U.S. patent application number 09/683798 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for aquaculture method and system for producing aquatic species.
Invention is credited to Easterling, Gerald, Untermeyer, Thomas C., Williams, Bill G..
Application Number | 20030154926 09/683798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27734948 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030154926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Untermeyer, Thomas C. ; et
al. |
August 21, 2003 |
AQUACULTURE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING AQUATIC SPECIES
Abstract
The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic
specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system.
It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under
controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, flowing the algae to
an artemia subsystem containing adult artemia for feeding the adult
artemia which produce smaller artemia, and flowing the algae and
artemia to an aquatic specie subsystem containing an immature adult
specie. As the immature aquatic specie consumes the algae and
artemia, they mature into adult aquatic specie for harvesting. The
invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem
for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique
filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie
subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns
the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia
subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.
Inventors: |
Untermeyer, Thomas C.;
(Lakehills, TX) ; Williams, Bill G.; (Waco,
TX) ; Easterling, Gerald; (Carrollton, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAYLOR RUSSELL & RUSSELL, P.C.
4807 SPICEWOOD SPRINGS ROAD
BUILDING ONE, SUITE 1200
AUSTIN
TX
78759
US
|
Family ID: |
27734948 |
Appl. No.: |
09/683798 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 61/90 20170101;
A01K 61/59 20170101; A01K 61/85 20170101; A01K 61/00 20130101; Y02A
40/81 20180101; A01K 61/80 20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/215 |
International
Class: |
A01K 061/00 |
Claims
1. A method for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquaculture
system comprising: growing algae within an algae subsystem
containing saltwater illuminated by a light source; flowing the
algae from the algae subsystem into an artemia subsystem and an
aquatic specie subsystem, both containing saltwater; consuming the
algae and producing artemia by adult artemia within the artemia
subsystem; passing the artemia from the artemia subsystem to the
aquatic specie subsystem; consuming algae and the artemia by an
immature aquatic specie for producing an adult aquatic specie
within the aquatic specie subsystem; and harvesting the adult
aquatic specie.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering a waste
outflow from the aquatic specie subsystem by a filtration subsystem
for providing a saltwater return to the algae subsystem, the
artemia subsystem, and the aquatic specie subsystem.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the
aquaculture system with a data acquisition and control
subsystem.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising replenishing saltwater
lost in the aquaculture system due to evaporation and leakage.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of growing algae within
an algae subsystem comprises: seeding a selected strain of algae
into the algae subsystem containing saltwater; illuminating the
algae subsystem with light for proper algae growth; maintaining a
temperature of the algae and saltwater by a heater means; measuring
pH, algae density, temperature, light output, dissolved oxygen and
nitrates; and controlling CO2 inflow, saltwater replenishment
inflow, saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem, and
algae outflow to the artemia subsystem.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the selected strain of algae is
selected from the group consisting of isochrysis galbana,
skeletonema, thalassiosira, phaeodactylum, chaetoceros,
cylindrotheca, tetraselmis and spirulina.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the temperature value is
maintained within the range of from 27.degree. C. to 32.degree.
C.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein controlling a CO2 inflow value
maintains the pH value within a range of from 7.5 to 8.5.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the saltwater return inflow value
is selected to maintain an algae density value within a range of
from 1 to 10 million cells per milliliter.
10. The method of claim 5, wherein the saltwater replenishment
inflow salinity value is maintained within a range of from 30 to 35
parts per thousand.
11. The method claim 1, wherein the step of consuming algae and
producing artemia by adult artemia within the artemia subsystem
comprises: adding artemia to the artemia subsystem containing
saltwater for consuming algae and producing artemia; maintaining a
temperature of the artemia, algae and saltwater by a heater means;
measuring waste, algae density, artemia density, temperature, pH,
ammonia, and dissolved oxygen; and controlling oxygen inflow,
saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem, saltwater
replenishment inflow, and artemia outflow to the aquatic specie
subsystem.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature value is
maintained within the range of from 27.degree. C. to 32.degree.
