Transfer system, water tank equipment, and transfer method

Abstract

To provide an inexpensive transfer system with high transfer performance, a tank facility, and a transfer method.SOLUTION: A transfer system for transferring sediment sedimented on a bottom part in a liquid, is equipped with a trough 21 that is provided on the bottom part and defines a groove SA21 opening upward, a space forming member 41 that extends along the groove SA21, forms an inner space SA22 blocking an upper end part, and is provided with a lower opening 41a opening to a lower side than the upper end part in the groove SA21 and separated from the trough 21, an outlet 422a that discharges a fluid into the inner space SA22, and a discharging portion 43 that is coupled to the trough 21 on the downstream side in the discharging direction of the fluid than the outlet 422a and discharges sediment in the groove SA21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled to the bottom of a liquid, a water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled to the bottom of a water tank that stores a liquid, and a transfer method for transferring sediment that has settled to the bottom of a liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] In fish and shellfish farming facilities, work is regularly carried out to remove leftover food and excrement from the tanks to prevent them from deteriorating the water quality in the tanks. Conventional removal work involves manually inserting a net into the tanks to scoop up the leftover food and excrement that have settled to the bottom.

[0003] In addition, in sedimentation tanks installed in sewage treatment facilities, sludge contained in the received sewage is allowed to settle, and the sludge that settles to the bottom is transported to a sludge pit, where it is removed using a sludge pump. Hereinafter, the residual food, feces, and sludge that settle in these tanks and ponds may be referred to as "sediment." Hereinafter, tanks and ponds that store water, such as aquaculture tanks and sedimentation tanks, may be referred to as "aquariums."

[0004] One transfer system proposed for use in a water tank is one that includes a space-forming member with an opening at the bottom and a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the internal space formed by the space-forming member, thereby transferring settled sand while preventing it from being rolled up (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this transfer system, when a fluid is discharged from the discharge port into the internal space, a pressure difference occurs between the inside and outside of the space-forming member, and the sand that has settled on the bottom is sucked into the internal space through the opening. Furthermore, within the internal space, the sucked sand moves downstream in the transfer direction due to the flow of the fluid and is transported to an accumulation section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-024055 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, sediment (leftover food, feces, and sludge) has a lower specific gravity than sand and is therefore more likely to be stirred up in the liquid. For this reason, the transfer system of Patent Document 1 has the risk that the sediment that has been carefully settled will be stirred up again in the aquarium due to the discharged fluid. On the other hand, if the amount of fluid discharged from the discharge port is reduced in order to prevent the sediment from being stirred up, there is a risk that the sediment will not be transported sufficiently. Therefore, the transfer system of Patent Document 1 and the aquarium equipment equipped with the transfer system have the problem that it is difficult to transport the sediment a sufficient distance while preventing it from being stirred up.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a transfer system, aquarium equipment, and a transfer method with high transfer performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The transport system of the present invention that solves the above problems includes: A transport system for transporting sediment that has settled to the bottom in a liquid, comprising: a groove defining body provided on the bottom portion and defining a groove that opens upward; a space forming member extending along the groove, the space forming member having an upper end portion that forms a closed space, and an intake port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion and is spaced apart from the groove defining body; a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the space; The fluid discharge device is characterized by having a discharge pipe connected to the groove defining body downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction of the fluid, and a discharge section that discharges sediment in the groove through the discharge pipe. Also, A transport system for transporting sediment that has settled to the bottom in a liquid, comprising: a groove defining body provided on the bottom portion and defining a groove that opens upward; a space forming member extending along the groove, the space forming member having an upper end portion that forms a closed space, and an intake port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion and is spaced apart from the groove defining body; a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the space; a discharge portion connected to the groove defining body downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction of the fluid, for discharging sediment in the groove. You may . In this transfer system, the discharge section has a discharge pump located downstream in a discharge direction of the connection portion of the discharge pipe that is connected to the groove defining body, The discharge pump may generate a flow in the connecting portion in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

[0009] This transport system allows sediment with a relatively low specific gravity to be transported a sufficient distance without being stirred up.

[0010] Here, the suction port may function as an opening that sucks sediment accumulated in the groove as the fluid is discharged from the discharge port into the space, and the space-forming member may function as a transfer path along which the sediment sucked into the space is transferred downstream in the discharge direction of the fluid as the fluid is discharged from the discharge port. The space may have a lower end portion connected to the suction port that narrows as it approaches the suction port. Furthermore, 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 cross-sectional shape that is polygonal, arc-shaped, or U-shaped, or may have a cross-sectional shape that combines an arc and a straight line. Furthermore, the discharge portion 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.

[0011] In this transfer system, the discharge port intermittently discharges the fluid, The discharge portion may discharge sediment from within the groove when the discharge port is discharging fluid.

[0012] This allows a smooth flow of fluid to occur in the space and the groove, so that sediment can be transported a sufficient distance without being stirred up.

[0013] In addition, in this transfer system, The suction port may function as an opening that sucks sediment having a specific gravity of 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less that has accumulated in the groove into the space by discharging fluid from the discharge port.

[0014] By sucking sediment into the space, transferring it, and discharging it by the discharge section, even light sediment with a specific gravity of 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less can be transferred without being stirred up.

