WO2022106921A1 - A filtering table and method for collecting spirulina seaweed - Google Patents

A filtering table and method for collecting spirulina seaweed Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022106921A1
WO2022106921A1 PCT/IB2021/058536 IB2021058536W WO2022106921A1 WO 2022106921 A1 WO2022106921 A1 WO 2022106921A1 IB 2021058536 W IB2021058536 W IB 2021058536W WO 2022106921 A1 WO2022106921 A1 WO 2022106921A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
filtering
seaweed
spirulina
spirulina seaweed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2021/058536
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Francesco Antonio FAGÀ
Original Assignee
Biorisi S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Biorisi S.R.L. filed Critical Biorisi S.R.L.
Publication of WO2022106921A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022106921A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G33/00—Cultivation of seaweed or algae
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a filtering table for collecting spirulina seaweed. Moreover, the invention relates to a filtering method using the above-mentioned filtering table. In other words, the invention relates to the collection of the spirulina seaweed after it has been extracted from the hydroponic cultivation bed.
  • the spirulina seaweed does not have constant parameters in terms of density and micro-dimensions during its growth.
  • the use of collection systems which are indifferent to the above-mentioned parameters leads to significant efficiencies in the collection such as a longer collection time per unit of product, a greater energy consumption, a greater use of labour as well as repeated interruptions in the filtering step.
  • the prior art systems have a low filtering speed which forces the manufacturer to lengthen the collation times.
  • the technical purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a filtering table and method for the collection of spirulina seaweed which are able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the aim of the invention is therefore to provide a filtering table and a method for collecting spirulina seaweed which allow a reduction in filtering times.
  • a further aim of the invention is to provide a filtering table and a method for the collection of spirulina seaweed which allow a continuous process to be performed without interruptions, avoiding repeated washing of the filtering surfaces.
  • a further aim of the invention is to provide a filtering table and a method for the collection of spirulina seaweed which allow a reduced use of labour and a reduced energy consumption.
  • a filtering table for collecting spirulina seaweed comprising a load-bearing structure comprising at least six anti-vibration springs, a frame positioned on the anti-vibration springs and comprising a filtering sheet configured for separating hydroponic liquid from the spirulina seaweed, a spraying pipe located on one side of the frame and configured for releasing hydroponic liquid with spirulina seaweed on the filtering sheet and a discharge channel positioned on the side opposite the side on which the spraying pipe is located and configured for feeding spirulina seaweed.
  • the filtering table also comprises at least one vibrating electric motor with a variable frequency configured to vibrate the frame and a device for varying the inclination of the frame positioned on the same side of the frame on which the spraying pipe is present and configured to raise the side relative to the side on which the discharge channel is present.
  • a filtering method for collecting spirulina seaweed performed in a filtering table according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of releasing hydroponic liquid and spirulina seaweed on a frame comprising a filtering sheet, vibrating the frame as a function of a density of the spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed, inclining the frame as a function of said density of the spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed, separating the spirulina seaweed and the hydroponic liquid with the filtering sheet and discharging the moist spirulina seaweed through a discharge channel of the table.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the filtering table according to the invention.
  • FIGS 2A and 2B are schematic side views of the filtering table according to the invention.
  • the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a filtering table for collecting spirulina seaweed which, for simplicity of description, will hereafter be referred to as filtering table 1.
  • the filtering table 1 comprises a load-bearing structure 2 which defines a base portion of the filtering table 1.
  • the load-bearing structure 2 is preferably made of steel profiles.
  • the load-bearing structure 2 comprises at least six anti-vibration springs 3 positioned, as for example shown in the accompanying drawings, in the four corners and on the outer edges of the central crosspiece of the load-bearing structure 2.
  • the filtering table 1 also comprises a frame 4 positioned on the anti-vibration springs 3.
  • the frame 4 is connected or connectable by means of the six anti-vibration springs 3 on the load-bearing structure 2.
  • the frame 4 comprises a filtering sheet (not illustrated) configured for filtering the hydroponic liquid, separating it from the spirulina seaweed.
