RU2748673C1 - Device for selective collection of solid suspended particles in aquatic medium - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: hydrobiology.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the field of hydrobiological research and ecological monitoring of the aquatic environment. Disclosed is a device for collecting solid particles in an aquatic environment, which consists of a removable net catcher. The removable mesh catcher is a truncated cone, which is fixed inside a rigid channel frame. The device also includes floats. In this case, the net catcher is a regular truncated cone made of a stretched knotless netting fabric with a constant mesh size in the range of 0.035-1 mm, made of materials of the group: metal, metal alloy, polymer, silk. The net catcher is rigidly fixed in a tensioned between the base frame from the front end and a fixed flange ring from the rear end, to which the collector glass is attached with the possibility of replacing it, while the device also contains two floats spaced apart on the sides, which are attached to the frame frame. Also disclosed is a complex for collecting solid particles in an aqueous medium, containing at least two of these devices.EFFECT: group of inventions provides an increase in the rigidity and reliability of the structure, the security of the net catcher and, as a consequence, the improvement of its metrological characteristics, the expansion of the functionality and ease of operation of the device.8 cl, 1 tbl, 4 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention relates

The device is intended for taking quantitative samples in the field of hydrobiological research and ecological monitoring of the aquatic environment. Refers to sampling devices that can be used both for horizontal surface and near-surface trawling, and for vertical sampling of suspended solids in the aquatic environment, as well as a sedimentation trap. The device can be used for selective sampling of zoo- and phytoplankton and, in particular, for collecting suspended particles of microplastics in an aquatic environment.

State of the art

From the utility model CN 203814419 U a simple net for collecting plankton is known, which is installed horizontally and consists of a main mesh, which is a cone with an open bottom, a one-sided connecting mechanism installed in the neck of the main mesh cone and connected to the rigid frame of the neck of the mesh cone, floats, as well as a heavy load acting as an anchor. The disadvantage of this useful model is its unreliability and limited functionality of its use.

From the CN 203313679 U utility model, a marine planktonic multi-mesh joint sampler is known, which consists of conical filter nets and sample collectors, which are fixed on the open narrow ends of the filter nets. The three filter nets are fixed to a single support bar and can be assembled and unfolded by operating the cable. The disadvantage of this design is its low reliability, fragility of the design, which can lead to mesh entanglement and bias of the collected samples.

In general, the absence in the design of prototypes of rigid frame devices shows the unreliability of the structure during its operation: under the influence of water vibrations during trawling, bends, creases, and then breaks appear on the netting of the catcher - a metal mesh after a few days of operation, which leads to the loss of parts of the collected sample material.

The lack of modularity in the design of prototypes of devices and the constructive ability to quickly replace a damaged net catcher leads to the need to replace the entire device with a new one, which leads to a decrease in the functionality of the devices, complication of its operation and a possible delay in research work.

The absence of an optionally installed removable throat in the design of prototypes of devices increases the likelihood of an already filtered sample being thrown back through the throat when the floating craft used for trawling operation stops, which is especially important for small bodies of water or work near the shore, where small boats or boats are used because of the need to maneuver.

The absence of an optionally installed selective trawl grid in the design of prototypes of devices leads to an increase in the likelihood of sample clogging with large fragments of floating fragments of debris, algae or wood, which reduces the quality of the collected samples.

The lack in the design of prototypes of devices of the possibility of being installed in a vertical position to drain the collected sample leads to the need to suspend and hold prototypes of devices 1.5-2 meters long in a vertical position on outboard cranes, which reduces the convenience of using such devices on small floating facilities - boats and small boats, especially when the water surface is rough or windy.

Disclosure of invention

The basis of the invention of the device for the selection of suspended solids in the aquatic environment is aimed at developing an easy-to-use, reliable and versatile device that provides accurate selection of representative quantitative samples for the content of particulate matter in the process of environmental monitoring of marine and freshwater areas.

The technical objective of the claimed invention is to create a universal and easy-to-use device for accurate horizontal and vertical sampling of suspended particles in an aqueous medium, with the possibility of quickly replacing the net catcher with an intact one or with a different cell size, as well as with the possibility of installing the device in a vertical position for washing and release from the collected material.

