Aquaponics apparatus using ceramic artificial soil

Abstract

An aquaponics apparatus using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a water tank filled on the inside with water or a nutrient solution and including, on the bottom surface, a ceramic artificial soil layer composed of a plurality of ceramic artificial soils; a plurality of pots planted with hydroponically grown plants and accommodating at least one ceramic artificial soil therein; and a bed providing a space in which the plurality of pots can be attached and detached, wherein the ceramic artificial soil may be produced to include, as a coloring agent in Al2O3, at least one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of TiO2, Fe2O3, MnO2, SiO2, and Co2O3.

Description

Aquaponics device with ceramic artificial soil

[0001] The present invention relates to an aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, and more specifically, to an aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil that can purify water from waste materials and promote plant growth.

[0002] Recently, hydroponic cultivation methods that combine water containers and flower pots or cultivate plants directly in water have been used, and in addition to this hydroponic cultivation, a combined hydroponic cultivation device for fish tanks that house ornamental fish and combine hydroponic cultivation methods has been used.

[0003] These types of fish tanks and hydroponics systems are used to grow plants in the upper part of the tank and raise ornamental fish in the lower part of the tank. However, these types of fish tanks and hydroponics systems have problems such as the fish eating the roots of the plants, causing damage to the roots, and the plants dying or not being naturally purified due to water contamination by fish waste, etc.

[0004] The background technology of the present invention is Utility Model Registration No. 0485623, "Aquaponics device for use as a fish tank" (Patent Document 1). The background technology comprises: a tank having an open top and containing water and ornamental fish; a water supply pipe for transporting water contained in the tank; A cultivation tank is provided inside the above tank to accommodate water and plants, and the cultivation tank includes a first sub-cultivation tank, a second sub-cultivation tank, and a third sub-cultivation tank that are partitioned to have different water levels, and the first sub-cultivation tank receives water from the tank through the water supply pipe and has a first water level, the second sub-cultivation tank receives water from the first sub-cultivation tank in a natural fall or natural flow manner, and has a second water level lower than the first water level, and the third sub-cultivation tank has a third water level lower than the second water level, receives water from the second sub-cultivation tank in a natural fall or natural flow manner, and discharges water into the tank in a natural fall or natural flow manner, and the first sub-cultivation tank is partitioned from the second sub-cultivation tank by a first partition plate so that the first water level is maintained, so that the water in the first sub-cultivation tank is The present invention proposes a 'fish tank and hydroponic cultivation device' characterized in that water is supplied to the second sub-cultivation tank beyond the upper part of the first partition plate, the second sub-cultivation tank is partitioned by the third sub-cultivation tank and the second partition plate so that a second water level is maintained, so that water in the second sub-cultivation tank is supplied to the third sub-cultivation tank beyond the upper part of the second partition plate, the third sub-cultivation tank is separated by the tank and the third partition plate so that a third water level is maintained, so that water in the third sub-cultivation tank is supplied to the tank beyond the upper part of the third partition plate, the tank has a fourth water level lower than the third water level, and plants capable of water purification are accommodated in the first sub-cultivation tank, the second sub-cultivation tank, and the third sub-cultivation tank.

[0005] However, the above background technology had the problem of being complex in composition, difficult to purify water quality, and impossible to recycle industrial by-products.

[0006] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide an aquaponics device that can easily purify the water quality of water or nutrient solution inside an aquarium by forming a ceramic artificial soil layer composed of ceramic artificial soil that radiates far-infrared rays on the bottom surface of the aquarium.

[0007] One of the various tasks of the present invention is to provide an aquaponics device capable of promoting the growth of hydroponically grown plants by accommodating ceramic artificial soil that radiates far-infrared rays in a pot in which hydroponically grown plants are planted.

[0008] An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a tank filled with water or a nutrient solution therein and including a ceramic artificial soil layer formed of a plurality of ceramic artificial soils on a lower surface, a bed in which hydroponically grown plants are planted and which provides a plurality of ports for accommodating at least one ceramic artificial soil therein, and a space from which the plurality of ports can be detached, wherein the ceramic artificial soil may be manufactured by including at least one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of TiO2, Fe2O3, MnO2, SiO2, and Co2O3 as a coloring agent in Al2O3.