[0015] The aquarium equipment of the present invention that solves the above problems includes: A water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled at the bottom of a water tank that stores liquid, a groove defining member provided on the bottom portion and forming a groove that opens upward; a space forming member extending along the groove, the space forming member having an upper end portion that forms a closed space, and an intake port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion and is spaced apart from the groove defining body; a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the space; a discharge section having a discharge pipe connected to the groove defining body downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction of the fluid, and discharging sediment in the groove through the discharge pipe and sending it out of the water tank; The water tank is characterized by comprising a porous member that is arranged above the groove defining body and has a plurality of holes that penetrate the water tank in the vertical direction. Also, A water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled at the bottom of a water tank that stores liquid, a groove defining member provided at the bottom of the water tank and forming a groove that opens upward; a space forming member extending along the groove, the space forming member having an upper end portion that forms a closed space, and an intake port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion and is spaced apart from the groove defining body; a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the space; a discharge section connected to the groove defining body downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction of the fluid, for discharging sediment in the groove and sending it out of the water tank; a porous member disposed above the groove defining body and having a plurality of holes extending in the vertical direction of the water tank. You may . In this aquarium equipment, the discharge section has a discharge pump located downstream in a discharge direction of the connection portion of the discharge pipe that is connected to the groove defining body, The discharge pump may generate a flow in the connecting portion in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

[0016] With this water tank equipment, even sediment with a relatively low specific gravity that has passed through the holes can be transported a sufficient distance without being stirred up.

[0017] In this aquarium equipment, The groove defining body may have an inclined surface extending obliquely upward from an upper edge thereof.

[0018] The inclined surface allows sediment that has settled on the bottom of the tank to be collected and transported into the groove.

[0019] The transfer method of the present invention that solves the above problems includes: A method for transporting sediment that has settled to the bottom in a liquid, comprising: a discharge step of discharging a fluid into a space in a space forming member that extends along a groove formed in the bottom portion, forms a space with a closed upper end portion, and has a suction port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion; a discharge step of discharging sediment from the groove through a discharge pipe by a discharge section having a discharge pipe connected to the groove on the downstream side in the discharge direction of the fluid, The discharging step is a step that is performed simultaneously with the ejecting step for a certain period of time. Also, A method for transporting sediment that has settled to the bottom in a liquid, comprising: a discharge step of discharging a fluid into a space in a space forming member that extends along a groove formed in the bottom portion, forms a space with a closed upper end portion, and has a suction port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion; a discharge step of discharging sediment from the groove by a discharge part connected to the groove on the downstream side in the discharge direction of the fluid, The discharging step is a step that is performed simultaneously with the ejecting step. You may . In this transfer method, The discharge step may be a step of generating a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged into the space at the part of the discharge pipe connected to the groove, using a discharge pump located downstream in the discharge direction of the discharge section from the part of the discharge pipe connected to the groove.

[0020] According to this transfer method, even if the amount of fluid discharged in the discharge step is small, sediment having a relatively low specific gravity can be transferred a sufficient distance without being stirred up. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, a transfer system, aquarium equipment, and a transfer method with high transfer performance can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aquarium facility equipped with a transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. 1 along the line AA. [Figure 3] 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 1A. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 4(a) is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4(a) showing the trough, space forming member and suction portion of the water tank equipment of the first modified example, and FIG. 4(b) is an FF cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water tank facility according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water tank equipment of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water tank equipment shown in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the present embodiment, an example in which the transfer system of the present invention is formed in an aquaculture tank for abalone or other seafood is used.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water tank facility equipped with a transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the water tank facility shown in Fig. 1 taken along line AA.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the aquaculture tank facility 1 includes an aquaculture tank 2, a partition plate 3, and a transfer device 4. The aquaculture tank 2 stores a liquid appropriate for the aquatic organisms to be cultured therein. For example, if the aquatic organisms are marine organisms, seawater is stored therein, and if the aquatic organisms are river or lake organisms, freshwater is stored therein. In this embodiment, a case where seawater is stored will be described as an example. This seawater corresponds to an example of a liquid. In FIG. 1, the water level of the stored seawater is indicated by a water surface WL. A trough 21 and an inclined surface 22 are provided at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2. The trough 21 and the transfer device 4 correspond to an example of a transfer system. The trough 21 corresponds to an example of a groove defining body. As shown in FIG. 2, the aquaculture tank 2 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Hereinafter, the long side direction of the aquaculture tank 2 may be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the short side direction may be referred to as the width direction.

[0026] The trough 21 is located at the center of the aquaculture tank 2 in the width direction and extends over the entire length of the aquaculture tank 2 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 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 over the entire length of the aquaculture tank 2 in the longitudinal direction. The inclined surface 22 extends obliquely upward from the upper edge of the trough 21 to the vertically steep side walls at both ends of the aquaculture tank 2 in the width direction. In other words, the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2 is formed by the inner surface of the trough 21 and the inclined surface 22.

[0027] The partition plate 3 is disposed above the trough 21 and at the same height as the upper end of the inclined surface 22. In plan view, the partition plate 3 has an outer peripheral shape that matches the inner peripheral surface of the aquaculture tank 2. This partition plate 3 is an example of a porous member. The partition plate 3 is a stainless steel punched metal with multiple holes penetrating in the vertical direction (i.e., thickness direction). These holes are large enough to prevent the passage of cultured fish and shellfish, but allow the passage of residual feed and fish and shellfish excrement. Wire mesh may be used instead of punched metal, and the material may be resin. In short, the partition plate 3 need only vertically divide the aquaculture tank 2 and have multiple holes connecting the upper and lower sides. In FIG. 1, the partition plate 3 is depicted slightly above the upper end of the inclined surface 22 so that the partition plate 3 and the upper end of the inclined surface 22 can be distinguished.

