WO2019144532A1

WO2019144532A1 - Oxygen dissolving apparatus for ponds

Info

Publication number: WO2019144532A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/083834
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benben SONG; Stephen A. Mccormick; Kenneth Glomset; Stefan Dullstein; Heribert Schneeberger
Original assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2018-01-26
Filing date: 2018-04-20
Publication date: 2019-08-01
Also published as: ECSP20043627A; CN110078229A

Abstract

An apparatus for oxygenating a body of water includes a venturi tube supported along a path at the body of water, the venturi tube receiving pure oxygen for mixing with water from the body of water for providing an oxygenated mixture; a pump for delivering the water to the venturi tube; and a manifold in fluid communication with the venturi tube and extending into the body of water for delivering the oxygenated mixture as a propelling force into the body of water. A related method is also provided.

Description

OXYGEN DISSOLVING APPARATUS FOR PONDS

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for oxygenation of fish farms and ponds which may be located either indoors or outdoors.

Known aquaculture includes fish and/or shrimp farmed in shallow ponds in for example Asia and other countries. During such farming, oxygen deficit and solid waste aggregation in the pond will occur, both of which are critical factors that adversely affect the animals’growth and health.

Aquaculture farmers know to use propeller wheel aerators, waterwheel aerators, so-called paddle-wheel aerators or air blowers to both add oxygen to pond water and move, drive or circulate the water to remove solid waste therefrom. By way of example, a suitable temperature of the water in the pond is known to be for white shrimp (or tropical seawater fish) to range from 25℃ to 30℃, with water salinity in a mass fraction range of from 5‰to 35‰per weight of pond water. Nevertheless, known mechanical aerators do not always provide a sufficient amount of oxygen (O ₂) of some 4-5 mg O ₂/l to the water for such aquaculture use, due to both increased water temperatures and increased salinity, where oxygen saturation with atmospheric air is reduced to some 6-7 mg O ₂/l. As a result, the oxygenation capacity of known aerators under these conditions is heavily reduced compared to standard conditions (20℃, clear fresh water at 1 atmosphere) , thus reaching only 1/5 to 1/3 of standard oxygenation capacity.

With known aerators or air blowers that introduce air to a certain water depth, if an elevated static pressure is taking effect, nitrogen (as a main component of air) will also be dissolved into the water, thus resulting in nitrogen oversaturation of the water, which is harmful to fish and shrimp.

For intensive high density aquaculture, fish and/or shrimp are primarily farmed in shallow ponds located in Asia. The term “high density” refers to large amounts of fish or shrimp stock and a high feeding rate in the ponds, which results in increased production at the farm. This high density farming produces undesirable aspects of the pond, such as uneven oxygen distribution, oxygen deficit, unwanted feed residuals and feces aggregation at the pond bottom, and dissolved oxygen stratification. Some known ponds have been constructed to discharge solid waste from a central area of the pond, which is lined with a high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic film. In shrimp farms for example, there is also a strong demand to improve oxygen level and distribution in the shrimp pond for these types of farms.

Known oxygenation devices using aerators are also fixed at a constant position or positions within the pond. It is therefore not unusual for a plurality of aerators to be installed in a single pond to maintain the dissolved oxygen to be homogeneously distributed throughout the pond. In this working arrangement, farmers often experience: reduced oxygen concentrations which are insufficient for the fish and/or shrimp; increased energy consumption and cost because of lower efficiency under harsh conditions; increased risk of oxygen deficit for the fish, due to mechanical failures of the aerator (s) ; uneven oxygen distribution and water circulation, due to fixed aerator positioning and distribution, fish species, pond shape and volume, and limited water movement in the pond; problems associated with vertical water stratification and variable oxygen concentrations due to algae photosynthesis and uneven fish distribution; reduced water exchange; and accumulation of organic solids (feces and feed residues) on the pond bottom when not being discharged timely and effectively.

There is therefore a need for a high performance oxygenation device which is effective in the tropical shrimp/fisheries aquaculture farming environment, especially for high density farming.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments are for use in commercial size pond oxygenation, especially in intensive and high density tropical shrimp and/or fish farming. The fish can be for example grouper. The features of the present embodiments provide a low-pressure oxygenation dissolving unit using a venturi nozzle for oxygen injection into the pond. This results in pure oxygen gas being added to the water flow for oxygen dissolution therein.

The present embodiments call for moving an oxygenation apparatus, instead of moving the pond water, to achieve more effective oxygenation of the pond water with less energy expended. Moving the apparatus is easier, more efficient, less expensive to accomplish, and more reasonable for shallow, large volume ponds. A thrust force is provided from the reactive force of oxygenated water flow; while an electrical cable, oxygen supply hose and drag rope/pipe are integrated into and as a single unit.

