WO2024031125A1 - Apparatus and systems for aquaculture - Google Patents

Apparatus and systems for aquaculture Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024031125A1
WO2024031125A1 PCT/AU2022/050859 AU2022050859W WO2024031125A1 WO 2024031125 A1 WO2024031125 A1 WO 2024031125A1 AU 2022050859 W AU2022050859 W AU 2022050859W WO 2024031125 A1 WO2024031125 A1 WO 2024031125A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
water
pipe
conical
sleave
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2022/050859
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gregory George Smith
Derek CROPP
Jane SARGISON
Stephen BATTAGLENE
Alan Henderson
Quinn FITZGIBBON
Original Assignee
Utas Nexus Aquasciences Pty Ltd
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 Utas Nexus Aquasciences Pty Ltd filed Critical Utas Nexus Aquasciences Pty Ltd
Priority to PCT/AU2022/050859 priority Critical patent/WO2024031125A1/en
Publication of WO2024031125A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024031125A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/50—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish
    • A01K61/59—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish of crustaceans, e.g. lobsters or shrimps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/10—Culture of aquatic animals of fish
    • A01K61/17—Hatching, e.g. incubators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A01K63/04—Arrangements for treating water specially adapted to receptacles for live fish
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A01K63/04—Arrangements for treating water specially adapted to receptacles for live fish
    • A01K63/045—Filters for aquaria

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to systems and apparatus for the development of aquatic crustaceans and fish species.
  • the design and features of a hatchery to ensure successful culture of lobsters and other aquatic species includes the shape and design of the vessels in which they are kept and the quality and cleanliness of the water.
  • Plankton kriesels are typically used to rear lobster larvae, with small scale kriesels often used. These systems are often extremely useful as experimental vessels.
  • the drawbacks of previous kriesel designs for commercial applications include an inability to increase the scale of the system while maintaining favourable hydrodynamics. Factors such as the buoyancy of the larvae and their feed and interactions within the culture vessels are of significant importance. Additionally, the shear generated by the flow of the water needs to be minimal, in order to reduce physical damage and mortality of the larvae.
  • the present invention seeks to address some of the shortcomings of prior art apparatus and systems in the field of aquaculture.
  • the present invention is predicated (in part) on the discovery that the survival of larval lobsters can be enhanced by engineering vessels (and systems incorporating said vessels) with particular parameters including culture water hydrodynamics and water quality.
  • the invention allows for an increase in juvenile viability and the progression of animals beyond the initial juvenile moult.
  • a recirculation aquaculture system comprising:
  • (x) at least one larval rearing (or culture) tank of a volume of greater than or equal to about 10,000L.
  • the aforementioned RAS is characterised with features (i) to (x) being in fluid contact by a flow of seawater through the system from (i) to (x) in that order.
  • the aforementioned RAS is characterised with new seawater being introduced into the system at the degasser.
  • the aforementioned RAS is characterised with new seawater being introduced into the system from at least one ozone contact tank or water conditioning tank at a volume of greater than or equal to about 10,000 L.
  • the invention provides a seawater pre-treatment method for aquatic larval rearing comprising the steps of:
  • a larval rearing (or culture) tank of a volume greater than or equal to about 10,000 L wherein the culture tank is a substantially circular tank which is characterised with a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe (1) extending above the water line of the tank and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank water and an inner pipe cavity (2), wherein an upper surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with a conical mesh sleave (3), which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly above the water line of the tank, and wherein a lower surface of the pipe outer surface is also fitted with a conical sleave (4) which may be mesh or solid which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly below the water line of the tank toward the tank base, wherein the inner pipe cavity maintains a constant sea water supply toward the base of the tank.
  • the water inlet pipe (1) is characterised with both an inner pipe cavity (2) and an outer pipe cavity (5) said outer pipe cavity housing at least one inlet water supply line (6) to allow additional seawater to enter the tank from above the surface of the tank.
  • the invention provides a water circulation assembly for an aquaculture tank, said assembly comprising: water inlet pipe (1) extending above the water line of the tank and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank water and an inner pipe cavity (2) , wherein an upper surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with a conical mesh sleave (3), which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly above the water line of the tank, and wherein a lower surface of the pipe outer surface is also fitted with a conical mesh or solid sleave (4) which may be mesh or solid which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly below the water line of the tank toward the tank base.
  • the water inlet pipe (1) is characterised with both an inner pipe cavity (2) and an outer pipe cavity (5) said outer pipe cavity housing at least one inlet water supply line (6) to allow additional seawater to enter the tank from above the surface of the tank.
  • the movement of the body of water within the tank is characterised by flow exiting the central delivery inlet pipe in a horizontal movement across the tank bottom with a velocity of about 5-10 cm S’ 1 .
  • the curved configuration of the area of the tank where the floor meets the sides entrains water flow vertically up the tank sides where the typical flow velocity is about 2-5 cm s’ 1
  • a tapered section on the walls near the surface entrains the water flow across the surface and back towards the centre of the tank at a velocity of about 0.5-2 cm s’ 1 .
  • the conical sleaves on the central water delivery pipe facilitates water movement back towards the tank floor. Water movement within the culture vessel is in a doughnut shape fixed around the centrally located water inlet pipe.
  • this culture vessel that are conducive to culturing negatively buoyant planktonic larvae are gentle flow, minimal shear forces and culture vessel turnover times about 0.5 - 1.0 turnovers achieved each hour allowing the maintenance of homogenous distribution of larvae and neutrally buoyant feed particles in the water column.
  • the present invention is particularly advantageous to species of aquatic animals which do not actually swim and hunt their food source, such as planktonic larvae.
  • the present invention provides an environment such that water flow and turbulence in the tank is maintained in a manner that maximises the probability that the larvae will come into physical contact (ie “bump”) into their food source while at the same time the turbulence and sheer force of the water flow does not physically damage the larvae which are very delicate.