[0028] The partition plate 3 divides the interior of the aquaculture tank 2 into a fish and shellfish presence area SA1 and a filth settling area SA2. The fish and shellfish presence area SA1 is the living area for the cultured fish and shellfish. Residual food and fish and shellfish feces left uneaten by the fish and shellfish in the fish and shellfish presence area SA1 have a specific gravity of 1.1 to 1.5. This residual food and feces settle in the fish and shellfish presence area SA1, pass through the holes in the partition plate 3, and further settle in the filth settling area SA2. Hereinafter, this residual food and feces will be referred to as sediment. The sediment that settles in the filth settling 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. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 22 is preferably 30 degrees to 60 degrees. By making the inclined surface 22 30 degrees or more, sediment that settles toward the inclined surface 22 can easily slide down the inclined surface 22. On the other hand, if the angle exceeds 60 degrees, the height of the filth settling area SA2 increases, reducing the volume of the seafood presence area SA1 and resulting in fewer seafood that can be cultivated.

[0029] The transfer device 4 includes a space-forming member 41, a fluid supply unit 42, and a discharge unit 43. The transfer device 4 transfers sediment accumulated in a groove SA21 (see FIG. 3) defined by the trough 21 to the outside of the aquaculture tank 2. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction in which the sediment is transferred by the transfer device 4 is indicated by an outline arrow. The space-forming member 41 is disposed in the groove SA21 defined by the trough 21 and extends along the trough 21 and the groove SA21. The overall length of the space-forming member 41 is approximately the same as the overall length of the trough 21, but is disposed slightly offset downstream in the transfer direction relative to the trough 21. The space-forming member 41 is supported by two support members 411 disposed spaced apart in the extension direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 411 spans the width of the trough 21, and both widthwise ends are fixed to the inclined surface 22. The space forming member 41 is fixed to the center portion in the width direction of the support member 411. The number of support members 411 may be set appropriately within a range that can support the space forming member 41 depending on the length of the space forming member 41 in the extension direction, etc.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 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 a groove SA21 (see FIG. 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 a 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. The tip of the nozzle 422 is formed with an outlet 422a through which the fluid supplied through the water supply pipe 421 is discharged. The fluid supplied here is the same as seawater stored in the aquaculture tank 2. However, seawater with a different salinity from that of the seawater stored in the aquaculture tank 2, freshwater, or gas-mixed water in which gas is mixed into liquid may also be supplied. When supplying gas-mixed water, if the proportion of gas is too high, the flow of the discharged gas-mixed water is likely to weaken, so it is preferable that the proportion of gas is low.

[0031] The discharge unit 43 includes a discharge pipe 431 and a discharge pump 432. The discharge pipe 431 is connected to a sidewall of the aquaculture tank 2 at the downstream end in the transfer direction. An opening is formed in the sidewall at the connection portion. A discharge port 431a is formed at one end of the discharge pipe 431 connected to the opening. The discharge pipe 431 protrudes from the discharge port 431a toward the outside of the aquaculture tank 2. The discharge pipe 431 bends upward outside the aquaculture tank 2 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 the discharge pump 432, sediment present in the groove SA21 and the internal space SA22 (shown in FIG. 3 ) on the downstream side in the transfer direction is sucked together with seawater in the aquaculture tank 2, discharged from the aquaculture tank 2 through the discharge pipe 431, and sent to the filtration tank. Therefore, the discharge pipe 431 can be referred to as a suction pipe for sucking up sediment or a suction pipe for sucking up sediment minerals, and the discharge section 43 can be referred to as a suction section or a suction section. After filtering the seawater containing sediment discharged by the discharge pipe 431, the seawater can be circulated by supplying it into the aquaculture tank 2 from the discharge port 422a using the water supply pump 423.

[0032] Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3(a), the left-right direction of the drawing is the width direction, and the direction from the back side of the drawing to the front side of the drawing is the transfer direction.

[0033] 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 FIG. 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 obliquely upward from the upper edge of the trough 21. In other words, the inclined surface 22 slopes downward toward the edge of the trough 21, and its lowest part is connected to the upper edge of the trough 21.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the trough 21 has a cross-sectional shape of a three-quarter arc. The trough 21 is formed integrally with the inclined surface 22 from FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic). The trough 21 may be molded from a non-fiber-reinforced resin or formed by bending a metal plate such as stainless steel. The trough 21 may also be molded separately from the inclined surface 22 and then joined to the inclined surface 22. Furthermore, the shape of the inner circumferential surface 21b of the trough 21 is not limited to an arc shape, but may be a polygonal shape, a V-shape, or a shape combining straight lines and arcs, such as a U-shape. The trough 21 shown in FIG. 3(a) has a shape obtained by cutting out the upper quarter (the water surface WL side shown in FIG. 1) of a cylinder with an inner diameter of 300 mm. Therefore, the 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 becomes narrower 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 extension direction of the trough 21.

[0035] The settled sediment slides down the inclined surface 22 toward the trough 21 or directly enters the groove SA21 from the upper opening 21a of the trough 21 and accumulates on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21. In other words, the sediment that has settled to the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2 is first collected in the groove SA21 by its own weight.

