Transfer system, tank equipment, and transfer method

Abstract

We provide an inexpensive transfer system, tank equipment, and transfer method with high transfer performance. [Solution] A transfer system for transferring sediment settled at the bottom in a liquid, comprising: a trough 21 provided at the bottom and defining a groove SA21 that opens upward; a space-forming member 41 extending along the groove SA21, forming an internal space SA22 with its upper end closed, and having a downward opening 41a that opens in the groove SA21 below the upper end and is spaced apart from the trough 21; a discharge port 422a for discharging fluid into the internal space SA22; and a discharge section 43 connected to the trough 21 downstream of the discharge port 422a in the direction of fluid discharge, for discharging sediment in the groove SA21, wherein the discharge section 43 generates a flow in the direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port 422a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer system for transferring sediment settled at the bottom in a liquid, an aquarium facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment settled at the bottom of an aquarium for storing liquid, and a transfer method for transferring sediment settled at the bottom in a liquid.

Background Art

[0002] In a fishery and aquaculture facility, in order to prevent the water quality in the aquaculture water tank from deteriorating due to uneaten feed left by the fishery and aquaculture products and the feces of the fishery and aquaculture products, the work of removing these uneaten feed and feces is regularly performed. In a conventional general removal operation, uneaten feed and feces settled at the bottom of the aquaculture water tank are removed by a person inserting a net and scooping them up.

[0003] In addition, in a sedimentation tank provided in a sewage treatment facility, the sludge contained in the received sewage is settled, the sludge settled on the bottom surface is transferred to a sludge pit, and the sludge collected in the sludge pit is removed by a sludge pump. Hereinafter, the uneaten feed, feces, and sludge settled in these water tanks and ponds may be referred to as sediment. Hereinafter, a tank or pond for storing water such as an aquaculture water tank and a sedimentation tank may be referred to as an aquarium.

[0004] As a transfer system used for an aquarium, a transfer system has been proposed that includes a space forming member provided with an opening downward and a discharge port for discharging a fluid into an internal space formed by the space forming member, and transfers sediment while suppressing swirling (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). In this transfer system, when a fluid is discharged into the internal space from the discharge port, a pressure difference occurs between the inside and outside of the space forming member, and the sediment settled on the bottom surface is sucked into the internal space from the opening. Further, inside the internal space, the sucked sediment moves downstream in the transfer direction by the flow of the fluid and is transferred to the accumulation part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-024055 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, since settled material (leftover feed, feces, and sludge) has a lower specific gravity than sand, it is easily stirred up in the liquid. For this reason, in the transfer system of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the settled material will be stirred up in the tank by the discharged fluid. On the other hand, if the amount of fluid discharged from the outlet is reduced in order to suppress the stirring up of the settled material, there is a risk that the settled material will not be able to be transferred sufficiently. Therefore, the transfer system of Patent Document 1 and the tank facility in which the transfer system is installed have the problem that it is difficult to transfer the settled material over a sufficient distance while suppressing the stirring up of the settled material.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a transfer system, a tank facility, and a transfer method with high transfer performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a transfer system that solves the above problems. A transfer system for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, A groove defining body provided at the bottom and defining a groove that opens upward, A space-forming member that extends along the groove, with its upper end portion forming a closed space, and a suction port provided below the upper end portion that opens within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove defining body, The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, It comprises a discharge section connected to the grooved body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, for discharging sediment in the groove, The discharge section is characterized by generating a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

[0009] The aquarium equipment of the present invention, which solves the above problems, A water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled at the bottom of a water tank for storing liquid, A groove defining body provided at the bottom, which forms a groove opening upward, A space-forming member that extends along the groove, with its upper end portion forming a closed space, and a suction port provided below the upper end portion that opens within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove defining body, The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, It comprises a discharge section connected to the grooved body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, which discharges the settled material in the groove and sends it to the outside of the water tank, The discharge section is characterized by generating a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

[0010] The present invention provides a transfer method that solves the above problems. A method for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, A discharge step of discharging fluid into a space-forming member, which extends along a groove provided at the bottom and has a closed upper end portion, and has a suction port that opens in the groove below the upper end portion, The system includes a discharge step in which sediment in the groove is discharged by a discharge unit connected to the groove on the downstream side of the fluid discharge direction, The discharge step is characterized by being a step that generates a flow of the fluid discharged into the space in a direction along the discharge direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer system, aquarium equipment, and a transfer method with high transfer performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water tank facility equipped with a transfer system corresponding to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] (a) is a sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. (a). [Figure 4] (a) is a sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 1, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. (a). [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] (a) is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4(a) showing the trough, space forming member, and suction part of the water tank equipment of the first modification example, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. (a). [Figure 7] It is a schematic sectional view of the water tank equipment of the second modification example. [Figure 8] It is a schematic sectional view of the water tank equipment of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. 8.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, an example in which the transfer system of the present invention is formed in a culture water tank for shellfish such as abalone is used.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of water tank equipment provided with a transfer system corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the aquaculture tank equipment 1 comprises an aquaculture tank 2, a partition plate 3, and a transfer device 4. The aquaculture tank 2 stores a liquid corresponding to the aquatic organisms being cultivated inside. For example, if the aquatic organisms are marine organisms, seawater is stored, and if they are river or lake organisms, freshwater is stored. In this embodiment, the case where seawater is stored will be explained as an example. This seawater is an example of a liquid. In Figure 1, the water level of the stored seawater is shown by the water surface WL. A trough 21 and an inclined surface 22 are provided at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2. This trough 21 and the transfer device 4 are an example of a transfer system. The trough 21 is also an example of a grooved body. As shown in Figure 2, the aquaculture tank 2 is rectangular in plan view. Hereinafter, the direction of the longer side of the aquaculture tank 2 may be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the direction of the shorter side may be referred to as the width direction.

[0016] The trough 21 is located in the center of the width direction of the aquaculture tank 2 and extends along the entire length of the aquaculture tank 2. As shown in Figure 1, the trough 21 and the inclined surface 22 are provided at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2. The inclined surface 22 also extends along the entire length of the aquaculture tank 2. The inclined surface 22 extends diagonally upward from the upper edge of the trough 21 to the vertically cut side walls at both ends of the width direction of the aquaculture tank 2. In other words, the bottom surface of the aquaculture tank 2 is composed of the inner surface of the trough 21 and the inclined surface 22.

