A floating collar for a submersible enclosure for production of biomasses

Abstract

A fish farm (100) comprising a plurality of open or fully or completely immersible enclosures (10) with a net (30) for production of biomasses, comprising a seafloor anchoring system, where the enclosure (10) is connected to the anchoring through lines. The fish farm (100) comprises one or more service collars (20), which service collar (20) is arranged to be moved from one fish enclosure (10) to another enclosure (10) within one or more fish farms (100) and to be connected to the enclosure (10), where said service collar (20) when connected to the enclosure (10) is arranged for raising and lowering the net (30) and the enclosure (10) in the water mass (200). The invention also relates to a powerless enclosure (10) with buoyancy elements floating in the water mass (200) to support the weight of the powerless enclosure (10) through lines, where said buoyancy elements are arranged to be replaced by a service collar (20) floating in the water mass (200).

Description

[0001] TITLE: A FLOATING COLLAR FOR A SUBMERSIBLE ENCLOSURE FOR PRODUCTION OF BIOMASSES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a fish farm comprising a plurality of enclosures for the production of biomasses where the enclosures internally share one or more service collars that are arranged to relieve weight of the individual enclosures' buoyancy elements that float on a surface. When said service collar is connected to the enclosure, it is further arranged for raising and lowering nets and enclosures in the water mass.

[0004] The service collar is arranged to be able to be opened or guided over the buoyancy elements of the enclosures so that the floating buoyancy elements are enclosed by the service collar.

[0005] The invention also relates to an enclosure construction, further referred to as a collarless enclosure, where different types of buoyancy elements are used to keep the collarless enclosure at the desired depth, and a service collar for raising and lowering the enclosure.

[0006] In a configuration, a collarless enclosure comprises a service funnel that extends from a service platform down to a normally submerged part of the net roof, where the service funnel is arranged to provide access to the submerged volume of the collarless enclosure's net from a surface. The service funnels are intended to be able to raise and lower equipment used for operation and monitoring of the biomass and enclosure construction.

[0007] The invention also relates to an enclosure construction comprising a standing buoyancy section tightly tensioned against a seabed. Where a collarless enclosure surrounds the buoyancy part that is arranged to guide the net vertically in the water masses, where a service collar is used for the operation of collarless enclosures.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] There is a strong focus on animal welfare and being able to reduce the use of antibiotics and delousing in aquaculture.

[0010] There is also a strong focus on costs in relation to the purchase and operation of fish farms. A number of different enclosure systems have been developed over the years, a main type is an open round enclosure consisting of a floating collar and net, where the floating collar is connected to a mooring frame, experiments are further with closed enclosures and enclosures on land.

[0011] The floating collar is a central part of today's enclosure systems; it keeps the net in position and in an extended shape. The floating collar can typically have a diameter of 50 m and is further used as a work platform when, for example, the net is to be raised and lowered. The floating collar is often equipped with winches and other key equipment associated with the operation and maintenance of other parts of the enclosure, which makes the floating collar a central component that in turn accounts for a significant proportion of the enclosure's total cost. The actual buoyancy of the floating collar is usually carried out using two plastic pipes of type HDPE, each of which forms a circle of typically 50 m in diameter with a total weight of just over 20 tons.

[0012] In recent times, it has been seen that having the salmon in submersible enclosures has given good results in terms of reducing the number of salmon lice compared to enclosures where the salmon are kept in traditional surface enclosures. It is also seen that submersible enclosure systems receive less stress from, for example, waves and surface currents, which in turn reduces the risk of damage to the enclosure systems and increases the well-being of the fish.

[0013] For submersible enclosure systems, the floating collar is mainly used to hang off the net to ensure that the net is at the desired depth. Furthermore, the floating collar is used when the net is to be raised to a surface, for example, take fish out or in or change the nets.

[0014] Further described invention intends to develop a service collar suitable for surface enclosures and submersible enclosure systems, where service collar can be reused on several enclosures within a fish farm, this by disconnecting the service collar from the enclosures.

[0015] The service collar can also be opened or floated over floating objects so that it is not obstructed by other buoyancy bodies that normally float within the floating collar when it is to be moved to a new enclosure location. With this type of operation, it will typically be possible to reduce the use of plastic by 120 tonnes for each fish farm, and a significant cost reduction will also be achieved.

[0016] A collarless enclosure solution is further described where the service collar is connected to carry out certain operations on collarless enclosures such as setting and retrieval of fish.

[0017] A service funnel belonging to a collarless enclosure is further described, the service funnel extends from a service platform with an opening in the centre to an opening in the roof of the lowered enclosure.

[0018] There are several different types of enclosures and anchoring systems, in recent times there has been more focus on different submersible enclosure systems to reduce the impact of, for example, salmon lice and further reduce the load waves and ocean currents will have on a fish farm.

[0019] Norway is a world leader in this market, where AKVA Group and Scale AQ are central in technology development and delivery of complete fish farms for this market.