The present embodiments improve solid waste removal from the pond by creating a circular water flow provided by the oxygenation apparatus moving in a circular or rotational direction about the pond, wherein the solids will be concentrated at a central region of the pond for later removal by, for example, a central water drain. This action creates a cleaner and fresher water environment for the fish/shrimp pond.

The present embodiments provide an enlarged oxygenation working area in the body of water, instead of relying upon fixed oxygenation as occurs with known fixed-in-place aerators. In effect, the present embodiments provide dynamic oxygenation, instead of static oxygenation provided by known aerator systems. This results in the present embodiments providing oxygen to be distributed more widely and homogenously in a body of water. A plurality of the present oxygenation apparatus can be used in each pond, depending upon the size of the pond, to more rapidly, effectively and uniformily oxygenate the volume of water in the pond.

The present embodiments include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or HDPE plastic parts to avoid the corrosive effects of water, particularly brackish or salt water. The plastic parts are mostly of rigid construction.

The use of a venturi tube reduces the cost of electricity for a pump, due to a reduced water head loss inherent among venturi tubes. A lower water head loss venturi tube is used in the present embodiments, although other types of venturi tubes may be used.

A manifold (a water outlet) of the apparatus embodiment provides for radial and tangential direction of thrust to provide and maintain movement and travel of the oxygenation apparatus along a select path in the body of water. A tether or buoyant pipe having one end connected to the apparatus and an opposite end connected to an anchor controls a radius and circumference of the select path traveled by the apparatus. The radial direction of the thrust force maintains tension on the tether for example, such that the apparatus continues to travel along a pre-determined circular path in the body of water, and will not deviate from the select path.

The manifold which provides thrust for the apparatus through the body of water is replaceable or interchangeable, as different embodiments of the manifold can include thrust ports or holes having different sizes and/or being positioned at different locations across the manifold to control movement of the apparatus in the body of water. The manifild can be constructed with different shapes, as are described hereinafter with reference to the Figures. Certain embodiments of the apparatus include a flange to removably mount the manifold to the apparatus.

The venturi tube of the present apparatus embodiments includes alternate supplies of air and/or pure oxygen to faciltate efficiency and flexibility of the present embodiments. For example, the present embodiments also allow oxygenation with the use of air only in case the type of fish and/or shrimp in the water require a reduced amount of oxygen, or when algae present in the water produce oxygen by photosynthesis. Alternatively, fish and/or shrimp species that require greater oxygen demand can be accommodated by the apparatus venturi introducing pure oxygen to a region of the body of water where the fish and shrimp are present and require the increased oxygen.

The present embodiments can also be positioned for use with ponds constructed for other than commercial aquaculture, but where oxygenation of the water is necessary or desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following description of exemplary embodiments considered in connection with the accompanying drawing Figures, of which:

FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B show schematic end, side plan and portion views, respectively, of an embodiment of an oxygen dissolving apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic top plan view of another oxygen dissolving apparatus embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic top, perspective view of the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2A disposed for use in a body of water;

FIG. 6 shows the apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 disposed for use in a body of water;

FIGS. 7-8 show schematic views of other elements of the present apparatus embodiments to anchor and control movement of the apparatus embodiments in the body of water;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic end view of still another embodiment of an oxygen dissolving apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 10-11 show schematic end and top perspective views, respectively, of still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic top perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 shows a schematic top plan view of a plurality of any of the oxygen dissolving apparatus embodiments disposed for use in a body of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining the inventive embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In the following description, terms such as a horizontal, upright, vertical, above, below, beneath and the like, are used solely for the purpose of clarity illustrating the invention and should not be taken as words of limitation. The drawings are for the purpose of illustrating the invention and are not intended to be to scale.

In general, the present embodiments provide an increased oxygenation capacity due to the utilization of pure oxygen by the present apparatus and method embodiments. The present embodiments are efficient and therefore provide increased cost savings. The fish and shrimp in the ponds are able to use oxygen more thoroughly and efficiently due to a homogenous distribution of the oxygen throughout the pond. The reference herein to “pond” or “ponds” means indoor or outdoor ponds where fish or other aquatic lifeforms are raised or farmed. Feed residuals and fecal matter from the animals are each timely and effectively discharged from the pond through a central waste outlet upon actuation of the present apparatus, resulting in cleaner pond water for providing healthier and increased growth rate of the animals. The distribution of the oxygen throughout the body of water is provided more evenly and uniformly than occurs with known apparatus, i.e. the present embodiments can improve the oxygen concentration closer to the bottom of the pond, which is the region of the pond where the shrimp and/or fish dwell for the majority of time and would therefore more readily require the oxygen. The embodiments also produce a vertical water stream from up-to-down, e.g. upwelling of pond water to circulate same and more evenly distribute oxygen levels throughout the vertical column of the pond water. In effect, more highly oxygenated water can be driven to the bottom of the pond.