  • the filtering sheet has a filter weft of 43 microns, which is sufficient for the passage of the water and the separation of the spirulina seaweed.
  • the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 1000 x 1200 mm.
  • the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 3000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 9 and 12 m 3 /h.
  • the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 4000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 12 and 16 m 3 /h.
  • the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 5000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 15 and 20 m 3 /h.
  • the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 6000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 18 and 24 m 3 /h.
  • the filtering table 1 also comprises a spraying pipe 5 located on a side 4a of the frame 4 and configured for releasing the hydroponic liquid with spirulina seaweed on the filtering sheet.
  • the spraying pipe 5 is configured to evenly distribute on the frame 4 (that is, on the filtering sheet) the hydroponic liquid having the spirulina seaweed. In this way, the filtering sheet is able to effectively separate the hydroponic liquid and the spirulina seaweed.
  • the spraying pipe 5 extends longitudinally along the entire side 4a of the frame 4.
  • the spraying pipe 5 comprises a plurality of adjustable nozzles 5a configured to distribute the liquid to be filtered on the filtering frame.
  • the plurality of adjustable nozzles 5a is uniformly distributed along the entire length of the side 4a of the frame 4.
  • the spraying pipe 5 comprises a closing/opening valve located in an inlet portion of the spraying pipe 5 and configured for adjusting a flow of liquid (hydroponic liquid and spirulina seaweed) to be released by means of the above- mentioned adjustable nozzles 5a.
  • a closing/opening valve located in an inlet portion of the spraying pipe 5 and configured for adjusting a flow of liquid (hydroponic liquid and spirulina seaweed) to be released by means of the above- mentioned adjustable nozzles 5a.
  • the filtering table 1 also comprises a discharge channel 6 positioned on a side 4b opposite the side 4a in which the spraying pipe is positioned.
  • the discharge channel 6 is configured for feeding the moist spirulina seaweed.
  • the discharge channel 6 has an inclined shape with an increasing cross-section in such a way as to facilitate feeding of the spirulina seaweed.
  • the filtering table 1 comprises at least one vibrating electric motor 7 with variable frequency configured to vibrate the frame 4.
  • the power that is, the frequency of the vibrating waves transmitted by the vibrating electric motor 7 vary as a function of the dimensions of the frame 4, that is, of the filtering sheet.
  • the vibrating electric motor 7 allows the frame 4 to be moved in such a way as to allow the spirulina seaweed to slide towards the discharge channel 6 in such a way as to collect it and allow its forward movement along the discharge channel 6.
  • the presence of the anti-vibration springs 3 makes it possible not to transmit the vibrations to the load-bearing structure 2. This avoids noise or unwanted movements of the filtering table 1.
  • a single vibrating electric motor 7 If a single vibrating electric motor 7 is present, it will be positioned in a centred portion of the frame 4 in such a way as to allow a uniform distribution of the vibrating waves.
  • the filtering table 1 comprises at least two vibrating electric motors 7 positioned on opposite short sides 4c of the frame 4 to allow a better distribution of the vibrating waves.
  • the filtering table also comprises a device 8 for varying the inclination of the frame 4 positioned on the same side 4a of the frame 4 on which the spraying pipe 5 is present and configured to raise said side 4a relative to the side 4b on which the discharge channel 6 is present.
  • the device 8 for varying the inclination is configured to vary a height of the side 4a of the frame 4 on which the spraying pipe 5 is present relative to the side 4b on which the discharge channel 6 is present.
  • the device 8 for varying the inclination is configured to vary an inclination of the frame 4 relative to a horizontal plane "O" defined by the load-bearing structure 2, that is, by the anti-vibration springs 3 in the configuration illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
  • the device 8 for varying the inclination of the frame 4 comprises electro-mechanical pistons 8a which can be actuated automatically for varying a height of the side 4a of the frame 4 relative to the side 4b.
  • the electro-mechanical pistons 8a are configured to raise the side 4a relative to the configuration shown in the accompanying drawings in such a way as to facilitate the filtering of the hydroponic liquid and the forward movement of the spirulina seaweed towards the discharge channel 6.