[0017] The partition plate 3 is positioned above the trough 21 and at the height of the upper end of the inclined surface 22, and in plan view, its outer circumference matches the inner circumference of the aquaculture tank 2. This partition plate 3 is an example of a perforated member. The partition plate 3 is made of stainless steel perforated metal and has multiple holes formed through it in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction. These holes are large enough that aquaculture fish and shellfish cannot pass through, but leftover feed and fish and shellfish waste can pass through. Note that wire mesh may be used instead of perforated metal, and the material may be resin or the like. In short, the partition plate 3 just needs to divide the aquaculture tank 2 vertically and have multiple holes connecting the upper and lower sides. Note that in Figure 1, the partition plate 3 is drawn slightly above the upper end of the inclined surface 22 so that it can be distinguished from the upper end of the inclined surface 22.

[0018] The partition plate 3 divides the inside of the aquaculture tank 2 into a fish and shellfish habitat area SA1 and a waste sedimentation area SA2. The fish and shellfish habitat area SA1 is the living area of ​​the farmed fish and shellfish. The leftover feed and feces of the fish and shellfish in the fish and shellfish habitat area SA1 have a specific gravity of 1.1 to 1.5. These leftover feed and feces settle in the fish and shellfish habitat area SA1, pass through the holes in the partition plate 3, and then settle further in the waste sedimentation area SA2. Hereinafter, these leftover feed and feces will be referred to as settled material. The settled material that settles in the waste sedimentation area SA2 slides down the inclined surface 22 and accumulates below the groove SA21 (see Figure 3) defined by the trough 21. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 22 is 35 degrees. However, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 22 is preferably 30 degrees to 60 degrees. By making the inclined surface 22 greater than 30 degrees, the sediment that settles toward the inclined surface 22 becomes easier to slide down. On the other hand, at angles exceeding 60 degrees, the height of the sediment settlement area SA2 increases, reducing the volume of the fish and shellfish presence area SA1, and thus reducing the amount of fish and shellfish that can be farmed.

[0019] The transfer device 4 comprises a space-forming member 41, a fluid supply unit 42, and a discharge unit 43. This transfer device 4 is for transferring sediment accumulated in the groove SA21 (see Figure 3) defined by the trough 21 to the outside of the aquaculture tank 2. In Figures 1 and 2, the transfer direction in which the sediment is transferred by the transfer device 4 is indicated by white arrows. The space-forming member 41 is positioned in the groove SA21 defined by the trough 21 and extends along the trough 21 and the groove SA21. The total length of the space-forming member 41 is approximately the same as the total length of the trough 21, but it is positioned slightly downstream of the trough 21 in the transfer direction. The space-forming member 41 is supported by two support members 411 that are spaced apart in its extending direction. As shown in Figure 2, the support members 411 span across the width direction of the trough 21, and both ends in the width direction are fixed to the inclined surface 22. The space-forming member 41 is fixed to the central portion in the width direction of the support member 411. The number of support members 411 can be appropriately set within a range that can support the space-forming member 41, depending on the length of the space-forming member 41 in the extending direction.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the fluid supply unit 42 includes a water supply pipe 421, a nozzle 422, and a water supply pump 423. The water supply pipe 421 extends from outside the aquaculture tank 2 to the groove SA21 (see Figure 3) at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2, and its tip is bent downstream in the transfer direction. The rear end of the water supply pipe 421 is connected to the water supply pump 423 outside the aquaculture tank 2. The water supply pump 423 is installed in a fluid storage tank (not shown). A nozzle 422 is fixed to the tip of the water supply pipe 421. An outlet 422a is formed at the tip of the nozzle 422 to discharge the fluid supplied through the water supply pipe 421. The fluid supplied here is the same as the seawater stored in the aquaculture tank 2. However, seawater with a different salinity than the seawater stored in the aquaculture tank 2, freshwater, or gas-mixed water may be supplied. Furthermore, when supplying a gas-mixed water, if the proportion of gas is too high, the flow of the discharged gas-mixed water tends to weaken, so it is preferable to have a lower proportion of gas.

[0021] The discharge section 43 includes a discharge pipe 431 and a discharge pump 432. The discharge pipe 431 is connected to the side wall at the downstream end in the transfer direction of the aquaculture tank 2. An opening is formed in the side wall at the connection point. An outlet 431a is formed at one end of the discharge pipe 431 connected to this opening. The discharge pipe 431 protrudes from the outlet 431a toward the outside of the aquaculture tank 2. Outside the aquaculture tank 2, the discharge pipe 431 bends upward and extends to a filtration tank (not shown). The discharge pump 432 is connected to the bent portion of the discharge pipe 431. By driving this discharge pump 432, the sediment in the downstream portion in the transfer direction of the groove SA21 and internal space SA22 shown in Figure 3 is sucked in along with the seawater in the aquaculture tank 2, discharged from the aquaculture tank 2 through the discharge pipe 431, and sent to the filtration tank described above. Therefore, the discharge pipe 431 can also be described as a suction pipe for sucking up sediment or a suction pipe for sucking up biotin, and the discharge section 43 can also be described as a suction section or a suction section. Alternatively, the seawater containing the sediment discharged by the discharge pipe 431 may be filtered and then supplied to the aquaculture tank 2 from the discharge port 422a using the water supply pump 423 to circulate the seawater.

[0022] Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. In Figure 3(a), the left-right direction of the figure is the width direction, and the direction from the back of the figure to the front of the figure is the transport direction.