C.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein controlling an oxygen inflow
value maintains the dissolved oxygen value within a range of from
4.5 parts per million to 9.0 parts per million.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein controlling a saltwater return
inflow value maintains an artemia outflow value to the aquatic
specie subsystem to adequately remove waste from the artemia
subsystem and provide sufficient artemia to the aquatic specie
subsystem for food.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the saltwater replenishment
inflow salinity value is maintained within a range of from 30 to 35
parts per thousand.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the preferred artemia specie
originate from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of passing the artemia
from the artemia subsystem to an aquatic specie subsystem comprises
filtering the artemia outflow from the artemia subsystem through a
400 micron screen to prevent adult artemia from leaving the artemia
subsystem and allowing artemia waste and smaller artemia to pass to
the aquatic specie subsystem.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of consuming algae and
the artemia by an immature aquatic specie comprises: placing the
immature aquatic specie in the aquatic specie subsystem for
consuming algae and artemia for producing adult aquatic specie;
maintaining a temperature of the aquatic specie, algae, artemia and
saltwater by a heater means; measuring volume, waste, algae
density, artemia density, aquatic specie size, aquatic specie
density, temperature, pH, ammonia, and dissolved oxygen; and
controlling oxygen inflow, saltwater return inflow from a
filtration subsystem, saltwater replenishment inflow, artemia
inflow from the artemia subsystem, and waste outflow to the
filtration subsystem.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of controlling the
waste outflow to the filtration subsystem comprises filtering the
waste outflow from the aquatic specie subsystem through a graded
screen to prevent aquatic specie from leaving the aquatic specie
subsystem and allowing waste products to pass to the filtration
subsystem.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the graded filter screen
comprises a 400 micron bottom section, an 800 micron lower middle
section, a 2000 micron upper middle section, and a 5000 micron top
section for enabling disposal of increased waste products from
increasing size aquatic specie as the effective volume of the
aquatic subsystem is increased by adding increasing a saltwater
level to accommodate the larger specie size.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the temperature value is
maintained within the range of from 27.degree. C. to 32.degree.
C.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein controlling an oxygen inflow
value maintains the dissolved oxygen value within a range of from
4.5 parts per million to 9.0 parts per million.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein controlling a saltwater return
inflow value maintains a waste outflow value to the filtration
subsystem by controlling volume to adequately remove waste from the
aquatic specie subsystem.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein the saltwater replenishment
inflow salinity value is maintained within a range of from 30 to 35
parts per thousand.
25. The method of claim 18, wherein the preferred aquatic specie is
selected from the group consisting of litopenaeus vannamei, of
litopenaeus vannamei, monodon, indicus, stylirostis, chinensis,
japonicus, and merguiensis.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein the optimum waste outflow rate
from the aquatic specie subsystem is selected to remove waste
products from an aquatic specie density of from 0.25 to 0.5 pounds
per gallon of saltwater.
27. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of filtering a waste
outflow from the aquatic specie subsystem comprises a filtration
subsystem for pumping the waste flow and filtering the waste flow
through a mechanical filter and a biofilter for providing a
saltwater return.
28. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of controlling the
aquaculture system comprises: connecting measurements from the
algae subsystem, artemia subsystem and aquatic specie subsystem to
an input multiplexer; connecting an output from the input
multiplexer to an input of a microprocessor; connecting an output
of the microprocessor to a controller output; connecting an output
from the output controller to controls for the algae subsystem, the
artemia subsystem, the aquatic specie subsystem, and the filtration
subsystem; and connecting the microprocessor to a video monitor and
keyboard for providing a user interface.
29. The method of claim 1, wherein the aquaculture system comprises
a closed recirculating system.
30. The method of claim 1, wherein the harvested adult aquatic
specie is shrimp.
31. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning habitat
structures within the aquatic specie subsystem for increasing the
number of aquatic specie in the subsystem.