[0020] The construction of a fish farm usually consists of establishing a mooring frame, consisting of anchors against a seabed with associated long lines that extend to one set of anchor plates, which in turn are hung in buoys to hold the anchoring frame at a given depth in the water masses. The mooring frame will often form a grid consisting of several square openings that form between the anchor plates.

[0021] The square openings in the anchor frame will be where the enclosures are placed, the enclosures are further attached to the mooring frame most often using four sets of crowfoot lines, where each set extends from the anchor plate that is placed in each corner of the intended opening. The crowfoots usually consist of two or three lines that go from the anchor plate and up to the floating collar on the enclosure.

[0022] An open enclosure comprises mainly of a floating collar that normally floats in the water surface and is designed by means of two rings that are located on the outside of each other, and connected through brackets that in turn have attachment for railings that are normally located on the innermost ring. On the floating collar there is an enclosure that usually extends 25-40 m down into the water mass. In recent times, deep farming has become more relevant, as one can see a relatively large reduction in salmon lice. Of enclosure systems for deep farming, there are a number of systems that have been tried, the common denominator is that the net is typically lowered from 15-40 meters into the water column.

[0023] Fully submerged enclosures mean that the entire enclosure is completely submerged under water. An air dome is often used attached to the net roof in the submerged part so that the fish can adjust the swim bladder. This principle is applicable to both conventionally sized enclosures made of plastic and large enclosures based on steel.

[0024] For example, Atlantis Subsea Farming has adapted conventional enclosures with plastic floating collars and used them as fully submersible enclosures. A major advantage of the concept is that when the entire structure is submerged, it is avoided being affected by the greatest forces that occur when the enclosures are on the surface.

[0025] This makes the submerged concept particularly relevant for more exposed locations. A disadvantage of deep farming is that you will not have physical access to the components installed on the enclosure when the enclosure is submerged. This can make it impossible to carry out maintenance on, for example, camera systems, feeding systems and other sensors for long periods.

[0026] Partially submerged enclosures are often used as a description for enclosures where part of the enclosure is lowered, while a part is always above the waterline.

[0027] This concept is often associated with advanced ballast systems and larger enclosures than is common today. With this type of enclosure, you have the advantage of easy access to components on the enclosure even in a submerged position. A disadvantage of this concept is that it quickly becomes a large structure that will require an advanced system for raising and lowering. With this concept, there is also something more that limits how deep you can lower the enclosure. If the biomass volume is to be lowered deeper, it means that far more steel is required in the construction. Stability will also be adversely affected when the structure becomes taller.

[0028] Submerged nets are another concept where the floating collar floats on the surface and the net is lowered into the water column. This concept has a less advanced system for immersion of the production volume as only the net is to be lowered, and the winches can be mounted on the floating collar. There are also few limits regarding how deep you can set the net. For submerged nets, Akva Group has developed a solution referred to as Nautilus. A disadvantage of this concept is that the floating collar will be exposed to large forces from waves on the surface and must therefore be dimensioned accordingly. There are also challenges related to how the floating collar transfers forces and accelerations to the net, which makes the concept less suitable for exposed locations.

[0029] For the fish to adjust their swim bladder, often an air dome is placed in the ceiling of the submerged net, so the salmon can fill their swim bladder.

[0030] For another type of partially submerged net solution, a floating collar is used to hold the net in position, where a device with a smaller diameter than the floating collar is connected to the net roof where a dense net is used. The purpose of this solution is for the fish to be able to swim from the submerged net and up to the surface to adjust the swim bladder before it goes back down into deeper water. The cylinder is often designed in an elastic material like in a dense net, this is to prevent surface water that may contain sea lice, for example, from encountering the fish.

[0031] NO301681 B1 describes a procedure and system for adjusting the position of a number of fish enclosures.

[0032] CN111802294A describes a farming system with a central service platform.

[0033] US5299530A describes a submersible fish enclosure with a float ring, anchor weights and cables that connect the float ring, the submersible fish enclosure and the anchor weights.

[0034] US2010018470A1 describes a submersible enclosure anchored to the seabed, where an upper ring has variable buoyancy.

[0035] OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0036] It is an object of the present invention to develop a service collar solution that replaces today's floating collars, which in turn will reduce costs associated with deep operation of enclosure systems in relation to procurement and operation. Furthermore, it is an object to develop a collarless cage with built-in redundancy, as its aloes for use of service collar and / or service platform for raising and lowering the cage this to ensure that you will get the biomass up from the submerged position if one of the systems should fail.

[0037] Another key object is to make the cages less exposed to forces from waves and currents in the water masses, and thus reduce costs associated with mooring the cages.

[0038] Another key object is to reduce the amount of plastic placed in the water masses by potentially several thousand tonnes. This is made possible through the invention by the fact that the service collar can be opened or guided over floating objects to be able to encircle floating facilities such as a service platform belonging to a collarless cage within the fish farm.

