Ammonia Removal Agent for Fish Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing ammonia from fish storage systems are inadequate, as ammonia levels can quickly become toxic to fish, and current commercial water conditioners are not effective in controlling ammonia levels.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method using sodium formaldehyde bisulfite, cornstarch, dye, and alcohol to form an ammonia removal agent, which reacts with ammonia to control its concentration and remains active for a longer period compared to current technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nitrification is used to control ammonia, then ammonia can be oxidized, but the process is too slow to keep up with rapid ammonia accumulation in fresh-caught fish systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating zeolite particles with ammonia-containing solutions before deployment in fish storage systems. This pre-conditioning enhances the zeolite's ammonia removal capacity and responsiveness, allowing it to rapidly counteract ammonia accumulation without relying on the slow nitrification process. The zeolite is prepared in advance to be immediately effective when introduced to the water system.
2Reliability
If commercial water conditioners are used, then ammonia removal is attempted, but effectiveness is insufficient and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of zeolite through controlled pre-treatment with ammonia-containing solutions. This treatment alters the zeolite's surface characteristics and ion exchange capacity, enhancing its reliability and efficiency in ammonia removal. The pre-treatment process adjusts key parameters of the zeolite material to optimize its performance in real-world fish storage conditions.
3Productivity
If zeolite is used for ion exchange, then ammonia can be removed, but the process requires optimization of multiple factors including zeolite type, particle size, and pretreatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the zeolite material into specific particle size ranges (0.5-2.0 mm) and separating the pre-treatment process into distinct stages. This segmentation simplifies the optimization process by focusing on specific, manageable parameters rather than treating all variables simultaneously. The segmented approach makes it easier to control and replicate effective ammonia removal conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces ammonia levels to non-toxic concentrations, exhibits higher removal efficiencies, and maintains effectiveness for a longer duration than existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The composition reacts with ammonia immediately after being added to the storage system to control its concentration
Implementation Method 2
The composition reacts with ammonia immediately after being added to the storage system to control its concentration
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, systems and methods of removing ammonia from fish storage systems are presented. A chemical water conditioner comprised of sodium formaldehyde bisulfite, cornstarch, dye and alcohol was found to have a high ammonia removal efficiency in seawater. A combination of this chemical water conditioner with modified chabazite and phosphate buffer exhibited high ammonia removal efficiency in both seawater and freshwater.