[0009] The system may further include a circulation pipe into which water or nutrient solution from the tank is introduced, at least one filter having the ceramic artificial soil built in, and at least one spraying device installed in the circulation pipe to spray the water or nutrient solution introduced through the circulation pipe toward the bed.

[0010] The above ceramic artificial soil is prepared by mixing 45 to 55 wt% of the colorant with 45 to 55 wt% of Al2O3, and the colorant may include 4 to 6 wt% of TiO2, 9 to 11 wt% of Fe2O3, 19 to 21 wt% of MnO2, 9 to 11 wt% or less of SiO2, and 4 to 6 wt% or less of Co2O3.

[0011] The above ceramic artificial soil can be manufactured by further including germanium (Ge) that radiates far-infrared rays.

[0012] The above ceramic artificial soil may have a size of 1ø to 5ø.

[0013] The ceramic artificial soil contained in the above port, the ceramic artificial soil constituting the ceramic artificial soil layer, and the ceramic artificial soil embedded in the filter may have different sizes.

[0014] The ceramic artificial soil contained in the above port may have a smaller size than the ceramic artificial soil constituting the ceramic artificial soil layer.

[0015] The ceramic artificial soil embedded in the above filter may have a smaller size than the ceramic artificial soil contained in the port and the ceramic artificial soil constituting the ceramic artificial soil layer.

[0016] The above tank includes a pump that circulates water or nutrient solution inside the tank, and the circulation pipe has one end connected to the pump and the other end provided with a discharge port for discharging water or nutrient solution, so that water or nutrient solution can be circulated from the pump to the discharge port.

[0017] The water or nutrient solution in the above tank is supplied to the circulation pipe by the pump, circulates through the circulation pipe, and some of it is sprayed through the spray device, and the remaining part is supplied to the other side of the circulation pipe and can drip onto the bed.

[0018] Each feature of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination in other embodiments as long as it is not inconsistent with or exclusive of other embodiments.

[0019] An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can emit far-infrared rays without power and without an LED by accommodating ceramic artificial soil that emits far-infrared rays in the lower surface of the tank, the port, and the inside of the filter of the circulation pipe.

[0020] An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can easily purify the water quality of water or nutrient solution inside the tank and the circulation pipe by far-infrared rays radiated from the ceramic artificial soil accommodated in the lower surface of the tank and the inside of the filter of the circulation pipe. An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can promote root growth and shoot growth rates of hydroponically cultivated plants by accommodating ceramic artificial soil radiating far-infrared rays in a pot in which hydroponically cultivated plants are planted.

[0021] An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can improve the survival rate and rooting rate of hydroponic plants by accommodating ceramic artificial soil that emits far-infrared rays in a pot in which hydroponic plants are planted.

[0022] An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can suppress the spread of mold to hydroponic plants by accommodating ceramic artificial soil that emits far-infrared rays in a pot in which hydroponic plants are planted.

[0023] An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can remove odors and have an antibacterial effect by accommodating ceramic artificial soil that emits far-infrared rays in the lower surface of the tank, ports, and inside the filter.

[0024] The ceramic artificial soil accommodated in an aquaponics device using the ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can minimize sintering defects such as banding, cracks, and bubbles by optimizing detailed process conditions, and can enable a mass production process of the ceramic artificial soil using a hole mold, and can have excellent far-infrared radiation function and high deodorizing effect.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly recognized by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an aquaponics device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil included in an aquaponics device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil included in an aquaponics device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a pressurized tank and a hole mold connected thereto according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the results of an experiment testing the fungal proliferation inhibition effect of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of an experiment testing the effect of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention on increasing root and stem growth.

[0032] Figures 7 to 20 are test results showing the antibacterial function of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 21 to 24 are test results showing the antifungal function of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 25 to 31 are test reports testing the deodorizing function of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention and should not be limited in any way. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0037] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0038]

[0039] Aquaponics device with ceramic artificial soil

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an aquaponics device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, an aquaponics device (1) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a tank (10), a port (20), a bed (30), a circulation pipe (40), a spray device (50), and an oxygen generator (60).

[0042] The tank (10) may be filled with water or nutrient solution inside, and may include a pump (103) that supplies the water or nutrient solution to a circulation pipe (40), and a ceramic artificial soil layer (101) composed of a plurality of first ceramic artificial soils (1011) on the lower surface of the tank (10).