[0023] Figure 3(a) shows the trough 21, the lower part of the inclined surface 22, the space-forming member 41, the lower part of the water supply pipe 421, and the nozzle 422. As shown in Figure 3(a), the inclined surface 22 is provided on both sides of the trough 21 in the width direction. As described above, the inclined surface 22 extends diagonally upward from the upper edge of the trough 21. In other words, the inclined surface 22 slopes downward as it approaches the edge of the trough 21, and its lowest point connects to the upper edge of the trough 21.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3(a), the trough 21 has a cross-sectional shape of a 3 / 4 arc. This trough 21 is formed integrally with the inclined surface 22 from FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic). However, the trough 21 may also be formed from molded resin that is not fiber-reinforced, or it may be formed by bending a metal plate such as stainless steel. Furthermore, the trough 21 may be formed separately from the inclined surface 22 and then joined to the inclined surface 22. In addition, the shape of the inner circumferential surface 21b of the trough 21 is not limited to an arc shape, but may be a polygon, a V-shape, or a shape that combines a straight line and an arc, such as a U-shape. The trough 21 shown in Figure 3(a) is shaped by cutting out the upper 1 / 4 (water surface WL side shown in Figure 1) of a cylindrical body with an inner diameter of 300 mm. Therefore, this trough 21 opens upward, and the groove SA21 defined by the trough 21 also opens upward. Hereinafter, the portion of the trough 21 that opens upward will be referred to as the upper opening 21a. Of the groove SA21 defined by the trough 21, the upper portion that connects to the upper opening 21a at the upper end narrows as it approaches the upper opening 21a. In other words, the upper opening 21a of the trough 21 is an opening that narrows in the width direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the trough 21.

[0025] The settled material slides down the inclined surface 22 towards the trough 21, or enters the groove SA21 directly through the upper opening 21a of the trough 21 and accumulates on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21. In other words, the settled material that settles at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2 is first collected in the groove SA21 by its own weight.

[0026] The space-forming member 41 shown in Figure 3(a) has an arc-shaped cross-section. The upper end of the space-forming member 41 is positioned approximately at the same location as the upper end of the groove SA21. Therefore, the entire space-forming member 41 is located within the groove SA21. However, the upper portion of the space-forming member 41 may be positioned above the groove SA21. This space-forming member 41 is made by shaping a stainless steel plate so that its cross-section is arc-shaped. The space-forming member 41 may also be made from a plate of another material, and may be manufactured by injection molding or extrusion molding. Furthermore, the shape of the inner circumferential surface 41b of the space-forming member 41 may be a polygonal shape with an opening in the lower widthwise center. The space-forming member 41 in this embodiment has a shape in which the lower part (bottom surface 21c side) of a cylindrical body with an inner diameter of 150 mm is cut out, and a lower opening 41a is provided at the bottom. In other words, the lower opening 41a formed in the space-forming member 41 opens within the groove SA21 and faces the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21. The lower opening 41a functions as a suction port that draws the sediment collected in the groove SA21 into the internal space SA22 defined by the inner circumferential surface 41b of the space-forming member 41. That is, the lower opening 41a is an example of a suction port. The lower opening 41a is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 21b of the trough 21. The space-forming member 41 partitions the inside of the groove SA21 and forms the internal space SA22, which is closed off above the lower opening 41a at its lower end. That is, the inside of the groove SA21 is partitioned by the space-forming member 41 into the internal space SA22 and the rest of the space. Although sediment settles on the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion of the space-forming member 41, the sediment that settles toward the space-forming member 41 tends to flow down along the arc-shaped outer circumferential surface towards the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21. Also, since the inner circumferential surface 41b of the space-forming member 41 is also arc-shaped, the lower portion of the internal space SA22 that connects to the lower opening 41a becomes narrower as it approaches the lower opening 41a.

[0027] The radial center position of the space-forming member 41 is approximately the same as the radial center position of the trough 21. Therefore, the shortest distance (gap W) between the inner circumferential surface 21b of the trough 21 and the outer circumferential surface of the space-forming member 41 in the overlapping portion is approximately constant. However, the radial center positions of the space-forming member 41 and the radial center positions of the trough 21 may be different.

[0028] An outlet 422a for discharging seawater is located within the internal space SA22. The seawater discharged from this outlet 422a is an example of a fluid. The outlet 422a is an elongated hole formed by flattening the tip of a pipe-shaped water supply pipe 421 with an inner diameter of 80 mm. The maximum opening length of the outlet 422a in the lateral direction (trough width direction) is 117 mm. A perfectly circular outlet 422a may also be used. However, by making the outlet 422a such a flattened shape, the discharged seawater is less likely to diffuse vertically than if it were a perfectly circular shape, thus reducing the likelihood of leakage from the internal space SA22.

[0029] Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the CC in Figure 3(a). In Figure 3(b), the left-right direction of the figure is the extension direction of the trough 21, and the right side of the figure is the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3(b), the tip of the water supply pipe 421 extends parallel to the space forming member 41. The nozzle 422 fixed to the tip of the water supply pipe 421 extends into the internal space SA22. The seawater supplied to the water supply pipe 421 is discharged from the discharge port 422a at the tip of the nozzle 422 in the direction of transport. That is, the direction of discharge of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a coincides with the transport direction, and seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a in a substantially horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the discharge port 422a is located within the internal space SA22, but it may be located outside the internal space SA22 as long as it is within a range in which seawater can be discharged into the internal space SA22, for example, it may be located on a surface including the upstream end of the space forming member 41.

[0031] When seawater is discharged into the internal space SA22 from the discharge port 422a, a pressure difference is created between the inside (internal space SA22) and outside of the space-forming member 41, and the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c is sucked into the space S2 from the lower opening 41a, as shown by the curved arrow in Figure 3(a). Furthermore, in the internal space SA22, the sucked-in sediment is moved in the transport direction by the flow of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a. Therefore, the space-forming member 41 functions as a transport path in which the sediment sucked into the internal space SA22 moves toward the downstream side in the direction of seawater discharge when seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a. As shown in Figure 3(a), the lower opening 41a is an opening narrowed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the space-forming member 41 (trough width direction), and the internal space SA22 is the space that expands from the lower opening 41a. Because the lower opening 41a is narrowed in this way, it becomes more difficult for the sediment being transported in the internal space SA22 to escape from the internal space SA22. In addition, it becomes easier to maintain the flow of seawater in the internal space SA22, allowing the sediment to be transported over a longer distance.

[0032] Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of section DD in Figure 1, and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of section EE in the same Figure 4(a).

