AU2014250693A1 - Method and Apparatus for Improving Oxygenation in Water - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for improving oxygenation in water, the apparatus including: a water feed element having a water inlet for defining a water ingress path; a water impeller element located in the water ingress path for causing water to flow to a water egress path; an air fan 5 element located in an air ingress path for causing air to flow to the water egress path.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING OXYGENATION IN WATER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fluid conditioning apparatus and in particular to fluid conditioning apparatus for conditioning water. 5 The invention has been developed primarily for use as a method and apparatus for improving oxygenation in water and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered 10 as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field. Known aeration system comprise floating aerators that pump water from just below the surface of a water body using axial impeller and spray the water into the air to increase oxygenation of the water. 15 There is a need in the art for improved methods and apparatus for oxygenating water. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide a method and apparatus for 20 improving oxygenation in water. 1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method and apparatus for improving oxygenation in water. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for improving 5 oxygenation in water, the apparatus including: a water feed element having a water inlet for defining a water ingress path; a water impeller element located in the water ingress path for causing water to flow to a water egress path; an air fan element located in an air ingress path for causing air to flow to the water 10 egress path. Preferably, the water feed element is an elongate water feed element having a water inlet at a first end. More preferably, the water feed element is coupled to base housing at the second end. Most preferably, the water feed element is coupled to a float element at the second end. Preferably, the apparatus uses an electric motor to drive the water impeller and air fan. More 15 preferably, the apparatus further uses air flow from a motor cooling fan. Preferably, the water impeller element and air fan element are integrally formed into a driven rotor element. More preferably, the rotor element comprises an axial water impeller portion, a radial water impeller portion, and an air fan portion. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a separable motor module that includes a motor housing; 20 a motor; and a protruding impeller element or rotor element coupled to the motor. More preferably, the motor module can be located in a recess defined by a base housing, such that the impeller element is located in the water ingress path. More preferably, the motor module can be located in a recess defined by a base housing, such that the water egress path is defined there between. The air ingress path is preferably defined within the motor module. 25 Preferably, the rotor element is driven to inject air to the water. More preferably, the rotor element is driven to: increase water pressure; increasing water velocity and sheer; and injecting air into the water flow. 2 Preferably, the water ingress path draws water from significantly below the water surface. More preferably, the water ingress path draws water from close to the bottom of a water reservoir. Most preferably, the apparatus has a water egress path that expels water above the surface of a water body. 5 Preferably, the water ingress path draws water from one direction and the water egress path expels water in the opposite direction, thereby to create a directional flow of water across the apparatus. Preferably, the water inlet has a screen element. Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of support legs. 10 Preferably, the apparatus includes a secondary water conditioning element located in the water ingress path. More preferably, the secondary water conditioning element causes a restructuring of the water. Most preferably, restructuring of the water, in combination with increased water sheer and/or water pressure and/or water velocity, improves water efficiency in dissolving air. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment apparatus for improving oxygenation in water according to an aspect the invention; 20 FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the impeller region; FIG. 3A is a front view of the impeller used in the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the impeller used in the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, showing water feed 25 region; FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment apparatus for improving oxygenation in water according to an aspect the invention, shown installed in a water tank; 3 FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.5, showing the impeller region; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment apparatus for improving oxygenation in water according to an aspect of the invention; 5 FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.7; FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.7; FIG. 9 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG.7; FIG. 10 is a plan view of an aquaculture tank using the apparatus of FIG.7; FIG. 11 A is a perspective view of an embodiment screen element used with apparatus 10 for improving oxygenation in water; FIG. 11B is a partial enlarged view of the screen element of FIG. 11 A; and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment screen element used with apparatus for improving oxygenation in water. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 15 It was identified that conventional water aerator or circulation systems typically use the method of pumping water from about the surface of a water body and spraying the water into the air. This creates high evaporation. Such methods do not scientifically increase the circulation or oxygenation of the water body as a whole. An improved apparatus for oxygenation of water was developed that draws water from the 20 bottom of a water body, where the relative density is typically the greatest and the dissolved air is typically the lowest. The water is then mixed with air and exposed to light. It will be appreciated that this 'bottom-up' approach can further reduce temperature stratification of the water body, and increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water for better health. It will be appreciated that this method also exposes more of the water (from lower in a water 25 body) to Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMR) in the form of light. The method can reduce anaerobic bacteria while creating a healthier environment for aerobic bacteria and organisms. Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment apparatus 100 for improving oxygenation in water 102 can comprise: 4 a water feed element 110 having a water inlet 111 for defining a water ingress path 112; a water impeller element 120 located in the water ingress path 112 for causing water to flow to a water egress path 122; an air fan element 130 located in an air ingress path 132 for causing air to flow to the 5 water egress path 122. The elongate water feed element 110 has a water inlet 111 at a first end 113, and a float element forming base housing 114 at the second end 115. The base housing defining a bowl shaped recess 116. By way of example, the elongate water feed element 110 is typically in the form of a cylindrical tube. 10 Referring to FIG. 2, a separable motor module 140 is located in the recess 116 defined by a base housing. The motor module 140 includes a motor housing 141 for a motor 144 that is coupled to a protruding impeller element 120 or rotor element located in the water ingress path. The motor module is located in a recess defined by a base housing, such that the water egress pathl22 is defined there between. The air ingress path 130 is defined within the 15 motor module. By way of example, the motor module 140 is spaced above the recess 116, such that the water egress pathl22 is defined by the space there between. In this embodiment, by way of example only, the fan element directs air across the underside of the motor housing at 134 and into the water egress path 122. The air ingress path 130 is defined within the motor module to include the motor fan for enhance airflow. 20 Referring to FIG. 3, a rotor element 150 comprises an integrally formed axial water impeller element (or portion) 120 a radial water impeller element (or portion) 121 and air fan element (or portion) 130. This integrally formed rotor element is driven by the motor. In this example embodiment, the axial water impeller element (or portion) 120 comprise a plurality of axially directed helical fins located about an axial cone surface at the base of the 25 rotor element. In this example embodiment, the radial water impeller element (or portion) 121 comprise a plurality of radial fins on the under surface of the rotor element. In this example embodiment, the air fan element (or portion) 130 comprises a plurality of radial fins on the upper surface of the rotor element. 5 It will be appreciated that the pumping impeller 120 and 121 causes a water flow 152 having increased water flow and pressure, and enables the air flow 154 to be introduced into this water flow within a chamber of the apparatus. This enables creation of micro bubbles of air. Air is pumped into the water by using the motor fan and the air fan portion of the pumping 5 impeller. It will be appreciated that, by drawing water from closer the bottom of a water body, the water generally has less dissolved air and increased anaerobic bacteria. By drawing this water to the surface, the anaerobic bacteria can be destroyed when subject to oxygen, and the aerobic bacteria may increase in due course. Also these aerobic bacteria and microbes 10 reproduce efficiently in conditioned water, with exposure to oxygen and electromagnetic energy (light). The combined water and air flows through the apparatus in an axial then radial pathway compresses the air and water mix, enabling production of micro bubbles of air within the water flow. 15 FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment water feed element 110 having a water inlet 111 for defining a water ingress path 112. In this embodiment, the water feed element has a funnelled end portion 117 for defining the water inlet. A screen element 118 can be provided to limit ingress of particulate material. By way of example only, the apparatus includes a secondary passive water conditioning 20 element 160 located in the water ingress path. Typically the water ingress path includes flow through and around the passive water conditioning element 160. In this context passive is used to indicate a lack of moving components. It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment teach a method and apparatus for improving oxygenation in water. 25 An operational advantage of the taught apparatus include an ability to service the unit without removing the float/base system. The motor module, including motor and impeller, can be lifted out from the base. Advantages of the taught method and apparatus can include any one or more of the following: 6 stimulating the natural aerobic microbiology; > improving active ecology results in lower average nutrient loading; > providing a cleaner and more stable biological system with less aquatic surface fouling; 5 > reducing average particle sizes of suspended solids reduces fouling for extending filtration life and membrane technologies; and > reducing reliance on chemical inputs and chemical concentrations for improving efficiency of aqueous chemicals. It will be appreciated that the apparatus can draw anaerobic water from lower in (or the 10 bottom of) the water body, and oxygenate the water to provide an environment for aerobes. This action of drawing water from the "bottom up" assists in de-stratification of the water body, reducing surface temperatures, and reducing the formation of cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae). In an example embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, an aerator apparatus 100 15 floats on a water body 102, about the water level 103 using a float element 114. This float element defines a recess for receiving and supporting the motor module 140. The water feed element (or tube) 110 has a suction cone 117. In use, water is drawn up through the suction cone 117, wherein water takes one of two paths (1 12A, 1 12B). Path 1 12A is through the screen element 118 and flows around the water 20 conditioner 160. Path 112B is through the water conditioner 160, for example first passing through a support cone 161. Both flow paths can be fitted with screen elements to reduce blockages and restrict small water particles or creatures from entering the flow path. It will be appreciated that, in an embodiment, water flowing through (or around) the passive water conditioner 160 can be beneficially altered in structure. 