[0039] This also makes it possible to disconnect the service collar from the cage when the cage is used for normal production, for example during the salmon's growth phase. And then float the service collar to a new cage and then connect the service collar to the next collarless cage in the fish farm you want to work on.

[0040] It is possible to decouple the service collar from collarless cages by connecting external buoyancy elements to collarless cages when it is not using the service collar, and by connecting the submersible part of the net to the associated mooring frame, and thus not having the same need for a traditional floating collar when the net is in a submerged position.

[0041] It is also an object of the invention to be able to optimize the service collar in relation to flexibility and equipment for efficient handling of collarless cages when connected. This is because the service collar can be motorized to be able to drive itself into position over collarless cages for further connection.

[0042] One can imagine envisage developing floating vessels that combine washing of the underside of the service collar while at the same time carrying parts of the service collar when it is guided over buoyancy elements connected to a collarless cage.

[0043] The use of service collars enables the use of buoyancy elements that are located more in the centre of the cage. Being able to route service collars around floating objects enables further cages that encircle upright buoyancy pipes that are being vertical moored to a seabed. It is also a key object to develop a solution where a service shaft is used, that extends from the inside of the enclosure and up to the buoyancy element that floats in a surface.

[0044] Through the service shaft, one will have access to the enclosure 's internal volume from a surface, one will also be able to pull and maintain various equipment that is submerged, such as air domes, feeders, lighting and devices for handling dead fish and sludge.

[0045] This document describes technical solutions that have advantages over known technology by:

[0046] Service collars that can be floated between different enclosures through the ability to free themselves and embrace other floating objects belonging to different enclosures.

[0047] Collarless enclosure that can be submerged and submerged without the need for a floating collar.

[0048] Submersible enclosure where a service shaft is used between the submerged enclosure volume and a service platform floating on a surface.

[0049] Redundant system that enables replacement and use of two separate systems to ensure the uplift of enclosures during deep fish farming.

[0050] Standing buoyancy section tightly tensioned against a seabed where the enclosure encircles the buoyancy section that is designed to guide the enclosure vertically in the water masses, where a service collar is used for the operation of collarless enclosures.

[0051] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention relates to fish farms that use open and submersible enclosures to produce biomass.

[0053] According to a first aspect of the invention, as stated in the independent claim 1 , a fish farm comprising several open or fully or partially submersible enclosures to produce seafood, comprising a mooring system attached to a seabed, where the enclosure is attached to the anchorage through lines. The fish farm comprises one or more service collars, which service collars are designed to be moved from one enclosure to another enclosure within one or more fish farms and to be connected to the enclosure, where the said service collar when connected to the enclosure is designed for raising and lowering the enclosure in the water mass. Alternative embodiments are indicated in the respective independent claims.

[0054] The service collar is designed in a way that makes it possible to connect and disconnect collarless enclosures after all or part of the net bag has been lowered to the desired depth and hung off in buoyancy elements.

[0055] The service collar is designed to be opened or transported over the associated buoyancy elements being connected to the collarless enclosures in a way that makes it possible to float the service collar around one or more floating buoyancy elements and then connect to the collarless enclosure system and relieve the weight dependent on the enclosure's buoyancy element.

[0056] For open enclosures, it will be possible to use a simplified floating collar, preferably consisting of single pipes, and then be able to enclose them with a more advanced service collar for efficient and safe operation of open enclosures when needed.

[0057] Another embodiment of the invention comprises an permanent elevation of parts of the service collar that allows the service collar to be floated over other buoyancy elements so that the service collar can free itself from and embrace other buoyancy elements associated with the enclosure. For more elastic service collars, it will be possible to lift parts of the service collar over buoyancy elements, or onto a floating vessel that carries parts of the service collar when it is moved over buoyancy elements connected to an enclosure.

[0058] The invention also relates to an enclosure construction comprising a standing buoyancy section stiffly tensioned against a seabed. Where the enclosure encircles the buoyancy part that is designed to guide the enclosure vertically in the water masses, where the service collar is further used for the operation of enclosures.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the invention, as stated in the independent claim 12, a fully or partially submersible collarless enclosure for deep farming with an enclosure to produce seafood, comprising an anchoring system attached to a seabed, where the collarless enclosure is attached to the anchorage through lines. The collarless enclosure comprises buoyancy elements that float in the water surface to support the weight of the collarless enclosure through lines, where the said buoyancy elements are designed to be replaced with a service collar that floats in the water mass.

[0060] Alternative embodiments are indicated in the respective independent claims. The invention also relates to a collarless enclosure construction where loose buoyancy elements are used to set the enclosure at the desired depth, an embodiment comprises a service shaft that extends from a service platform in a surface down to a normally submerged part of the enclosure roof, where the service shaft is designed to provide access to the submerged volume of the enclosure from a surface. The service shaft is intended to be able to raise and lower biomass and equipment used for deep fish farming and monitoring of the biomass and enclosure construction.