[0036] The space forming member 41 shown in FIG. 3(a) has an arc-shaped cross section. The upper end of the space forming member 41 is positioned so as to substantially coincide with the upper end of the groove SA21. Therefore, the entire space forming member 41 is positioned within the groove SA21. However, the upper portion of the space forming member 41 may be positioned above the groove SA21. The space forming member 41 is formed by shaping a stainless steel flat plate so as to have an arc-shaped cross section. The space forming member 41 may also be formed by processing a plate made of other materials or by injection molding or extrusion molding. The shape of the inner peripheral surface 41b of the space forming member 41 may be a polygonal shape with an opening at the center of the lower width direction. The space forming member 41 of this embodiment is shaped like a cylinder with an inner diameter of 150 mm, with the lower portion (bottom surface 21c side) cut out and a lower opening 41a provided at the bottom. That is, 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 sucks sediment collected in the groove SA21 into an internal space SA22 defined by the inner circumferential surface 41b of the space forming member 41. That is, the lower opening 41a corresponds to 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 divides the interior of the groove SA21 and forms an internal space SA22 in which the portion above the lower opening 41a at the bottom end is closed. That is, the interior of the groove SA21 is divided by the space forming member 41 into the internal space SA22 and the rest of the space. Sediment also settles on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of this space forming member 41, but the sediment that settles toward the space forming member 41 tends to flow down along the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface toward the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21. In addition, since the inner peripheral surface 41b of the space forming member 41 is also arc-shaped, the lower portion of the internal space SA22 that is connected to the lower opening 41a becomes narrower as it approaches the lower opening 41a.

[0037] The radial center position of the space forming member 41 substantially coincides with 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 is substantially constant in the overlapping portion between them. However, the radial center position of the space forming member 41 and the radial center position of the trough 21 may be different.

[0038] An outlet 422a is disposed in the internal space SA22 to discharge seawater into the internal space SA22. The seawater discharged from this outlet 422a corresponds to an example of a fluid. The outlet 422a has an elongated hole shape formed by flattening the tip of a pipe-like water supply pipe 421 with an inner diameter of 80 mm. The maximum opening length of the outlet 422a in the horizontal direction (trough width direction) is 117 mm. The outlet 422a may have a perfect circular shape. However, by making the outlet 422a in such a flat shape, the discharged seawater is less likely to diffuse in the vertical direction than with a perfect circular shape, and therefore is less likely to leak from the internal space SA22.

[0039] Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 3(a). In Fig. 3(b), the left-right direction of the drawing corresponds to the extension direction of the trough 21, and the right-hand side of the drawing corresponds to the downstream side in the transfer direction.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the tip of the water supply pipe 421 extends parallel to the space forming member 41. A nozzle 422 fixed to the tip of the water supply pipe 421 is inserted into the internal space SA22. The seawater supplied to the water supply pipe 421 is discharged in the transfer direction from a discharge port 422a at the tip of the nozzle 422. That is, the discharge direction of the seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a coincides with the transfer direction, and the seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a in a substantially horizontal direction. Note that 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 can discharge seawater into the internal space SA22. For example, it may be located on a plane including the upstream end of the space forming member 41.

[0041] As seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a into the internal space SA22, a pressure difference occurs between the inside (internal space SA22) and outside of the space forming member 41, and sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c is sucked into the space S2 through the lower opening 41a, as shown by the curved arrow in FIG. 3(a). Furthermore, in the internal space SA22, the sucked sediment moves in the transfer direction due to the flow of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a. Therefore, the space forming member 41 functions as a transfer path along which the sediment sucked into the internal space SA22 moves downstream in the discharge direction of the seawater when seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the lower opening 41a is an opening that narrows in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the space forming member 41 (trough width direction), and the internal space SA22 is a space that expands from the lower opening 41a. Since the lower opening 41a is a narrowed opening in this manner, sediment being transferred in the internal space SA22 is less likely to come out of the internal space SA22. Also, the flow of seawater in the internal space SA22 is more easily maintained, and sediment can be transferred over a long distance.

[0042] 4(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 4(a).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the discharge pipe 431 is connected to the downstream end of the trough 21 in the transfer direction. The portion of the discharge pipe 431 connected to the trough 21 has the same inner diameter as the trough 21. The discharge pipe 431 has a portion where the inner diameter gradually decreases a little away from the aquaculture tank 2, and beyond that portion, the inner diameter remains constant. The discharge pump 432 shown in FIG. 1 is provided at the end of the portion with the constant inner diameter. The discharge pipe 431 has a flange at the portion connected to the trough 21, and is watertightly joined to the trough 21 by the flange. As described above, the trough 21 has a cylindrical shape with the upper quarter cut out. Therefore, the cut-out portion of the discharge pipe 431 is watertightly joined to the side wall of the aquaculture tank 2 at the downstream end in the transfer direction, as shown in FIG. 4(a). The discharge pipe 431 is made of stainless steel, but may be made of metal other than stainless steel or resin.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4( b), the downstream end of the space forming member 41 in the transfer direction is inserted into the discharge pipe 431. This ensures that sediment transported in the internal space SA22 formed by the space forming member 41 is reliably discharged by the discharge pipe 431. When the discharge of seawater from the discharge port 422a shown in FIG. 1 and the discharge by the discharge pipe 431 are performed simultaneously, much 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 from the lower opening 41a toward the bottom surface 21c of the groove SA21, and this leaked part is also sucked into the discharge pipe 431 from the groove SA21. On the other hand, when discharge by the discharge pipe 431 is performed after the start of the discharge of seawater from the discharge port 422a, the sediment transported in the internal space SA22 temporarily accumulates on the bottom surface 21c of the groove SA21 near the discharge port 431a. However, when discharge through the discharge pipe 431 begins, the accumulated sediment is sucked into the discharge pipe 431 through the groove SA21 and sent to a filtration tank (not shown).

[0045] Next, a method for transferring sediment using the water tank equipment 1 and transfer device 4 described above will be described.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aquarium equipment shown in Fig. 1. The operations shown in this flowchart are all automatically executed by a control device (not shown), but some or all of the operations may also be executed manually.

