Modular Shrimp Raceway Oxygenation With DGI and PLC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shrimp aquaculture methods face challenges such as inconsistent yields, high energy consumption, complex management, and high capital investment, particularly in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology (BFT), which are expensive and require skilled labor, making them unsuitable for many small-scale operators.
Innovation Solution
A modular, scalable system integrating a dissolved gas infusion (DGI) technology with programmable logic control (PLC) for automated oxygenation and waste management, using high-purity oxygen infusion directly into water to maintain optimal dissolved oxygen levels, combined with modular raceways for efficient water circulation and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are used, then shrimp production control and yield are improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aquaculture operation into multiple independent modular units, each with its own water circulation and oxygenation systems. This segmentation allows for localized optimization of energy use and enables individual module maintenance without shutting down the entire system, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs programmable logic controllers to dynamically adjust water circulation rates, oxygenation levels, and feeding schedules based on real-time sensor data. By optimizing these parameters according to actual shrimp needs rather than using fixed high-level settings, the system maintains high productivity while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
2Productivity
If recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are used, then shrimp production control is improved, but device complexity and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular units that can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained. Each module contains integrated components for water circulation, oxygenation, and monitoring, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining effective production control through replicated standardized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different system configurations. The programmable logic controllers serve multiple functions including water flow regulation, oxygenation control, feeding automation, and data logging, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If high-purity oxygen infusion is used, then dissolved oxygen levels and shrimp survival rates are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to monitor dissolved oxygen levels in real-time and adjusts the oxygen infusion rate accordingly through programmable logic controllers. By maintaining oxygen levels within an optimized range rather than continuously maximizing infusion, the system ensures high shrimp survival rates while minimizing energy consumption associated with oxygenation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dissolved oxygen sensors that provide continuous feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the programmable logic controllers to adjust oxygen infusion rates based on actual water conditions and shrimp demand, ensuring adequate oxygenation for high survival rates while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure from excessive oxygenation.
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 provides consistent oxygenation and waste management, reducing energy consumption and operational costs, ensuring higher shrimp survival rates and growth, and enabling easier scalability and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a dissolved gas infusion system configured to infuse high-purity oxygen into a slipstream of water
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to an advanced, modular, and scalable system integrating a Dissolved Gas Infusion (DGI) system and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to automate and optimize processes such as water filtration, oxygenation, and waste management. The DGI system infuses high-purity oxygen directly into the water, maintaining optimal dissolved oxygen (DO) levels from the post-larvae stage to harvest, and significantly reducing oxygen wastage compared to traditional bubble aeration processes. The system includes modular raceways with load-bearing support beams, twist locks for secure stacking, and observation ports for easy access. This innovative approach ensures efficient, cost-effective, and reliable shrimp production, leading to higher survival rates, faster growth, and improved overall health of the shrimp.