[0061] During normal operation, the air dome will be able to seal between the enclosure roof and the service shaft, the air dome will also be able to be raised and lowered through the mentioned service shaft for some applications.

[0062] The service shaft will provide direct access to the internal submerged enclosure so that it will be possible to pull systems for the treatment of dead fish and sludge from a bottom in the net and up through the service shaft to a surface.

[0063] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0064] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 shows one fish farm with a mooring frame seen from above using a service collar.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment without a service collar attached, a collarless enclosure in a lower position and suspended in a service platform.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a collarless enclosure embodiment with a service collar in a closed position and enclosure hanged off at the service collar.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a section of the service shaft with an air dome in the lower position

[0069] Figure 5 shows a section of a service shaft with an air dome in the upper position

[0070] Figure 6 shows a section of a service shaft with the air dome removed from the service shaft

[0071] Figure 7 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment with enclosure hanged off at the buoyancy elements

[0072] Figure 8 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment with an enclosure suspended from the service collar Figure 9 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment with an enclosure suspended from a centred buoyancy element

[0073] Figure 10 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment with an enclosure suspended from a centred buoyancy element with a service collar attached Figure 11 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment with an enclosure suspended from external buoyancy elements

[0074] Figure 12 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment with an enclosure suspended from external buoyancy elements and a centred buoyancy element

[0075] Figure 13 shows a submersible enclosure embodiment where a collarless enclosure is suspended from the mooring lines

[0076] Figure 14 shows a submersible collarless enclosure embodiment in an upper position

[0077] Figure 15 shows a submersible collarless enclosure embodiment using lice skirts

[0078] Figure 16 shows a submersible collarless enclosure embodiment suspended from the service collar

[0079] Figure 17 shows a pre-tensioned submersible collarless enclosure embodiment

[0080] Figure 18 shows a pre-tensioned submersible collarless enclosure embodiment with a service collar attached

[0081] Figure 19 shows a pre-tensioned submersible collarless enclosure embodiment with a service collar attached

[0082] Figure 20 shows a pre-tensioned submersible collarless enclosure embodiment with a service collar attached where the enclosure is in an upper position

[0083] Figure 21 -25 shows a service collar attachment sequence

[0084] Figure 26 shows a service collar seen from the side where parts of the service collar are raised above a water surface

[0085] Figure 27 shows a service collar seen from above where parts of the service collar are raised above the water surface and resting against a platform Figure 28 shows the service collar in a closed position when viewed from above.

[0086] Figure 29 shows the service collar in the open position when viewed from above.

[0087] Figure 30 shows the service collar divided into two parts when viewed from above.

[0088] Figure 31 shows the service collar with a permanent elevation.

[0089] Figure 32 shows the enclosure depth adjusted to a seabed through anchor weights

[0090] Figure 33 shows enclosures dependent on service collars where service collars have lifted anchor weights over a seabed. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0091] Fish farm 100 ref. Fig. 1 for the production of seafood in according to the invention comprises a system consisting of an mooring system further referred to as mooring frame 50 where several enclosures 10 are connected.

[0092] Mooring frame 50 as shown in Fig. 1 consists of a set of anchor lines (not shown) that are attached to a seabed 52 using anchor 53. The anchor lines extend from seabed attachment 53 and up to a set of anchor plates (not shown), from the anchor plates there will be a line (not shown) up to a buoyancy element 56. The length of the line from the anchor plates to the buoyancy element 56 will again determine how deep in the water masses frame anchoring 50 will be located. Within mooring frame 50, they will stretch internal lines 57 between anchor plates so that mooring frame 50 combined forms a set of approximately square pockets 58 for the placement of enclosure 10. From anchor plates, which help to form each corner of pockets 58, there is a set of crowfoot lines 59 up to enclosure 10, which in turn holds the enclosures 10 in position within mooring frame 50. The number of lines included in the crowfoot lines 59 may vary based on the installation location.

[0093] Fig 2 shows collarless enclosure 10 with net 30 in a submerged position, with circular service collar 20 floating next to it in the open position. Service collar 20 can be square, round, hexagonal or have any design, it can be made of plastic, concrete or steel, for example. Service collar 20 can be composed of several parts that are joined together. Service collar 20 can also consist of several loose parts that flow freely and together form a composite service collar 20.

[0094] Service collar 20 can appear as one or more vessels that have their own means to drive the service collar in the desired position. A preferred version of service collar 20 will be a circular service collar based on the same structure as today's floating plastic collars, but in a somewhat more solid design.

[0095] Ref. fig. 2, collarless enclosure 10 consists mainly of an inner floating collar 35 that floats at water surface 200, service shaft 33 which in an upper part is connected to service platform 35 and in its lower part connected to net 30 then preferably through net roof 34. For some facilities, it may be appropriate to install several service shafts 33. Net 30 is equipped with a buoyancy ring 41 which is further connected to the anchoring system through liner 59. Where you have areas with, for example, strong currents, you will also be able to use bottom ring 46 as an attachment for anchor lines 59.