[0047] In the water tank equipment 1, a sediment transfer process is periodically performed. 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. Instead of performing the process periodically, a detection means for detecting the accumulation state of sediment may be provided, and the transfer process may be performed based on the detection result of the detection means. In other words, the transfer process is performed intermittently.

[0048] In the transfer process, first, the operation of the water supply pump 423 is 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 generated between the internal space SA22 and the outside, and 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 sediment moves toward the downstream side in the discharge direction (downstream side in the transfer direction) due to the flow of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a. Furthermore, approximately simultaneously with the operation of the water supply pump 423, the discharge pump 432 also starts to be driven (step S13). This starts the discharge of seawater mixed with sediment through the discharge pipe 431. Then, the flow generated in the internal space SA22 and the discharge through the discharge pipe 431 form a smooth flow throughout the entire length of the internal space SA22. Furthermore, near the discharge port 431a, a flow toward the downstream side in the transfer direction is also generated slightly outside the space forming member 41. That is, a flow toward the downstream side in the transfer direction is generated in the groove SA21 near the discharge port 431a and in a portion slightly above the groove SA21. Here, it is preferable that the amount of seawater discharged per unit time from the discharge port 422a by driving the water supply pump 423 is approximately equal to the amount of seawater discharged per unit time by the discharge pump 432. This facilitates the formation of a smooth flow throughout 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 is driven. However, performing the discharge pump 432 and the supply pump 423 simultaneously is preferable because this allows for a smooth transfer flow in the internal space SA22, minimizes changes in the water surface WL of the aquaculture tank 2, and minimizes stress on the fish and shellfish present in the fish and shellfish presence area SA1. Furthermore, after the water supply pump 423 is driven, the discharge pump 432 may be driven a little later than the water supply pump 423, taking into consideration the time it takes for seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a to reach the discharge pipe 431.

[0049] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the discharge pump 432 started to operate (YES in step S14), the supply water pump 423 is stopped (step S15). This predetermined time is sufficient to suck sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 into the internal space SA22 and transfer it to the vicinity of the discharge port 431a, and is determined in advance by experiment. Note that the start of the predetermined time may be the start of the supply water pump 423 instead of the start of the discharge pump 432. Furthermore, the discharge pump 432 is stopped approximately simultaneously with the stop of the supply water pump 423 (step S16). The discharge pump 432 may be stopped before or after the stop of the supply water pump 423, but performing these operations simultaneously is preferable because it creates a smooth transfer flow in the internal space SA22 and reduces the likelihood of changes in the water level WL of the aquaculture tank 2. Furthermore, it is preferable that the drive time of the supply water pump 423 and the drive time of the discharge pump 432 in one transfer process are approximately equal. This prevents the water surface WL of the aquaculture tank 2 from changing before and after the transfer process. Steps S12 to S15 correspond to an example of a discharge process, and steps S13 to S16 correspond to an example of a discharge process. After step S16 is performed, the transfer process ends.

[0050] The transfer system, aquarium equipment 1, and transfer method using the trough 21 and transfer device 4 described above enable sediment with a relatively low specific gravity to be transported a sufficient distance without being hoisted up. If hoisting up occurs, the hoisted up sediment will deviate from the transport flow and become unable to be transported. Therefore, it is important to prevent hoisting up during sediment transport. Sediment with a specific gravity of 1.1 to 1.5 in particular tends to hoist up when transported using only the space-forming member 41 and fluid supply unit 42. However, by discharging it using the discharge unit 43, hoisting up can be prevented. Seafood becomes stressed when people or waste (sediments) are nearby, which can lead to a decline in quality. The configuration of this embodiment allows sediment to be transported without manual intervention or hoisting, reducing stress on seafood in the seafood presence area SA1. This improves the quality of the cultured seafood. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when seawater is discharged from the discharge port 422a, the discharge unit 43 discharges sediment along with the seawater. This creates a smooth flow in the groove SA21 and the internal space SA22, even when the amount of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a is small. This allows the sediment to be transported a sufficient distance without being stirred up. Furthermore, since a low-performance water supply pump 423 can be used, the aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed inexpensively. Furthermore, the water supply pump 423 requires less power, thereby saving energy in the aquarium equipment 1. Furthermore, even if sediment is stirred up for some reason, the partition plate 3 prevents the stirred-up sediment from reaching the seafood presence area SA1. Furthermore, the inclined surface 22 formed at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2 allows the settled sediment to collect in the groove SA21. The sediment collected in the groove SA21 can then be transported collectively by the transfer device 4. In addition, since the cylindrical discharge pipe 431 is connected to the trough 21, even at the downstream end portion of the space forming member 41 in the transfer direction (near the discharge outlet 431a), seawater containing sediment in the groove SA21 and the internal space SA22 can be sucked in and discharged from the discharge outlet 431a without being stirred up.

[0051] Next, we will explain modified examples of the aquarium equipment 1 that has been explained so far. In the following explanation, components that have the same names as components that have been explained so far will be assigned the same reference numerals as used so far, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0052] FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4(a) showing the trough, space forming member and discharge portion of the water tank equipment of the first modified example, and FIG. 6(b) is an FF cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a).

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, the aquarium equipment 1 of this first modified example differs from the aquarium equipment 1 of the previous embodiment in the shape of the opening formed in the side wall of the aquaculture tank 2 at the downstream end in the transfer direction and the shape of the discharge pipe 431. The discharge outlet 431a formed at one end of the discharge pipe 431 has a cylindrical shape with the upper 1 / 4 of the body cut out, similar to the trough 21. The upper end of the discharge outlet 431a is approximately aligned with the upper end of the space forming member 41. The opening formed in the side wall of the aquaculture tank 2 at the downstream end in the transfer direction also has the same shape. The discharge outlet 431a is connected to this opening.