  • the tank is further characterised with a set of (for example 12) interchangeable perforated screens which are located around the perimeter of the upper surface of the culture tank to also enhance passive feeding and waste removal capacity. These screen sets are manufactured with a hole size range between about 2.0-6.0 mm.
  • the configuration of the water outlet end of the centrally located inlet pipe (which terminates at the base of the tank) is engineered to further ensure a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence and shear forces beyond the perimeter of the central water delivery pipe conical sleaves. This is further explained in detail below.
  • Figure 1 represents a schematic of a RAS according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 represents a schematic of a RAS according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 represents a schematic of a RAS according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 depicts a photograph of an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 depicts a photograph of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 6 depicts schematic drawings of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe extending within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 depicts schematic drawings of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe extending within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 8 depicts schematic drawings of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe extending within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 9 depicts a top view of a 10,000 L culture tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 depicts a side view of a 10,000 L culture tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 depicts an excel spreadsheet of water quality and conditions of various embodiments of systems according to the present invention.
  • Figure 12 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to the present invention.
  • Figure 13 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 15 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 16 (A) & (B) depicts an arrangement of a standpipe according to the present invention.
  • Figure 17 (A) & (B) depicts an arrangement of a standpipe according to the present invention.
  • Figure 18 (A) & (B) depicts a cut out view of a standpipe of the present invention.
  • Figure 19 (A) & (B) depicts a standpipe (‘substantially centrally located water inlet pipe (1)’) arrangement of the present invention.
  • Figure 20 (A) & (B) depicts a standpipe arrangement of the present invention.
  • Figure 21 depicts a tank design according to the present invention.
  • Figure 22 depicts a tank design according to the present invention.
  • Figure 23 depicts a tank design according to the present invention.
  • Figure 24 depicts a radial diffuser tank plug according to the present invention.
  • Figure 25 depicts the sleeve that locates the radial diffuser plug and attaches it to the standpipe arrangement.
  • Figure 26 depicts the water flow diffuser for the terminal end of the standpipe arrangement when a solid cone is in use.
  • Figure 27 depicts a cradle design arrangement for a tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 28 depicts a base plate design arrangement for a tank according to the present invention.
  • Figure 29 depicts an exploded view of a standpipe arrangement of the present invention when a solid cone is in use.
  • the RAS of the present invention is equipped with a drum filter to enable the removal of large organic particulate waste from the culture tank.
  • the drum filter is able to filter the contents of the culture tank at a rate of about 100 - 200 L per minute or 144,000L - 288,000 L per 24 hours.
  • the drum filter can be fitted with a range of suitably sized screens (20 - 60 pm) designed for use in seawater. Suitable filters for this purpose may be purchased from, for instance, Faivre (France).
  • the non-particulate wastewater may then be transferred, for instance, by gravity flow techniques to a treatment sump which may be a dirty sump and bubble bead filters or biofiltration sump.
  • Wastewater is either treated through the rest of the RAS becoming recycled water or overflows to waste.
  • the amount of overflow is regulated by the input of new water minus losses embodied in the disposal of particulates from the drum filter or foam fractionator.
  • the recycled water may be treated under UV light sterilization. This may involve a single or a dual stream UV light sterilisation system. Following from UV light sterilisation of the recycled water stream the system may optionally include a flow through one or two bubble bead filters.
  • the filter(s) may be used to capture any residual particulate matter greater than about 50 pm. Such filters are available from, for instance, AST Acquaculture Systems Technologies (USA).
  • bubble bead filter(s) is only desirable if a dirty sump (i.e., non-biofiltration sump) is utilised in the RAS.
  • a dirty sump i.e., non-biofiltration sump
  • bubble bead filters are also able to provide biological filtration, although if used in conjunction with a biofiltration sump, this may provide an added advantage of removing soluble waste products such as ammonia from the water stream.
  • the water stream according to the RAS of the present invention may pass from the UV steriliser(s) and/or bubble bead filter(s) to undergo foam fractionation.
  • Foam fractionators such as those available from Aquasonic (Australia) may be used for this purpose.
  • the fractionators provide for further reduction of dissolved organic compounds.
  • Ozone can be introduced at the foam fractionator using a venturi device fitted to the fractionator or injected in a separate injection point or separately using ozone reaction chambers. Ozone may increase the redox potential of the water stream to reduce microbial loads and increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water stream.
  • the water stream is then directed through ozone contact chambers or water conditioning tanks.
  • Ozonation may be performed to achieve disinfection of recycled water by providing sufficient ozone to achieve the required oxidation/reduction potential (ORP).
  • Ozone generators from a control unit regulates the output of the generator to achieve the desired sterilisation ORPs may be used for this purpose.
  • New pre-treated seawater may optionally be added at this point.
  • new pre-treated seawater may be added at the next stage which involves the passage of water through a degassing tank (degasser).
  • degassing step allows for the removal of excess gasses, which may include CO2 which may assist in maintaining higher pH levels in the water stream.
  • the water stream may pass through an activated carbon filter and then through a bag filter. Prior to the water stream entering the culture tank it may receive UV light ozone destruction to ensure that the ORP is in the required range.
  • the water stream, as it enters the culture tank may have the following parameters:
  • Temperature about 23-32°C such as a temperature of about 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or about 31 °C or a temperature in a range between any two of the above figures; pH about 7-10, such as a temperature of about 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, or about 9.9 or a pH in a range between any two of the above figures;
  • Oxygen % about 70-140 % such as about 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, or about 135%, or at a temperature in a range between any two of the above figures;
  • Salinity about 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 or a range between any two of the above figures;
  • ORV (mV) about 280-450 such as about 285, 290, 295, 300, 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340, 345, 350, 355, 360, 365, 370, 375, 380, 385, 390, 395, or about400 or a range between any two of the above figures;
  • Alkalinity about 1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, or about 4.1, or a range between any two of the above figures;
  • Magnesium (PPM) about 900, 930, 960, 1000, 1050, 1110, 1130, 1150, 1170, 1180, 1200, 1250, 1270, 1290, 1300, 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340 or aboutl350, or a range between any two of the above figures
  • the temperature conditions tabled above are most suited to tropical rock lobsters such as Panulirus ornatus.