  • the device 8 for varying the inclination of the frame 4 comprises perforated bars equipped with suitable pins movable manually for varying a height of the side 4a relative to the side 4b.
  • the electro-mechanical piston solution 8a is the preferred one since the automated actuation makes it possible to reduce the cost linked to labour compared with the solution with perforated bar and pins.
  • the device 8 for varying the inclination can be equipped with both electro-mechanical pistons 8a and perforated bars and pins, wherein the second will be used if the first needed repairing in such a way as not to stop the operation of the filtering table 1.
  • the filtering table 1 may also comprise a plurality of tanks (not illustrated) having the shape of a truncated cone positioned below the frame 4 and a hydraulic system configured for recovering the filtered hydroponic liquid and for sending it to a cultivation bed.
  • the filtering table 1 comprises four tanks.
  • the filtering table 1 also comprises anti-spray walls 9 positioned close to the spraying pipe 5.
  • the anti-spray walls 9 are positioned along the side 4a and along the short sides 4c.
  • the anti- spray walls 9 are fixed or fixable (anchored or which can be anchored) to the frame 4 and/or to the load-bearing structure 2 in such a way as to prevent splashing of liquid so that it remains inside the frame 4.
  • the filtering table 1 makes it possible to optimise the filtering of the cultivation water taking into account the density of the micro-algae in the cultivation bed and its micro-dimension by acting on the intensity of vibration exerted by the vibrating electric motors 7, on the slope of the frame 4 as well as on the flow rate of the spraying pipe 5.
  • the filtering table 1 in light of the vibration and the inclination of the frame 4 makes it possible to increase the filtering speed as well as reduce the labour costs.
  • the filtering table 1 makes it possible to obtain a better quality of the filtered spirulina seaweed in such a way as to obtain a better and fast drawing of the spirulina seaweed “paste" before carrying out the drying.
  • the vibrating electric motor 7 and the device 8 for varying the inclination are advantageously adjustable as a function of the density of the hydroponic liquid and the dimensions of the individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed.
  • the possibility of adjusting the vibration frequency and the inclination of the frame 4 makes it possible to obtain a "spirulina seaweed paste" which requires, downstream, a simple and rapid system for eliminating excess water (centrifuging or pressing), in order to pass to an efficient drawing system which precedes the drying step.
  • This invention also relates to a filtering method for collecting spirulina seaweed, carried out in a filtering table 1 as described above.
  • the method comprises the steps of releasing the hydroponic liquid and the spirulina seaweed on the frame 4 comprising the filtering sheet.
  • the method also comprises vibrating the frame 4 as a function of a density of the spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of the individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed.
  • the method also comprises inclining the frame 4 as a function of the density of spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed.
  • the above-mentioned steps are performed simultaneously resulting in the steps of filtering the hydroponic liquid which leads to the separation of the liquid from the spirulina seaweed and a step of draining the moist spirulina seaweed through a discharge channel 6 of the filtering table 1.
  • the filtering table 1 may be equipped with a control unit configured for performing the method in such a way as to vary the inclination and the vibration frequency of the frame 4 as a function of the density and dimension parameters of the spirulina seaweed.
  • the invention is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
  • this invention allows a reduction in filtering times relative to existing systems.
  • this invention allows a continuous process to be performed without repeated washing of the filtering surfaces, for example by the vibration and the inclination of the frame 4 which allow effective detachment of the seaweed from the filtering sheet.
  • the invention allows a reduction in the energy used and a lower cost of the labour.
  • This invention also allows the quality of the product extracted to be improved in relation to the subsequent processing steps.
  • the invention allows a greater quantity of water to be filtered.
  • the invention makes it possible to renew of the cultivation bed more quickly from a biological point of view, increasing the production and quality of spirulina seaweed as well as reducing the risk of death of the spirulina seaweed.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
  • Purification Treatments By Anaerobic Or Anaerobic And Aerobic Bacteria Or Animals (AREA)

Abstract

Described is a filtering table (1) for collecting spirulina seaweed comprising a load-bearing structure (2), a frame (4) comprising a filtering sheet configured for separating hydroponic liquid from the spirulina seaweed, a spraying pipe (5) configured for releasing hydroponic liquid with spirulina seaweed on the filter sheet, a discharge channel (6) configured for feeding spirulina seaweed, at least one vibrating electric motor (7) with variable frequency configured to vibrate the frame (4); and a device for varying the inclination (8) of the frame (4).