[0043] Although not shown in Fig. 1, fish may be raised inside the tank (10). The excrement of the fish may be used as fertilizer to provide nutrients to cultivated plants.

[0044] The pot (20) can accommodate hydroponically grown plants and at least one second ceramic artificial soil (201) therein. At this time, the second ceramic artificial soil (201) accommodated in the pot (20) and the first ceramic artificial soil (1011) forming the ceramic artificial soil layer (101) may have different sizes. In one embodiment, the second ceramic artificial soil (201) accommodated in the pot (20) may have a smaller size than the first ceramic artificial soil (1011) forming the ceramic artificial soil layer (101), but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first ceramic artificial soil (1011) and the second ceramic artificial soil (201) may be referred to as artificial soil.

[0046] The port (20) may be provided so that at least a portion thereof is submerged in the water or nutrient solution filled inside the tank (10).

[0047] The bed (30) provides a space from which multiple ports (20) can be detached, and can be placed on the upper part of the tank (10). The bed (30) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper surface of the tank (10), and the circumference of the bed (30) may be greater than or equal to the circumference of the tank (10).

[0048] The circulation pipe (40) can be supplied with water or nutrient solution from the tank (10) by the pump (103). One side of the circulation pipe (40) is connected to the pump (103) and is located inside the tank (10), and the other side can be provided with a discharge port (403) for discharging the water or nutrient solution from the tank (10). That is, the circulation pipe (40) can circulate water or nutrient solution from the pump (103) to the discharge port (403).

[0049] In one embodiment, the circulation pipe (40) may be formed so that the direction of movement of water or nutrient solution flowing in from the pump (103) changes at least once, and may include at least one filter (401) therein.

[0050] That is, water or nutrient solution in the tank (10) is introduced into one side of the circulation pipe (40) by the pump (103), and the direction of movement of the introduced water or nutrient solution can be changed at least once and moved through the circulation pipe (40). At this time, a portion of the introduced water or nutrient solution is sprayed onto the bed (30) through the spray device (50), and the remaining portion of the introduced water or nutrient solution can be supplied to the discharge portion (403) provided on the other side of the circulation pipe (40) and fall back onto the bed (30).

[0051] In one embodiment, the bed (30) may include at least one through hole (not shown) and / or a water channel (not shown) through which water or nutrient solution can flow, such as water dripping from the discharge portion (403) or sprayed by the spray device (50) into the tank (10).

[0052] The filter (401) has a third ceramic artificial soil (4011) built in it to purify the water quality of water or nutrient solution moving inside the circulation pipe (40). The third ceramic artificial soil (4011) may have a different size from the second ceramic artificial soil (201) and the first ceramic artificial soil (1011). In one embodiment, the third ceramic artificial soil (4011) may have a smaller size than the second ceramic artificial soil (201) and the first ceramic artificial soil (1011), but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0053] That is, when comparing the sizes of the ceramic artificial soils (1011, 201, 4011) accommodated in the aquaponics device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the first ceramic artificial soil (1011) is the largest, the size of the third ceramic artificial soil (4011) is the smallest, and the size of the second ceramic artificial soil (201) can be formed to be smaller than the first ceramic artificial soil (1011) and larger than the third ceramic artificial soil (4011).

[0054] In addition, the first ceramic artificial soil (1011), the second ceramic artificial soil (201), and the third ceramic artificial soil (4011) may have a size of 1ø to 5ø, but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0055] At least one spray device (50) can be installed in the circulation pipe (40) to spray water or nutrient solution introduced through the circulation pipe (40) toward the bed (30). More specifically, the spray device (50) can be formed in the circulation pipe (40) which is arranged parallel to the bed (30) while being spaced apart from the bed (30) by a predetermined distance. The spray device (50) can be connected to the circulation pipe (40) in a direction perpendicular to the bed (30), and one end of the spray device (50) can be formed to face the bed (30).

[0056] In Fig. 1, the circulation pipe (40) is illustrated as including five spray devices (50), but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The number of spray devices (50) may be variably increased or decreased depending on factors such as the area of ​​the bed (30), the number of ports (20) coupled to the bed (30), and the length and diameter of the circulation pipe (40).