[0033] As shown in Figure 4(b), the discharge pipe 431 is connected to the downstream end of the trough 21 in the transfer direction. The discharge pipe 431 is a pipe with the same inner diameter as the trough 21 in the portion connected to the trough 21. The discharge pipe 431 has a section where the inner diameter gradually decreases a short distance from the aquaculture tank 2, and beyond that section, it has a constant inner diameter. The discharge pump 432 shown in Figure 1 is installed at the end of this section with a constant inner diameter. The discharge pipe 431 has a flange in the portion connected to the trough 21, and is watertightly joined to the trough 21 at this flange. As mentioned above, the trough 21 is shaped by cutting off the upper 1 / 4 of a cylindrical body, so in the cut-off portion, as shown in Figure 4(a), the discharge pipe 431 is watertightly joined to the side wall of the downstream end in the transfer direction of the aquaculture tank 2. The discharge pipe 431 is made of stainless steel, but it may be made of a metal other than stainless steel or of resin.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4(b), the downstream end of the space-forming member 41 in the transport direction is inserted into the discharge pipe 431. In this way, the sediment transported in the internal space SA22 formed by the space-forming member 41 is reliably discharged by the discharge pipe 431. When seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a and discharged by the discharge pipe 431 simultaneously, as shown in Figure 1, most of the sediment transported in the internal space SA22 is directly sucked into the discharge pipe 431. In addition, some of the sediment may leak out from the lower opening 41a to the bottom surface 21c of the groove SA21, but some of that leaked-out sediment is also sucked into the discharge pipe 431 from the groove SA21. On the other hand, if discharge by the discharge pipe 431 is performed after the start of seawater discharge from the discharge port 422a, the sediment transported in the internal space SA22 will temporarily accumulate on the bottom surface 21c of the groove SA21 near the discharge port 431a. However, once discharge begins through the discharge pipe 431, the accumulated sediment is sucked into the discharge pipe 431 from the groove SA21 and sent to a filtration tank (not shown).

[0035] Next, we will explain the method for transferring settled material using the tank equipment 1 and transfer device 4 that we have described so far.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the aquarium equipment shown in Figure 1. While all operations shown in this flowchart are performed automatically by a control device (not shown), some or all of the operations may be performed manually.

[0037] In the tank facility 1, the transfer of settled material is performed periodically. The control device determines whether it is time to start the transfer process, and the transfer process shown in Figure 5 is started at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, instead of performing the process periodically, a detection means for detecting the accumulation status of settled material may be provided, and the transfer process may be performed based on the detection results of the detection means. In other words, the transfer process is performed intermittently.

[0038] In the transfer process, the water supply pump 423 is first started (step S12). This starts the discharge of seawater from the discharge port 422a. As described above, when seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a into the internal space SA22 formed by the space forming member 41, a pressure difference is created between the internal space SA22 and the outside, and the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c is sucked into the internal space SA22 from the lower opening 41a. Furthermore, in the internal space SA22, the sucked-in sediment is moved downstream in the discharge direction (downstream in the transfer direction) by the flow of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a. At the same time as the water supply pump 423 is started, the discharge pump 432 is also started (step S13). This starts the discharge of seawater mixed with sediment through the discharge pipe 431. Then, the flow created in the internal space SA22 and the discharge through the discharge pipe 431 create a smooth flow along the entire length of the internal space SA22. Furthermore, near the outlet 431a, a flow is generated in the downstream direction in the transport direction in the area slightly outside the space-forming member 41. That is, a flow is generated in the groove SA21 near the outlet 431a and in the area slightly above the groove SA21 in the transport direction. Here, it is preferable that the amount of seawater discharged per unit time from the outlet 422a by the drive of the water supply pump 423 and the amount of seawater discharged per unit time by the discharge pump 432 are approximately equal. This makes it easier to form a smooth flow along the entire length of the internal space SA22. Note that the discharge pump 432 may be driven before or after the water supply pump 423, but it is preferable to drive them almost simultaneously because this forms a smooth transport flow in the internal space SA22, reduces changes in the water surface WL of the aquaculture tank 2, and reduces stress on the aquatic life area SA1. Furthermore, the operation of the discharge pump 432 may be slightly delayed compared to the operation of the water supply pump 423, taking into account the time it takes for the seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a to reach the discharge pipe 431 after the water supply pump 423 has been driven.

[0039] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation of the discharge pump 432 (YES in step S14), the operation of the water supply pump 423 is stopped (step S15). This predetermined time is sufficient to suck the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 into the internal space SA22 and transport it to the vicinity of the discharge port 431a, and is determined in advance by experiment. Note that the start of operation of the water supply pump 423 may be used as the start of the calculation of the predetermined time instead of the start of operation of the discharge pump 432. Also, the operation of the discharge pump 432 is stopped approximately simultaneously with the stopping of the water supply pump 423 (step S16). The stopping of the discharge pump 432 may be before or after the stopping of the water supply pump 423, but it is preferable to do so simultaneously because it creates a smooth transport flow in the internal space SA22 and minimizes changes in the water surface WL of the aquaculture tank 2. Furthermore, it is preferable that the operating time of the water supply pump 423 and the operating time of the discharge pump 432 in one transport process are approximately equal. This prevents changes in the water level WL of the aquaculture tank 2 before and after the transfer process. Steps S12 to S15 represent an example of the discharge process, and steps S13 to S16 represent an example of the discharge process. The transfer process is completed when step S16 is executed.

[0040] According to the transfer system consisting of the trough 21 and transfer device 4 described above, the tank equipment 1, and the transfer method using them, even relatively low-density sediment can be transported over a sufficient distance without being stirred up. If stirring occurs, the stirred-up sediment will be separated from the transfer flow and will not be able to be transported, so it is important to suppress stirring when transporting sediment. In particular, sediment with a specific gravity of 1.1 to 1.5 is prone to stirring up if transported using only the space-forming member 41 and fluid supply unit 42, but by discharging it with the discharge unit 43, it can be transported while suppressing stirring. Seafood experiences stress when people or contaminants (sediment) come near, which can lead to a decrease in quality. In the configuration of this embodiment, sediment can be transported without human intervention and without stirring, so stress is less likely to be placed on seafood in the seafood habitat SA1. Therefore, the quality of farmed seafood can be improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a, the discharge section 43 discharges the settled material together with the seawater, so even if the amount of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a is small, a smooth flow is generated in the groove SA21 and the internal space SA22. As a result, the settled material can be transported over a sufficient distance without being stirred up. In addition, a low-performance water supply pump 423 can be used, so the aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed at a low cost. Moreover, the power required for the water supply pump 423 is also small, so the aquarium equipment 1 can be made energy-efficient. Furthermore, even if settled material is stirred up for any reason, the partition plate 3 makes it difficult for the stirred-up material to reach the area SA1 where fish and shellfish are present. In addition, since an inclined surface 22 is formed at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2, settled material can be collected in the groove SA21. Then, the settled material collected in the groove SA21 can be transported together by the transfer device 4. In addition, since the cylindrical discharge pipe 431 is connected to the trough 21, even at the downstream end of the space-forming member 41 in the transport direction (near the discharge port 431a), seawater containing sediment in the groove SA21 and internal space SA22 can be sucked in and discharged from the discharge port 431a without stirring it up.