[0096] Net 30 is stretched using the buoyancy of buoyancy ring 41 and the weight of bottom ring 46. From bottom ring 46, the net descends into a net tip 32, which in its lower part has an added weight 82. From the underside with added weight 82 and up to service platform 35, line 94 runs, line 94 can be used for exact depth setting of net 30 by varying the length of line 94. By pulling line 94 upwards, net 30 will rise by means of buoyancy in buoyancy ring 41. Line 94 can be pulled upwards using an internal winch 37 mounted on service platform 35 or a crane / winch from a support vessel.

[0097] Line 22 runs between net 30's outer diameter and service platform 35, line 22, line 22 can, like line 94, be used for the desired depth setting of net 30 by means of an internal winch 37 mounted on service platform 35 or a crane / winch from support vessels.

[0098] When the enclosure's negative weight is to be transferred from service platform 35 to service collar 20, the upper attachment of liner 22 is moved from service platform 35 to service collar 20.

[0099] This can be done by, for example, taking half of the lines 22 from service platform 35 to service collar 20, and then tightening the lines 22 connected to service collar 20 to take the weight of service platform 35 before moving the remaining line 22 from service platform 35 to service collar 20. Another solution is to tighten auxiliary lines 23, so that line 22 can be relieved in order to be transferred to service collar 20, when line 22 is tightened up, net 30 will be suspended from service collar 20 and service platform 35 will float freely.

[0100] In the lower part of service shaft 33, air dome 38 is connected to air hose 39 so that, among other things, fish can be supplied with air to equalize the swim bladder.

[0101] Fig 3 shows collarless enclosure 10 in a submerged position where service collar 20 is closed and embraces service platform 35. Lines 22 has moved its upper attachment from service platform 35 ref. fig. 2 to service collar 20. Lines 22 attaches directly to service collar 20 or to winches 21 mounted on service collar 20. When raising net 30, line 22 will be pulled using winches 21 or surrounding support vessels.

[0102] Winches 21 are also designed to be able to lift bottom ring 46 to a surface. To ensure that the submerged part of net 30 is at an advantageous depth, one will on the outer diameter of the net 30 adapt the length of hoist lines 22 up to the buoyancy element.

[0103] Net 30's draft in its centre will further be adjusted by adapting lift line 94's length from service platform 35 to the bottom of net 30. When using service shaft 33, it will be possible to adjust the length of service shaft 33 so that it holds the inner net 30's middle part 31 tightly tensioned so that the roof in the net forms an preferred upward angle towards service shaft 33.

[0104] Being able to use service collar 20 and or service platform 35 for raising nets provides redundancy when it comes to ensuring that the biomass is retrieved from the depths if one of the systems should fail.

[0105] Fig 4 shows the section of service shaft 33 when collarless enclosure 10 is in a submerged position.

[0106] Service platform 35 floats on the surface being attached to service shaft 33, which consists of net material or clean guidelines extending down to net 30. Pullable air dome 38 is in a lower position and seals between the net 30's internal volume and service shaft 33. Roof enclosure 34 is here mounted on a second air dome 90 which has an inner opening as a natural extension of service shaft 33 into the net 30's internal volume. When pullable air dome 38 is in the lower position, it is shown here that it rests against air dome 90 in a way that forms two separate air domes, while at the same time creating a barrier between service shaft 33 and net 30's internal volume. Air hose 39 will be able to supply air dome 90 and air dome 38 at the same time, or one hose is chosen for each air dome where each hose can operate both domes.

[0107] Through pullable air dome 38 runs keel pipe 81 , extending downwards and under air dome 38, keel pipe 81 holds great weight in its lower part to keep air dome 38 and 90 as horizontal as possible when submerged.

[0108] Service shaft 33 could also be used, for example, to lead hose for dead fish 87, front hose 82 to feeder 84 and various equipment such as lights and camera surveillance 89 down into net 30 centre part 31.

[0109] Light and camera surveillance 89 is attached to keel pipe 81 and will unfold when the pullable air dome 38 is in a lower position. Through the centre air dome 38, keel pipe 81 runs connected to pump 85 and pipe 91 connected to feeder 84 which extends downwards under dome 38, where keel pipe 81 on the underside of dome 38 is connected to hose 87 so that dead fish and sludge can be led through dome 38 without the risk of leakage of air from the air dome.

[0110] From the top and bottom of dome 38, there is a lifting line 94 to the upper side of service shaft 33 so that dome 38 with mounted various instrumentation such as automatic feeder 84, lighting 89 and pump 85 can be raised out of enclosure 10 in its entirety for repair and replacement of individual components. From the underside of sludge collector 86, a line 97 extends through guide hole 95 in net tip 32 and up to a surface, so that it will be possible to pull dome 38 down into service shaft 33 if necessary.