The technical result of the claimed invention is to increase the rigidity and reliability of the structure, increase the security of the net catcher and, as a consequence, improve its metrological characteristics, expand the functionality and simplify the operation of the device.

The technical result is achieved in that the device for collecting solid particles in an aqueous medium contains a rectangular rigid frame, inside which a removable net catcher is fixed, which is a truncated regular cone, from a stretched and straightened net web with a certain cell size.

A device for collecting solid particles in an aquatic environment contains a net catcher, which is a regular truncated cone made of a knotless net web, and is characterized in that the net catcher is fixed inside a rigid frame frame in a taut and extended state and is removable, and a net web is used for its manufacture with a certain cell size made of materials of the group: metal, metal alloy, polymer, silk. A rigid frame frame protects the vulnerable fabric of the netting fabric from external influences, mechanical damage, its own deformations and, as a result, possible destruction.

At least one of the materials of the group is selected as a material for the production of a rigid frame frame: metal, for example, titanium, a metal alloy, for example, stainless steel or a composite material, for example, carbon fiber or fiberglass. At least one of the materials of the group has been selected as a material for the manufacture of a net fabric for a net cone with mesh sizes in the range of 0.035-1 mm: stainless steel, brass, polyamide, silk. The mesh size of the netting is in this range, allows you to capture any solid suspended particles in the aquatic environment in the range from 0.035 to 1.0 mm and more, which covers the entire range of all kinds of samples for hydrobiological research and environmental monitoring of the aquatic environment.

Rigid and tensioned attachment of the net catcher avoids the destruction of its material as a result of prolonged vibrations and rinsing during trawling, as well as during transportation or pulling the device onto the deck of the vessel. This design feature makes it possible to use various materials as a material for net catchers, including brittle metal nets, which are usually easily destroyed by deformation, but are metrologically more accurate, since the size and shape of the mesh of the netting of such materials are very stable during long-term use. , which is especially important when taking samples for microplastics.

Brief Description of Drawings

The invention is illustrated by drawings:

FIG. 1. Basic design of the network: A - side view; B - front view. The diagram shows the dimensions of a large device;

FIG. 2. Schematic diagram of the device operation during trawling: A - device with a removable throat installed; B - a device with an installed selective trawl grid;

FIG. 3. Schematic diagram of the device's operation as a sedimentation trap: A - installation at the bottom in an anchored state; B - work as a drifter;

FIG. 4. Scheme of assembly of devices in order for stratification collection.

Implementation of the invention

The claimed device (Fig. 1) consists of a rectangular rigid frame frame [1], inside which is rigidly fixed, a removable net catcher, which is a truncated regular cone, from a stretched and straightened net web with a certain cell size [2]. The net catcher is attached between the base frame [3] at the front end and a fixed flange ring at the rear end [5]. The material of the net catcher can be, depending on the task, stainless steel, brass, polyamide or silk. The position of the netting cone inside the frame protects it from mechanical damage during transportation and operation.

The rectangular base frame [3], located in the front part of the frame frame, is designed to distribute the load from the towing cable and attach the mouth of the net catcher. At the corners of the frame there are bridle loops [4] for attaching the towing bridles [20], which, in turn, are attached to the towing cable [12].

To the ring-flange [5], rigidly fixed in the rear part of the frame frame along its longitudinal axis of rotation, in addition to the net cone, a removable collector nozzle [6] is attached to concentrate the sample, as well as U-shaped loops [7] designed for :

- device supports in a vertical position on a horizontal surface (deck or shore), for flushing the network or draining the sample from the collector glass;

- placing the device in a vertical position for transportation;

- securing loads, when using the device as a sedimentation trap in the water column.

The device also contains two long massive floats [8] spaced apart on the sides, which are attached to the frame frame by means of fastening clamps [9]. With the help of floats, the device is stabilized in pitch (pitching) during trawling. The upper fastening of the floats neutralizes the occurrence of the roll of the structure, and their longitudinal arrangement allows for uniform water intake without surges and ejection of the intake throat of the device to the surface (see Fig. 1).

The total weight of the device is in the range of 10-15 kg, which allows, on the one hand, it is quite easy to manipulate it, and on the other hand, it provides good stabilization during towing.

