Aquaculture Cage Diffuser Assembly for Oxygenation and Upwelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid injection devices for aquaculture in sea, lake, or river cages lack compact diffusers with multiple functions per unit, requiring tools for assembly and maintenance, and are not optimized for both oxygenation and upwelling independently.
Innovation Solution
A compact diffuser with multiple functions per unit, comprising two or more pipes or tubes with different-sized injectors for separate fluid supply, allowing tool-free assembly and maintenance, and optimized for both oxygenation and upwelling with distinct bubble sizes and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pipe with uniform opening size is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously optimize for both oxygenation and upwelling functions
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple pipes with different opening sizes, where each pipe is optimized for a specific function (oxygenation or upwelling). This segmentation allows each pipe to have tailored characteristics that match its intended purpose, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can simultaneously perform oxygenation, upwelling, and other functions through its multiple pipes. This universal design allows a single device to handle diverse aquaculture needs without requiring separate equipment for each function.
2Ease of operation
If traditional diffusers are used, then assembly and maintenance require tools, but tool-free assembly and maintenance enables easier installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser employs self-service connection mechanisms that allow users to assemble and maintain the device without external tools. The interlocking design of the pipes and connectors enables tool-free assembly, making the system easy to install and maintain while reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If air is injected at high flow rates, then upwelling effect is enhanced, but microalgae blooms increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different pipes are designed with different opening sizes to create localized flow patterns. The upwelling pipes have larger openings that generate stronger local flows, while oxygenation pipes have smaller openings for finer bubble distribution. This local quality differentiation allows optimized performance for each function without causing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of bubble formation by controlling opening sizes and flow rates. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal upwelling and oxygenation while preventing conditions that lead to microalgae blooms, such as excessive turbulence and oxygen depletion.
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
Facilitates easy installation and maintenance, enhances oxygenation and upwelling efficiency, reducing microalgae blooms by 50% in aquaculture cages, with independent operation for each function and improved mass transfer in the water column.
Implementation Method 1
High mass transfer in the water column, complete dissolution of the bubble
Implementation Method 2
Bubbles maintain their integrity within the water column. Constant upward water velocity and flow. Ascent of deep waters
Implementation Method 3
at least two pipes or tubes, rigid or flexible, with injectors of different sizes to dissolve different gases or fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for the injection of fluids into aquaculture cages in the sea, lakes, rivers or artificial containers, which improves the physicochemical and environmental conditions of a fluid by means of oxygenation or upwelling, among others, enabling its installation and maintenance without any tools being required, and comprising: a chassis (101), comprising a central body (102) with a number of support bars (103) and means (104) for affixing fluid injection means (105); at least two fluid injection means (105) installed on the affixing means (104) wherefrom a different fluid is independently supplied from the different source of each different fluid through each fluid injection means (105 a, b); and a means for the supply of each of the fluids connected to each of the fluid injection means (105)