32. A method for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquaculture
system, comprising: growing algae in saltwater; feeding the algae
to artemia in saltwater; producing artemia by the artemia in
saltwater; feeding the algae and the artemia to an immature aquatic
specie in saltwater to produce adult aquatic specie; and harvesting
the adult aquatic specie from the saltwater when mature.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of growing algae
comprises: illuminating the algae in the saltwater by a light
source; controlling a temperature of the algae in the saltwater by
a heat source; regulating a CO2 inflow to control pH of the
saltwater; replenishing saltwater lost due to evaporation and
leakage; regulating a saltwater return inflow for controlling algae
outflow; and measuring pH, algae density, temperature, light
output, dissolved oxygen and micronutrients.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of feeding the algae
to artemia in saltwater comprises: providing an inflow of algae and
saltwater into the artemia in saltwater; controlling a temperature
of the algae and artemia in saltwater by a heat source; regulating
an oxygen inflow to control dissolved oxygen; regulating a
saltwater return inflow for controlling artemia, algae, waste and
saltwater outflow; and measuring pH, algae density, temperature,
ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and artemia density.
35. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of producing artemia
by the artemia in saltwater comprises: consuming algae by the
artemia to generate artemia; filtering the algae, artemia, waste
and saltwater through a screen that allows the algae, smaller
artemia, waste and saltwater to pass as an outflow while
restraining the larger artemia.
36. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of feeding the algae
and the artemia to an immature aquatic specie in saltwater to
produce adult aquatic specie comprises: providing an inflow of
algae, artemia, waste and saltwater to the immature aquatic specie
in saltwater; controlling a temperature of the algae, artemia,
waste and saltwater by a heat source; regulating an oxygen inflow
to control dissolved oxygen; regulating a saltwater return inflow
for controlling artemia, algae, waste and saltwater outflow;
measuring aquatic specie density, aquatic specie size, pH, algae
density, temperature, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, volume and
artemia density; consuming artemia by the immature aquatic specie
to produce adult aquatic specie; and filtering the algae, aquatic
specie, artemia, waste and saltwater through a graded screen that
allows the algae, smaller artemia, waste and saltwater to pass as
an outflow to a filtration means while restraining the aquatic
specie.
37. The method of claim 32, further comprising positioning habitat
structures for increasing the number of aquatic specie in the
subsystem.
38. An aquaculture system for producing adult aquatic specie,
comprising: an algae subsystem containing saltwater illuminated by
a light source for growing algae; means for flowing the algae from
the algae subsystem into an artemia subsystem and an aquatic specie
subsystem, both containing saltwater; the artemia subsystem
containing adult artemia for consuming the algae and producing
artemia; means for passing the artemia from the artemia subsystem
to the aquatic specie subsystem; the aquatic specie subsystem
containing an immature aquatic specie for consuming the algae and
the artemia for producing an adult aquatic specie; and means for
harvesting the adult aquatic specie.
39. The system of claim 38, further comprising a filtration
subsystem for filtering a waste outflow from the aquatic specie
subsystem and for providing a saltwater return to the algae
subsystem, the artemia subsystem, and the aquatic specie
subsystem.
40. The system of claim 38, further comprising a data acquisition
and control subsystem for controlling the aquaculture system.
41. The system of claim 38, further comprising means for
replenishing saltwater lost in the aquaculture system due to
evaporation and leakage.
42. The system of claim 38, wherein the algae subsystem containing
saltwater illuminated by a light source for growing algae further
comprises: a heater for controlling a temperature of the algae
subsystem; a CO2 inflow for controlling pH of the algae subsystem;
a saltwater replenishment inflow for replacing saltwater lost to
evaporation and leakage; a saltwater return inflow from a
filtration subsystem; an algae outflow to the artemia subsystem;
and measurement means for measuring pH, algae density, temperature,
light output, dissolved oxygen, and micronutrients of the algae
subsystem.
43. The system of claim 38, wherein the artemia subsystem
containing adult artemia for consuming the algae and producing
artemia further comprises: a heater for controlling temperature of
the artemia subsystem; an oxygen inflow for controlling dissolved
oxygen of the artemia subsystem; a saltwater replenishment inflow
for replacing saltwater lost to evaporation and leakage; a
saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem; a filter
screen for separating the smaller artemia and waste from the adult
artemia; an artemia outflow to the aquatic specie subsystem; and
measurement means for measuring pH, algae density, temperature,
ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and artemia density of the algae
subsystem.