At least one of the materials of the group was chosen as the material for the manufacture of a rigid frame frame: stainless steel, carbon fiber. In particular, a stainless steel rod with a cross-sectional diameter of 6-8 mm was chosen as the material of the frame frame.

The material for the manufacture of the replaceable netting of the catcher is at least one of the materials of the group: stainless steel, brass, polyamide, silk, with mesh sizes in the range of 0.035-1 mm.

In the manufacture of mesh traps for collecting microplastic particles, it is proposed to use a polyamide or metal mesh fabric with a mesh size in the range of 0.1-1.0 mm; for sea dues it is suggested to use only stainless steel or polyamide netting.

In the manufacture of net catchers for sampling phytoplankton and zooplankton, it is proposed to use a polyamide netting fabric: nylon or nylon mesh, or silk sieve fabric with a mesh size of 0.035-0.5 mm.

It is proposed to use Teflon or PVC film in the manufacture of net traps to collect the settling particles in the sedimentation trap.

The range of sizes of particles captured depends on the mesh size of the net material installed on the net catcher. When using a device for collecting solid suspended particles in an aqueous medium with a mesh size of the mesh material of 0.035-1.0 mm, the size of the captured particles in an aqueous medium is in the range from 0.035 or more. The upper limit of the size of the captured particles is set by the transmission capacity of the selective trawl grid [11] (see Fig. 2B).

There are two options for the implementation of the device, which can be operated depending on the specific operating conditions - the size and type of reservoir, hydrological conditions, the presence or size of the floating craft (Table 1).

The net catcher in the device is a removable element, which allows, when the current research task is changed or the tissue of the net catcher is damaged, it can be quickly replaced with a new one or another with different metrological characteristics.

The mesh size of the netting in the range of 0.035-1.0 mm makes it possible to capture any particles of the size group of microplastics, zooplankton or phytoplankton, and the rigid and tensioned fastening of the mesh allows avoiding its destruction as a result of intense vibrations during trawling, and also maintaining a constant mesh size during operating time of the device.

The volume of water passing through the network is proposed to be controlled by standard flow meters with an impeller (flow meter) - water flow meters installed on the throat of the network [10] (see Fig. 2A).

Modularity

The design of the device uses a modular principle, which allows you to change its design during operation. Examples of such changes are:

a) the operative possibility of replacing the net cone [2] (see Fig. 1) with a net catcher with a different mesh size or made of another material;

b) prompt replacement of the collector nozzle [6] with another one in terms of design or volume;

c) installation of a removable throat [10] (see Fig. 2A), which prevents the likelihood of the already filtered sample being thrown back through the throat when the floating craft used for trawl operation stops;

d) installation of a selective trawl grate [11] (see Fig. 2B) to protect against the ingress of large floating fragments into the net;

e) the possibility of assembling several devices in one horizontal or vertical order for stratification collection (see Fig. 4);

f) installation of remote holders of floats to ensure the operation of the network in a submerged state at different depths up to 1-2 meters (see Fig. 3B);

g) replacing the floats [8] with floats of a different volume and, accordingly, a different displacement, which is important for stabilizing the device when the water is rough.

The design of the device includes the possibility of assembling several devices in one horizontal or vertical order for stratification sampling (see Fig. 4). The complex for collecting solid particles in an aqueous medium consists of at least two devices that are rigidly attached to each other, forming an order of devices with the same or different metrological characteristics of the netting for each of the devices. A set of devices with the same characteristics makes it possible to increase the representativeness of collecting solid particles in the aquatic environment, and with different characteristics allows collecting collections for different tasks in one pass, for example, microplastics and zooplankton, depending on the selected materials and mesh sizes of netting for each of the devices. The number of devices for arranging devices in order depends on the towing ability of the floating vehicle (vessel, boat, motorized boat).

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the devices in order for stratification collection in the horizontal order using special fixing clamps. The towing of the device is carried out using a towing cable [12], which is connected to the device through towing bridles [20], fixed to the bridle loops [4] (see Fig. 1). The front rail [19] serves to distribute the load on the towing bridles and uniform towing of several devices connected in order behind the floating craft (see Fig. 4).

A device for the selective collection of suspended solids in an aqueous medium works as follows:

Method 1. The collection of solid particles in the aquatic environment occurs in the process of towing the device behind a floating vehicle (ship, boat, motorized boat) by means of a towing cable [12] (Fig. 2).