Description

A FILTERING TABLE AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING SPIRULINA SEAWEED
This invention relates to a filtering table for collecting spirulina seaweed. Moreover, the invention relates to a filtering method using the above-mentioned filtering table. In other words, the invention relates to the collection of the spirulina seaweed after it has been extracted from the hydroponic cultivation bed.
In the past, the collection of the spirulina seaweed was performed manually with filtration sieves. With the industrialisation of the process, systems have been introduced for mechanical filtering through bags consisting of food-safe polyethylene sheets in which cultivation water is pumped. The mechanical systems have considerably improved the collection of the spirulina seaweed in terms of efficiency but the spirulina seaweed collected has a density and a humidity such that further drying and dehumidifying processes are required to prevent the risks of decomposition.
The experience of the Applicant has shown that the quality and efficiency of collecting the spirulina seaweed is linked to the density of the spirulina seaweed inside the aquatic cultivation bed and the size of the individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed. These two parameters vary according to the season and the stages in the growth of the spirulina seaweed and they have never been particularly taken into account in the prior art processes, considering them as constant parameters.
In other words, during the collection of the spirulina seaweed from a hydroponic cultivation bed there may be several drawbacks linked to the spirulina seaweed itself or the type of machinery used.
Disadvantageously, the spirulina seaweed does not have constant parameters in terms of density and micro-dimensions during its growth. The use of collection systems which are indifferent to the above-mentioned parameters leads to significant efficiencies in the collection such as a longer collection time per unit of product, a greater energy consumption, a greater use of labour as well as repeated interruptions in the filtering step.
Disadvantageously, the prior art systems have a low filtering speed which forces the manufacturer to lengthen the collation times.
Disadvantageously, if the collection and filtering process continues over time, there is an increase in the risk of death of the seaweed, with possible damage to the cultivation bed.
The technical purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a filtering table and method for the collection of spirulina seaweed which are able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a filtering table and a method for collecting spirulina seaweed which allow a reduction in filtering times.
A further aim of the invention is to provide a filtering table and a method for the collection of spirulina seaweed which allow a continuous process to be performed without interruptions, avoiding repeated washing of the filtering surfaces.
A further aim of the invention is to provide a filtering table and a method for the collection of spirulina seaweed which allow a reduced use of labour and a reduced energy consumption.
The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a filtering table and a method for the collection of spirulina seaweed comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.
In particular, the technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a filtering table for collecting spirulina seaweed comprising a load-bearing structure comprising at least six anti-vibration springs, a frame positioned on the anti-vibration springs and comprising a filtering sheet configured for separating hydroponic liquid from the spirulina seaweed, a spraying pipe located on one side of the frame and configured for releasing hydroponic liquid with spirulina seaweed on the filtering sheet and a discharge channel positioned on the side opposite the side on which the spraying pipe is located and configured for feeding spirulina seaweed. The filtering table also comprises at least one vibrating electric motor with a variable frequency configured to vibrate the frame and a device for varying the inclination of the frame positioned on the same side of the frame on which the spraying pipe is present and configured to raise the side relative to the side on which the discharge channel is present.
Moreover, the technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a filtering method for collecting spirulina seaweed, performed in a filtering table according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of releasing hydroponic liquid and spirulina seaweed on a frame comprising a filtering sheet, vibrating the frame as a function of a density of the spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed, inclining the frame as a function of said density of the spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed, separating the spirulina seaweed and the hydroponic liquid with the filtering sheet and discharging the moist spirulina seaweed through a discharge channel of the table.
Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the nonlimiting description which follows of a non-exclusive embodiment of a filtering table and a method for collecting spirulina seaweed.
The description is set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration without restricting the scope of the invention and in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the filtering table according to the invention;
Figures 2A and 2B are schematic side views of the filtering table according to the invention.
