DK167642B1 - Integrated sorting unit for live fish in a production cage - Google Patents

Description

in DK 167642 B1

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a live fish sorting plant in a production cage, particularly used in aquaculture, and where the fish or biomass continuously floats in ring.

5 So far, the entire biomass has been used to conduct approx. 5000 fish from one production cage to another external production cage and most often to several cages. This has led to major ongoing nuisances and disadvantages for the biomass, which has usually been stressed through this sorting form. Why the waste or mortality of this system has been a major factor and cost of production.

So far, a sorting procedure 15 has also been used to fish manually with the net biomass, after which each fish is weighed, measured and recorded and then it is sorted from in the corresponding bio cages.

The disadvantage of this system is, firstly, that it is very demanding in terms of manpower. At the same time, 20, through the hunt for the fish "via the busy", stresses the fish a lot.

This stress causes it to take a while after a depletion before the fish regains food and grows normally. And further, the meat will only have normalized after taste after 25 years. Which, moreover, is a parallel to the similar genes one has with pigs, where the pig's flesh under stress becomes aqueous, and loses some of its optimal taste.

The object of the invention is to provide a sorting plant of the kind mentioned above, but where as a permanently integrated part it is possible to continuously bring the fish or biomass to sort itself automatically continuously. And where this can be established as part or section of the production cage itself. And where the sorted biomass can be reduced at customized time intervals.

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This is achieved according to the invention by a sorting plant of the kind mentioned initially and characterized by a separately delimited and especially movable sorting area or cage in the continuously moving biomass. For example, 5 is ideally designed as a vertical and long cylindrical mesh bag. Where the net bag is integrated into the actual volume of the production cage. And where at the same time it is preferably located in the center of the production cage, and with a simultaneous automatic sorting unit especially electronically for active measurement of the fish size connected.

The operation of the sorting plant shows itself during and during operation of the production cage, where the entire biomass at the same rate swims in ring or around. And here, some of the 15 biomass will move around the center, where the sorting cage is ideally located. And some of the fish will then automatically swim through the sorting unit, including some fish of the correct sorting size. And these will then automatically be fed into the sorting cage, where, as the outside biomass, the unstressed still continues to swim in the ring, and otherwise follow the outer movement of the biomass. The sorting unit opens to the sorting cage only when the correct size of fish is currently being recorded.

In a particular embodiment of the sorting system according to the invention, the sorting unit or integrated net bag may in particular be mounted so that it can ideally be lifted out of the production cage for emptying the sorted fish stock. In this way, the permanent biomass is not substantially disturbed, but merely continues to swim in the ring. Furthermore, it is also achieved that the sorted fish is not damaged during the recording.

35 The emptying frequency could otherwise ideally be from once a week to less for example salmon or similar fish. As a result, a suitably sorted amount of fish is obtained, and furthermore, the fish and total biomass will be less stressed, thus less damage and possible deaths are avoided.

In another embodiment, the sorting unit for the sorting cage or net could be located at or in the water surface. This provides an easier service option on the device. And an immediate visible record 10 about the functionality is optimal. And further, it is also achieved that the sorting bag or cage will be utilized optimally. Since the just sorted fish that swims through the system will not be substantially disturbed by the other previously sorted fish.

In yet another embodiment, the active electronics sorting unit can be placed over liquid surface. And the optical signals for ideal size sorting can then be obtained via flat periscope mechanisms which can ideally flip their flat and narrow sides towards the swim direction of the biomass. And where the entire periscope mechanism can ideally be filled with liquid such as the biomass swimming medium.

With this system it is achieved that, firstly, the sorting unit will not fill much water and the cage, which is why the fish around this equipment can move closer. And secondly, the primary equipment will be easier to service and the surroundings will be less harsh as this is not permanently dipped into the liquid which is usually saline.

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Advantageously modified embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which 4 DK 167642 B1

Fig. 1 shows a production cage with an integrated sorting cage or net, with an automatic sorting unit for active measurement, Fig. 2 shows in detail a sorting unit coupled to the sorting cage,

Fig. 3 shows in detail a sorting unit lifted above the water surface, and with a narrow scanner mirror system, 10

Fig. 4 shows from above the production cage with the integrated sorting network which is variable in position placement, Fig. 5 shows a management system for provisional size sorting and with an ideal supply to the sorting unit,

Fig. 6 shows an example of an embodiment of a hanger for the control system,

Fig. 7 is a top view of the production cage with the integrated sorting cage and with an example of an ideal placement of the baffles, 25

Fig. 8 shows the production cage from above and with an ideal location of electrical conductors such as light chains,

Fig. 9 shows the sorting cage with a snail-shaped net 30 and a guide system for the sorting unit, and

Fig. 10 shows the sorting unit, with bottom limb and closable access to the sorting cage.

Fig. 1 shows a production cage 2 with an integrated and separate sorting cage 1 or net 1 therein, with an automatic sorting unit 3 for active measurement, and the fish 4 or biomass 4 'continuously swimming in ring 14.