[0054] The aquarium equipment 1 of this first modified example also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment. In addition, the amount of seawater sucked into the discharge port 431a from above the space forming member 41 decreases, and accordingly the amount of seawater containing sediment in the groove SA21 and the internal space SA22 near the discharge port 431a is increased. This allows the amount of seawater containing sediment discharged through the discharge pipe 431 to be increased.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water tank equipment of the second modified example.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7 , the aquarium equipment 1 differs from the aquarium equipment 1 of the previous embodiment in the configuration of the discharge unit 43. The discharge unit 43 of this second modification has a discharge pipe 431 extending downward. A discharge valve 433 is provided along the discharge pipe 431 instead of the discharge pump 432. This discharge valve 433 is an electrically operated valve, but a manual valve may also be used. By opening the discharge valve 433, sediment present 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 to the filtration tank through the discharge pipe 431. In the transfer process of the aquarium equipment 1 of this second modification, the discharge valve 433 can be opened and closed instead of driving and stopping the discharge pump 432 as described above. If the discharge pipe 431 extends below the lowest height of the water surface WL, the head pressure of the seawater in the aquaculture tank 2 can be used to discharge the sediment together with the seawater in the aquaculture tank 2. Therefore, the discharge pipe 431 does not necessarily need to extend downward, but may extend below the lowest height of the water surface WL. Furthermore, as long as the configuration utilizes the siphon principle, a portion of the discharge pipe 431 may be located above the lowest position of the water surface WL.

[0057] Aquarium equipment 1 of this second modified example also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, because discharge pump 432 is not used, aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed inexpensively and can also be made more energy efficient.

[0058] Next, a water tank facility 1 according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water tank equipment according to the second embodiment.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the aquarium equipment 1 of the second embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the longitudinal length of the aquaculture tank 2 is longer, and in the configurations of the fluid supply unit 42 and the discharge unit 43.

[0061] The fluid supply unit 42 has a main water supply pipe 4210, a first branch water supply pipe 4211, a second branch water supply pipe 4212, a third branch water supply pipe 4213, a fourth branch water supply 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 in the longitudinal direction above the aquaculture tank 2, and its rear end is connected to the water supply pump 423 installed in a fluid storage tank (not shown). The rear ends of 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 are connected to the main water supply pipe 4210 and extend vertically into the groove SA21 (see FIG. 3) at the bottom of the aquaculture tank 2, with their leading ends bent downstream in the transfer direction. A first water supply valve 4215 is provided midway along the first water supply branch pipe 4211. Similarly, a second water supply valve 4216 is provided midway along the second water supply branch pipe 4212, a third water supply valve 4217 is provided midway along the third water supply branch pipe 4213, and a fourth water supply valve 4218 is provided midway along the fourth water supply branch pipe 4214. These water supply valves are electrically operated valves, but manual valves may also be used. A first nozzle 4221 is fixed to the tip of the first water supply branch pipe 4211. Similarly, second nozzle 4222 is fixed to the tip of second water supply branch pipe 4212, third nozzle 4223 is fixed to the tip of third water supply branch pipe 4213, and fourth nozzle 4224 is fixed to the tip of fourth water supply branch pipe 4214. A first outlet 4221a is formed at the tip of first nozzle 4221 for discharging seawater (fluid) supplied through main water supply pipe 4210 and first water supply branch pipe 4211. Similarly, a second outlet 4222a for discharging seawater is formed at the tip of second nozzle 4222, a third outlet 4223a for discharging seawater is formed at the tip of third nozzle 4223, and a fourth outlet 4224a for discharging seawater is formed at the tip of fourth nozzle 4224.

[0062] 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 downstream 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 ends of the first discharge branch pipe 4311, the second discharge branch pipe 4312, and the third discharge branch pipe 4313 are connected to the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 (see FIG. 3) in this order from the upstream side in the transfer direction. An opening is formed in the trough 21 at the connection portion with the first discharge branch pipe 4311. A first discharge outlet 4311a is formed at one end of the first discharge branch pipe 4311 connected to the opening. Similarly, a second discharge outlet 4312a is formed at the connection between the second discharge branch pipe 4312 and the trough 21, and a third discharge outlet 4313a is formed at the connection between the third discharge branch pipe 4313 and the trough 21. One end of the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314 is connected to the side wall of the downstream end of the aquaculture tank 2 in the transfer direction. An opening is formed in the side wall of the connected portion. A fourth discharge 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.

[0063] A first discharge valve 4331 is provided in the first discharge branch pipe 4311. Similarly, a second discharge valve 4332 is provided in the second discharge branch pipe 4312, a third discharge valve 4333 is provided in the third discharge branch pipe 4313, and a fourth discharge valve 4334 is provided in 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 a portion of the main discharge pipe 4310 extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aquarium equipment shown in Fig. 8. As with the operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5, the operation of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is all automatically executed by a control device (not shown), but some or all of the operation may also be executed manually.

[0065] In the water tank equipment 1 of the second embodiment, the control device also periodically executes the transfer process shown in Fig. 9. Note that a detection means for detecting the accumulation state of sediment may be provided, and the transfer process may be executed based on the detection result of the detection means.