  • optimum temperatures may be lower, for instance, from about 18 to about 23 °C.
  • Figure 1 depicts a RAS system according to one embodiment where once in the dirty sump the water is pumped and split through two UV light steriliser and corresponding bubble bead filters. The flow then re-joins and enters the foam fractionator where ozone can be injected through the venturi. The water overflows from the fractionator into the 1,800 L ozone sump where the water has a contact time at elevated ORP (oxidation/reduction potential) levels before again overflowing into the 10,000 L water conditioning tank. Ozonation is controlled using a ozone generator.
  • ORP oxidation/reduction potential
  • the water from the water conditioning tank is pumped out into the top of the degasser, and pumped through the activated carbon filter, bag filter (100 pm), secondary UV light ozone destructors (ozone reducing), into the larval tank (or culture tank). New water to the system enters through the degasser.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a RAS system according to another embodiment where water flows from the tank through the drum filter and into the 1,000 L dirty sump (biofiltration sump), which doubles as a bio filter and contains a biofilter media.
  • Water from the dirty sump is pumped through a UV light steriliser into the foam fractionator where it can be ozonated through the venturi.
  • the water overflows from the fractionator into one 900 L ozone sump and then baffled into another 900 L sump to increase contact time and maintain ORP above 710 mV for 10 minutes. Ozonation is controlled using an ozone generator.
  • Ozonated water then flows into the 10,000 L clean sump (water conditioning tank), pumped into the degasser and pumped through the carbon filter, secondary UV light ozone destructor, bag filter (100 pm) into the larval tank (or culture tank). New water to the system enters into the clean sump/water conditioning tank.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a RAS system according to another embodiment where water from the two larval tanks (culture tanks) flows through the drum filter and into the 2,000 L dirty sump (biofiltration sump), which doubles as a bio filter.
  • Water from the dirty sump is pumped through a UV light steriliser into the foam fractionator where it can be ozonated through the venturi.
  • the water overflows from the fractionator into one 1,800 L ozone sump and then baffled into another 1,800 L sump to increase contact time and maintain ORP.
  • Ozonation is performed by a generator (water cooled). Ozonated water overflows into the 15,000 L clean sump (water conditioning), and then into the 10,000 L (water conditioning) clean sump.
  • the timer controlling the Burkert valves also controls the lights, turning them off when there is no flow entering the tank, to stop the larvae pooling on the water surface of the tank and encourage to make them sink to the bottom of the tank along with the food.
  • the secondary UV’s are activated by the Foxboro ORP probe placed in each larval/culture tank or can be manually switched on.
  • the larval rearing (or culture) tanks referred to herein are based on Kriesel tanks which provide slow, circular water flow with a bare minimum of interior hardware to prevent the inhabitants from becoming injured by pumps or the tank itself.
  • the tank has no sharp angles around its sides and keeps the housed animals away from plumbing. Water moving into the tank gives a gentle flow that keeps the inhabitants suspended. Water leaves the tank through a screen which pre vents animals from being drawn into the pump intake or overflow line.
  • Examples of Kriesel tank configurations which are suitable for the systems of the present invention are depicted in Figures 9 and 10 and have a 10,000 L capacity.
  • Figure 4 depicts a 10,000 L tank with a central 50 mm standpipe (referred to herein as the “substantially centrally located water inlet pipe”) on the tank floor, as it passes out the inlet a fluted (or conical) fixture changes the vertical flow to horizontal whilst minimising shear stresses on the larvae.
  • Water circulates in a doughnut shape around the central standpipe due to the tanks shape and aided by the conical mesh sleaves at the top and bottom of the inlet (see Figure 5). The water also flows counter clockwise around the tank due to the angled wings on the vaned pipe support ( Figure 26).
  • FIG. 6 Variations on the substantially centrally located water inlet pipe are depicted in Figures 6 to 8.
  • the base of the central 50mm standpipe is fitted with a floor cone, as shown in Figure 11, which aids in the reduction of shear (enhancement in terms of hydrodynamic quality of the culture tank).
  • FIGs 12, 13, 14, and 15 depict the interchangeable perforated screens which are located around the perimeter of the upper surface of the culture tank to provide passive feed and waste removal capacity.
  • Screen sets are manufactured with a hole size range between about 2.0-6.0 mm.
  • the advantage of having variable hole size ranges means that the screens can selected based on the growth size of the lobster larvae. The idea being that during the development of the lobsters larger feed compositions (such as in the form of pellets) can be used and as such large screen sizes would be preferred to allow the passage of any nonconsumed feed without also clogging up the screening material, while still maintain suitable sized animals within the 10,000 L culture vessel.
  • the screens are preferably interchangeable to also allow ease in cleaning and to maintain the desired water exchange in the 10,000 L culture vessel.
  • Figure 16 (A) depicts an arrangement of a standpipe (referred to herein as the “substantially centrally located water inlet pipe”) which has the water inlet pipe (1) which in use would be extending above the water line of the tank (as shown in Figure 4) and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank, wherein the upper and lower surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with conical sleaves (3, 4) that is mesh (but the bottom sleave, 4 may be solid). When it is mesh the mesh size may be in the range of about 2.0 -10.0 mm.
  • Figure 16 (B) depicts the underside of the standpipe which is equipped with a radial diffuser tank plug (7) positioned at the terminal end of the water inlet pipe toward the tank base.
  • the radial diffuser tank plug fixes the standpipe to the tank floor and ensures that the water terminating from the centrally located pipe meets the general tank water with a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence and shear forces beyond the perimeter of conical sleave (4). Accordingly, it would be understood that the sleave (4) and plug (6) work in unison to achieve this smooth transition.
  • the radial diffuser tank plug (7) may be positioned such that it extends beyond the radius to the conical sleave (4) by a distance of between about 30 - 70 mm to allow water to flow from the standpipe in an unimpeded manner and to optimise the smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence at the interface of the conical sleeve.