The outer production cage 2 can be held vertically in the water 5 through some sound pontoons 6 or a total ring 6 'at the rim edge. In the lower part 17 of the production network 2, there may be a funnel 17 for collecting dead fish. And of course, this 17 should be emptied periodically.

In the middle of the production cage 2, then 2 'may ideally be placed a sorting cage 1 in the form of a vertical cylindrical mesh bag 1. And the diameter of the mesh bag 1 can ideally be selected in a size 25-50% less linearly than the large one. production cage 2. The cage 1 in the middle, for example, can ideally be 3 meters in diameter, while the production cage 2 can be 10 meters in diameter.

The middle mesh bag 1 or the sorting cage 1 can be held vertically in water surface 5 'as in the production cage 2 with pontoons 6 or a total buoyancy ring 61.

The system consisting of 1 and 3 is ideally located in the middle, 20 where the swimming speed 14 'is less than the periphery at the edge of the production cage 2. And the sorting 7' will only take place in a water layer 5 ", namely that covered by the sorting unit 3 height and volume, seen in section in the direction of swimming 14 "in the front of the entrance opening for the sorting unit 3.

When sorted 7 a suitable amount of fish 4 in the sortable size, the sorting net 1 can ideally be lifted up 8 by the production cage 2 and the sorted fish 4 'can be poured out of the bag 1.

The remaining biomass 4 can now be increased by the amount of weight withdrawn so that the breeder achieves optimal conditions and conditions in his breeding cage 2.

In addition, in several countries there are legal requirements for maximum permissible biomass 4 in a production cage 2.

35 As previously mentioned, the system 1,2 and 3 will be more gentle to the sorting and handling of fish or the biomass 4. And further, the volume of sorting will now, in relation to previously known, take place in the production cage 2 and in the biomass 4, Why this sorting system 1 and 3 requires substantially less space than 5 so far known. And the systems 1,2 and 3 will be less time consuming with regard to the necessary breeding staff at the production cage 2. This in turn means that substantially more production cages 2 than previously known can now be run by one man.

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Fig. 2 shows in detail a sorting unit 3,7 and 9 coupled to the sorting cage 1, 3 being mounted at the outer diameter of the sorting cage 1, and the discharge side 3 'of the sorting unit 3 via a net erosion 1 * and via a the sorting guide mechanism 9 will either guide 7 * the equally measured fish 4 'as 4 "into the sorting cage 1 or lead 7 the 41 out into the large breeding cage 2.

For example, the system 3.7 and 9 can be implemented with a slidable guiding mechanism 9 which is controlled by the current registration signals.

The guide system 9 can ideally be moved 7 * in tandem with the swim speed and movement 14 of the fish 4.

Fig. 3 shows in detail a sorting unit 3 lifted above the water surface 5 ', and with a narrow scanner mirror system 10 as 11, designed as periscope systems 10, which conducts the signal 11 from the water image 4 up into the 11 scanner system's registration unit 3.

30 Ideally, for example, a system 3 such as 10 of two periscopes 10 may be positioned 10 * opposite each other and positioned so as to face their narrow side, which is shaded in the figure drawing, as shown in Figure 3, against the direction of swimming 14.

And so that there will be more room for the fish 4 than 35 if the entire registration unit 3 was immersed in the breeding water 5.

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Fig. 4 is a top view of the production cage 2 with the integrated sorting network 1 which here is in its position variable 12. And where the optimal sorting position 12 * can be found by an automatic moving 12 as 1 'as 5 then a coincidence with the recording frequency. In particular, the system 1, 1 ', 3 and 12 would also be ideal for non-circular breeding cages 2. But maybe elongated ones such as rectangles, ellipses like super ellipses or similar shapes are ideal found for economical 10 and optimal breeding.

Alternatively, the sorting unit 1 can be moved continuously as 3, in order that the biomass 4 will not, with regard to the sorting 71, be able to adapt continuously to the environment at a fixed position in the breeding cage 2, both at 15 level height and vertical radial position 12 **.

Fig. 5 shows a guiding system 13 for provisional size sorting 7 and with ideal supply to the sorting units 1 and 3. The guiding system 13 can be placed with 20 different opening information A up at the level of the sorting area 1 as 3. And so that the largest opening A is found within around the sorting unit 1, while the small opening A * is found in the outer edge of the breeding cage 2. The system 13 should cause the largest fish 4 to be able to swim reasonably effortlessly around 14, then have to be placed closer and closer within the sorting unit 1.

The system 13 can ideally consist of some short braces 13 * as shown in Fig. 6. But, of course, the 13 could also consist only of single sticks or sticks protruding into the top layer of the water surface 5. Maybe ideally a maximum of 2-8 fish widths or further down.

Fig. 7 is a top view of the production cage 2 with the 35 integrated sorting cage 1, and with an example of an ideal location of the baffles 13. As the 13 may be placed as tangents or part of the current circular arc. And these may further be placed 18 on a radially backward line 18 as in or on an evolving line 18 or as the shape 18 of a pump impeller wheel.

5 The advantage of this placement 18 is that they should cause less stressful disturbance to the swimming biomass 4, while this first indirect sorting should not be a nuisance, especially laterally on the swimming fish 4.