[0057] The oxygen generator (60) may be located outside the tank (10) and may include an oxygen transfer pipe (601) through which oxygen generated by the oxygen generator (60) moves. The oxygen generator (60) may use various known oxygen generators used in fish tanks.

[0058] One end of the oxygen transfer pipe (601) may be connected to the oxygen generator (60), and the other end may be located inside the water tank (10). More specifically, at least a portion of the oxygen transfer pipe (601) may be located inside the water tank (10).

[0059] The oxygen transfer pipe (601) may include at least one discharge port (603) for discharging oxygen into the interior of the water tank (10). In one embodiment, the oxygen transfer pipe (601) may include five discharge ports (603), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be variably increased or decreased depending on factors such as the size of the water tank and the amount of oxygen discharged through the discharge ports (603).

[0060] An aquaponics device (1) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (60) for controlling a pump (103), a spray device (50), etc. The control unit (60) may wirelessly transmit and receive information with a user terminal (70) and control the aquaponics device (1). In one embodiment, the user terminal (70) may be a user's mobile phone, but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The user terminal (70) may be an electronic device such as a PC, a laptop, or a pad, in addition to a mobile phone.

[0061] The user can control the pump (103), spray device (50), etc. through the user terminal (70), and can also continuously check the status of the plants grown hydroponically and the water or nutrient solution in the tank (10) from a distance.

[0062] The first, second, and third ceramic artificial soils (1011, 201, 4011) accommodated in the aquaponics device (1) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are all composed of the same components and can be manufactured by the same method. In addition, the first, second, and third ceramic artificial soils (1011, 201, 4011) can have an excellent far-infrared ray radiation function, and thus can radiate far-infrared rays without power and without an LED. Accordingly, the first ceramic artificial soil (1011) can easily purify the water quality of the water or nutrient solution inside the tank (10). In addition, the second ceramic artificial soil (201) can promote the root and shoot growth rates of plants grown hydroponically. In addition, the third ceramic artificial soil (4011) can also easily purify the water quality of the water or nutrient solution circulating along the circulation pipe (40).

[0063] The components and manufacturing method of the first, second and third ceramic artificial soils (1011, 201, 4011) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0064]

[0065] Method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil containing black alumina ceramic

[0066] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil included in an aquaponics device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) included in the aquaponics device (1) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a raw material preparation step (S1) of combining black alumina raw material, a ball mill step (S2) of crushing the black alumina raw material to produce black alumina powder, a stirring step (S3) of introducing the black alumina powder and a binder into a pressurized tank and stirring them to produce black alumina slurry, a forming step (S4) of pressurizing the stirred black alumina slurry and forming it into a molded body through a hole mold connected to the pressurized tank, and a firing step (S5) of firing the molded body.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, in the raw material preparation step (S1), the black alumina raw material can be prepared by mixing 55 to 45 wt% of a colorant with 45 to 55 wt% of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and the colorant can include 4 to 6 wt% of TiO2, 9 to 11 wt% of Fe2O3, 19 to 21 wt% of MnO2, 9 to 11 wt% or less of SiO2, and 4 to 6 wt% or less of Co2O3.

[0069] In one embodiment, in the raw material preparation step (S1), the black alumina raw material may be combined by mixing 55 to 45 wt% of a colorant with 45 to 55 wt% of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) to form a first mixture, then adding 15 to 35 wt% of a first additive to 100 wt% of the first mixture to form a second mixture, and further adding 48.65 to 55.95 wt% of a second additive to 100 wt% of the second mixture.

[0070] If the content of aluminum oxide contained in the above black alumina raw material is less than 45 wt%, the properties of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may deteriorate, and if the content of aluminum oxide contained in the above black alumina raw material exceeds 55 wt%, the expression of a color that is black or close to black may not occur properly, and thus the color expression of the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may deteriorate.

[0071] In one embodiment, the content of aluminum oxide contained in the black alumina raw material may be 47.5 wt% to 52.5 wt%, preferably 50 wt%.

[0072] The colorant may include 4 to 6 wt% of TiO2, 9 to 11 wt% of Fe2O3, 19 to 21 wt% of MnO2, 9 to 11 wt% or less of SiO2, and 4 to 6 wt% or less of Co2O3.

[0073] At this time, if the content of the coloring agent exceeds 55 wt%, the properties of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may deteriorate, and if the content of aluminum oxide included in the black alumina raw material exceeds 55 wt%, the expression of a color close to black or black may not be properly achieved, thereby deteriorating the color expression of the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011).