44. The system of claim 38, wherein the aquatic specie subsystem
containing an immature aquatic specie for consuming the algae and
the artemia for producing an adult aquatic specie further
comprises: a heater for controlling temperature of the aquatic
specie subsystem; an oxygen inflow for controlling dissolved oxygen
of the aquatic specie subsystem; a saltwater replenishment inflow
for replacing saltwater lost to evaporation and leakage; a
saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem; a graded
filter screen for separating the aquatic specie from the waste
algae and smaller artemia; a waste outflow to the filtration
subsystem; and measurement means for measuring aquatic specie
density, aquatic specie size, pH, algae density, temperature,
ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and volume of the algae
subsystem.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the graded filter screen is
selected from the group consisting of a planar filter screen and a
cylindrical filter screen.
46. The system of claim 39, wherein the filtration subsystem
comprises: a waste inflow from the aquatic specie subsystem
connected to an inlet of a pump; an outlet of the pump connected to
an input of a mechanical filter; an output of the mechanical filter
connected to an input of a biofilter; and an output of the
biofilter connected to saltwater return inflows of the algae
subsystem, the artemia subsystem, and the aquatic specie
subsystem.
47. The system of claim 40, wherein the data acquisition and
control subsystem for controlling the aquaculture system comprises:
an input multiplexer for accepting measurement inputs from the
algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie
subsystem; a microprocessor connected to an output of the input
multiplexer, a monitor and keyboard user interface, and an input to
an output controller; and control outputs of the output controller
connected to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem, the
aquatic specie subsystem, and the filtration subsystem.
48. The system of claim 47, wherein the measurement inputs
comprise: pH, algae density, temperature, light output, dissolved
oxygen and micronutrients from the algae subsystem; pH, algae
density, temperature, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and artemia
density from the artemia subsystem; and aquatic specie density,
aquatic specie size, pH, algae density, temperature, ammonia,
dissolved oxygen, waste, volume, and artemia density from the
aquatic specie subsystem.
49. The system of claim 47, wherein the control outputs comprise:
heater control, CO2 inflow, saltwater replenishment inflow, algae
outflow, saltwater return inflow, and algae tank flow valves to the
algae subsystem; heater control, oxygen inflow, artemia outflow,
saltwater return inflow, algae inflow, and saltwater replenishment
inflow to the artemia subsystem; heater control, oxygen inflow,
waste outflow, saltwater return inflow, artemia inflow, and
saltwater return inflow to the aquatic specie subsystem; and pump
speed control to the filtration subsystem.
50. The system of claim 38, further comprising habitat structures
positioned within the aquatic specie subsystem for harvesting
increased adult aquatic specie.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of aquaculture
and, more particularly, to a system and method for producing
aquatic species for consumer consumption. Although the invention
relates to a method and system for producing many aquatic specie,
the preferred embodiments disclose a method and system for
producing shrimp.
[0002] While seafood has always been a staple in the diets of many
people in the United States and elsewhere, it wasn't until the
1980s that a significant increase in seafood consumption occurred.
The consumption was largely the result of an increased awareness of
the medical evidence that supported the health benefits and
longevity accrued from a seafood diet. As a result, seafood
distributors provided a greater abundance and selection of seafood
products that further increased consumption. This increased
domestic demand coupled with increased international demand by an
expanding population led to more efficient methods for harvesting
naturally occurring fish stocks from the oceans of the world. The
increasingly efficient methods resulted in rapid depletion of these
native fish stocks, requiring government intervention to impose
restrictions on the size of the total harvest to preserve
populations of certain native species. The smaller harvests
resulted in increasing the price of seafood products, which helped
stimulate the search for methods of growing fish stocks in a
controlled artificial environment. The production of catfish in
catfish farms is a dominant example of the growing, large-scale
aquaculture industry. Other species produced by the aquaculture
industry include crayfish, oysters, shrimp, Tilapia and Striped
Bass.
[0003] The United States consumes about one billion of the
approximately seven billion pounds of shrimp that are consumed
annually by the world population. While seventy-five percent of
this annual harvest is provided by ocean trawling, aquaculture in
the form of shrimp farms provide the other twenty five percent.
However, ocean trawling suffers from a limited season, a declining
catch rate and environmental concerns. Shrimp farms may be
categorized as open systems and closed systems.
[0004] Open system shrimp farms are generally open to the
environment, such as open-air ponds constructed near oceans to
contain and grow shrimp. These open shrimp farms suffer from
vagaries of predators, the weather, diseases and environmental
pollution. Saltwater from the ocean must be continually circulated
through the ponds and back to the ocean to maintain adequate water
chemistry for the shrimp to grow. The shrimp farmers must supply
daily additions of dry food pellets to the shrimp as they grow.