An oxygen dissolving apparatus of the present embodiments is shown generally at 10 in the Figures. All the embodiments are of similar construction for use in a body of water, such as for example a pond or a fish farm as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, unless otherwise indicated herein. Such bodies of water may be naturally occurring or man-made; located indoors or outdoors. In general, the apparatus 10 includes a cable or conduit for carrying an oxygen pipeline for which oxygen is supplied to the apparatus, and an electrical cable for which electricity is supplied to a pump aboard the apparatus, a device for dissolving oxygen into water from and returned to the pond and for being rotated around a central anchor, and a central anchor for the apparatus to move about and be directed through the fish pond. The present apparatus and method embodiments provide increased efficiency and energy savings for oxygenation of the pond water by pure O ₂ or alternatively, by a combination of pure O ₂ and air.

The oxygen dissolving apparatus 10 of the present embodiments include a buoyant housing for providing floatation to the apparatus, a pump for driving water flow from the pond through the apparatus, a venturi tube for oxygen intake and dissolving the oxygen, and a water exhaust or outlet device (also referred to herein as a manifold) having one or a plurality of holes therethrough and from which oxygenated water is dispensed into the pond and to push or propel the apparatus to move through the water around the pond while tethered to the central anchor. The exhaust or outlet device may be removably mountable to the apparatus, and adjustable with respect to directing oxygenated water (an oxygenated mixture) into the pond.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A-2B and 3-4, an embodiment of the oxygen dissolving apparatus is shown generally at 10 and includes a buoyant housing 12 or float which includes at least one buoyant pontoon and for some applications a pair of

buoyant pontoons

14, 16 for supporting the apparatus in a body of water. The buoyant housing 12 (or “housing” ) can be fabricated from polymer, rubber or other plastic materials. Each of the

pontoons

14, 16 has at least one end -the bow (or front) end -with a tapered, reduced cross-sectional shape (as shown more clearly in FIGS. 3-4) to facilitate movement of the housing 12 through water. An alternative embodiment can be provided with an opposite end of each of the

pontoons

14, 16 having a similarly reduced cross-sectional shape (now also at the stern (or back) or stern end of the buoyant housing) , such that if a direction of movement for the housing is reversed, the reversed or sternward movement of the housing will be similarly stable as when it was moving in the forward direction.

The

pontoons

14, 16 are spaced apart to provide a space 18 therebetween and through which water may pass or flow. Referring in particular to FIG. 1, the pontoon 14 includes an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22. The pontoon 16 includes an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26. The upper surfaces 20, 24 have a purpose to be described hereinafter. The lower surfaces 22, 26 contact an underlying body of water and may be coated with an anti-barnacle solution or paint. Such coating substantially reduces if not eliminates barnacles, and other aquatic life from adhering to the underside of the pontoons (below the water surface) and the

lower surfaces

22, 26. Such unwanted aquatic growth can adversely affect the stability and movement of the buoyant housing 12 through the water. The anti-barnacle solution or paint is environmentally safe for use in aquaculture environments, regardless of water type.

A frame 28 extends across, spans or straddles the

pontoons

14, 16, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 3-4. The frame 28 includes longitudinal members which, as shown, define a space 29 or opening, a portion of which is at least substantially in registration with the space 18 between the

pontoons

14, 16. See for example FIG. 4, and the relationship between the space 18 and the opening 29. A cradle 30 shown for example in FIGS. 3-4 includes a pair of

upright members

31a, 31 b or stanchions each of which has a corresponding cut-out as shown in FIG. 4 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The cradle 30 is mounted or connected to the longitudinal members of the frame 28 and spans and extends across the space 18 between opposed sides of the frame. The cradle 30 may be movably mounted to the frame 28, thereby enabling a user to position the cradle to receive and accommodate other elements of the apparatus 10, as will be described below.

Referring still to FIGS. 3-4 and also FIG. 2A, the apparatus 10 includes a water pump 32, such as for example a submersible water pump. The pump 32 may be reciprocating, or self-priming. The water pump 32 includes an inlet 33 or intake into which water enters the water pump after being drawn thereto by same from the body of water. A debris shield 34 is positioned in the intake 33 to prevent objects, such as flotsam in the body of water, from being pulled or introduced into the water pump 32 (and other locations of the apparatus 10) and fouling same. The debris shield 34 may have a plastic or wire mesh to filter and prevent smaller particulate matter from being drawn into the inlet 33 of the water pump 32.