[0066] In the transfer process, first, the operation of the water supply pump 423 is started, and the first water supply valve 4215 is opened (step S21). This starts discharging seawater from the first discharge port 4221a. Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with step S21, the operation of 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 FIG. 3) formed by the space forming member 41. Then, in the portion where the flow is generated, a pressure difference is generated between the internal space SA22 and the outside, and sediment deposited in the groove SA21 (see FIG. 3) defined by the trough 21 is sucked into the internal space SA22 from the lower opening 41a (see FIG. 3). That is, sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the first discharge port 4221a and the first discharge port 4311a (see FIG. 3) is sucked into the internal space SA22. Furthermore, the sucked sediment moves downstream in the discharge direction (downstream in the transfer direction) in the internal space SA22 due to the flow of seawater discharged from the discharge port 422a. Furthermore, a flow from the groove SA21 toward the first discharge branch pipe 4311 is generated near the first discharge port 4311a by driving the discharge pump 432, and the surrounding sediment is discharged together with the seawater. As a result, the sediment transported to the vicinity of the first discharge port 4311a is sucked into the first discharge branch pipe 4311 and discharged from the aquaculture tank 2, and then sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank provided outside the aquaculture tank 2. Here, a smooth flow is formed in the portion of the internal space SA22 between the first discharge port 4221a and the first discharge port 4311a due to the flow generated in the internal space SA22 and the discharge through the first discharge branch pipe 4311. Note that, although steps S21 and S22 may be performed at slightly different times, it is preferable to perform them simultaneously because performing them approximately simultaneously forms a smooth transfer flow in the internal space SA22 and is less likely to cause changes in the water surface WL of the aquaculture tank 2.

[0067] 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). Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with step S24, the first discharge valve 4331 is closed and the second discharge valve 4332 is opened (step S25). This causes seawater to start being discharged from the second discharge port 4222a. A flow from the groove SA21 toward the second discharge branch pipe 4312 is generated near the second discharge port 4312a, and surrounding sediment is discharged together with the seawater. Then, similar to steps S21 and S22, sediment deposited 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, transported downstream in the discharge direction, and sucked into the second discharge branch pipe 4312 to be discharged from the aquaculture tank 2. The discharged sediment is sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank provided outside the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S23 is a time sufficient for the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the first discharge port 4221a and the first discharge port 4311a to be sucked into the internal space SA22 and transported to the vicinity of the first discharge port 4311a, and is determined in advance by experiment. In step S23, step S21 may be set as the start point for calculating the predetermined time.

[0068] 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). Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with step S27, the second discharge valve 4332 is closed and the third discharge valve 4333 is opened (step S28). This causes seawater to start being discharged from the third discharge port 4223a. Near the third discharge port 4313a, a flow is generated from the groove SA21 toward the third discharge branch pipe 4313, causing surrounding sediment to be discharged together with the seawater. Then, similar to steps S21 and S22, etc., sediment deposited on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the third discharge port 4223a and the third discharge port 4313a is sucked into the internal space SA22 through the lower opening 41a, transported downstream in the discharge direction, and sucked into the third discharge branch pipe 4313 to be discharged from the aquaculture tank 2. The discharged sediment is sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank provided outside the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S26 is a time sufficient for the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the second discharge outlet 4222a and the second discharge outlet 4312a to be sucked into the internal space SA22 and transported to the vicinity of the second discharge outlet 4312a, and is determined in advance by experiment. In this second embodiment, the distance from the first discharge outlet 4221a to the first discharge outlet 4311a is equal to the distance from the second discharge outlet 4222a to the second discharge outlet 4312a, so the predetermined time in step S26 and the predetermined time in step S23 are equal. In addition, in step S26, step S24 may be used as the start point for calculating the predetermined time.

[0069] 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). Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with step S30, the third discharge valve 4333 is closed and the fourth discharge valve 4334 is opened (step S31). This causes seawater to begin to be discharged from the fourth discharge port 4224a. Near the fourth discharge port 4314a, a flow is generated from the groove SA21 toward the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314, causing surrounding sediment to be discharged along with the seawater. Then, similar to steps S21 and S22, sediment deposited 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, transported downstream in the discharge direction, and sucked into the fourth discharge branch pipe 4314 to be discharged from the aquaculture tank 2. The discharged sediment is sent through the main discharge pipe 4310 to a filtration tank provided outside the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S29 is a time sufficient for the sediment accumulated on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the third discharge outlet 4223a and the third discharge outlet 4313a to be sucked into the internal space SA22 and transported to the vicinity of the third discharge outlet 4313a, and is determined in advance by experiment. In this second embodiment, the distance from the first discharge outlet 4221a to the first discharge outlet 4311a is equal to the distance from the third discharge outlet 4223a to the third discharge outlet 4313a, so the predetermined time in step S29 and the predetermined time in step S23 are equal. In addition, in step S29, step S27 may be used as the start point for calculating the predetermined time.

[0070] When 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). Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with step S33, the discharge pump 432 is stopped and the fourth discharge valve 4334 is opened (step S34). While steps S33 and S34 may be performed at slightly different times, performing them simultaneously is preferable because this allows for a smooth transfer flow to be formed in the internal space SA22 and reduces fluctuations in the water level WL of the aquaculture tank 2. The predetermined time in step S32 is a time sufficient for sediment deposited on the bottom surface 21c of the trough 21 between the fourth discharge port 4224a and the fourth discharge port 4314a to be sucked into the internal space SA22 and transported to the vicinity of the fourth discharge port 4314a, and is determined in advance by experiment. In the second embodiment, the distance from the first outlet 4221a to the first discharge outlet 4311a is equal to the distance from the fourth outlet 4224a to the fourth discharge outlet 4314a, and therefore the predetermined time in step S32 and the predetermined time in step S23 are equal. Furthermore, in step S32, step S30 may be used as the starting point for calculating the predetermined time. As described above, steps S21 to S24 correspond to an example of a first discharge step, steps S24 to S27 correspond to an example of a second discharge step, steps S27 to S30 correspond to an example of a third discharge step, and steps S30 to S33 correspond to an example of a fourth discharge step. Furthermore, steps S22 to S25 correspond to an example of a first discharge step paired with the first discharge step, steps S25 to S28 correspond to an example of a second discharge step paired with the second discharge step, steps S28 to S31 correspond to an example of a third discharge step paired with the third discharge step, and steps S31 to S34 correspond to an example of a fourth discharge step paired with the fourth discharge step. After step S34 is executed, the transfer process ends.