[0111] Depending on current and wave conditions, local adaptations will be made. Where there are strong currents and large movements in the enclosure, a preferred solution will be that air dome 38 rests on net roof 34 or on air dome 90, one will also use a long and heavy keel pipe 81 on the underside of the air dome to compensate for buoyancy in air dome 38 and keep air dome 38 horizontal when it is immersed in water masses to ensure even distribution of air inside the dome.

[0112] Service shaft 33 will not be tightly tensioned against the net roof 34, but will hold its position through liner 22, which in turn ensures the necessary buoyancy in collarless enclosure 10. Sludge cone 86 will, through its own weight, rest against gathering point 82 at the bottom of net tip 32.

[0113] To avoid the build-up of large jerking forces, it will be advantageous in some locations to have slack in hose 87 so that pump 85 and sludge cone 86 can move freely in layers with the lower part of the net tip 32 in relation to air dome 38 which will follow the movements of the net roof 34.

[0114] Fig 5 shows the section of service shaft 33 when enclosure 10 is in a submerged position.

[0115] Pullable air dome 38 is in an upper position and attached to service platform 35, while air dome 90 is in a lower position with seal 98 attached so that the biomass remains inside the enclosure volume. The locking ball 98 is in a position below the groove tip 32 and thus not activated.

[0116] Fig 6 shows the section of service shaft 33 when collarless enclosure 10 is in an intermediate position. Line 94 is tightly tensioned by removing a lifter in net tip 32, pullable air dome 38 with connected equipment, from service shaft 33, which is shown here partially compressed.

[0117] Air dome 90 is fixed in net roof 34 and will thus accompany a net to a water surface 200.

[0118] Ring 82 has a dead weight that holds the net down, when pulling line 94, collar 98 will meet 95 so that buoyancy pipe 41 can lift frameless enclosure 10. Inner net roof150 seals between net 30 and service shaft 33.

[0119] Inner net roof 150 acts as a 2 barrier between net 30 and service shaft 33 when air dome 38 is in a lower position.

[0120] Fig 7 shows frameless enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 floating next to it in a open position. Lines 22 is connected to buoyancy element 70, which through its length defines the draft of net 30

[0121] Fig 8 shows enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 in the closed position where it encircles service platform 35. Liner 22 is connected to service collar 20, which through its lengths defines the draft of net 30.

[0122] Fig 9 shows the collarless enclosure according to the invention in its simplest form, here shown collarless enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 floating next to it in the open position ready to embrace buoyancy element 75.

[0123] In its outer diameter, net 30 is dependent on liner 22 which extends up to buoyancy element 75, net roof 34 is further dependent on one or more lines 76 which extends up and is attached to buoyancy element 75. Liner 76 can be used for depth setting of enclosure 30 by adjusting the length of the lines. From buoyancy element 75 there is a line 94 to the bottom of net tip 32 which, like line 76, can be used to regulate depth setting of enclosure 30. Fig 10 shows the setup as for Fig 9, but here service collar 20 is closed around buoyancy element 75, liner 76 and line 94 connected to buoyancy element 75 ensure control of enclosure 30 depth setting when lines 22 upper part is moved from buoyancy element 75 to service collar 20.

[0124] Lines 22 can either be hung from service collar 20 or connected directly to winches 21 belonging to service collar 20. As shown in Fig 10, net 30 is ready to be raised to an upper position using winches 21 pulling on lines 22 attached to net 30. When the net is hanging from service collar 20 and is to be pulled to a surface, it will be natural to remove buoyancy element 75 before the net 30 is raised to the surface. When lowering net 30, one will connect net 30 to buoyancy element 75 and hang off net 30 in buoyancy element 75 before connecting liner 22 to service collar 20 and connecting them to buoyancy element 75 as shown in Fig. 10.

[0125] To keep service collar 20 and buoyancy element 75 in position before connecting the line connected to net 30, it is preferable to use auxiliary line 78 which extends from anchor plates 54 to service collar 20 or guide line 79 which extends from buoyancy element 75 to service collar 20.

[0126] Fig 11 shows another embodiment of collarless enclosure in its simplest form, here shown with collarless enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 floating next to the collarless enclosure in an open position ready to embrace the buoyancy elements 70 that are connected to the outer edge of net 30 through a set of liner 22.

[0127] The buoyancy elements 70 have a hole in the centre so that liner 22 can be pulled through buoyancy element 70 and attached to an upper side of buoyancy element 70. When connecting service collar 20, you will first hang lines 22 in service collar 20 and then remove the buoyancy elements 70 if necessary.

[0128] The depth setting of net 30 is regulated by the length of liner 22, which can be adjusted in length by means of external cranes or winches mounted on buoyancy element 70. Net roof 34 is equipped with air dome 38 connected to air hose 39 and guide device 84.

