Multilayer Closed Conduit Aquaculture System for High Biomass Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aquaculture systems face challenges in maximizing shrimp production yield per unit volume and location proximity to consumption areas, with issues such as bycatch and inefficient use of production space.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer closed conduit aquaculture system with vertically stacked horizontal support surfaces, divided into compartments or tubes, where water flow is managed to optimize shrimp growth, using a common reservoir and efflux tank with differential water levels to control flow direction and rate, allowing for high biomass density and frequent harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional aquaculture systems are used, then shrimp production can be maintained, but the yield per unit volume is low and production facilities cannot be located close to consumption areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal aquaculture systems to a vertical stacked configuration with multiple tiers of growth surfaces arranged vertically. This dimensional change maximizes the use of vertical space, achieving high biomass density (at least 12.5 kg/m³) and annual harvests (up to 450 kg/m³) while enabling facility placement near urban consumption areas without proportionally increasing land footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If wild shrimp capture is used, then shrimp supply can be obtained, but bycatch problems occur and environmental damage is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a self-contained aquaculture environment where shrimp are farmed in controlled vertical stacks with integrated water circulation and waste management. The closed-loop system recycles water through the stacked tiers, minimizing environmental impact and eliminating bycatch associated with wild capture methods while providing continuous shrimp supply.
3Productivity
If production facilities are located far from consumption areas, then operational costs are reduced, but transportation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing vertical stacking, the system reduces the horizontal footprint of production facilities, enabling them to be located in or near urban consumption areas without proportionally increasing land use. This spatial optimization allows proximity to markets while maintaining efficient operational energy consumption through compact, integrated system design.
4Productivity
If harvesting frequency is increased, then market supply responsiveness improves, but system complexity and management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical stack is divided into multiple independent tiers, each functioning as a separate production unit. This segmentation allows for selective harvesting of individual tiers without disrupting others, enabling frequent harvests (every 120 days or less) while simplifying management through modular, independent unit 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
The system achieves a standing biomass of at least 12.5 kg/m³ and annual harvests of up to 450 kg/m³, with the ability to harvest every 120 days or less, significantly increasing yield per unit volume and enabling production close to consumption regions.
Implementation Method 1
an efflux tank in fluid communication with all of the outlet sides in the vertical array of support surfaces and having one or more drain holes situated above a level of an uppermost support surface in the array of support surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 2
AI summary
A method comprising: (a) providing a multilayer closed conduit aquaculture enclosure; (b) stocking said enclosure with shrimp; and (c) growing with standing biomass of at least 12.5 kg/M3 of enclosure volume. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed. Some disclosed systems are deployed submerged in water such as a the ocean, a pond, a river or an estuary.