[0041] Next, we will describe a modified version of the aquarium equipment 1 that we have described so far. In the following description, components that have the same names as those described so far will be given the same symbols as those used so far, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0042] Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4(a) showing the trough, space-forming member, and discharge section of the water tank equipment of the first modified example, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the FF in Figure 6(a).

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the tank equipment 1 of this first modified example differs from the tank equipment 1 of the previous embodiment in the shape of the opening formed in the side wall at the downstream end in the transport direction of the aquaculture tank 2 and the shape of the discharge pipe 431. The outlet 431a formed at one end of the discharge pipe 431 has a shape in which the upper 1 / 4 of a cylindrical body is cut out, similar to the trough 21. The upper end of the outlet 431a is approximately coincident with the upper end of the space forming member 41. The opening formed in the side wall at the downstream end in the transport direction of the aquaculture tank 2 has a similar shape. The outlet 431a is connected to that opening.

[0044] This first modified water tank equipment 1 also produces the same effects as the previous embodiment. In addition, as the amount of seawater drawn into the outlet 431a from above the space-forming member 41 decreases, the amount of seawater containing sediment drawn into the groove SA21 and internal space SA22 near the outlet 431a increases. This makes it possible to increase the amount of seawater containing sediment discharged through the outlet pipe 431.

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water tank facility in the second modified example.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the configuration of the discharge section 43 of this tank equipment 1 differs from that of the tank equipment 1 of the previous embodiment. In this second modified example, the discharge section 43 has a discharge pipe 431 that extends downward. In addition, a discharge valve 433 is provided in the middle of the discharge pipe 431 instead of a discharge pump 432. This discharge valve 433 is an electric valve, but a manual valve may also be used. By opening the discharge valve 433, the settled material in the downstream portion of the groove SA21 in the transfer direction is discharged together with the seawater in the aquaculture tank 2 and sent through the discharge pipe 431 to the filtration tank. In the transfer process of this second modified example of tank equipment 1, instead of driving and stopping the discharge pump 432 as described above, it is sufficient to open and close the discharge valve 433. If the discharge pipe 431 extends below the lowest height of the water surface WL, the settled material can be discharged together with the seawater in the aquaculture tank 2 by the hydrostatic pressure of the seawater in the aquaculture tank 2. Therefore, the discharge pipe 431 does not necessarily have to extend downwards; it only needs to extend below the lowest point of the water surface WL. Furthermore, if the siphon principle can be utilized, a portion of the discharge pipe 431 may be located above the lowest point of the water surface WL.

[0047] This second modified water tank system 1 also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, since it does not use a discharge pump 432, the water tank system 1 can be constructed at a low cost and energy savings can be achieved.

[0048] Next, the water tank equipment 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water tank equipment according to the second embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, the aquaculture tank equipment 1 of this second embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the longitudinal length of the aquaculture tank 2 is longer, and in the configuration of the fluid supply unit 42 and the discharge unit 43.

[0051] The fluid supply unit 42 includes a main water supply pipe 4210, a first water supply branch pipe 4211, a second water supply branch pipe 4212, a third water supply branch pipe 4213, a fourth water supply branch pipe 4214, a first nozzle 4221, a second nozzle 4222, a third nozzle 4223, a fourth nozzle 4224, and a water supply pump 423. The main water supply pipe 4210 extends longitudinally above the aquaculture tank 2, and its rear end is connected to a water supply pump 423 installed in a fluid storage tank (not shown). The first water supply branch pipe 4211, the second water supply branch pipe 4212, the third water supply branch pipe 4213, and the fourth water supply branch pipe 4214 each have their rear ends connected to the main water supply pipe 4210 and extend vertically into the groove SA21 (see Figure 3) at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2, with their ends bent downstream in the direction of transport. A first water supply valve 4215 is provided in the middle of the first water supply branch pipe 4211. Similarly, a second water supply valve 4216 is provided in the middle of the second water supply branch pipe 4212, a third water supply valve 4217 is provided in the middle of the third water supply branch pipe 4213, and a fourth water supply valve 4218 is provided in the middle of the fourth water supply branch pipe 4214. These water supply valves are electrically operated valves, but manual valves may also be used. The first nozzle 4221 is fixed to the tip of the first water supply branch pipe 4211. Similarly, the second nozzle 4222 is fixed to the end of the second water supply branch pipe 4212, the third nozzle 4223 is fixed to the end of the third water supply branch pipe 4213, and the fourth nozzle 4224 is fixed to the end of the fourth water supply branch pipe 4214. A first discharge port 4221a is formed at the end of the first nozzle 4221 for discharging seawater (fluid) supplied through the main water supply pipe 4210 and the first water supply branch pipe 4211. Similarly, a second discharge port 4222a for discharging seawater is formed at the end of the second nozzle 4222, a third discharge port 4223a for discharging seawater is formed at the end of the third nozzle 4223, and a fourth discharge port 4224a for discharging seawater is formed at the end of the fourth nozzle 4224.