A first pipe 36 or conduit is in fluid communication with an outlet of the water pump 32 and extends upward through the space 18 between the

pontoons

14, 16 where it turns at an elbow 38 for subsequent attachment. As shown with more particularity in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4, a portion of the pipe 36 downstream from the elbow 38 is supported in the cut-out portion of the upright member 31a before the pipe is releasably engaged at its opening to a valve 40, such as for example a butterfly valve. An outlet of the valve 40 is connected to a venturi device 42 or venturi tube (also referred to herein as the “venturi” ) which is received in and supported by the cut-out of the upright member 31b of the cradle 30. An alternate embodiment calls for the

upright members

31a, 31b to instead be constructed as support clamps, each of which has a hole therethrough and through which a corresponding portion of the pipe 36 and the venturi 42 is positioned. The venturi 42 includes an inlet 44, which may be constructed as a port valve or nipple, and through which pure oxygen (O ₂) is introduced into the venturi. As will be apparent from for example FIG. 2A, the movably positionable aspect of the cradle 30 is well suited to position same, with for example sliding movement, depending upon the size and/or type of the venturi 42 used with the valve 40, to provide a balanced center of gravity of such elements positioned for support above the buoyant housing 12.

A second valve 46, such as for example a butterfly valve, is used to adjust the water flow through the venturi 42 and to create a back pressure in the venturi. If the second valve 46 is used, such is connected to and in fluid communication with an outlet of the venturi 42. A second pipe 48 is positioned downstream of, connected and in fluid communication with an outlet of the second valve 46. An outlet of the second pipe 48 is connected to and in fluid communication with an elbow 50, the elbow 50 having an outlet connected to and in fluid communication with a manifold 52 which extends downward into the body of water. The manifold 52 includes a pipe portion 54 in which is formed a plurality of holes 56 or ports for a purpose to be described hereinafter. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a substantial number, if not all, of the plurality of holes 56 being disposed at a depth in the water below the intake 33 of the water pump 32. With either embodiment, a bottom 57 or lower most end of the pipe 54 is closed or sealed-off so that water flow is directed and forced through the plurality of holes 56.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2A, an embodiment of the apparatus 10 may be provided with a tie-off pillar 58 which consists of an upright member extending from the elbow 50 for connection and fixation of the apparatus to an anchoring assembly described hereinafter with respect to FIG. 5. The pillar 58 extends upward from the elbow 50, for example, to be tethered to a central anchor point, described hereinafter, to control rotational movement of the apparatus 10 through and across the body of water of the pond. The tether can be a rope, plastic hose or plastic pipe of, for example, hemp, nylon, PVC hose or PVC pipe construction; in either instance suitable for a marine, and fresh or blackish water environment. The pillar 58 can alternatively be mounted to another region of the buoyant housing 12. The embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 does not include the pillar 58, but rather relies upon a mechanical fastening and control assembly shown and described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 8-9.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, flotation, rotation and controlled operation are shown for the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2A. In FIG. 5, there is shown a fish pond 70 or other body of water for aquaculture. The pond 70 will maintain salt water, fresh water or brackish water, depending upon the aquatic animals being farmed. A depth of the water to a bottom 72 of the pond may range, by way of example only, from 1-3 meters. The apparatus 10 includes a central anchor 74 constructed as, for example, a hollow rod, tube or pole with a passageway 75 therethrough, and has one end inserted or embedded in, or removably mounted to the bottom 72 of the pond, while an opposite end terminates above a surface of the pond and includes a rotating collar 76 or device which is attached to one end (a proximal end) of a tether 59 as shown in FIG. 5. An opposite end (a distal end) of the tether 59 is connected to the pillar 58 to permit the apparatus to rise and fall with the water level of the pond 70, and to accommodate movement of the tether by wave action in the pond. The tether 59 can be of a fixed, light weight construction for also carrying or supporting the oxygen hose and electrical cable above the water surface of the pond. The venturi 42 as shown is supported by the buoyant housing above a surface of the water in the pond 70.

Another embodiment of the present appratus 10 substitutes a mechanical ring connector for the rotating collar, i.e. the ring connector would have a portion encircling the central anchor 74 and an eyelet to which is fastened the proximal end of the tether 59. The central anchor 74 may be constructed as a plastic tube from PVC pipe to house or include an electrical cable 62 and an oxygen hose 64 as shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, oxygen and electricity may be provided through a pipe or conduit 80 connected to and in communication with a lower end of the central anchor 74 as shown in FIG. 5, which itself includes a passageway 75 therethrough to accommodate the electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64. The electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 can be positioned or “walked around” an external surface of the tether 59.

A valve 86 for the oxygen hose 64 may be provided to control delivery of the oxygen from a remote source 88, such as a liquid oxygen (LOx) storage tank disposed external to the pond 70.

The apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 may alternatively be connected for flotation and operational movement in the water as shown in FIGS. 6-9. (The apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 does not have the pillar 58) . This apparatus embodiment includes instead a buoyant or floatable pipe 60 for providing electricity to the water pump 32 and oxygen to the venturi 42 as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The pipe 60 may be constructed from PVC pipe by way of example only, or other materials that are floatable in fresh, salt and/or brackish water. Referring also to FIG. 2B, the electrical cable 62 (which includes a plurality of insulated wires) extends through an interior 61 of the pipe 60 to be connected to the pump 32 to provide power to same. An oxygen hose 64 also extends through the interior 61 of the pipe 60 and is connected to the inlet 44 (the nipple) of the venturi 42. The electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 may be fixed in positon at the interior 61 of the pipe 60. An alternate embodiment can have one or both of the electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 mounted to an exterior of the pipe 60, or only one of such components mounted to the interior 61 of the pipe while the other is mounted to an exterior of the pipe. The pipe 60 provides linking, supporting and floating functions for the apparatus 10. Electricity for the pump is provided through the electrical cable 62, while pure oxygen is introduced from the oxygen hose 64 into the inlet 44 (the port valve or nipple) at the venturi 42 for mixing with the water to be discharged from the second valve 46 into the manifold 52. Another embodiment of the apparatus 10 includes the electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 being formed as an integral unit along the interior 61 of the pipe 60, or mounted to the exterior of the pipe.

The buoyant pipe 60 of the apparatus 10 enables better control of the field of travel of the apparatus through the body of water. As the apparatus 10 moves forward in the direction that the tapered bow sections of the

pontoons

14, 16 are facing, a length of the pipe 60 can be used to control a diameter of the circular path that the apparatus traverses or circumscribes as it is being propelled around the body of water. That is, a circumference of the path traveled by the apparatus 10 through the water can be reduced or increased, depending upon a length of the rigid pipe 60 selected.

Referring further to FIGS. 6-9, rotation, flotation and operation is shown for the apparatus 10 of the present embodiments. In FIG. 6, there is shown a fish pond 70 or other body of water for aquaculture. The pond 70 will maintain salt water, fresh water or brackish water, depending upon the aquatic animals being farmed. A depth of the water to a bottom 72 of the pond may range, by way of example only, from 1 to 3 meters.

Referring also to FIGS. 7-9, the apparatus includes a central anchor 74 constructed as, for example, a hollow rod, tube or pole with a passageway 75 therethrough, and has one end inserted or embedded in, or removably mounted to the bottom 72 of the pond, while an opposite end terminates above a surface of the pond and includes a rotating collar 76 or device which is attached to one end (a proximal end) of an elastic spring 78 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. An opposite end (a distal end) of the elastic spring 78 is connected to the pipe 60 with a mechanical fastener 79, such as for example an earring, to permit the pipe to rise and fall with the water level of the pond 70, and to accommodate movement of the pipe by wave action in the pond. A mechanical fastener 66 interconnects one end (a proximal end) of the pipe 60 to a slip ring 67 at the central anchor 74, while another mechanical fastener 68 interconnects an opposite end (a distal end) of the pipe 60 to a closest one of the

pontoons

14, 16 of the apparatus 10, as shown for example in FIGS. 8-9. The slip ring 67 permits the pipe 60 to move upwards and downwards with movement of the pond water. The buoyancy of the pipe 60 supports the slip ring 67 at the pond surface.

The central anchor 74 may be constructed as a plastic tube from PVC pipe to house or include the electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64. As shown in FIG. 6, oxygen and electricity may be provided through a pipe or conduit 80 connected to and in communication with a lower end of the central anchor 74, which itself includes a passageway 75 therethrough to accommodate the electrical cable and the oxygen hose. The electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 can alternatively be positioned or “walked around” an external surface of the pipe 60, as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the opposed ends 60a, 60b of the pipe 60 are capped or sealed to prevent water ingress into the interior 61 of the pipe, as shown in FIGS. 8-9.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, the central anchor 74 can be a type that is removably mounted to the bottom 72 of the pond 70. In that regard, the central anchor 74 includes a support pedestal 77 which can be releasably fixed to the bottom 72 with mechanical fasteners (not shown) such as screws, pegs, pins, etc. A lowermost end of the central anchor 74 includes an electrical cable gland 62a or port, and an oxygen hose gland 64a or port. The electrical cable 62 is positioned through the gland 62a, and the oxygen hose 64 is positioned through the gland 64a to both be fed up through the passageway 75 to the top of the central anchor 74 above an upper surface of the pond 70, but below the rotating collar 76, where a pneumatic electricity hybrid slip ring 90 is mounted to permit electricity and oxygen to pass without tangling the electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64. The electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 can then be wound or walked around the pipe 60, as shown in FIG. 8, and directed to their respective connections at the pump 32 and the oxygen inlet 44.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the apparatus includes a flange 92 to removably mount the manifold 52 to a portion of the pipe coming off the elbow 50 of the apparatus. The flange 92 enables manifolds of different constructions to be used to provide different injection depths and orientations of the oxygenated mixture being introduced into the pond 70.