  • a distance of between about 30 - 70 mm to allow water to flow from the standpipe in an unimpeded manner and to optimise the smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence at the interface of the conical sleeve.
  • the standpipe (1) may also include a water flow diffuser (11) (in addition to the radial diffuser plug) such as one depicted in Figure 26.
  • the outer cavity houses a single inlet water supply line.
  • Figure 18 (B) depicts a cut out view of the standpipe fitted with the lower conical solid sleave and equipped with the radial diffuser tank plug.
  • the depiction shows an embodiment such that the standpipe (1) is comprised of an inner pipe cavity (7) and outer pipe cavity (8).
  • the inner pipe cavity serves as the central delivery source of seawater into the tank.
  • the outer cavity houses at least 2 inlet water supply lines to provide flow to the external face of the mesh sleave to prevent the build-up of feed particles and maintain a clean surface.
  • the inner cavity hoses 2, 3 or 4 water supply lines to ensure all areas of the mesh sleave remain particle free.
  • the lower mesh cone (4) is fitted with internal circular water flow pipes (12) as shown in Figure 16 (B) which are designed to spray water (at pressure) into and across the mesh in order to ensure that the mesh doesn’t foul or clog.
  • Figure 19 (A) depicts an arrangement of the where the inner and outer supply lines are connected via a Y junction connector. It will be appreciated that both the water supplies from the inner and outer cavities of the standpipe terminate at the bottom of the tank.
  • Figure 21 depicts an embodiment of the tank design which is characterised with tapered upper sections on the walls near the surface which has been observed to provide the added advantage of maintaining the flow across the surface and back towards the centre of the tank at a velocity of about 0.5-2 cm s’ 1 .
  • Figures 22 and 23 shows another arrangement of the tank design with tapered upper sections which are equipped with openings to accommodate the interchangeable perforated screens depicted in Figures 12-15.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and apparatus for rearing of aquatic crustaceans and fish species.

Description

APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR AQUACULTURE
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and apparatus for the development of aquatic crustaceans and fish species.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The demand for lobsters, fish and related aquatic species has increased, which has driven the need for improved techniques in aquaculture to provide reliable stock sources. In addition to the need for such techniques, there is an increasing demand for sustainability from fisheries and those involved in aquaculture. This not only protects the breeding stock and maintains the environment in which they live, but may also enhance the economic returns of the fisheries and the industry overall.
[0003] The aquaculture of shellfish and other marine species is based on broadly similar principles, although the specific equipment used and procedures followed may vary from species to species and be dependent on other requirements.
[0004] For instance, the development of aquatic crustaceans involves various stages, including the transition through successive moulting cycles and subsequent morphological changes. The successful production of for instance, lobsters through the larval stages is dependent on the success of each moulting cycle. This in turn is strongly linked with the condition in which the broodstock lobsters are held.
[0005] The design and features of a hatchery to ensure successful culture of lobsters and other aquatic species includes the shape and design of the vessels in which they are kept and the quality and cleanliness of the water. Plankton kriesels are typically used to rear lobster larvae, with small scale kriesels often used. These systems are often extremely useful as experimental vessels. The drawbacks of previous kriesel designs for commercial applications include an inability to increase the scale of the system while maintaining favourable hydrodynamics. Factors such as the buoyancy of the larvae and their feed and interactions within the culture vessels are of significant importance. Additionally, the shear generated by the flow of the water needs to be minimal, in order to reduce physical damage and mortality of the larvae. [0006] The present invention seeks to address some of the shortcomings of prior art apparatus and systems in the field of aquaculture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is predicated (in part) on the discovery that the survival of larval lobsters can be enhanced by engineering vessels (and systems incorporating said vessels) with particular parameters including culture water hydrodynamics and water quality. The invention allows for an increase in juvenile viability and the progression of animals beyond the initial juvenile moult.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) comprising:
(i) a drum filter;
(ii) dirty, biofiltration sump or bubble bead filter;
(iii) at least one UV light sterilizer;
(iv) foam fractionator with ozone injection device or separate ozone injection device;
(v) at least one ozone contact sump or conditioning tank with a volume greater to or equal to the volume of the larval rearing tank;
(vi) optionally at least one degasser;
(vii) an activated carbon filter;
(viii) a bag filter;
(ix) optionally at least one secondary UV light ozone destructor;
(x) at least one larval rearing (or culture) tank of a volume of greater than or equal to about 10,000L.
[0009] In an embodiment the aforementioned RAS is characterised with features (i) to (x) being in fluid contact by a flow of seawater through the system from (i) to (x) in that order.
[0010] In an embodiment the aforementioned RAS is characterised with new seawater being introduced into the system at the degasser.
[0011] In an embodiment the aforementioned RAS is characterised with new seawater being introduced into the system from at least one ozone contact tank or water conditioning tank at a volume of greater than or equal to about 10,000 L. [0012] In a further aspect the invention provides a seawater pre-treatment method for aquatic larval rearing comprising the steps of:
(i) foam fraction;
(ii) ozonation;
(iii) activated carbon filtration;
(iv) UV light sterilisation; and
(v) UV light ozone destruction.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a larval rearing (or culture) tank of a volume greater than or equal to about 10,000 L, wherein the culture tank is a substantially circular tank which is characterised with a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe (1) extending above the water line of the tank and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank water and an inner pipe cavity (2), wherein an upper surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with a conical mesh sleave (3), which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly above the water line of the tank, and wherein a lower surface of the pipe outer surface is also fitted with a conical sleave (4) which may be mesh or solid which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly below the water line of the tank toward the tank base, wherein the inner pipe cavity maintains a constant sea water supply toward the base of the tank.
[0014] In an embodiment the water inlet pipe (1) is characterised with both an inner pipe cavity (2) and an outer pipe cavity (5) said outer pipe cavity housing at least one inlet water supply line (6) to allow additional seawater to enter the tank from above the surface of the tank.