[0052] The discharge section 43 includes a main discharge pipe 4310, a first discharge branch pipe 4311, a second discharge branch pipe 4312, a third discharge branch pipe 4313, a fourth discharge branch pipe 4314, and a discharge pump 432. The main discharge pipe 4310 extends longitudinally outside the aquaculture tank 2, bends upward on the downstream side in the transfer direction, and extends to a filtration tank (not shown). The discharge pump 432 is connected to the bent portion of the main discharge pipe 4310. One end of the first discharge branch pipe 4311, the second discharge branch pipe 4312, and the third discharge branch pipe 4313 are connected in this order from the upstream side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 (see Figure 3). An opening is formed in the trough 21 at the connection point with the first discharge branch pipe 4311. A first outlet 4311a is formed at one end of the first discharge branch pipe 4311, which is connected to the opening. Similarly, a second outlet 4312a is formed at the connection between the second discharge branch pipe 4312 and the trough 21, and a third outlet 4313a is formed at the connection between the third discharge branch pipe 4313 and the trough 21. In addition, one end of the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314 is connected to the side wall at the downstream end in the transfer direction of the aquaculture tank 2. An opening is formed in the side wall at the connection point. A fourth outlet 4314a is formed at one end of the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314, which is connected to the downstream end of the trough 21 at the opening.

[0053] A first discharge valve 4331 is provided in the middle of the first discharge branch pipe 4311. Similarly, a second discharge valve 4332 is provided in the middle of the second discharge branch pipe 4312, a third discharge valve 4333 is provided in the middle of the third discharge branch pipe 4313, and a fourth discharge valve 4334 is provided in the middle of the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314. These discharge valves are electrically operated valves, but manual valves may also be used. The other ends of the first discharge branch pipe 4311, the second discharge branch pipe 4312, the third discharge branch pipe 4313, and the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314 are connected to the longitudinally extending portion of the main discharge pipe 4310.

[0054] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aquarium equipment shown in Figure 8. Similar to the operation shown in the flowchart of Figure 5, the operation shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 is performed automatically by a control device (not shown), however, some or all of the operation may be performed manually.

[0055] In the tank equipment 1 of the second embodiment, the control device periodically performs the transfer process shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, a detection means for detecting the accumulation status of sediment may be provided, and the transfer process may be performed based on the detection results of the detection means.

[0056] In the transfer process, first the water supply pump 423 is started and the first water supply valve 4215 is opened (step S21). This starts the discharge of seawater from the first discharge port 4221a. Also, almost simultaneously with step S21, the discharge pump 432 is started and the first discharge valve 4331 is opened (step S22). As seawater is discharged from the first discharge port 4221a, a flow is generated in the internal space SA22 (see Figure 3) formed by the space forming member 41. In the area where this flow is generated, a pressure difference is created between the internal space SA22 and the outside, and the sediment accumulated in the groove SA21 (see Figure 3) defined by the trough 21 is sucked into the internal space SA22 from the lower opening 41a (see Figure 3). In other words, the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c (see Figure 3) of the trough 21 between the first discharge port 4221a and the first outlet port 4311a is sucked into the internal space SA22. Furthermore, the sucked-in sediment is moved in the internal space SA22 toward the downstream side in the discharge direction (downstream side in the transport direction) by the flow of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a. In addition, the operation of the discharge pump 432 generates a flow from the groove SA21 toward the first discharge branch pipe 4311 near the first outlet port 4311a, and the surrounding sediment is discharged together with the seawater. As a result, the sediment transported to the vicinity of the first outlet port 4311a is sucked into the first discharge branch pipe 4311 and discharged from the aquaculture tank 2, and sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank located outside the aquaculture tank 2. Here, the flow generated in the internal space SA22 and the discharge from the first discharge branch pipe 4311 create a smooth flow in the portion of the internal space SA22 between the first discharge port 4221a and the first outlet port 4311a. Although steps S21 and S22 may be performed at slightly different timings, it is preferable to perform them almost simultaneously because this creates a smooth transfer flow in the internal space SA22 and minimizes changes in the water level WL of the aquaculture tank 2.

[0057] After a predetermined time has elapsed since step S22 (YES in step S23), the first water supply valve 4215 is closed and the second water supply valve 4216 is opened (step S24). Also, almost simultaneously with step S24, the first discharge valve 4331 is closed and the second discharge valve 4332 is opened (step S25). As a result, seawater is discharged from the second discharge port 4222a, and a flow is generated near the second discharge port 4312a from the groove SA21 toward the second discharge branch pipe 4312, causing the surrounding sediment to be discharged along with the seawater. Then, similar to steps S21 and S22, the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the second discharge port 4222a and the second discharge port 4312a is sucked into the internal space SA22 through the lower opening 41a and transported downstream in the discharge direction, and is sucked into the second discharge branch pipe 4312 and discharged from the aquaculture tank 2. The discharged sediment is sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank located outside the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S23 is sufficient time to draw the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the first discharge port 4221a and the first outlet port 4311a into the internal space SA22 and transport it to the vicinity of the first outlet port 4311a, and this time is determined in advance by experiment. In addition, step S21 may be considered the start of the calculation of the predetermined time in step S23.

[0058] After a predetermined time has elapsed since step S25 (YES in step S26), the second water supply valve 4216 is closed and the third water supply valve 4217 is opened (step S27). Also, almost simultaneously with step S27, the second discharge valve 4332 is closed and the third discharge valve 4333 is opened (step S28). As a result, seawater is discharged from the third discharge port 4223a, and a flow is generated near the third outlet port 4313a from the groove SA21 toward the third discharge branch pipe 4313, causing the surrounding sediment to be discharged along with the seawater. Then, similar to steps S21 and S22, the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the third discharge port 4223a and the third outlet port 4313a is sucked into the internal space SA22 through the lower opening 41a and transported downstream in the discharge direction, and is sucked into the third discharge branch pipe 4313 and discharged from the aquaculture tank 2. The discharged sediment is sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank located outside the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S26 is sufficient time to suck the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the second discharge port 4222a and the second outlet port 4312a into the internal space SA22 and transport it to the vicinity of the second outlet port 4312a, and this time is determined in advance by experiment. In this second embodiment, since the distance from the first discharge port 4221a to the first outlet port 4311a is equal to the distance from the second discharge port 4222a to the second outlet port 4312a, the predetermined time in step S26 and the predetermined time in step S23 are equal. In addition, in step S26, step S24 may be set as the start time for calculating the predetermined time.