With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a filtering table for collecting spirulina seaweed which, for simplicity of description, will hereafter be referred to as filtering table 1. The filtering table 1 comprises a load-bearing structure 2 which defines a base portion of the filtering table 1. The load-bearing structure 2 is preferably made of steel profiles.
The load-bearing structure 2 comprises at least six anti-vibration springs 3 positioned, as for example shown in the accompanying drawings, in the four corners and on the outer edges of the central crosspiece of the load-bearing structure 2.
The filtering table 1 also comprises a frame 4 positioned on the anti-vibration springs 3. In other words, the frame 4 is connected or connectable by means of the six anti-vibration springs 3 on the load-bearing structure 2.
The frame 4 comprises a filtering sheet (not illustrated) configured for filtering the hydroponic liquid, separating it from the spirulina seaweed.
Preferably, the filtering sheet has a filter weft of 43 microns, which is sufficient for the passage of the water and the separation of the spirulina seaweed.
Preferably, the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 1000 x 1200 mm.
Alternatively, the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 3000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 9 and 12 m3/h.
Alternatively, the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 4000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 12 and 16 m3/h.
Preferably, the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 5000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 15 and 20 m3/h.
Preferably, the frame 4 (that is, the filtering sheet) may have dimensions of 6000 x 1200 mm having a filtering capacity of between 18 and 24 m3/h.
The filtering table 1 also comprises a spraying pipe 5 located on a side 4a of the frame 4 and configured for releasing the hydroponic liquid with spirulina seaweed on the filtering sheet. In other words, the spraying pipe 5 is configured to evenly distribute on the frame 4 (that is, on the filtering sheet) the hydroponic liquid having the spirulina seaweed. In this way, the filtering sheet is able to effectively separate the hydroponic liquid and the spirulina seaweed.
Preferably, the spraying pipe 5 extends longitudinally along the entire side 4a of the frame 4. Preferably, the spraying pipe 5 comprises a plurality of adjustable nozzles 5a configured to distribute the liquid to be filtered on the filtering frame. The plurality of adjustable nozzles 5a is uniformly distributed along the entire length of the side 4a of the frame 4.
Preferably, the spraying pipe 5 comprises a closing/opening valve located in an inlet portion of the spraying pipe 5 and configured for adjusting a flow of liquid (hydroponic liquid and spirulina seaweed) to be released by means of the above- mentioned adjustable nozzles 5a.
The filtering table 1 also comprises a discharge channel 6 positioned on a side 4b opposite the side 4a in which the spraying pipe is positioned.
The discharge channel 6 is configured for feeding the moist spirulina seaweed.
As shown in the accompanying drawings, the discharge channel 6 has an inclined shape with an increasing cross-section in such a way as to facilitate feeding of the spirulina seaweed.
The filtering table 1 comprises at least one vibrating electric motor 7 with variable frequency configured to vibrate the frame 4.
Preferably, the power, that is, the frequency of the vibrating waves transmitted by the vibrating electric motor 7 vary as a function of the dimensions of the frame 4, that is, of the filtering sheet.
Advantageously, the vibrating electric motor 7 allows the frame 4 to be moved in such a way as to allow the spirulina seaweed to slide towards the discharge channel 6 in such a way as to collect it and allow its forward movement along the discharge channel 6.
Advantageously, the presence of the anti-vibration springs 3 makes it possible not to transmit the vibrations to the load-bearing structure 2. This avoids noise or unwanted movements of the filtering table 1.
If a single vibrating electric motor 7 is present, it will be positioned in a centred portion of the frame 4 in such a way as to allow a uniform distribution of the vibrating waves.
In the accompanying drawings, the filtering table 1 comprises at least two vibrating electric motors 7 positioned on opposite short sides 4c of the frame 4 to allow a better distribution of the vibrating waves.
