Lifting Post for Sea Pen Net Air Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cleaning nets in circular plastic sea pens are inefficient and costly, as they require the use of cranes and multiple vessels, which can lead to fish escape and environmental harm from antifouling agents, and there is no effective method for air drying due to the lack of a solid gangway for equipment transport.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for air drying fouled nets in circular plastic sea pens using a retrofitting lifting post with a detachable hydraulic winch, allowing half of the net to be lifted out of the water for drying while the other half remains submerged, utilizing multiple lifting posts equidistantly positioned around the circumference to distribute the load and facilitate coordinated lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a crane on a vessel is used to lift the net for cleaning, then the net can be cleaned effectively, but the operation becomes complicated and risky with potential fish escape
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the net from the water environment for cleaning by lifting it out using posts attached to the sea pen structure itself, rather than using a crane from an external vessel. This removes the net from its operational context temporarily for cleaning while maintaining fish safety within the pen.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces posts as intermediary lifting structures attached to the sea pen's buoyancy elements. These posts serve as mediators between the net and the lifting mechanism, enabling net removal without requiring a crane vessel and thus eliminating the associated risks of fish escape.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antifouling agents are applied to the net, then fouling is reduced, but environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the natural fouling process into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. By lifting the net out of water and allowing it to dry in air, marine organisms in the fouling die from desiccation naturally, eliminating the need for harmful antifouling agents while still achieving cleaning效果.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the environmental parameters experienced by the net - specifically exposing it to air and sunlight instead of continuous submersion. This parameter change (from aquatic to atmospheric conditions) enables natural drying and organism death without chemical agents.
3Productivity
If the net is lifted out of water for air drying, then cleaning is achieved, but the net becomes heavy and requires multiple lifting posts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the lifting task into multiple segments by using several posts positioned around the circumference of the sea pen. Each post handles a portion of the net's weight, making the overall lifting operation feasible despite the net's heavy weight when fouled.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy elements (floating rings) of the sea pen structure provide counterweight support to offset the heavy weight of the fouled net during lifting operations, reducing the burden on individual lifting posts.
4Reliability
If multiple lifting posts are used to distribute the load, then the net can be lifted safely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The posts serve multiple functions: they are attached to the buoyancy elements for structural support, provide lifting capability for net removal, and can be positioned equidistantly for balanced load distribution. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite using multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting posts are integrated with the existing sea pen structure (buoyancy elements and gangway), merging the lifting function with the existing framework rather than adding completely separate lifting equipment.
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 method allows for efficient air drying of fouled nets without the need for cranes or multiple vessels, reducing the risk of fish escape and environmental harm, while maintaining water flow and fish well-being by distributing the load effectively across the buoyancy elements.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting post for a sea pen may be provided with a detachable winch... allowing half of the net to be lifted out of the water for drying
Implementation Method 2
The net is lifted up into the air and kept in air for some time... The marine organisms in the fouling will die from desiccation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Method for air drying a fouled net portion (42) of a net (4) comprising the fouled net portion (42) and a clean net portion (44), said net (4) being positioned in a circular sea pen (2), where the method comprises the steps of: a) provide a number of lifting posts (1) according to claim 1 and fasten the lifting posts (1) to floating concentric rings (23) of the circular sea pen (2); b) provide the net (4) with internal ropes, each rope slidingly attached to the net (4); c) provide a number of detachable winches (3), each winch (3) adapted to be fitted to a fastening organ (13) of the lifting post (1), and fit the winches (3) on the side of the sea pen (2) to which the fouled net portion (42) is to be air dried; d) provide an energy source for the winches (3) and connect the energy source to the winches (3); e) release a suitable part of a clean net portion (44) from a handrail (222); f) fasten the internal rope to a winch (3); g) bring a part (421, 424, 425, 427) of the fouled net portion (42) into the air by pull- ing the internal rope with the winch (3); h) fasten a part of the fouled net portion (42) to the handrail (222); and i) repeat steps e)-h) until the complete fouled net portion (42) is lifted into the air. The invention regards in addition lifting posts to carry out the method.