FIGS. 10-11 show still another embodiment of the apparatus, which embodiment is similarly constructed as the foregoing embodiments, except that, regarding the manifold 52, the bottom 57 of the vertical portion of the pipe 54 is connected to a T-or cross-member 94 with a collar 95. The T-member 94 resembles a longitudinal member constructed with a plurality of holes 96 from which the oxygenated mixture is introduced into the pond as shown by the plurality of similarly situated arrows, because the pipe 54 and the T-member are in fluid communication with each other. Bushings (not shown) are provided at an interior of the collar 95 and co-act with the T-member 94 so that same is rotatably mounted to the collar 95 as indicated by the cicular arrow. The T-member 94 can therefore be positioned to orientate the plurality of holes 96 toward a desired direction. Opposed ends of the T-member 94 are capped so that the propulsive force of the oxygenated mixture flows substantially aftward as shown by the plurality of arrows. By way of example only, the T-member 94 can be mounted to the pipe 54 so that the T-member is in a range of 30 cm to 1 meter above the bottom 72 of the pond 70. It should also be understood that this embodiment can also include one or a plurality of the holes 56 in the pipe 54, as shown for example in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bottom 57 of the pipe 54 is connected to and in fluid communication with a nozzle 98 having an opening 99 or outlet through which the oxygenated water or mixture is emitted as a propulsive force into the pond 70, as shown by the arrow. By way of example only, the opening 99 can be positioned in the range of 30 cm to 1 meter above the bottom 72 of the pond 70. The nozzle 98 can be positioned for the water to be ejected from the opening 99 in a primarily horizontal direction so that such ejection propels the apparatus 10 along its path of travel in the pond 70.

Any and all of the apparatus embodiments 10 in the foregoing Figures can be constructed for operation with only the valve 46, i.e. one valve instead of two, such as shown for example in FIG. 9. Use of the apparatus 10 with only the single valve 46 reduces the weight and construction costs of the apparatus and accordingly, reduces stress on the pipe 60. The valve 46 in the downstream position from the venturi 42 helps adjust the water flow through and the back pressure in the venturi. Any and all of the apparatus embodiments in the foregoing Figures can include and be used with the flange 92 as shown in FIG. 9. Having the flange 92 to change-out, substitute or replace the manifold 52 or the pipe 54 offers a greater range of propulsive forces and different speeds for the apparatus movement through the pond 70. Additionally, if one or a plurality of the

holes

56, 96, 99 become clogged or fouled, the flange permits the manifold/

pipe

52, 54 to be changed with another operable manifold/pipe. Any and all of the apparatus embodiments in the foregoing Figures can include the tether 59 or can include the buoyant pipe 60.

In operation and referring, by way of example only, to the apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 and 6-9, the apparatus 10 is connected to the buoyant pipe 60 and tethered to the elastic spring 78. The pipe 60 can be constructed from a plurality of buoyant sections so that the pipe can be articulated into positon within the pond 70 and with respect to the apparatus 10. The elastic spring 78 acts as a shock absorber responsive to movement of the apparatus across the pond 70 and any wave action that is occurring in the pond. The apparatus 10 can, if desired, commence movement along the outermost diameter of the pond to oxygenate same, as shown in FIG. 9. If the pipe 60 is constructed from plastic hose (proportionately for example of both soft and harder construction) or from hard PVC pipe, such conduit constructions will provide a more consistent positioning of the apparatus 10 in the pond 72, regardless of the wind or wave action present at the pond.

The water pump 32 is actuated and draws water from the pond 70 into the first pipe 36 upward into the venturi 42. The

valves

40, 46, are each adjusted to a respective opened position to draw air external to the apparatus, said air and pure oxygen, or alternatively pure oxygen, through the inlet 44 into the venturi 42 to be mixed with the water flow from the first pipe 36. Oxygen from the oxygen hose 64 is fed into the inlet 44 to be mixed with the water flow from the first pipe 36. An alternate embodiment uses only one valve, i.e. the valve 46 downstream from the inlet 44. The venturi tube 42 is a low pressure oxygenation dissolving unit for oxygen injection, and more effective at introducing and dissolving oxygen, than it is to directly introduce and mix the oxygen in the water flow. The oxygenated water under the effective force of the venturi 42 is delivered through the elbow 50, such that an oxygenated water stream is provided to the pipe 54 of the manifold 52.

The oxygenated water stream moving under the effect of the venturi 42 moves through the pipe 54 and is ejected from the plurality of holes 56 as propelling forces represented by

arrows

82, 84. As shown for example in FIGS. 3-4, the

propulsion forces

82, 84 help stabilize movement of the apparatus 10 through the water because the propulsion force provides both radial and tangential streams, as shown with more particularity in FIG. 4.