[0074] If the contents of TiO2, Co2O3, MnO2 and Fe2O3 among the components included in the coloring agent are less than the above-mentioned numerical range, the color expression of the manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) having a far-infrared ray radiation function may not be properly performed, and thus the light reflectance may increase. If the contents of TiO2, Co2O3, MnO2 and Fe2O3 among the components included in the coloring agent exceed the above-mentioned numerical range, the physical properties of the manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) having a far-infrared ray radiation function may deteriorate.

[0075] In addition, when the content of SiO2 is less than or exceeds the aforementioned numerical range, cracks may occur in the manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) having a far-infrared ray radiating function, or the theoretical density of the manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) having a far-infrared ray radiating function may be relatively lowered compared to general far-infrared ray radiating ceramic artificial soil, and sintering defects such as banding, cracks, and bubbles may occur.

[0076] In one embodiment, the colorant may comprise 5 wt% TiO2, 10 wt% Fe2O3, 20 wt% MnO2, up to 10 wt% SiO2, and up to 5 wt% Co2O3.

[0077] The first additive may be a single substance composed of germanium (Ge), and the second additive may be a mixture composed of moisture (H2O), a dispersant, PVA, PEG, and citric acid.

[0078] The first additive may be added in an amount of 15 to 35 parts by weight, preferably 17.5 to 22.5 parts by weight, and more preferably 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture formed by mixing 45 to 55 parts by weight of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and 55 to 45 parts by weight of a colorant.

[0079] If the first additive is added in an amount less than 15 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture, the far-infrared radiation function may not be properly expressed, and if the first additive is added in an amount exceeding 35 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture, the properties of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may deteriorate, and cracks may occur or sintering defects such as banding, cracks, and bubbles may occur.

[0080] In another embodiment, in the raw material preparation step (S1), the black alumina raw material may be combined by forming a first mixture by mixing 55 to 45 wt% of a colorant with 45 to 55 wt% of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), then adding 15 to 35 wt% of a first additive with respect to 100 wt% of the first mixture to form a second mixture, and further adding 48.65 to 55.95 wt% of a second additive with respect to 100 wt% of the first mixture.

[0081] Specifically, unlike the black alumina raw material according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is combined by adding 15 to 35 parts by weight of the first additive to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture to form a second mixture, and further adding 48.65 to 55.95 parts by weight of the second additive to 100 parts by weight of the second mixture, the black alumina raw material according to another embodiment of the present invention may be combined by adding 15 to 35 parts by weight of the first additive to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture to form a second mixture, and further adding 48.65 to 55.95 parts by weight of the second additive to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture. That is, the standard for determining the added weight of the second additive may be 100 parts by weight of the second mixture, or alternatively, may be 100 parts by weight of the first mixture.

[0082] That is, the second additive may be added in an amount of 48.65 to 55.95 parts by weight, preferably 50.7 to 53.9 parts by weight, and more preferably 52.3 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the first mixture or 100 parts by weight of the second mixture.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second additive may be comprised of 40 parts by weight of water (H2O), 1.2 parts by weight of a dispersant, 10 parts by weight of PVA, 1 part by weight of PEG, and 0.1 part by weight of citric acid, relative to 100 parts by weight of the first mixture or 100 parts by weight of the second mixture.

[0084] When the raw material preparation step (S1) is completed, a ball mill step (S2) can be performed to pulverize the manufactured black alumina raw material to manufacture black alumina powder.

[0085] Specifically, the ball mill step (S2) can be performed by introducing 50% to 70% of aluminum oxide or alumina (Al2O3) balls into the ball mill device, introducing the black alumina raw material, and then operating the ball mill device by setting the operating rpm of the ball mill device to 45 rpm to 55 rpm, preferably 48 rpm.

[0086] In exemplary embodiments, the particle size of the black alumina powder manufactured in the ball mill step (S2) may be 0.109 μm to 0.153 μm. At this time, if the particle size of the black alumina powder is smaller than 0.109 μm, the physical properties of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may deteriorate or the dust generation rate may increase, and if the particle size of the black alumina powder is larger than 0.153 μm, the color expression of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may not be properly performed or sintering defects such as banding, cracks, and bubbles may occur.