[0015] In still a further aspect the invention provides a water circulation assembly for an aquaculture tank, said assembly comprising: water inlet pipe (1) extending above the water line of the tank and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank water and an inner pipe cavity (2) , wherein an upper surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with a conical mesh sleave (3), which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly above the water line of the tank, and wherein a lower surface of the pipe outer surface is also fitted with a conical mesh or solid sleave (4) which may be mesh or solid which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly below the water line of the tank toward the tank base. [0016] In an embodiment and with reference to the water circulation assembly the water inlet pipe (1) is characterised with both an inner pipe cavity (2) and an outer pipe cavity (5) said outer pipe cavity housing at least one inlet water supply line (6) to allow additional seawater to enter the tank from above the surface of the tank.
[0017] The movement of the body of water within the tank is characterised by flow exiting the central delivery inlet pipe in a horizontal movement across the tank bottom with a velocity of about 5-10 cm S’1. The curved configuration of the area of the tank where the floor meets the sides entrains water flow vertically up the tank sides where the typical flow velocity is about 2-5 cm s’1, a tapered section on the walls near the surface entrains the water flow across the surface and back towards the centre of the tank at a velocity of about 0.5-2 cm s’1. The conical sleaves on the central water delivery pipe facilitates water movement back towards the tank floor. Water movement within the culture vessel is in a doughnut shape fixed around the centrally located water inlet pipe. The characteristics provided by this culture vessel that are conducive to culturing negatively buoyant planktonic larvae are gentle flow, minimal shear forces and culture vessel turnover times about 0.5 - 1.0 turnovers achieved each hour allowing the maintenance of homogenous distribution of larvae and neutrally buoyant feed particles in the water column. In this regard it would be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is particularly advantageous to species of aquatic animals which do not actually swim and hunt their food source, such as planktonic larvae. That is, the present invention provides an environment such that water flow and turbulence in the tank is maintained in a manner that maximises the probability that the larvae will come into physical contact (ie “bump”) into their food source while at the same time the turbulence and sheer force of the water flow does not physically damage the larvae which are very delicate. In certain embodiments the tank is further characterised with a set of (for example 12) interchangeable perforated screens which are located around the perimeter of the upper surface of the culture tank to also enhance passive feeding and waste removal capacity. These screen sets are manufactured with a hole size range between about 2.0-6.0 mm. In further embodiments the configuration of the water outlet end of the centrally located inlet pipe (which terminates at the base of the tank) is engineered to further ensure a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence and shear forces beyond the perimeter of the central water delivery pipe conical sleaves. This is further explained in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES [0018] Figure 1 represents a schematic of a RAS according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 represents a schematic of a RAS according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3 represents a schematic of a RAS according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 4 depicts a photograph of an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
[0022] Figure 5 depicts a photograph of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
[0023] Figure 6 depicts schematic drawings of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe extending within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
[0024] Figure 7 depicts schematic drawings of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe extending within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
[0025] Figure 8 depicts schematic drawings of an embodiment of a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe extending within an embodiment of a larval rearing (or culture) tank according to the present invention.
[0026] Figure 9 depicts a top view of a 10,000 L culture tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 10 depicts a side view of a 10,000 L culture tank according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0028] Figure 11 depicts an excel spreadsheet of water quality and conditions of various embodiments of systems according to the present invention.
[0029] Figure 12 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to the present invention.
[0030] Figure 13 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 14depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 15 depicts an interchangeable perforated screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 16 (A) & (B) depicts an arrangement of a standpipe according to the present invention.
[0034] Figure 17 (A) & (B) depicts an arrangement of a standpipe according to the present invention.
[0035] Figure 18 (A) & (B) depicts a cut out view of a standpipe of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 19 (A) & (B) depicts a standpipe (‘substantially centrally located water inlet pipe (1)’) arrangement of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 20 (A) & (B) depicts a standpipe arrangement of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 21 depicts a tank design according to the present invention.
[0039] Figure 22 depicts a tank design according to the present invention.
[0040] Figure 23 depicts a tank design according to the present invention. [0041] Figure 24 depicts a radial diffuser tank plug according to the present invention.
[0042] Figure 25 depicts the sleeve that locates the radial diffuser plug and attaches it to the standpipe arrangement.
[0043] Figure 26 depicts the water flow diffuser for the terminal end of the standpipe arrangement when a solid cone is in use.
[0044] Figure 27 depicts a cradle design arrangement for a tank according to the present invention.
[0045] Figure 28 depicts a base plate design arrangement for a tank according to the present invention.
[0046] Figure 29 depicts an exploded view of a standpipe arrangement of the present invention when a solid cone is in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] The RAS of the present invention is equipped with a drum filter to enable the removal of large organic particulate waste from the culture tank. In an embodiment the drum filter is able to filter the contents of the culture tank at a rate of about 100 - 200 L per minute or 144,000L - 288,000 L per 24 hours. The drum filter can be fitted with a range of suitably sized screens (20 - 60 pm) designed for use in seawater. Suitable filters for this purpose may be purchased from, for instance, Faivre (France). The non-particulate wastewater may then be transferred, for instance, by gravity flow techniques to a treatment sump which may be a dirty sump and bubble bead filters or biofiltration sump. Wastewater is either treated through the rest of the RAS becoming recycled water or overflows to waste. The amount of overflow is regulated by the input of new water minus losses embodied in the disposal of particulates from the drum filter or foam fractionator. The recycled water may be treated under UV light sterilization. This may involve a single or a dual stream UV light sterilisation system. Following from UV light sterilisation of the recycled water stream the system may optionally include a flow through one or two bubble bead filters. The filter(s) may be used to capture any residual particulate matter greater than about 50 pm. Such filters are available from, for instance, AST Acquaculture Systems Technologies (USA). In a preferred embodiment the use of bubble bead filter(s) is only desirable if a dirty sump (i.e., non-biofiltration sump) is utilised in the RAS. The main reason being that bubble bead filters are also able to provide biological filtration, although if used in conjunction with a biofiltration sump, this may provide an added advantage of removing soluble waste products such as ammonia from the water stream.