Still referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that for one embodiment there may be a greater number of holes 56 facing “aft” (to the rear of the apparatus 10) providing the propulsive force 82 from the pipe 54, than there are holes facing toward the “beam” (port/left, starboard/right) providing the propulsive force 84 for the apparatus 10. This number and arrangement of the plurality of holes 56 provides for a greater sternward propulsion force 82 than a lateral propulsion force 84, so that the apparatus is propelled along its track at the end of the pipe 60 with minimal or no slack in same. Shortening the length of the pipe 60 will reduce the diameter of the path being traversed by the apparatus in the pond 70 so that another region of the pond is more directly oxygenated. The sternward and

lateral propulsion forces

82, 84, and the restraining force of the pipe 60 results in the apparatus moving forward, and avoids side-to-side movement, yawing or wallowing in the water of the pond 70.

Referring also to FIG. 9, the manifold 52 having the plurality of holes 56 can be releasably connected to the outlet of the elbow 50 by the flange 92, such that the pipe 54 can be changed with different versions having a different number and configuration of the holes 56, thereby making the propellant force and direction adjustable in order to achieve the best running and operational conditions for the apparatus in the pond 70.

Alternate embodiments of the apparatus 10 are shown in FIGS. 10-11 and FIG. 12. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11, the T-member 94 can be rotated or swiveled about its longitudinal axis as indicated by the circular arrow in FIG. 11. This enables the operator to adjust the direction of the oxygenated mixture when it is exhausted from holes 96 of the T-member into the pond 70 water. Although the plurality of holes 96 are shown in a linear patter, it is understood that other patterns and numbers of the holes 96 can be formed in the T-member 94 as is necessary for the particular oxygenation application. The embodiment of FIG. 12 uses the nozzle 98 to exhaust the oxygenated mixture into the pond 70. The nozzle 98 is in fluid communication with the pipe 54 to exhaust the mixture through the outlet 99, as indicated by the arrow. The apparatus embodiments of FIGS. 10-12 are otherwise constructed and operate similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 13 shows a plurality of the apparatus embodiments 10 having any of the constructions described above being used in the pond 70. A user may have a pond measuring, for example, 100 meters x 100 meters such that a single apparatus 10 would not be able to efficiently cover the oxygen demand and distribute the oxygen in a uniform and thorough manner in the body of water of the pond 70. Each of the apparatus would be mounted to the tether 59 or the buoyant pipe 60, as the case may be, at different distances from the central anchor 74 in the pond 70. Such arrangement of the plurality of the appratus 10 provides for broader, more uniform coverage in the pond 70. All of the apparatus 10 would travel in the same direction in a similar radial movement along pathways P1, P2 and P3 of increased distance or radius from the central anchor 74 to avoid entangling the electrical cable 62 and the oxygen hose 64 associated with the tether 59 or the buoyant pipe 60.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, only pure oxygen is introduced through the hose 64 and into the inlet 44 for the venturi 42. The mixing force provided by the venturi 42 can be adjusted by the

valves

40, 46, or only the valve 46 if a single valve is used.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the embodiments above may have the valve 86 in the oxygen pipe 80 to control delivery of the oxygen from a remote source 88, such as a liquid oxygen (LOx) storage tank disposed external to the pond 70.

The present apparatus and method embodiments provide a new and efficient way for pure oxygen distribution in an aquaculture pond; integrating waste solid particle removal and oxygen distribution from a single apparatus, both of which features are necessary for high density aquaculture; increased range of pure oxygen in water at different depths of the water in the pond; and enlarging an oxygenation working area or volume of the pond because the apparatus moves freely about the pond to provide an annular oxygenation region, i.e., dynamic (not static) oxygenation of the pond so that oxygen distribution is more uniform and homogenous in the pond. The components of the apparatus 10 can be fabricated from stainless steel and plastic, such as for example PVC or HDPE (especially if used in salt or brackish water) , all of which materials hold up well in any aquatic environment.

The present apparatus embodiments 10 can be used in ponds where existing paddlewheels (not shown) are being used to remove carbon dioxide emitted from the aquatic life from the pond 70. The embodiments can be used in ponds of any size, such as 20 x 20 meters up to 100 x 100 meters, by way of example only.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and that a person skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described herein and as provided in the appended claims. It should be understood that the embodiments described above are not only in the alternative, but can be combined.

