Cylindrical Multi-Layer Aquaculture Tank for Shrimp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer shrimp cultivation systems face challenges such as complex design, temperature control difficulties, high energy consumption, and operational complexity, limiting their application to indoor environments.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical multi-layer tank system with separate, non-interconnected layers, corrosion-resistant materials, closed design, and integrated automation for temperature control, water quality monitoring, and harvesting, compatible with RAS filtration systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-layer tanks are used to increase production capacity, then productivity increases, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aquaculture system is divided into multiple independent horizontal layers stacked vertically, with each layer functioning as a separate cultivation unit. This segmentation allows increased production capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design, where each layer can be independently operated and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-layer horizontal arrangement to a multi-layer vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase production capacity. Multiple layers are stacked one above another, effectively multiplying the cultivation area without requiring proportionally more horizontal space or operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multi-layer tanks are used to maximize space utilization, then productivity increases, but temperature control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidtemperature control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Each horizontal layer is equipped with its own independent temperature control system, allowing separate regulation of water temperature in each layer. This segmentation enables precise temperature management despite the vertical stacking, as each layer can be optimized for specific shrimp growth stages or species requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat exchanger system serves as an intermediary between the ambient environment and the water in each layer, enabling efficient temperature control. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy to or from the water without direct contact with the shrimp, maintaining stable temperatures across multiple layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multi-layer tanks are used to increase biomass density, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomass densityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous water circulation through a centralized filtration and recirculation system that serves all layers. Water is continuously filtered, oxygenated, and redistributed across layers, eliminating the need for separate pumping systems in each layer and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high biomass density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

A single centralized filtration system performs multiple functions for the entire multi-layer system, including waste removal, oxygenation, and water temperature regulation for all layers. This universal system reduces energy consumption compared to having separate systems for each layer, while still supporting high biomass density across all layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If multi-layer tanks are used to enhance cultivation control, then productivity increases, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecultivation controlVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic feeding mechanisms and sensor-based monitoring that enable the aquaculture system to regulate itself with minimal human intervention. Feed is automatically distributed to appropriate layers based on shrimp density and growth stage, while sensors continuously monitor water quality parameters and trigger adjustments as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor networks throughout the system continuously monitor water quality, temperature, and shrimp behavior, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustments to feeding rates, water circulation, and temperature control, simplifying operation while maintaining precise cultivation control across multiple layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4434333B1Aquaculture system and methods for cultivating shrimp and other crustaceans
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 KLAIPEDOS UNIVTAS
  • EP4434333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4434333B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4434333B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a

AI summary

This invention relates to aquaculture, specifically, it discloses a system and method for cultivating shrimp and other crustaceans. The system for cultivating aquaculture of shrimp or other crustaceans comprises: • a ground basement (103), such as a reinforced-concrete foundation, • a closed cylinder-shaped tank (100) placed on said ground basement (103), the tank (100) comprising two or more horizontal cylinder-shaped layers (101) for cultivating the crustaceans separately on the areas of each layer (101), • a central waste water outlet (201) leading through a common outlet to a recirculation aquaculture system RAS, said central outlet (201) has perforated walls (202) from each layer (101), allowing cultivation waste expulsion from the layers (101) to the common outlet and the RAS; · the recirculation aquaculture system for supplying the filtered and conditioned water into individually controlled inlets ( 202a-f) of each layer (101), by injecting with less than 90 degrees angle to the cylinder-shaped wall of the tank, circulating the water in the cylinder-shaped layer (101) before draining it out; and • means of injecting the food by feeding valves (607) and inlets individually into the multiple layers (101) as a suspension of water with the food.