[0059] After a predetermined time has elapsed since step S28 (YES in step S29), the third water supply valve 4217 is closed and the fourth water supply valve 4218 is opened (step S30). Also, almost simultaneously with step S30, the third discharge valve 4333 is closed and the fourth discharge valve 4334 is opened (step S31). As a result, seawater is discharged from the fourth discharge port 4224a, and a flow is generated near the fourth discharge port 4314a from the groove SA21 toward the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314, causing the surrounding sediment to be discharged along with the seawater. Then, similar to steps S21 and S22, the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the fourth discharge port 4224a and the fourth discharge port 4314a is sucked into the internal space SA22 through the lower opening 41a and transported downstream in the discharge direction, and is sucked into the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314 and discharged from the aquaculture tank 2. The discharged sediment is sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank located outside the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S29 is sufficient time to suck the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the third discharge port 4223a and the third outlet port 4313a into the internal space SA22 and transport it to the vicinity of the third outlet port 4313a, and this time is determined in advance by experiment. In this second embodiment, since the distance from the first discharge port 4221a to the first outlet port 4311a is equal to the distance from the third discharge port 4223a to the third outlet port 4313a, the predetermined time in step S29 and the predetermined time in step S23 are equal. In addition, in step S29, step S27 may be set as the start time for calculating the predetermined time.

[0060] After a predetermined time has elapsed since step S31 (YES in step S32), the water supply pump 423 is stopped, and the fourth water supply valve 4218 is closed (step S33). At approximately the same time as step S33, the discharge pump 432 is stopped, and the fourth discharge valve 4334 is opened (step S34). Although steps S33 and S34 may be performed at slightly different timings, it is preferable to perform them simultaneously because this creates a smooth transfer flow in the internal space SA22 and minimizes changes in the water level WL of the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S32 is sufficient time to draw the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the fourth discharge port 4224a and the fourth outlet port 4314a into the internal space SA22 and transfer it to the vicinity of the fourth outlet port 4314a, and this time should be determined in advance through experimentation. In this second embodiment, since the distance from the first discharge port 4221a to the first outlet port 4311a is equal to the distance from the fourth discharge port 4224a to the fourth outlet port 4314a, the predetermined time in step S32 and the predetermined time in step S23 are equal. Also, in step S32, step S30 may be the start time for calculating the predetermined time. In summary, steps S21 to S24 correspond to an example of the first discharge process, steps S24 to S27 correspond to an example of the second discharge process, steps S27 to S30 correspond to an example of the third discharge process, and steps S30 to S33 correspond to an example of the fourth discharge process. Furthermore, steps S22 to S25 correspond to an example of a first discharge process that is paired with the first discharge process, steps S25 to S28 correspond to an example of a second discharge process that is paired with the second discharge process, steps S28 to S31 correspond to an example of a third discharge process that is paired with the third discharge process, and steps S31 to S34 correspond to an example of a fourth discharge process that is paired with the fourth discharge process. The transfer process ends when step S34 is executed.

[0061] In the transfer process of this second embodiment, the first nozzle 4221 and the first discharge branch pipe 4311, the second nozzle 4222 and the second discharge branch pipe 4312, the third nozzle 4223 and the third discharge branch pipe 4313, and the fourth nozzle 4224 and the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314 operate as a pair. The number of these combinations can be appropriately set according to the length of the aquaculture tank 2 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the transfer process described above, by executing the discharge and discharge process pairs in order from the upstream side in the transfer direction, even sediment that has passed downstream of the discharge port can be transferred by the next discharge and discharge process pair. However, since a large amount of sediment can be transferred by operating each pair of discharge and discharge processes, the execution order of each discharge and discharge process pair can be arbitrary if it is acceptable for some sediment to remain.

[0062] The aquarium equipment 1 of the second embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, even if the aquaculture tank 2 is long in the longitudinal direction, the settled material can be sent to the outside of the aquaculture tank 2 along its entire longitudinal length. Moreover, by providing multiple water supply branch pipes branching from the main water supply pipe 4210 and sequentially discharging seawater from each nozzle fixed to the end of these water supply branch pipes, only one water supply pump 423 is needed, thus the aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed at a low cost. Similarly, by providing multiple discharge branch pipes connected to the main discharge pipe 4310 and sequentially discharging settled material from each discharge port at one end of these discharge branch pipes, only one discharge pump 432 is needed, thus the aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed at a low cost. In addition, similar to the second modified example shown in Figure 7, in this second embodiment of the water tank equipment 1, the main discharge pipe 4310 and each discharge branch pipe may be extended downward, or the main discharge pipe 4310 and each discharge branch pipe may be extended below the lowest height of the water surface WL, or the principle of siphon may be used to allow seawater containing settled material to flow out by its own weight or hydrostatic pressure, thereby omitting the discharge pump 432. In that case, except that the operation and stopping of the discharge pump 432 are eliminated, the transfer process can be carried out in the same operation as shown in Figure 9. This makes it possible to construct the water tank equipment 1 at a low cost and also save energy in the water tank equipment 1.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, an example was used in which the transfer system is installed in an aquaculture tank, but the transfer system may be installed in other tanks such as sedimentation tanks. Also, in cases such as sedimentation tanks, where it is not necessary to separate the area where fish and shellfish exist SA1 from the area where waste settles SA2, the partition plate 3 may be omitted.

[0064] Furthermore, even if a constituent element is included only in the description of each of the embodiments and modifications described above, that constituent element may be applied to other embodiments and modifications.

[0065] The transport system described above is A transfer system for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, A groove defining body provided at the bottom and defining a groove that opens upward, A space-forming member that extends along the groove, with its upper end portion forming a closed space, and a suction port provided below the upper end portion that opens within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove defining body, The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, The discharge pipe is connected to the grooved body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, The invention is characterized by comprising a discharge section that discharges the sediment in the groove through the discharge pipe.

[0066] Furthermore, a transfer system for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, A groove defining body provided at the bottom and defining a groove that opens upward, It extends along the groove, and the upper end portion forms a closed space, and the upper end portion A space-forming member is provided with a suction port that opens further down within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove-defining body. , The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, The groove is connected to the groove-defined body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, and the sedimentation within the groove It may also be characterized by having a discharge section for discharging material.

[0067] In this transport system, The discharge section is located further from the connecting portion of the discharge pipe connected to the grooved body. It has a discharge pump on the downstream side in the discharge direction, The discharge pump, at the connecting portion, discharges the fluid discharged from the discharge port. It may also be a device that generates a flow in a direction along the direction.