The filtering table also comprises a device 8 for varying the inclination of the frame 4 positioned on the same side 4a of the frame 4 on which the spraying pipe 5 is present and configured to raise said side 4a relative to the side 4b on which the discharge channel 6 is present. For this reason, the device 8 for varying the inclination is configured to vary a height of the side 4a of the frame 4 on which the spraying pipe 5 is present relative to the side 4b on which the discharge channel 6 is present. In other words, the device 8 for varying the inclination is configured to vary an inclination of the frame 4 relative to a horizontal plane "O" defined by the load-bearing structure 2, that is, by the anti-vibration springs 3 in the configuration illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Preferably, and as shown in the accompanying drawings, the device 8 for varying the inclination of the frame 4 comprises electro-mechanical pistons 8a which can be actuated automatically for varying a height of the side 4a of the frame 4 relative to the side 4b. In particular, the electro-mechanical pistons 8a are configured to raise the side 4a relative to the configuration shown in the accompanying drawings in such a way as to facilitate the filtering of the hydroponic liquid and the forward movement of the spirulina seaweed towards the discharge channel 6.
Preferably, as an alternative to the previous solution, the device 8 for varying the inclination of the frame 4 comprises perforated bars equipped with suitable pins movable manually for varying a height of the side 4a relative to the side 4b.
The electro-mechanical piston solution 8a is the preferred one since the automated actuation makes it possible to reduce the cost linked to labour compared with the solution with perforated bar and pins.
Preferably, the device 8 for varying the inclination can be equipped with both electro-mechanical pistons 8a and perforated bars and pins, wherein the second will be used if the first needed repairing in such a way as not to stop the operation of the filtering table 1.
Preferably, the filtering table 1 may also comprise a plurality of tanks (not illustrated) having the shape of a truncated cone positioned below the frame 4 and a hydraulic system configured for recovering the filtered hydroponic liquid and for sending it to a cultivation bed. Preferably, the filtering table 1 comprises four tanks. Preferably, the filtering table 1 also comprises anti-spray walls 9 positioned close to the spraying pipe 5. In other words, the anti-spray walls 9 are positioned along the side 4a and along the short sides 4c. The anti- spray walls 9 are fixed or fixable (anchored or which can be anchored) to the frame 4 and/or to the load-bearing structure 2 in such a way as to prevent splashing of liquid so that it remains inside the frame 4.
Advantageously, the filtering table 1 makes it possible to optimise the filtering of the cultivation water taking into account the density of the micro-algae in the cultivation bed and its micro-dimension by acting on the intensity of vibration exerted by the vibrating electric motors 7, on the slope of the frame 4 as well as on the flow rate of the spraying pipe 5.
Advantageously, the filtering table 1 in light of the vibration and the inclination of the frame 4 makes it possible to increase the filtering speed as well as reduce the labour costs.
Advantageously, the filtering table 1 makes it possible to obtain a better quality of the filtered spirulina seaweed in such a way as to obtain a better and fast drawing of the spirulina seaweed “paste" before carrying out the drying.
The vibrating electric motor 7 and the device 8 for varying the inclination are advantageously adjustable as a function of the density of the hydroponic liquid and the dimensions of the individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed.
Advantageously, the possibility of adjusting the vibration frequency and the inclination of the frame 4 makes it possible to obtain a "spirulina seaweed paste" which requires, downstream, a simple and rapid system for eliminating excess water (centrifuging or pressing), in order to pass to an efficient drawing system which precedes the drying step.
This invention also relates to a filtering method for collecting spirulina seaweed, carried out in a filtering table 1 as described above. The method comprises the steps of releasing the hydroponic liquid and the spirulina seaweed on the frame 4 comprising the filtering sheet.
The method also comprises vibrating the frame 4 as a function of a density of the spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of the individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed.
The method also comprises inclining the frame 4 as a function of the density of spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed.
The above-mentioned steps are performed simultaneously resulting in the steps of filtering the hydroponic liquid which leads to the separation of the liquid from the spirulina seaweed and a step of draining the moist spirulina seaweed through a discharge channel 6 of the filtering table 1.
In other words, the filtering table 1 may be equipped with a control unit configured for performing the method in such a way as to vary the inclination and the vibration frequency of the frame 4 as a function of the density and dimension parameters of the spirulina seaweed.
Advantageously, the invention is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. Advantageously, this invention allows a reduction in filtering times relative to existing systems.