[0129] Fig 12 shows another embodiment of the invention in its simplest form, here shown enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 floating next to it in the open position ready to embrace buoyancy elements 70 and 75 which are connected to net 30 through a set of lines 22 and 76. When connecting service collar 20, one will first tighten up liner 76 so that liner 22 becomes slacker, one will be able to disconnect the buoyancy elements 70 before hanging off lines 22 in service collar 20. Service collar 20 can be closed on the inside of the buoyancy elements 70 so that the buoyancy elements 70 will be on the outside of the service collar 20. When the buoyancy elements 70 are deactivated, they can be moored to service collar 20 or transported out of the operating area.

[0130] Fig 13 shows collarless enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 floating next to it in the open position. Collarless enclosure 10 is suspended from anchor lines 59, which in this way sets the enclosure's depth through buoyancy element 56. Collarless enclosure 10 is mounted on permanent air dome 38 with associated air hose 39. Fig 14 shows collarless enclosure 10 in a submerged position, with service collar 20 closed and connected collarless enclosure 10.

[0131] Fig 15 shows a type of collarless enclosure 10 in a submerged position, where a tight collar 40 is used that extends downwards into the water masses. Dense collar 40 has a smaller diameter than net 30 and is intended to shield the salmon from any salmon lice that may be in the upper water layer. The fish can freely swim from a lower volume of the net 30 to a surface to fill the swim bladder. Fig 16 shows buoyancy ring 41 raised up under service collar 20, one has also removed clogged collar 40.

[0132] Fig. 17 shows service collar 20 in an open position connected to a type of collarless enclosure 10 consisting of a centre column 300 that stands tightly tensioned against anchor 320. Note 30 can be guided along the centre column 300 from a submerged position as shown in Fig. 17 to a submerged position as shown in Figs. 19 and 20.

[0133] Fig 18 shows service collar 20 in a closed position where it encircles the upper part of centre column 300, where liner 22 is attached to service collar 20.

[0134] Fig 19 shows net 30 in an upper position, while Fig. 20 shows net 30 pulled all the way up into service collar 20 with only net tip 32 hanging downwards.

[0135] For collarless enclosures that are tightly tensioned against a seabed, the tides will determine how much of the centre column 300 is above the water surface, in such cases being able to open service collar 20 will be crucial. To better control how much the service collar 20 should open, the service collar 20 is equipped with a system consisting of lines.

[0136] Fig 21 shows a position where service collar 20 is open with backline 350 and sidelines 351 and 352 tightly tensioned. Fig 22 shows a position where service collar 20 is inserted over the centre column 300, enclosed on 3 sides. Fig 23 shows central column 300 enclosed on all sides by means of the lines. Fig 24 shows a configuration where centre column 300 is on the inside of service collar 20 where line 353 holds service collar 20 in a fixed open position. With the help of winch 21 connected to lines 350 and 353, it will be possible to contract service collar 20 into a composite service collar 20. Figure 25 shows further service collar 20 closed around centre column 300, where centre column 300 is in a centre position and service collar 20 is prepared for raising net 30. Figure 26 shows a solution where parts of service collar 20 are lifted out of the water to pass it over buoyancy bodies connected to net 30. Here shown by parts of service collar 20 being lifted onto buoyancy unit 400, where buoyancy unit 400 is designed with buoyancy elements 420 on each side of buoyancy unit 400 so that buoyancy unit 400 can be floated over buoyancy bodies connected to enclosure 10. Flotation device 400 may have its own device for raising and lowering parts of service collar 20 out of the water surface. Floating facility 400 can also possess its own propulsion machinery to be able to position service collar 20 in relation to net 30. In connection with moving service collar 20 from one groove 30 to another groove 30, it may be necessary to clean and disinfect service collar 20's lower and upper side, flotation device 400 is thus advantageously designed to flush service collar 20 from a lower side, while flotation device 400 is equipped with rotationally controlled rollers 410 that rotate service collar 20's underside over flotation device 400.

[0137] Fig 27 shows service collar 20 seen from above with flotation device 400 located in the middle of parts of service collar 20.

[0138] Fig 28 shows service collar 20 seen from above consisting of two composite parts, service collar 20 can be opened at one or both ends through hinge lock 500. The guide pin 510 will guide into the surrounding recess 520 the two halves together and at the same time maintain a robust connection between the two halves.

[0139] Fig 29 shows service collar 20 open at one end, while the other end is held together by hinge lock 500.

[0140] Fig 30 shows the service collar 20 in two separate parts, which taken together will form a complete service collar 20 as shown in Fig 28. Fig 31 shows service collar 20 with a permanent elevation to be able to be guided over a floating object belonging to a frameless enclosure 10. Service collar 20 can be used to enclose existing floating collars and is thus not only intended for collarless enclosures. In some locations with low waves and currents, for example, collarless enclosures will be able to float in a surface without having a service collar connected 20.

