Fish Conveying Device with Flow Equalization Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveying devices for pumping live fish experience a back flush during cycle changes, leading to stress and reduced efficiency due to the creation of a small gap in flow, which results in approximately 40% of the time having no fish at the suction side and exposing fish to various accelerations.
Innovation Solution
The conveying device employs a dual-tank system with a suction line and discharge line, utilizing pump means to create alternating low-pressure vacuums and high-pressures in the tanks, ensuring a constant flow by equalizing pressures between cycles, thus minimizing stress and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a double tank system is used for pumping live fish, then fish can be transferred between receptacles, but a back flush occurs during cycle changes that scares fish and pushes them away from the suction side
Solution Approach 1:
A flow equalization tank is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second tanks. This mediator tank receives water from the first tank and supplies it to the second tank, absorbing the back flush effect and preventing direct transmission of pressure waves that would scare and displace fish during cycle transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into three separate tanks (first tank, flow equalization tank, and second tank) instead of a direct two-tank system. This segmentation isolates the back flush effect within the equalization tank, protecting the fish in the first tank from direct exposure to harmful pressure fluctuations.
2Productivity
If the tank filling and emptying cycles are used, then fish can be pumped from one receptacle to another, but there is a gap in flow for approximately 40% of the time requiring fish crowding at the suction side
Solution Approach 1:
The flow equalization tank maintains continuous water flow throughout the system by receiving water from the first tank during its discharge phase and supplying water to the second tank during its filling phase. This eliminates the 40% flow gap in the original system, ensuring continuous fish movement without interruption and removing the need for fish crowding at the suction side.
3Duration of action of moving object
If pressure changes are made quickly to switch between filling and emptying cycles, then cycle time is reduced, but fish experience various accelerations that lead to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The flow equalization tank acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and dampens pressure waves and acceleration forces before they reach the fish. By pre-positioning this cushioning tank in the flow path, rapid pressure changes are smoothed out, protecting fish from harmful accelerations while still allowing efficient cycle operation.
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
This solution achieves a constant and laminar flow, reducing fish stress and mechanical damage, while maintaining a steady flow rate, allowing for more efficient and humane fish transfer over longer distances.
Implementation Method 1
pump means alternatively connectable to the first tank or to the second tank, for creating a low-pressure vacuum for filling the corresponding tank with live fish
Implementation Method 2
creating a high-pressure in the corresponding tank for emptying said tank
Implementation Method 3
a suction line connected to the first receptacle, the inlet of the first tank and the inlet of the second tank
Implementation Method 4
a discharge line connected to the outlet of the first tank, the outlet of the second tank and the second receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Conveying device (1) for pumping live fish from a first receptacle to a second receptacle, comprising a first tank (11), a second tank (12), and pump means (15). The conveying device (1) is configured to alternatively create a low-pressure vacuum in one of the first tank (11) or in the second tank (12) for filling the corresponding tank with live fish, and simultaneously act on the other tank creating a high-pressure for emptying said other tank, the time required for filling the corresponding tank being greater than the time required for emptying the other tank, changing the pressure in said other tank to atmospheric pressure when it is emptied, and subsequently equalizing the pressure in said other tank to the pressure in the corresponding tank.