Advantageously, this invention allows a continuous process to be performed without repeated washing of the filtering surfaces, for example by the vibration and the inclination of the frame 4 which allow effective detachment of the seaweed from the filtering sheet.
Advantageously, the invention allows a reduction in the energy used and a lower cost of the labour.
This invention also allows the quality of the product extracted to be improved in relation to the subsequent processing steps.
Advantageously, compared with prior art systems, the invention allows a greater quantity of water to be filtered.
Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to renew of the cultivation bed more quickly from a biological point of view, increasing the production and quality of spirulina seaweed as well as reducing the risk of death of the spirulina seaweed.

Claims

1. A filtering table (1) for collecting spirulina seaweed comprising:
- a load-bearing structure (2) comprising at least six anti-vibration springs (3);
- a frame (4) positioned on the anti-vibration springs (3) and comprising a filtering sheet configured for separating hydroponic liquid from said spirulina seaweed;
- a spraying pipe (5) positioned on a side (4a) of said frame (4) and configured for releasing hydroponic liquid with spirulina seaweed on said filtering sheet;
- a discharge channel (6) positioned on a side (4b) opposite the side (4a) in which said spraying pipe (5) is positioned and configured for moving forward moist spirulina seaweed;
- at least one vibrating electric motor (7) with variable frequency configured to vibrate said frame (4); and
- a device (8) for varying the inclination of said frame (4) positioned on the same side (4a) of the frame (4) on which the spraying pipe (5) is present and configured to raise said side (4a) relative to the side (4b) on which said discharge channel (6) is present.
2. The filtering table (1) according to claim 1, also comprising a plurality of recovery tanks with a truncated cone shape positioned beneath said frame (4) and configured to receive hydroponic liquid filtered by said filtering sheet and a hydraulic system configured for recovering said filtered hydroponic liquid and for sending it to a growing bed, preferably said filtering table (1) comprising four recovery tanks.
3. The filtering table (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said filtering sheet has a 43 microns filtering mesh.
4. The filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (8) for varying the inclination of the frame (4) comprises electromechanical pistons (8a) which can be actuated automatically for varying a height of said side (4a) of the frame (4) on which the spraying pipe (5) is present relative to the side (4b) on which there is said discharge channel (6).
5. The filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (8) for varying the inclination of the frame (4) comprises perforated bars equipped with suitable pins movable manually for varying a height of said side (4a) of the frame (4) on which the spraying pipe (5) is present relative to the side (4b) on which there is said discharge channel (6).
6. The filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two vibrating electric motors (7) positioned on opposite short sides (4c) of said frame (4).
7. The filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising anti-spray walls (9) positioned close to said spraying pipe (5), said anti-spray walls (9) being fixed or fixable to said frame (4) and/or to said load-bearing structure (2).
8. The filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spraying pipe (5) comprises adjustable nozzles (5a) configured for a distribution of the liquid to be filtered on said filtering sheet.
9. The filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spraying pipe (5) comprises a closing/opening valve located in an inlet portion of the spraying pipe (5).
10. A filtering method for collecting spirulina seaweed, carried out in a filtering table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:
- releasing hydroponic liquid and spirulina seaweed on a frame (4) comprising a filtering sheet;
- vibrating said frame (4) as a function of a density of said spirulina seaweed in the hydroponic liquid and as a function of the dimensions of individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed; - inclining said frame (4) according to said density of said spirulina seaweed of the hydroponic liquid and according to said dimensions of the individual micro-spirals of spirulina seaweed;
- separating said spirulina seaweed and said hydroponic liquid with said filtering sheet;
- discharging said moist spirulina seaweed through a discharge channel (6) of said filtering table (1).
PCT/IB2021/058536 2020-11-18 2021-09-20 A filtering table and method for collecting spirulina seaweed WO2022106921A1 (en)

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IT102020000027651A IT202000027651A1 (en) 2020-11-18 2020-11-18 TABLE AND FILTERING METHOD FOR COLLECTING SPIRULINA ALGAE
IT102020000027651 2020-11-18

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