25 In use, water ingress flow 112 is generated by a rotor element 150 that comprises an integrally formed axial water impeller element (or portion) 120 a radial water impeller element (or portion) 121 and air fan element (or portion) 130. This integrally formed rotor element is driven by the motor 144, via motor shaft 146. By way of example, the motor speed can be controlled from 600 rpm to 1500 rpm. It will be appreciated that the length of 30 the feed element 110 can be varied to suit the application and/or depth of the water body. 7 The water changes direction after flowing past the axial water impeller 120 to the radial water impeller 121. The water is directed along a water egress path 122. It will be appreciated that there can be a plurality of impeller blades, wherein the impeller blades can be curved or straight. The side and configuration of the impeller blades can depend on the 5 motor power. In use, ingress air flow 132, into the motor housing 141 about the top 142 and flows through one or more apertures 143 defined in a motor support flange. The air is driven/drawn with the use of the motor fan 145. The base of the motor housing 141 defines a conical section surface 147, that receives the air fan element (or portion) 130. Air is drawn through an 10 aperture 148 about the top of the conical section 147, past the air fan element 130, and through a gap 149 defined between the air fan element 130 and base of the motor housing 141, thereby entering the water egress path 122. It will be appreciated that the air fan blades conform to the conical section surface 147 at the base of the motor housing 141. It will be further appreciated that the air fan element can comprise a plurality of blades 15 (typically between 2 and 8), wherein the blades can be curved or straight. The air being injected into the water egress path causes further mixing and compression in the chamber defined between the motor module 140 and base housing 114. The water and air mixture becomes very turbulent where combined. The action of the air being injected into the water with the egress chamber 124 caused formation of micro bubbles of air, as well 20 as dissolving air into the liquid. The micro bubbles have the ability to be carried downward in the water body. The air/water egresses about the top of the float element 114 at 123. In an example embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an aerator apparatus 200 can be installed in a water tank holding a water body 102, about the water level 103. In this embodiment, the motor module 140 is adapted to fixedly or releasablly couple to the water 25 tank, such that the motor module 140 can be received by the recess 116 defined by the base housing 114. The water feed element (or tube) 110 extends toward the base of the water tank. It will be appreciated that the general operation (and water/air flow) of the apparatus 200, is similar to that of apparatus 100. 8 The apparatus 200 can be mounted at the top of the tank by the mounting flange and can be supported from the base by legs or feet. Example embodiments of apparatus 200 can: > draw 1.5 and 3 kw/hour; 5 > operate on different energy sources > provide an effective oxygen transfer rate of about 2 Kg/hour/kw > provide a water flow rate of about 40 - 70 1/second. In an example embodiment, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, an aerator apparatus 300 can be used in Aquaculture. In this embodiment, a selected water flow direction is provided or 10 maintained. A specific water flow direction can be provided by directing the water feed element (or tube) 110 inlet to one side. In an example embodiment, the water feed element 110 is directed axially downwardly 310 toward the bottom of the water body, and then bent at 312 to a radially outward direction 314. A suction end 320 and screen 322 can be used. In this 15 example, the water enters the inlet suction diamond (320,322). It will be appreciated that each apparatus 100, 200 and 300 can include a passive water conditioning element 160 and support cone 161 about the inlet. In such embodiments, there are two water ingress flow paths, a first through the passive water conditioner, and the second around the passive water conditioner. 20 In this embodiment, the motor module 340 or recess 342 defined by a base housing 114 are modified such that: when the motor module 340 is received by the recess 342, the cavity defined there between causes a directional water egress path. Typically, the direction of water egress path is substantially the same direction as that of the water ingress at the inlet. In an example embodiment, the directional water egress path is caused by blocking about 25 two thirds of cavity opening. A purpose for providing a directional flow is to provide a single directional circulation within water in a reservoir. In an example embodiment, removable screens 322 can be provided. The screens can have different grid/opening sizes to suit the type of aquaculture. 9 In an example embodiment, a plurality of support legs 330 are provided to enable the apparatus to stand upright on the bottom of the reservoir when emptied. FIG. 8 shows the water ingress path being initially in a radially inward direction (at 340), then an axial upward direction (at 342) toward the water impeller 120. The water egress 5 path being in a radially outward direction (at 346), opposing the radial inward direction (at 340). FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the apparatus 300 causing a directional water flow, in which the water egress path radially outwardly directed (at 346) and is opposite the radial inward direction (at 340). 10 FIG. 10 shows a plan view of an Aquaculture with a plurality of apparatus 300 causing a directional water flow circulation 348 in a reservoir. Screen Elements It will be appreciated that screen elements can be provided in any form known in the industry or field or art. 15 In aquaculture, the flow past the screens can be designed to reduce the possibility that juvenile creatures (for example prawns or fish) become stuck and block the filter. The screen element can be defined to have an apex in the direction from which water ingresses for allow water to flow passed the filter without creating substantial turbulence or reducing the overall circular motion around the reservoir. 20 FIG. 11 A and FIG. 11 B show an example wedge wire screen 400. In this example, the wedge wire are spaced to reduce the possibility that juvenile creatures (for example prawns or fish) become stuck. In this example, the wedge wire are typically orientated in the direction of the water flow. It will be appreciated that the wedge wire has a tapered edge 410 the denies a widening gap 412 when entering through the screen (414). 