[0048] The water stream according to the RAS of the present invention may pass from the UV steriliser(s) and/or bubble bead filter(s) to undergo foam fractionation. Foam fractionators such as those available from Aquasonic (Australia) may be used for this purpose. The fractionators provide for further reduction of dissolved organic compounds. Ozone can be introduced at the foam fractionator using a venturi device fitted to the fractionator or injected in a separate injection point or separately using ozone reaction chambers. Ozone may increase the redox potential of the water stream to reduce microbial loads and increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water stream. The water stream is then directed through ozone contact chambers or water conditioning tanks. Ozonation may be performed to achieve disinfection of recycled water by providing sufficient ozone to achieve the required oxidation/reduction potential (ORP). Ozone generators from a control unit regulates the output of the generator to achieve the desired sterilisation ORPs may be used for this purpose. New pre-treated seawater may optionally be added at this point. Alternatively, new pre-treated seawater may be added at the next stage which involves the passage of water through a degassing tank (degasser). The degassing step allows for the removal of excess gasses, which may include CO2 which may assist in maintaining higher pH levels in the water stream.. The water stream may pass through an activated carbon filter and then through a bag filter. Prior to the water stream entering the culture tank it may receive UV light ozone destruction to ensure that the ORP is in the required range.
[0049] In an embodiment the water stream, as it enters the culture tank, may have the following parameters:
Temperature about 23-32°C, such as a temperature of about 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or about 31 °C or a temperature in a range between any two of the above figures; pH about 7-10, such as a temperature of about 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, or about 9.9 or a pH in a range between any two of the above figures;
Oxygen % about 70-140%, such as about 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, or about 135%, or at a temperature in a range between any two of the above figures;
Salinity (ppt) about 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 or a range between any two of the above figures;
ORV (mV) about 280-450, such as about 285, 290, 295, 300, 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340, 345, 350, 355, 360, 365, 370, 375, 380, 385, 390, 395, or about400 or a range between any two of the above figures;
Alkalinity (meg/L) about 1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, or about 4.1, or a range between any two of the above figures;
Calcium (ppm) about 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490 or about 500, or a range between any two of the above figures; and
Magnesium (PPM) about 900, 930, 960, 1000, 1050, 1110, 1130, 1150, 1170, 1180, 1200, 1250, 1270, 1290, 1300, 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340 or aboutl350, or a range between any two of the above figures
[0050] The temperature conditions tabled above are most suited to tropical rock lobsters such as Panulirus ornatus. For other non-tropical species optimum temperatures may be lower, for instance, from about 18 to about 23 °C.
[0051] Figure 1 depicts a RAS system according to one embodiment where once in the dirty sump the water is pumped and split through two UV light steriliser and corresponding bubble bead filters. The flow then re-joins and enters the foam fractionator where ozone can be injected through the venturi. The water overflows from the fractionator into the 1,800 L ozone sump where the water has a contact time at elevated ORP (oxidation/reduction potential) levels before again overflowing into the 10,000 L water conditioning tank. Ozonation is controlled using a ozone generator. The water from the water conditioning tank is pumped out into the top of the degasser, and pumped through the activated carbon filter, bag filter (100 pm), secondary UV light ozone destructors (ozone reducing), into the larval tank (or culture tank). New water to the system enters through the degasser.
[0052] Figure 2 depicts a RAS system according to another embodiment where water flows from the tank through the drum filter and into the 1,000 L dirty sump (biofiltration sump), which doubles as a bio filter and contains a biofilter media. Water from the dirty sump is pumped through a UV light steriliser into the foam fractionator where it can be ozonated through the venturi. The water overflows from the fractionator into one 900 L ozone sump and then baffled into another 900 L sump to increase contact time and maintain ORP above 710 mV for 10 minutes. Ozonation is controlled using an ozone generator. Ozonated water then flows into the 10,000 L clean sump (water conditioning tank), pumped into the degasser and pumped through the carbon filter, secondary UV light ozone destructor, bag filter (100 pm) into the larval tank (or culture tank). New water to the system enters into the clean sump/water conditioning tank.
[0053] Figure 3 depicts a RAS system according to another embodiment where water from the two larval tanks (culture tanks) flows through the drum filter and into the 2,000 L dirty sump (biofiltration sump), which doubles as a bio filter.. Water from the dirty sump is pumped through a UV light steriliser into the foam fractionator where it can be ozonated through the venturi. The water overflows from the fractionator into one 1,800 L ozone sump and then baffled into another 1,800 L sump to increase contact time and maintain ORP. Ozonation is performed by a generator (water cooled). Ozonated water overflows into the 15,000 L clean sump (water conditioning), and then into the 10,000 L (water conditioning) clean sump. From the second clean sump water is pumped into the degasser, then pumped through the carbon filter, bag filter (100 pm), is split through two secondary UV light ozone destructors, into two larval tanks (culture tanks). New water to the system enters into the second clean sump (water conditioning).
[0054] To enhance larvae and feed interaction, all three of the aforementioned systems (i.e., in Figures 1, 2 and 3) have air pressure control three-way Burkert valves which divert water back into the dirty sump for Figure 1 and into the clean sump for Figure 2 and into the second clean sump for Figure 3. At the same time Burkert valves on the 10,000 L larval tank (culture tank) outlets are shut to maintain the water in the tank and keep as much water in the system as possible, essentially stopping water flow into the culture vessels for the period when the Burkert valves are activated. The timer controlling the Burkert valves also controls the lights, turning them off when there is no flow entering the tank, to stop the larvae pooling on the water surface of the tank and encourage to make them sink to the bottom of the tank along with the food.. There are secondary UV light ozone destructors located on all three systems just before the water enters the larval/culture tanks as a failsafe measure against the delivery of higher than desired ORP. The secondary UV’s are activated by the Foxboro ORP probe placed in each larval/culture tank or can be manually switched on.