[0087] In exemplary embodiments, the ball mill step (S2) may be performed by operating the ball mill device for 22 to 26 hours. In this case, if the operating time of the ball mill device is less than 22 hours, the properties of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may deteriorate, and if the operating time of the ball mill device exceeds 26 hours, the color expression of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may not be properly performed, or sintering defects such as banding, cracks, and bubbles may occur. Preferably, the ball mill step (S2) may be performed for about 24 hours.

[0088] The stirring step (S3) may be performed by continuously stirring the black alumina powder and the binder for 22 to 26 hours after introducing them into the pressurized tank. More specifically, the stirring step (S3) may be performed by mixing the black alumina powder and the binder, introducing them into the pressurized tank, and operating a stirrer installed in the pressurized tank at 30 rpm for 22 to 26 hours. Preferably, the stirring step (S3) may be performed for about 24 hours.

[0089] The forming step (S4) can be performed by pressurizing the black alumina slurry contained in the pressurized tank at a pressure of 0.01 mPa to 1 mPa and extruding it through a hole mold connected to the pressurized tank.

[0090] The firing step (S5) can be performed by firing the molded body at a temperature between 800°C and 1,000°C. If the firing temperature is lower than 800°C, the absorption rate of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may decrease, and if the firing temperature exceeds 1,000°C, the dust generation rate of the finally manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) may increase. Preferably, the firing step (S5) can be performed by firing the molded body at a temperature of about 900°C.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil included in an aquaponics device according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] The method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) described by FIG. 3 is substantially the same as or similar to the method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) described with reference to FIG. 2, except that it further includes a curing step (S50) performed after the molding step and reacting the extruded molded body with a curing agent, and a packaging step (S70) performed after the firing step and turning the manufactured ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) into a product, and thus, repeated descriptions of the same steps will be omitted.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 3, a method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) included in an aquaponics device according to other embodiments of the present invention may include a raw material preparation step (S10), a ball mill step (S20), a stirring step (S30), a molding step (S40), a curing step (S50), a firing step (S60), and a packaging step (S70).

[0094] The type of curing agent used in the curing step (S50) is not particularly limited, and at least one curing agent from among an amine-based curing agent, an acid anhydride-based curing agent, a polyamide-based curing agent, an anionic polymerization-based curing agent, and a multi-tube-based curing agent may be used.

[0095] Meanwhile, the packaging step (S70) may include an evaluation process for evaluating the color expression and physical properties of the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) manufactured through the firing step (S60), and may be a step for completing the packaging of the product according to the weight of the requested product.

[0096] As described above, in the case of the method for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, sintering defects such as banding, cracks, and bubbles can be minimized by optimizing detailed process conditions, and there is an advantage in that a mass production process of ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) is possible using a hole mold.

[0097] In addition, the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) manufactured by the method for manufacturing the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can have excellent far-infrared radiation function and high deodorizing effect and water purification effect.

[0098]

[0099] Molding device for ceramic artificial soil containing black alumina ceramic

[0100] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a pressurized tank and a hole mold connected thereto according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0101] The forming step (S4) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be performed through a forming device illustrated in FIG. 4, which may include a pressurized tank (100) and a hole mold connected thereto, and the hole mold may include a connecting pipe (110), a nozzle coupling portion (120), and a spray nozzle (130).

[0102] A stirrer (not shown) may be installed inside the pressurized tank (100), and the black alumina powder introduced into the pressurized tank (100) and the binder may be mixed, and then the stirrer may be set to 30 rpm and operated for 22 to 26 hours, thereby performing a stirring step (S3, S30).

[0103] Thereafter, the black alumina slurry produced by stirring inside the pressurized tank (100) is pressurized at a pressure of 0.01 mPa to 1 mPa, and is sequentially extruded through the hole mold connected to the pressurized tank (100), i.e., the connecting pipe (110), the nozzle coupling part (120), and the spray nozzle (130), thereby performing the forming step (S4, S40). At this time, the pressure applied to the pressurized tank (100) may preferably be 0.1 mPa. Meanwhile, the spray nozzle (130) may be referred to as a discharge hole through which the black alumina slurry is discharged.