Claims

An apparatus for oxygenating a body of water, comprising:

a venturi tube supported for movement at the body of water, the venturi tube having an inlet for receiving water from the body of water, a port for receiving pure oxygen into the water for providing an oxygenated mixture within the venturi tube, and an outlet for the oxygenated mixture;

a pump in fluid communication with the inlet for delivering the water to the venturi tube; and

a manifold in fluid communication with the outlet and extending into the body of water for delivering the oxygenated mixture as a propelling force into the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the venturi tube is supported above the body of water, and the pump is supported in the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of holes through which the oxygenated mixture is delivered into the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged at different locations along the manifold.
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes in said manifold comprise:

a first pattern of holes in registration with a longitudinal axis of the venturi tube and facing away from said venturi tube;

a second pattern of holes arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis at a first side of the venturi tube; and

a third pattern of holes arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis at a second side of the venturi tube opposite to the first side.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manifold is removably mounted to the venturi tube.
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a flange constructed to removably mount the manifold to the outlet.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first valve (46) positioned between and in fluid communication with the outlet and the manifold for controlling an amount of the water provided to and a back pressure at the venturi tube.
The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a second valve (40) positioned at the inlet for controlling an amount of the water delivered to the venturi tube.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing buoyantly supporting the venturi tube above the body of water, the pump in the body of water, and at least a portion of the manifold in the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises at least one buoyant pontoon having an upper surface sized and shaped for supporting the venturi tube.
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a first buoyant pontoon, a second buoyant pontoon, and a mechanical connection interconnecting the first and second pontoons in spaced relation with each other, the mechanical connection supporting the venturi tube.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tie-down member extending from at least one of the apparatus and the manifold.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hollow longitudinal member connected to and in fluid communication with the manifold for receiving the oxygenated mixture, the hollow longitudinal member having at least one hole for delivering the oxygenated mixture into the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the hollow longitudinal member comprises a plurality of holes through which the oxygenated mixture is delivered into the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a collar mounted to and operatively associated with an end of the manifold in the body of water for receiving the hollow longitudinal member in a transverse orientation and pivotal with respect to the manifold.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle connected to and in fluid communication with the manifold for receiving and delivering the oxygenated mixture into the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hose providing the pure oxygen to the port of the venturi tube.
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the pure oxygen comprises at least one other gas.
The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an electrical cable connected to the pump for providing power thereto.
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the hose and the electrical cable are constructed as an integral unit.
The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising:

an anchor pole having a passageway therethrough and positioned in the body of water; and

a buoyant pipe having a proximal end mechanically coupled to the anchor pole for revolving around the anchor pole, and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end and mechanically coupled to the apparatus, the buoyant pipe supporting the hose and the electrical cable for each to be connected to a corresponding one of the venturi tube and the pump.
The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a tether having a first end rotatably mounted to the anchor pole above the body of water, and a second end removably mounted to the buoyant pipe for flexibly controlling movement of the buoyant pipe and the apparatus in the body of water.
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the anchor pole further comprises:

a base for supporting the anchor pole at a bottom of the body of water;

a first gland arranged in a lower portion of the anchor pole and in communication with the passageway for receiving the electrical cable; and

a second gland arranged in the lower portion of the anchor pole and in communication with the passageway for receiving the hose.
The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a pneumatic electricity hybrid slip ring mounted to the anchor pole above the body of water for coaction with the electrical cable and the hose to prevent entanglement of said electrical cable and said hose at the buoyant pipe.
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the buoyant pipe comprises an internal passageway sized and shaped to receive the hose and the electrical cable extending therethrough.
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the internal passageway of the buoyant pipe further comprises an end cap at each end of the internal passageway for preventing ingress of the water to the internal passageway.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of water is selected from the group consisting of a natural pond, a manmade indoor pond, and a manmade outdoor pond.
A method of oxygenating a body of water, comprising:

supporting a venturi tube along a path for receiving water from the body of water;

pumping the water from the body of water into the venturi tube;

providing pure oxygen into the water in the venturi tube for providing an oxygenated mixture; and

delivering the oxygenated mixture from the venturi tube into the body of water for propelling the venturi tube along the path.
The method of claim 29, wherein the supporting further comprises mounting the venturi tube on a buoyant housing.
The method of claim 30, wherein the supporting further comprises suspending the buoyant housing for accommodating wave action in the body of water.
The method of claim 29, wherein the delivering comprises the propelling the venturi tube above a surface of the body of water during the delivering the oxygenated mixture into the body of water.
The method of claim 29, wherein the providing the pure oxygen is from a location external to the body of water.
The method of claim 29, further comprising adjusting an amount of the pure oxygen in the oxygenated mixture.
The method of claim 29, further comprising adding air to the pure oxygen in the venturi tube.
The method of claim 29, further comprising removing carbon dioxide from the body of water.
The method of claim 29, wherein the supporting comprises supporting a plurality of venturi tubes for movement along a plurality of paths in the body of water.
The method of claim 37, wherein the plurality of paths are different from each other.
The method of claim 29, wherein the body of water is selected from the group consisting of a natural pond, a manmade indoor pond, and a manmade outdoor pond.