[0055] In an embodiment the larval rearing (or culture) tanks referred to herein are based on Kriesel tanks which provide slow, circular water flow with a bare minimum of interior hardware to prevent the inhabitants from becoming injured by pumps or the tank itself. The tank has no sharp angles around its sides and keeps the housed animals away from plumbing. Water moving into the tank gives a gentle flow that keeps the inhabitants suspended. Water leaves the tank through a screen which pre vents animals from being drawn into the pump intake or overflow line. Examples of Kriesel tank configurations which are suitable for the systems of the present invention are depicted in Figures 9 and 10 and have a 10,000 L capacity. Traditional Kriesel tanks are based on much smaller volumes and are often equipped with two downwelling inlets on both sides of the tank which provides gravity to create two gyres in the tank. The presently disclosed tank is specifically designed of Kriesel tanks systems of about 10,000 L or more and where there is a requirement to change up to one culture vessel of water every 24 hrs.
[0056] Figure 4 depicts a 10,000 L tank with a central 50 mm standpipe (referred to herein as the “substantially centrally located water inlet pipe”) on the tank floor, as it passes out the inlet a fluted (or conical) fixture changes the vertical flow to horizontal whilst minimising shear stresses on the larvae. Water circulates in a doughnut shape around the central standpipe due to the tanks shape and aided by the conical mesh sleaves at the top and bottom of the inlet (see Figure 5). The water also flows counter clockwise around the tank due to the angled wings on the vaned pipe support (Figure 26). Excess water passes out of the tank through 12 circumferential screens on the upper surface of the tank into a surrounding gutter (also seen in Figures 9 and 10), and out through the screens corresponding sleeved standpipe to maintain water level and even water draw from all screens. The gutters have a ring of 13 mm or inbuilt lines that have twelve 4 mm 90 degree spay jets designed to prevent the food from settling in the gutter. The standpipe is fitted with bottom-slotted sleeve to allow the wastewater to be drawn from the floor of the gutter. The water and waste food is drawn up the inside of the sleeve and over the top of the standpipe into a circumfixal gutter and to a drum filter (50 pm Hydrotech) and into the “dirty sump”. Variations on the substantially centrally located water inlet pipe are depicted in Figures 6 to 8. In certain embodiments the base of the central 50mm standpipe is fitted with a floor cone, as shown in Figure 11, which aids in the reduction of shear (enhancement in terms of hydrodynamic quality of the culture tank).
[0057] Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15 depict the interchangeable perforated screens which are located around the perimeter of the upper surface of the culture tank to provide passive feed and waste removal capacity. Screen sets are manufactured with a hole size range between about 2.0-6.0 mm. The advantage of having variable hole size ranges means that the screens can selected based on the growth size of the lobster larvae. The idea being that during the development of the lobsters larger feed compositions (such as in the form of pellets) can be used and as such large screen sizes would be preferred to allow the passage of any nonconsumed feed without also clogging up the screening material, while still maintain suitable sized animals within the 10,000 L culture vessel. The screens are preferably interchangeable to also allow ease in cleaning and to maintain the desired water exchange in the 10,000 L culture vessel.
[0058] Figure 16 (A) depicts an arrangement of a standpipe (referred to herein as the “substantially centrally located water inlet pipe”) which has the water inlet pipe (1) which in use would be extending above the water line of the tank (as shown in Figure 4) and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank, wherein the upper and lower surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with conical sleaves (3, 4) that is mesh (but the bottom sleave, 4 may be solid). When it is mesh the mesh size may be in the range of about 2.0 -10.0 mm.
[0059] Figure 16 (B) depicts the underside of the standpipe which is equipped with a radial diffuser tank plug (7) positioned at the terminal end of the water inlet pipe toward the tank base. The radial diffuser tank plug fixes the standpipe to the tank floor and ensures that the water terminating from the centrally located pipe meets the general tank water with a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence and shear forces beyond the perimeter of conical sleave (4). Accordingly, it would be understood that the sleave (4) and plug (6) work in unison to achieve this smooth transition. In an embodiment (see Figure 18 (b)) the radial diffuser tank plug (7) may be positioned such that it extends beyond the radius to the conical sleave (4) by a distance of between about 30 - 70 mm to allow water to flow from the standpipe in an unimpeded manner and to optimise the smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence at the interface of the conical sleeve. By altering how much the standpipe is inserted into the vaned pipe support sleeve (10) which is depicted in Figure 25. A depiction of the radial diffuser tank plug separated from the standpipe is depicted in Figure 24. In this embodiment where the conical sleeve (4) is solid (for example using HDPE) the standpipe (1) may also include a water flow diffuser (11) (in addition to the radial diffuser plug) such as one depicted in Figure 26. In this embodiment the outer cavity houses a single inlet water supply line.
[0060] Figure 18 (B) depicts a cut out view of the standpipe fitted with the lower conical solid sleave and equipped with the radial diffuser tank plug. The depiction shows an embodiment such that the standpipe (1) is comprised of an inner pipe cavity (7) and outer pipe cavity (8). The inner pipe cavity serves as the central delivery source of seawater into the tank.
In certain embodiments where the conical sleave (4) is mesh the outer cavity houses at least 2 inlet water supply lines to provide flow to the external face of the mesh sleave to prevent the build-up of feed particles and maintain a clean surface. In certain embodiments the inner cavity hoses 2, 3 or 4 water supply lines to ensure all areas of the mesh sleave remain particle free. In certain embodiments the lower mesh cone (4) is fitted with internal circular water flow pipes (12) as shown in Figure 16 (B) which are designed to spray water (at pressure) into and across the mesh in order to ensure that the mesh doesn’t foul or clog.
[0061] Figure 19 (A) depicts an arrangement of the where the inner and outer supply lines are connected via a Y junction connector. It will be appreciated that both the water supplies from the inner and outer cavities of the standpipe terminate at the bottom of the tank.