[0104] At this time, if a curing step (S50) is additionally performed after the molding step (S40), the curing agent may be sprayed so as to directly contact the extruded molded body through the spray nozzle (130), or alternatively, after the extruded molded body is stored in the mold, when the molded body of a preset weight is collected, the curing agent of a corresponding weight may be sprayed so as to be injected.

[0105] In exemplary embodiments, one end of the hole mold, i.e., one end of the connecting pipe (110), may be connected to a pressurized tank (100), and the other end of the hole mold, i.e., the other end of the connecting pipe (110), may be provided with a plurality of discharge holes (130) through which the black alumina slurry is discharged.

[0106] The size of the plurality of discharge holes (130) can be changed according to the product shape of the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) to be finally manufactured. In one embodiment, the plurality of discharge holes (130) can each have a size of 1ø (1 pi) to 5ø (5 pi).

[0107] As described above, in the case of a molding device for ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) including black alumina ceramic according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage in that a mass production process of black alumina ceramic for manufacturing ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) is possible using a hole mold.

[0108]

[0109] Experimental results of ceramic artificial soil

[0110] FIG. 5(a) is a drawing showing the results of an experiment testing the fungal proliferation inhibition effect of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is a drawing showing the results of an experiment testing the fungal proliferation inhibition effect of control soil.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5, in order to test the fungal proliferation inhibition effect of the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, gray mold fungi were dispersed over a certain range in a control soil medium and a ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium, and then the diffusion speed was compared.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 5(a), in the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium, when gray mold fungi were spread and 6 days had passed, it was confirmed that gray mold fungi had grown in 4 of the 12 mediums.

[0113] Referring to Figure 5(b), in the control soil medium, it was confirmed that gray mold fungi had grown in all 12 of the 12 media after 6 days of spreading the gray mold fungi.

[0114] That is, it was confirmed that the aquaponics device to which the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) according to the present invention was applied had the effect of suppressing the spread of mold through far-infrared rays radiated through the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011).

[0115] FIG. 6(a) is a drawing showing the results of an experiment conducted in the first test of the effect of increasing root and stem growth of ceramic artificial soil and general horticultural soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 6(b) is a drawing showing the results of an experiment conducted in the second test of the effect of increasing root and stem growth of ceramic artificial soil and general horticultural soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, the effect of increasing root and stem growth of ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) and general horticultural soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention was compared for growth rates and characteristics for 7 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively, after planting pepper seedlings in ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium and general horticultural soil medium.

[0117] At this time, root length refers to the length of the root, and stem length refers to the length from the ground to the neck of panicle, excluding the root.

[0118] The first test according to Fig. 6(a) observed the root and shoot height of pepper seedlings transplanted on ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium and the general horticultural soil medium five times for 7 weeks, and the second test according to Fig. 6(b) observed the root and shoot height of pepper seedlings transplanted on ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium and the general horticultural soil medium five times for 6 weeks.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 6(a), the results of the first test showed that pepper seedlings planted in ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium for 7 weeks showed higher improvement rates in both root height and stem height than pepper seedlings planted in general horticultural potting soil medium.

[0120] More specifically, after 7 weeks, both root and stem height showed an average of 6% improvement in the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium.

[0121] Referring to Fig. 6(b), the results of the second test showed that the pepper seedlings planted in the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium for 6 weeks showed a higher improvement rate in both root height and stem height than the pepper seedlings planted in the general horticultural potting soil medium.

[0122] More specifically, after 6 weeks, the average root height improved by 15% and the shoot height improved by 5% in the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium.

[0123] That is, the effect of increasing root and shoot growth of the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium was shown to have a higher rate of improvement in root and shoot growth than the horticultural potting soil medium as a result of repeated experiments conducted twice in total, and the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) was shown to have an average rate of improvement of about 8%.

[0124] In addition, as a result of comparing the growth rate and characteristics of hydrangea cuttings for 7 weeks in a ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium and a horticultural soil medium, the survival rate and rooting rate of the hydrangea in the horticultural soil medium were 86%, whereas the survival rate and rooting rate of the hydrangea in the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) medium were 100%.

[0125] Figures 7 to 20 are test results showing the antibacterial function of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, it was confirmed that the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention had a low reduction rate of 99.9% for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus for 24 hours, respectively.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, it was confirmed that the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention had a low reduction rate of 99.9% for 24 hours against pneumococcus, MRSA, and streptococcus, respectively. In addition, referring to FIGS. 17 to 20, it was confirmed that the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention had a low reduction rate of 99.9% for 24 hours against candida and bacillus, respectively.