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Fig. 8 shows a production cage 2 seen from above and with an ideal location of electrical conductors 15 as light chains 15 *. Where these 15 boats are ideally placed in evolved form, while continuously showing or leading 15 ** towards the 15 sorting unit 1 as 3.

The system 15 will probably work optimally if the system 15 was activated in the impulse train. So that the fish 4 was successively but continuously directed towards the sorting unit 3. And, of course, the impulse train or lead sequence was to be activated 20 in sequences or with an impulse train amplitude adapted to the rotational speed 14 of the biomass 4 in the production cage 2.

Fig. 9 shows the sorting cage 3 with a snail-shaped net 25 and guiding system 16 for the sorting unit 3. Where the guiding system 16 can ideally be located in the upper water and bio layer 5 ', so that all fish 4 in this level or water layer 5' are guided through the sorting unit 3.

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Fig. 10 shows the sorting unit 3, with ideally a bottom lid 9 and a closable access to the sorting cage 1.

The system 3 as 16 can of course have a bottom cover 9 '35 which ideally closes laterally obliquely at the bottom. As the departure path 7 is adapted to the conditions around the sorting bag 1 as an optional link network 16 as shown in Fig. 9.

Alternatively, the system 3 as 16 could have an opening flap 9 'in the side, while automatically closing the access path to the sort cage.

Optionally, the closing door could be directly connected to the bottom hatch 9 'so that as it 9' goes down, a slab 7h is pulled down in front of the opening into the sorting cage 1 and vice versa.

The bottom hatch 9 'can, of course, ideally be inclined horizontally with 10 as shown in the drawing, cf. 10, and the vertical tailgate of the sorting cage 1 can of course also be inclined so that it heads down towards the open hatch 9 'to the rearing cage 2.

Claims (9)

1. Sorting plant (1 as 3) for live fish (4) in a 5 production cage (2) especially used for aquaculture (5) and where the fish (4) or biomass (4) continuously swim (14) in ring, characterized by nets by means of a separately delimited and in particular movable sorting area (1) or cage (1) in the continuously moving biomass (4), for example, ideally formed as a vertical and long cylindrical net bag (1) and in which the net bag (1) is integrated in the actual volume of the production cage (2), and where it (1) is simultaneously preferably located in the center of the production cage (2), and with a simultaneous automatic sorting unit (3) especially electronic for active measurement of the fish size (4 as 7 ') online. 2. Live fish sorting plant (1) (3) in a production cage (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the integrated net bag (1) is in particular mounted so that it can be lifted ideally (8). out of the production cage (2) for emptying the sorted fish (4). 3. Live fish sorting plant (1) in a production cage (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the active sorting unit (3) for the sorting cage (1) or the net (1) can ideally be placed near at or at the water surface (5 '). 4. Sorting system (1 as 3) for live fish (4) in a production cage (2) according to claim 1 as 3, know the sign that the active sorting unit (1) can be placed with electronics above the liquid surface (5), and where the optical signals (11) for an ideal size sorting are obtained via flat periscope mechanisms (10) which can ideally turn their narrow sides against the swim direction (14) or where they (10) can be positioned as tangent to the circular swivel radius (14), and wherein the entire periscope mechanism (10) can ideally be filled with liquid, especially with properties such as the surrounding buoyant fluid (5), or with a liquid composition which forms the same optical refractive index as the buoyancy fluid (5) . 5. Live fish sorting plant (4) in a production cage (2) according to claims 1,2 and 3, characterized in that the sorting cage (1) or the net (1) can be moved (12) from the center to the periphery of the breeding cage (2) or the net (2), and that this (12) may proceed continuously over adapted times, or where the optimal location (12 'as 1') for "greatest sorting frequency (7 ') can be found via a automatic or semi-mechanical / manual radial fixation adjustment (1 '). 6. Live fish sorting plant (1) (3) in a production cage (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rods (13) or shackles (13 *) can be ideally placed at intervals (A). ) is increased against the active sorting unit (1) and the guide rods (13) or, in particular, the braces (13) are placed as tangents 25 or part of a current standing circular arc, where these (13) can be further placed on a radial line (18) as in one or on an evolving line (18) as the shape of a pump impeller. 7. Sorting system (1 as 3) for live fish (4) in a production cage (2) according to claim 1 as 6, characterized in that electrical conductors (15) can be placed in connection with and to the active sorting unit (3). ideally in forward electric pulse trains (15 ') 35 is directed towards the opening of the sorting mechanism (3). DK 167642 B1 12 Sorting system (1 as 3) for live fish (4) in a production cage (2) according to claims 1, 6 and 7, characterized in that in connection with and to the active sorting unit (3) it can be placed in chain (15). ) ultra-sound emitting sections ideally in impulse trains and forward looking towards the opening of the active sorting mechanism (3). 9. Sorting system (1 as 3) for live fish (4) in a production cage (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the water layer (5 ') or the level at which the active sorting unit (3) is located. a snail run / swim (16) is established leading to and through the active sorting mechanism (3), where fish (4) are led (9) out through the bottom for too small a target, or alternatively (9) the large fish are directed directly to the sorting cage (1).