[0068] This transfer system allows even relatively low-density sediment to be transported over a sufficient distance without being hoisted up.

[0069] Here, the suction port functions as an opening that draws the sediment accumulated in the groove into the space when fluid is discharged from the discharge port, and the space-forming member may function as a transport path through which the sediment drawn into the space is transported downstream in the direction of fluid discharge when fluid is discharged from the discharge port. Furthermore, the space may have a lower end portion connected to the suction port that narrows as it approaches the suction port. In addition, the groove may have an upper portion connected to the groove opening that narrows as it approaches the groove opening. The groove may have a polygonal, arc-shaped, or U-shaped cross-section, or a cross-section that combines an arc and a straight line. Furthermore, the discharge section may have a discharge pipe connected to the groove-defining body. The discharge pipe may be connected to at least one of a pump and a valve.

[0070] In this transport system, The aforementioned discharge port intermittently discharges the fluid, The discharge section may also be used to discharge sediment in the groove when the discharge port is discharging fluid.

[0071] By doing so, a smooth fluid flow is generated in the space and groove, allowing the settled material to be transported over a sufficient distance without being stirred up.

[0072] Furthermore, in this transport system, The suction port may function as an opening that draws in sediment with a specific gravity of 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less that has accumulated in the groove into the space when fluid is discharged from the discharge port.

[0073] By sucking the settled material into the space, transporting it, and then discharging it through the discharge section, even light settled material with a specific gravity of 1.1 to 1.5 can be transported without being stirred up.

[0074] The aquarium equipment described above is A water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of the water tank where the liquid is stored. And, A groove defining body provided at the bottom, which forms a groove opening upward, It extends along the groove, and the upper end portion forms a closed space, and the upper end portion A space-forming member is provided with a suction port that opens further down within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove-defining body. , The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, The discharge pipe is connected to the grooved body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, A discharge section that discharges the sediment in the groove through the discharge pipe and sends it to the outside of the water tank, It is positioned above the grooved body and has multiple holes that penetrate the water tank in the vertical direction. It is characterized by comprising a porous member.

[0075] Furthermore, the water tank is equipped with a transfer system for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of the tank where the liquid is stored. Tank equipment, A groove-defining body provided at the bottom of the aforementioned water tank, forming a groove that opens upwards, It extends along the groove, and the upper end portion forms a closed space, and the upper end portion A space-forming member is provided with a suction port that opens further down within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove-defining body. , The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, The groove is connected to the groove-defined body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, and the sedimentation within the groove A discharge unit that discharges material and sends it to the outside of the water tank, It is positioned above the grooved body and has multiple holes that penetrate the water tank in the vertical direction. The material may also be characterized by being equipped with a porous member.

[0076] In this aquarium facility, The discharge section is located further from the connecting portion of the discharge pipe connected to the grooved body. It has a discharge pump on the downstream side in the discharge direction, The discharge pump, at the connecting portion, discharges the fluid discharged from the discharge port. It may also be a device that generates a flow in a direction along the direction.

[0077] This tank system allows for the transport of even relatively low-density sediment that has passed through the holes over a sufficient distance without being stirred up.

[0078] In this aquarium facility, The grooved body may also be provided with an inclined surface extending diagonally upward from its upper edge.

[0079] The inclined surface allows the sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank to be collected in the groove and transported.

[0080] The transport method described above is A method for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, It extends along the groove provided at the bottom and forms a closed space at its upper end. In a space-forming member having a suction port that opens in the groove below the upper end portion, A discharge process in which fluid is discharged into space, The discharge section has a discharge pipe connected to the groove on the downstream side in the direction of discharge of the fluid. The process includes a discharge step for discharging the sediment in the groove through the aforementioned process. The aforementioned discharge process is characterized by having a period during which it is performed simultaneously with the aforementioned discharge process. ru.

[0081] Furthermore, a transfer method for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, It extends along the groove provided at the bottom and forms a closed space at its upper end. In a space-forming member having a suction port that opens in the groove below the upper end portion, A discharge process in which fluid is discharged into space, The sediment in the groove is discharged by a discharge unit connected to the groove on the downstream side in the direction of fluid discharge. It has a discharge process, The discharge process is characterized by being a process that is performed simultaneously with the discharge process for a certain period of time. That's fine.

[0082] In this transfer method, The discharge process is performed by the discharge method at the discharge section of the discharge pipe, rather than the portion connected to the groove. A discharge pump located on the downstream side, in the portion where the discharge pipe is connected to the groove, A process of generating a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged into the space, That's good too.

[0083] According to this transfer method, even if the amount of fluid discharged in the discharge process is small, relatively low-density sediment can be transferred over a sufficient distance without stirring it up. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Aquarium equipment 2 Aquaculture tank 3 partition plates 4 Transfer device 21 Trough 41 Space-forming member 41a Lower opening 43 Discharge section 422a Discharge port SA21 Groove SA22 interior space

Claims

1. A transfer system for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, A groove defining body provided at the bottom and defining a groove that opens upward, A space-forming member that extends along the groove, with its upper end portion forming a closed space, and a suction port provided below the upper end portion that opens within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove defining body, The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, It comprises a discharge section connected to the grooved body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, for discharging sediment in the groove, The transfer system is characterized in that the discharge section generates a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

2. A water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled at the bottom of a water tank for storing liquid, A groove defining body provided at the bottom, which forms a groove opening upward, A space-forming member that extends along the groove, with its upper end portion forming a closed space, and a suction port provided below the upper end portion that opens within the groove and is spaced apart from the groove defining body, The aforementioned space includes a discharge port for discharging fluid, It comprises a discharge section connected to the grooved body downstream of the discharge port in the direction of fluid discharge, which discharges the settled material in the groove and sends it to the outside of the water tank, The water tank equipment is characterized in that the discharge section generates a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

3. A method for transporting sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid, A discharge step of discharging fluid into a space-forming member, which extends along a groove provided at the bottom and has a closed upper end portion, and has a suction port that opens in the groove below the upper end portion, The system includes a discharge step in which sediment in the groove is discharged by a discharge unit connected to the groove on the downstream side of the fluid discharge direction, The transfer method is characterized in that the discharge step is a step of generating a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged into the space.

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