Insulated Electrode Insert for Salmon Lice Control in Water Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively killing or rendering harmless pelagic salmon-louse larvae and eggs in supply water before it enters a closed farming facility, and replacing electrodes in these systems is complex and prone to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a releasable insert made of electrically insulating material with elongated electrodes, connected in pairs for pulsed direct current, is positioned inside a cylindrical channel to create an electric field that kills or injures undesired organisms, with a design that allows easy replacement and minimizes corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are placed in a channel to kill salmon lice and eggs, then the effectiveness of parasite control is improved, but the electrodes corrode away over time and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sacrificial aluminum electrodes that are intentionally designed to corrode and be consumed during operation. These electrodes are replaced periodically rather than protected from corrosion, transforming the corrosion problem into a controlled consumable feature. The aluminum electrodes provide reliable parasite control through corrosion while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of replacement.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrodes are made from corrosion-resistant material like titanium, then the electrode service life is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately chooses inexpensive, easily replaceable aluminum electrodes over expensive corrosion-resistant materials like titanium. The sacrificial aluminum electrodes are consumed during operation but provide adequate service life for the application while significantly reducing system cost and manufacturing complexity compared to using noble metals.
3Strength
If a metal channel is used to supply water, then the structural strength is improved, but the metal channel conducts electricity and causes extensive corrosion damage to the facility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating coating or lining on the channel surface that acts as an intermediary between the metal channel and the electrolyte solution. This intermediary layer prevents electrical conduction through the channel wall while maintaining the structural strength of the metal channel, thereby eliminating corrosion damage to the facility.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the channel is made from non-conductive material like polyethene, then the electrical conduction problem is resolved, but the structural strength and durability of the channel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a metal channel providing structural strength with an electrically insulating coating or lining providing electrical isolation. This composite approach integrates the advantages of both materials: the mechanical strength of metal and the electrical insulation properties of non-conductive materials, eliminating the drawbacks of using either material alone.
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
Effectively kills or renders salmon lice and eggs harmless, while facilitating easy electrode replacement and reducing corrosion, thus ensuring the integrity of the farming facility.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodes are supplied with power from a power-supply unit so that an electric field is formed inside the pipe or channel. The electric field is of such a quality that the undesired organisms are killed or at least get so much injury inflicted on them that the organisms are no longer infectious after having passed the electric field.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for injuring or killing undesired organisms in water (9) in a channel (2). The apparatus (1) comprises an insert (4) which is arranged to be releasably attached to the channel (2) on the inside (20) of the channel (2), a plurality of electrodes (3) that are attached to the insert (4), the insert (4) being formed from an electrically insulating material and the plurality of electrodes (3) being connected to a power-supply unit. A method for using the apparatus (1) in the channel (2) is described as well.