[0141] Fig. 32 shows enclosure 10 being held against a seabed 52 through liner 310 attached to anchor weight 370, where enclosure 10's buoyancy collar 41 holds net 30 tightly tensioned. Liners 22 and 23 run from an outer diameter of net 30 up to buoyancy element floating on a water surface 200. Fig 33 shows enclosure 10 and associated anchor weight 370 being partially lifted upwards in the water masses by service collar 20 through line 22.

Claims

Patent claims1 . A fish farm (100) comprising a plurality of open or fully or completely immersible enclosures (10) with a net (30) for production of biomasses, comprising a seafloor anchoring system, where the enclosure (10) is connected to the anchoring through lines, characterized in that the fish farm (100) comprises one or more service collars (20), which service collar (20) is arranged to be moved from one fish enclosure (10) to another enclosure (10) within one or more fish farms (100) and to be connected to the enclosure (10), where said service collar (20) when connected to the enclosure (10) is arranged for raising and lowering the net (30) and the enclosure (10) in the water mass (200).

2. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) is arranged to let parts of its outer circumference over or around buoyancy elements or center pillars (300) attached to the enclosure (10).

3. The fish farm (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that parts of said service collar (20) rests on a floating device (400) when it is passed over the buoyancy elements connected to the enclosure (10).

4. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the service collar (20) is arranged when connected to fish enclosure (10) to partly or completely relieve the weight of the enclosure’s (10) original buoyancy elements floating on a water mass (200).

5. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that service collar (20) is arranged to controlled to be able to place the net (30) at the desired water depth.

6. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) is equipped with winches (21 ) for raising and lowering of net (30).

7. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) is equipped with winches (21 ) for internal positioning in fish farms (100).

8. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) embraces buoyancy elements connected to the enclosure (10).

9. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) has an open non-operational configuration and a closed operational configuration.

10. The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) can be opened and closed.11 . The fish farm (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said service collar (20) comprises of one continuous body of a plurality of assembled buoyancy elements.

12. A completely or partly immersible collarless enclosure (10) for deep farming with net (30) for production of sea food, comprising a seafloor anchoring system, where the collarless enclosure (10) is connected to the anchoring through lines, characterized in that the collarless enclosure (10) comprises buoyancy elements floating in the water mass (200) to carry the weight of the collarless enclosure (10) through lines, where said buoyancy elements are arranged to be replaced by a service collar (20) floating in the water mass (200).

13. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer diameter of the net (30) of the collarless enclosure comprises hoist lines (22) for rising and lowering of the net (30), where said hoist lines runsfrom the net (30) and up to the service collar (20) or to other buoyancy elements (37, 70, 75).

14. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper part of the net (30) comprises a service shaft (33) extending from a net roof (34) for access to a center part (31 ) and up to a service platform (35) floating in the water mass (200).

15. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that a service platform (35) is formed with access to a service shaft (33) in center.

16. The enclosure (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the service shaft (33) comprises a lowerable and raisable dome (38) for air that is movable between service platform (35) and the center part (31 ) of the net (30).

17. The enclosure (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the dome (38) is arranged to receive air through an air conduit (39) connected to the plant of the fish farm (100).

18. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that a buoyancy element (75) connected to lines (22) is arranged to be replaced by the service collar (20) floating in the water mass (200).

19. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that buoyancy elements (70) connected to lines (22) is arranged to be replaced by the service collar (20) floating in the water mass (200).

20. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that buoyancy elements (35) connected to lines (22) is arranged to be replaced by the service collar (20) floating in the water mass (200).

21. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the dome (38) is arranged to be a first barrier between the center part (31 ) of the net (30) and the service shaft (33).

22. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that an inner net roof (150) is arranged to be a first or second barrier between the center part (31 ) of the net (30) and the service shaft (33).

23. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that a net roof (34) is arranged with a permanent air dome (90).

24. The enclosure (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that the service shaft (33) is connected towards an inner opening in the permanent air dome (90).

25. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the dome (38) on a bottom side is arranged with a keel pipe (81 ) to hold the dome (38) in a horizontal position.

26. The enclosure (10) according to claim 25, characterized in that said keel pipe (81 ) on a bottom side is connected to a hose (87) for suction of dead fish and sludge.

27. The enclosure (10) according to claim 16 or 23, characterized in that the dome (38;90) is arranged to receive air through an air hose (39) which is connected to the fish farm (100).

28. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that a buoyancy collar (41 ) is suspended in a service platform (35) through lines (22)29. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that a bottom ring (46) is suspended in a service platform (35) through lines (22).

30. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that lines (22) are arranged to be transferred to the service collar (20).

31. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the net(30) can be raised and lowered through lines (22) associated with the net (30).

32. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the net (30) is arranged to be raised and lowered through a hoisting line (94) connected to the bottom of the net tip (32).

33. The enclosure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the enclosure (10) is arranged to be depth-adjusted through lines connected to the enclosure (10) and anchor weights (370).

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