[0062] Figure 21 depicts an embodiment of the tank design which is characterised with tapered upper sections on the walls near the surface which has been observed to provide the added advantage of maintaining the flow across the surface and back towards the centre of the tank at a velocity of about 0.5-2 cm s’1. Figures 22 and 23 shows another arrangement of the tank design with tapered upper sections which are equipped with openings to accommodate the interchangeable perforated screens depicted in Figures 12-15.
[0063] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, particular preferred embodiments will now be described by way of the following non-limiting examples. [0064] The disclosure of every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0065] The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as “Prior Art” to the instant application.
[0066] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Those of skill in the art will therefore appreciate that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A larval rearing (or culture) tank of a volume greater than or equal to about 10,000 L, wherein the culture tank is a substantially circular tank which is characterised with a substantially centrally located water inlet pipe (1) extending above the water line of the tank and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank water and an inner pipe cavity (2) , wherein an upper surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with a conical mesh sleave (3), which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly above the water line of the tank, and wherein a lower surface of the pipe outer surface is also fitted with a conical sleave (4) which may be mesh or solid which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly below the water line of the tank toward the tank base, wherein the inner pipe cavity maintains a constant sea water supply toward the base of the tank.
2. A tank according to claim 1 wherein water inlet pipe (1) is characterised with both an inner pipe cavity (2) and an outer pipe cavity (5) said outer pipe cavity housing at least one inlet water supply line (6) to allow additional seawater to enter the tank from above the surface of the tank.
3. A tank according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein both conical sleaves (3,4) are mesh.
4. A tank according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein conical sleave (4) is solid.
5. A tank according to anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein the centrally located water inlet pipe (1) standpipe is further equipped with a radial diffuser tank plug (7) positioned at the terminal end of the water inlet pipe toward the tank base.
6. A tank according to anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the radial diffuser tank plug (7) fixes the standpipe to the tank floor and ensures that the water terminating from the centrally located pipe (1) meets the general tank water with a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while minimising turbulence and shear forces beyond the perimeter of conical sleave (4).
7. A water circulation assembly for an aquaculture tank, said assembly comprising: water inlet pipe (1) extending above the water line of the tank and terminating substantially near the bottom of the tank and having an outer surface exposed to the tank water and an inner pipe cavity (2) , wherein an upper surface of the pipe outer surface is fitted with a conical mesh sleave (3), which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly above the water line of the tank, and wherein a lower surface of the pipe outer surface is also fitted with a conical mesh or solid sleave (4) which may be mesh or solid which is fixed to the pipe below the surface and extends outwardly below the water line of the tank toward the tank base.
8. A water circulation assembly according to claim 7 the water inlet pipe (1) is characterised with both an inner pipe cavity (2) and an outer pipe cavity (5) said outer pipe cavity housing at least one inlet water supply line (6) to allow additional seawater to enter the tank from above the surface of the tank.
9. A water circulation assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein both conical sleaves (3,4) are mesh.
10. A water circulation assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein conical sleave (4) is solid.
11. A water circulation assembly according to anyone of claims 7 to 10 wherein the centrally located water inlet pipe (1) standpipe is further equipped with a radial diffuser tank plug (7) positioned at the terminal end of the water inlet pipe toward the tank base.
12. A water circulation assembly according to anyone of claims 7 to 11 wherein the radial diffuser tank plug (7) fixes the standpipe to the tank floor and ensures that the water terminating from the centrally located pipe (1) meets the general tank water with a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal water flow while
13. A recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) comprising:
(i) a drum filter;
(ii) dirty, biofiltration sump or bubble bead filter;
(iii) at least one UV light sterilizer;
(iv) foam fractionator with ozone injection device or separate ozone injection device; (v) at least one ozone contact sump or conditioning tank with a volume greater to or equal to the volume of the larval rearing tank;
(vi) optionally at least one degasser;
(vii) an activated carbon filter;
(viii) a bag filter;
(ix) optionally at least one secondary UV light ozone destructor;
(x) at least one larval rearing (or culture) tank of a volume of greater than or equal to about 10,000 L according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
14. A RAS according to claim 13, characterised with features (i) to (x) being in fluid contact by a flow of seawater through the system from (i) to (x) in that order.
15. A RAS according to claim 13 or 14 , wherein new seawater is introduced into the system at the degasser.
16. A RAS according to claim 13 or 14, wherein new seawater is introduced into the system from at least one ozone contact tank or water conditioning tank of a volume of greater than or equal to about 10,000L.
PCT/AU2022/050859 2022-08-08 2022-08-08 Apparatus and systems for aquaculture WO2024031125A1 (en)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040074834A1 (en) * 2002-07-12 2004-04-22 Beckman Gregory Alan Modular aquaculture filtration system
ES2387245A1 (en) * 2011-02-28 2012-09-18 Institut De Recerca I Tecnologia Agroalimentaries Autonomous system of ensay and research in aquaculture. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2013132481A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 Aqua Green Ltd Aquaculture system
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CN215302368U (en) * 2021-04-01 2021-12-28 阳西县梁氏水产养殖有限公司 Fry hatching breeding device
KR20220066480A (en) * 2020-11-16 2022-05-24 대한민국(관리부서:국립수산과학원) Fish incubator.

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040074834A1 (en) * 2002-07-12 2004-04-22 Beckman Gregory Alan Modular aquaculture filtration system
ES2387245A1 (en) * 2011-02-28 2012-09-18 Institut De Recerca I Tecnologia Agroalimentaries Autonomous system of ensay and research in aquaculture. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2013132481A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 Aqua Green Ltd Aquaculture system
KR20220066480A (en) * 2020-11-16 2022-05-24 대한민국(관리부서:국립수산과학원) Fish incubator.
CN215302368U (en) * 2021-04-01 2021-12-28 阳西县梁氏水产养殖有限公司 Fry hatching breeding device
CN214677157U (en) * 2021-04-14 2021-11-12 宁夏回族自治区水产研究所(有限公司) Multifunctional special hatching device for squaliobarbus curriculus

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