supply device (12); A fish farming enclosure (2), wherein the water discharge device (14) comprises an elongated conduit member (26), the elongated conduit member (26) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) from a first end portion (28) of the elongated conduit member (26) to a second end portion (30) of the elongated conduit member (26), the first end portion (28) being located in the region of the maximum fill water level (6), and the second end portion (30) being located at the level of a central region (24) of the bottom (8), The fish farming enclosure (2) comprises a sludge collecting member (36) disposed at the second end portion (30) of the elongated conduit member (26); the sludge collecting member (36) extends along a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and beyond the radial direction (R) of the elongated conduit member (26); The sludge collecting member (36) has a through opening (38) so that a water passage is formed through the sludge collecting member (36); A fish farming enclosure (2), characterized in that said waterway forms part of said water discharge device (14).

2. 2. The fish farming enclosure (2) of claim 1, wherein the elongated conduit member (26) is configured to direct water out of the interior volume (4) over substantially the entire distance between the first end portion (28) and the level (24) of the central region of the bottom (8).

3. 3. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom (8) is impermeable to sludge.

4. 4. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sludge collecting member (36) comprises at least one trough-shaped portion (42, 42') for accommodating sludge therein, the at least one trough-shaped portion (42, 42') being positioned below the level (24) of the central region of the bottom (8).

5. 5. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one trough-shaped portion (42, 42') is arranged circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) of the elongated conduit member (26).

6. 6. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a clear transition (50) from the bottom (8) of the fish farming enclosure (2) to the at least one trough-shaped portion (42, 42').

7. 7. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the sludge collecting member (36) comprises at least two trough-shaped portions (42, 42') for accommodating sludge therein.

8. 8. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water supply device (12) comprises a water supply opening (18) arranged to introduce water into the internal volume (4) in a direction (25) having horizontal and tangential components relative to the side wall construction (10).

9. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sludge collecting member (36) comprises at least one sludge outlet (44, 44').

10. 10. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 9, wherein the sludge collecting member (36) comprises at least one strainer (54) arranged at a position between the level (24) of the central region of the bottom (8) and the at least one sludge outlet (44, 44'), and the at least one strainer (54) is present across a cross section of the sludge collecting member (36) to prevent material larger than a strainer opening size from reaching the at least one sludge outlet (44, 44').

11. 11. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a sludge removal device (52) configured to remove sludge from the sludge collecting member (36), the sludge removal device (52) being connected to the at least one sludge outlet (44, 44').

12. 12. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sludge collecting member (36) comprises a separate dead fish outlet (56), the separate dead fish outlet (56) being located at a position between the strainer (54) and the level (24) of the central region of the bottom (8).

13. 13. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the elongated conduit member (26) comprises a foldable wall portion (66) and a plurality of ring members (68) or at least one spiral member (70), the ring members (68) or the at least one spiral member (70) being connected to the foldable wall portion (66) such that the foldable wall portion (66) is fixed in the radial direction (R).

14. 14. The fish farming enclosure (2) according to claim 13, wherein the foldable wall (66) comprises a mesh structure, whereby the water outlet openings (32) are formed by mesh openings in the mesh structure.

15. 15. The fish farming enclosure (2) of claim 13 or 14, comprising a buoyant member (72) disposed in the first end portion (28) of the elongated conduit member (26).

16. 16. The fish farming enclosure (2) of any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a surface skimmer device (60) arranged centrally in the side wall structure (10), the surface skimmer device (60) comprising an outlet (62) arranged near the maximum fill level (6) for receiving debris from the water surface in the internal volume (4).

Images