[0071] In the transfer process of this second embodiment, the combinations of 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 in pairs. The number of combinations may be appropriately set depending on the longitudinal length of the aquaculture tank 2. In addition, in the transfer process described above, by executing pairs of discharge and discharge processes in order starting from the combination located upstream in the transfer direction, sediment that has passed downstream of the discharge port can be transferred by the next pair of discharge and discharge processes. However, since a large amount of sediment can be transferred by operating each pair of discharge and discharge processes, the order in which each pair of discharge and discharge processes is executed may be arbitrary if some remaining sediment is acceptable.

[0072] The aquarium equipment 1 of the second embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the previous embodiment. Furthermore, even if the aquaculture tank 2 is long in the longitudinal direction, sediment can be discharged to the outside of the aquaculture tank 2 over the entire longitudinal length. Furthermore, by providing multiple branch water supply pipes branching off from the main water supply pipe 4210 and sequentially discharging seawater from nozzles fixed to the ends of these branch water supply pipes, only one water supply pump 423 is required, and the aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed inexpensively. Similarly, by providing multiple branch discharge pipes connected to the main discharge pipe 4310 and sequentially discharging sediment from each outlet at one end of these branch discharge pipes, only one discharge pump 432 is required, and the aquarium equipment 1 can be constructed inexpensively. As with the second modified example shown in Fig. 7, in aquarium equipment 1 of this second embodiment, discharge pump 432 may be omitted by extending main discharge pipe 4310 and each branch discharge pipe downward, or by extending main discharge pipe 4310 and each branch discharge pipe below the lowest height of the water surface WL, or by utilizing the siphon principle to allow seawater containing sediment to flow out by its own weight or head pressure. In this case, the transfer process can be performed in the same manner as the operation shown in Fig. 9, except that discharge pump 432 does not need to be started and stopped. This allows aquarium equipment 1 to be configured inexpensively and to be more energy-efficient.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, the transfer system is installed in an aquaculture tank, but the transfer system may be installed in other tanks, such as a sedimentation tank. Furthermore, in cases where it is not necessary to separate the fish and shellfish presence area SA1 and the waste settling area SA2, such as in a sedimentation tank, the partition plate 3 may be omitted.

[0074] Note that even if a constituent element is included only in the description of the embodiment or modified example described above, that constituent element may be applied to other embodiment or modified example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Aquarium equipment 2 Aquaculture tank 3 Divider 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 transport system for transporting sediment that has settled to the bottom in a liquid, comprising: a groove defining body provided on the bottom portion and defining a groove that opens upward; a space forming member extending along the groove, the space forming member having an upper end portion that forms a closed space, and an intake port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion and is spaced apart from the groove defining body; a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the space; a discharge section having a discharge pipe connected to the groove defining body downstream of the discharge port in the fluid discharge direction, and discharging sediment in the groove through the discharge pipe.

2. The discharge section has a discharge pump located downstream in the discharge direction of the discharge section from a connecting portion of the discharge pipe connected to the groove defining body, 2. The transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge pump generates a flow in the connecting portion in a direction parallel to the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

3. A water tank facility equipped with a transfer system for transferring sediment that has settled at the bottom of a water tank that stores liquid, a groove defining member provided on the bottom portion and forming a groove that opens upward; a space forming member extending along the groove, the space forming member having an upper end portion that forms a closed space, and an intake port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion and is spaced apart from the groove defining body; a discharge port that discharges a fluid into the space; a discharge section having a discharge pipe connected to the groove defining body downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction of the fluid, and discharging sediment in the groove through the discharge pipe and sending it out of the water tank; a porous member disposed above the groove defining body and having a plurality of holes extending vertically through the water tank.

4. The discharge section has a discharge pump downstream in the discharge direction of the discharge section from a connecting portion of the discharge pipe connected to the groove defining body, 4. The aquarium equipment according to claim 3, wherein the discharge pump generates a flow in the connecting portion in a direction parallel to the discharge direction of the fluid discharged from the discharge port.

5. A method for transferring sediment that has settled to the bottom of a liquid, comprising: a discharge step of discharging a fluid into a space in a space forming member that extends along a groove formed in the bottom portion, forms a space with a closed upper end portion, and has a suction port that opens into the groove below the upper end portion; a discharge step of discharging sediment from the groove through a discharge pipe by a discharge section having a discharge pipe connected to the groove on the downstream side in the discharge direction of the fluid, The transfer method, wherein the discharge step is a step that is performed simultaneously with the ejection step during a certain period.

6. A transfer method as described in Claim 5, characterized in that the discharge process is a process of generating a flow in a direction along the discharge direction of the fluid discharged into the space at the part of the discharge pipe connected to the groove, by using a discharge pump arranged downstream in the discharge direction in the discharge section from the part of the discharge pipe connected to the groove.

Images