25 FIG. 12 show an example screen element 450 constructed stainless steel sheet 452 having a plurality of holes 454. The holes are typically from 2mm to 6 mm in diameter, and are selected based on use. Passive Water Conditioners 10 A passive secondary water conditioning element can be included for cause a restructuring of the water. Restructuring of the water, in combination with increased water sheer and/or water pressure and/or water velocity, can improve water efficiency in dissolving air. In an example embodiment, a passive water conditioning element can include: an axial 5 housing adapted to provide a through passage for water flow, the housing having a water inlet, a water outlet. One or more permanent magnets are located about the through passage such that the water flows through a magnetic field. Permanent magnets can be housed within radially extending and spaced apart apertures. Adjacent radial apertures can be offset from one another (for example 10 by 90 degrees) or longitudinally aligned. The permanent magnets can include at least one core of rare earth iron neodymium magnet in association with magnetisable iron products. The through passage can be a complex through passage defined by series of insert elements. The insert elements are located in the through passage for channelling the water flow in a complex flow pattern (for example, a complex toroidal flow pattern). 15 The housing can include an annular sealable space about the water flow path, in which a matrix of particulate matter is located. By way of example only, the matrix of particulate materials can include a mixture of products selected from the group including gypsum, dolomite and volcanic rock such as basalts, quartz and granite. The matrix of particulate materials is typically in the form of a suspension of finely divided solids in water. 20 The water begins by spiralling through the conditioner that has side walls containing mineralised water and strong permanent magnets. This is understood to assist in changing the overall structure of the water. The role of the passive water conditioner is to restructure a cluster of water molecules. Interpretation 25 Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the 11 embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in 5 any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, 10 should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, 15 including is synonymous with and means comprising. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a 20 device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or 25 interact with each other. As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. 30 As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., 12 "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader, or with reference to the orientation of the structure during nominal use, as appropriate. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis 5 of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of 10 disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as 15 a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed 20 embodiments can be used in any combination. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention. In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is 25 understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may 30 be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim 13 all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described 5 within the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 10 14

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus for improving oxygenation in water, the apparatus including: a water feed element having a water inlet for defining a water ingress path; a water impeller element located in the water ingress path for causing water to flow to a 5 water egress path; an air fan element located in an air ingress path for causing air to flow to the water egress path.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water feed element is an elongate water feed element having a water inlet at a first end, and the water feed element is coupled to 10 base housing at the second end.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water feed element is coupled to a float element at the second end.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes an electric motor to drive the water impeller and air fan. 15

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a motor cooling fan is used to assist with generating the flow of air.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water impeller element and air fan element are integrally formed into a driven rotor element;

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the rotor element comprising an axial 20 water impeller portion, a radial water impeller portion, and an air fan portion.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus further including a secondary water conditioning element located in the water ingress path. 15

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus further including a separable motor module that has a motor housing, a motor, and a protruding impeller element or rotor element coupled to the motor.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the motor module is located in a recess 5 defined by a base housing, such that the water egress path is defined there between, and the air ingress path is defined within the motor module.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the motor module is located in a recess defined by a base housing, such that the impeller element is located in the water ingress path. 10

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water ingress path draws water from significantly below the water surface of a water body, and the apparatus has a water egress path that expels water above the surface of the water body.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water ingress path draws water from one direction and the water egress path expels water in the 15 opposite direction, thereby to create a directional flow of water across the apparatus.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus further including a plurality of support legs.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus further including a secondary water conditioning element located in the water ingress path, the 20 secondary water conditioning element causes a restructuring of the water. 16