The front frame [3] can be equipped with a removable neck [10] made of sheet metal (stainless steel, aluminum) and / or a selective trawl grate [11] (see Fig. 2).

The immersion depth and stabilization of the device at the selected depth is regulated by floats [8], (see Fig. 1) by an additional weight (depressor) and the weight of the device itself. It is possible to change the change in the angle of attack of the device when attaching depressors to various support points of the frame.

At a towing speed of 1-5 km / h, the towing cable section must be at least 3 mm (maximum working load 540 kg). If the expected towing speed is higher, the cable section should be larger.

The use of collector nozzles of two design types is proposed:

a) removable container type with the possibility of transportation together with the collected contents;

b) with the possibility of draining the contents through the built-in shut-off valve immediately after lifting the structure out of the water.

Method 2. Separation of solid particles occurs when large volumes of water are supplied to a vertically installed device using pumps. With this method, the device can be installed in a vertical position on land, on the deck of a floating facility, or fixed in an upright position in the water column.

Method 3. When using the device as a sedimentation trap, the device is installed on the bottom of the reservoir using an anchor or weights (depressors) [14] (see Fig. 3A) fixed to U-shaped loops [7] at the rear end of the frame (see . Fig. 1A). It is possible to use the device with one collector nozzle [6] for short-term observations (up to a month) or for a longer period in order to obtain a larger total sample. When installing a rotary cassette with several sample collectors, it is possible to study monthly seasonal and interannual variability, which is very important for studying the cycles of biogenic components. Such a trap can operate in an anchored state while standing on the bottom (see Fig. 3A), as well as as a drifter, floating at a given depth, controlled by floats [15] on a fixing cable [16] connected to a buoy [17], catching precipitates in suspended solids in the water column (see Fig. 3B).

Testing

The claimed device in the form of two prototypes (with a rigid frame frame and without a frame frame) has been successfully tested in the conditions of Lake Baikal when sampling microplastics and zooplankton. The tests of the device were carried out using various floating facilities - a motorized boat, as well as boats of various displacement. The trawling speed at which the device was tested ranged from 1 to 10 km / h.

In particular, sampling for the content of microplastics in the water was carried out by trawling in the surface layer of water, while towing behind the vessel using a steel cable with a diameter of 3 mm and a length of 30 m. The approximate volume of water passed through the net per trawl is about 500-1000 cubic meters. meters, depending on the mesh size and towing speed. During operation, a fragile metal mesh with a mesh size of 0.3x0.3 mm was used as a mesh fabric, which did not collapse during two months of daily operation, transportation and storage for the frame prototype, while in the frameless prototype it was deformed and began to break after 5 days of operation, which indicates an increased reliability of the proposed design and, as a consequence, an increase in the quality of sampling.

The ability to install the device in an upright position made it possible to quickly and easily flush the device and release it from the collected material right on the decks of the used floating facilities, even during the swing and wind, or on the shore.

Claims (8)

1. A device for collecting solid particles in an aquatic environment, containing a removable net catcher, which is a truncated cone, which is fixed inside a rigid frame frame, and floats and characterized in that the net catcher is a regular truncated cone made of a stretched knotless net web with a constant size cells in the range of 0.035-1 mm, made of materials of the group: metal, metal alloy, polymer, silk, while the net catcher is rigidly and tensioned between the base frame from the front end and a fixed flange ring from the rear end, to which the glass is attached - a collector with the possibility of its replacement, while the device also contains two floats spaced apart on the sides, which are attached to the frame frame. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a removable throat is attached to the front frame of the frame frame. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a selective trawl grate is attached to the front frame of the frame frame. 4. The device according to claim. 1, characterized in that the equipment for towing the device behind the watercraft is attached to the frame at the front; 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materials of the group is selected as the material for the production of the rigid frame frame: metal, metal alloy, composite material. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materials of the group is selected as the material for the production of the netting cloth of the catcher: stainless steel, brass, polyamide. 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Teflon or PVC film is selected as the material for the production of the net catcher for the sedimentation trap. 8. A complex for collecting solid particles in an aqueous medium, which is at least two devices according to claim 1, which are rigidly attached to each other, forming an order of devices with the same or different metrological characteristics of the netting for each of the devices.

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