[0128] Figures 21 to 24 are test results showing the antifungal function of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, it was confirmed that the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention had a low growth rate of 10 to 30% for fungal strains (mixed strains) of Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 9642, Penicillium funiculosum ATCC 11797, Chaetomium globosum ATCC 6205, Trichoderma virens ATCC 9645, and Aureobasidium pullulans ATCC 15233 during a culturing period of 4 weeks.

[0130] Figures 25 to 31 are test reports testing the deodorizing function of ceramic artificial soil according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 25, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 40.0% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 42.1% for 120 minutes in ammonia.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 26, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 37.2% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 37.5% for 120 minutes in trimethylamine.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 27, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 22.2% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 23.5% for 120 minutes in hydrogen sulfide.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 28, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 6.1% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 6.3% for 120 minutes in methyl mercaptan.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 29, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 2.0% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 2.1% for 120 minutes in acetaldehyde.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 30, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 2.1% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 2.4% for 120 minutes in toluene.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 31, the ceramic artificial soil manufactured through the manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention showed a concentration reduction rate of 22.2% for 60 minutes and a concentration reduction rate of 23.5% for 120 minutes in formaldehyde.

[0138] That is, it was experimentally confirmed that the ceramic artificial soil (1011, 201, 4011) according to the present invention has the effect of inhibiting the spread of mold, increasing the root and stem growth of plants, and increasing the rooting rate and survival rate.

[0139] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims set forth below but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tank filled with water or nutrient solution inside and including a ceramic artificial soil layer composed of a plurality of ceramic artificial soils on the lower surface; A plurality of pots in which hydroponically grown plants are planted and which contain at least one ceramic artificial soil inside; and A bed comprising: a plurality of ports providing a space from which the ports can be detached; The above ceramic artificial soil is Al 2 O 3 TiO as a colorant 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , MnO 2 , SiO 2 and Co 2 O 3 An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that it is manufactured by including at least one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of:

2. In paragraph 1, A circulation pipe into which water or nutrient solution of the above tank is introduced and which includes at least one filter with the above ceramic artificial soil built in; and An aquaponics device further comprising: at least one spray device installed in the circulation pipe to spray the water or nutrient solution introduced through the circulation pipe toward the bed.

3. In paragraph 2, The above ceramic artificial soil is Al 2 O 3 It is prepared by mixing 45 to 55 wt% of the above colorant, The above colorant is TiO 2 4 to 6 wt%, Fe 2 O 3 9 to 11 wt%, MnO 2 19 to 21 wt%, SiO 2 9 to 11 wt% or less, and Co 2 O 3 An aquaponics device having applied ceramic artificial soil characterized in that it contains 4 to 6 wt% or less.

4. In paragraph 3, An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that the above ceramic artificial soil is manufactured by further including germanium (Ge) that radiates far-infrared rays.

5. In paragraph 4, An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that the ceramic artificial soil has a size of 1ø to 5ø.

6. In paragraph 5, An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that the ceramic artificial soil accommodated in the port, the ceramic artificial soil forming the ceramic artificial soil layer, and the ceramic artificial soil embedded in the filter have different sizes.

7. In paragraph 6, An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that the ceramic artificial soil accommodated in the above port has a smaller size than the ceramic artificial soil constituting the ceramic artificial soil layer.

8. In paragraph 7, An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that the ceramic artificial soil built into the filter has a smaller size than the ceramic artificial soil accommodated in the port and the ceramic artificial soil forming the ceramic artificial soil layer.

9. In paragraph 2, The above tank is, A pump for circulating water or nutrient solution inside the tank; An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that the circulation pipe has one end connected to the pump and the other end provided with a discharge port for discharging water or nutrient solution, and circulates water or nutrient solution from the pump to the discharge port.

10. In paragraph 9, An aquaponics device using ceramic artificial soil, characterized in that water or nutrient solution in the tank is supplied to the circulation pipe by the pump, circulates through the circulation pipe, and some of it is sprayed through the spray device, and the remaining part is supplied to the other side of the circulation pipe and falls onto the bed.

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