[0005] Closed shrimp farms are generally self-contained aquaculture
systems. While closed shrimp farms have greater control over the
artificial environment contained therein, they have not been
entirely satisfactory because of limited production rates, water
filtration and treatment problems, and manufactured feed. Although
some of these shortcomings can be overcome by increased capital
expenditures, such as for water treatment facilities, the increased
capital, labor and energy costs may be prohibitive.
[0006] It is desirable, therefore, to have a method and system for
producing aquatic species, and particularly shrimp, that are not
limited by a season, declining catch rate, environmental concerns,
predators, weather, diseases, low production rates, water treatment
problems, or manufactured feed. The system and method should not be
limited to a specific location for access to a shipping facility or
proximity to the ocean.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a closed aquaculture system
and method for producing aquatic specie and other aquatic species
that is not limited by the seasons of the year, is not limited by a
declining catch rate, does not exhibit environmental concerns and
is not affected by predators, weather, or diseases. The present
invention provides high production rates, does not exhibit water
treatment or manufactured feed problems, and is not limited to a
specific location for access to a shipping facility or proximity to
the ocean. Use of automation results in reduced labor costs and
greater system density.
[0008] Unlike existing systems and methods, the present invention
replicates a natural biological cycle by combining live algae, live
artemia and live aquatic specie in a controlled environment. This
combination of algae, artemia and aquatic specie stabilizes key
system parameters. In addition, the system can achieve higher
algae, artemia and aquatic specie density than existing systems by
using automation to continually monitor and modify the saltwater
environment.
[0009] A method having features of the present invention comprises
a method for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquaculture
system that comprises growing algae within an algae subsystem
containing saltwater illuminated by a light source, flowing the
algae from the algae subsystem into an artemia subsystem and an
aquatic specie subsystem, both containing saltwater, consuming the
algae and producing artemia by adult artemia within the artemia
subsystem, passing the artemia from the artemia subsystem to the
aquatic specie subsystem, consuming algae and the artemia by an
immature aquatic specie for producing an adult aquatic specie
within the aquatic specie subsystem, and harvesting the adult
aquatic specie. The method may further comprise filtering a waste
outflow from the aquatic specie subsystem by a filtration subsystem
for providing a saltwater return to the algae subsystem, the
artemia subsystem, and the aquatic specie subsystem. The method may
further comprise controlling the aquaculture system with a data
acquisition and control subsystem. The method may further comprise
replenishing saltwater lost in the aquaculture system due to
evaporation and leakage.
[0010] The step of growing algae within an algae subsystem may
comprise seeding a selected strain of algae into the algae
subsystem containing saltwater, illuminating the algae subsystem
with light for proper algae growth, maintaining a temperature of
the algae and saltwater by a heater means, measuring pH, algae
density, temperature, light output, dissolved oxygen and nitrates,
and controlling CO2 inflow, saltwater replenishment inflow,
saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem, and algae
outflow to the artemia subsystem. The selected strain of algae may
be selected from the group consisting of isochrysis galbana,
skeletonema, thalassiosira, phaeodactylum, chaetoceros,
cylindrotheca, tetraselmis and spirulina. The temperature value may
be maintained within the range of from 27.degree. C. to 32.degree.
C. Controlling a CO2 inflow value may maintain the pH value within
a range of from 7.5 to 8.5. The saltwater return inflow value may
be selected to maintain an algae density value within a range of
from 1 to 10 million cells per milliliter. The saltwater
replenishment inflow salinity value may be maintained within a
range of from 30 to 35 parts per thousand.
[0011] The step of consuming algae and producing artemia by adult
artemia within the artemia subsystem may comprise adding artemia to
the artemia subsystem containing saltwater for consuming algae and
producing artemia, maintaining a temperature of the artemia, algae
and saltwater by a heater means, measuring waste, algae density,
artemia density, temperature, pH, ammonia, and dissolved oxygen,
and controlling oxygen inflow, saltwater return inflow from a
filtration subsystem, saltwater replenishment inflow, and artemia
outflow to the aquatic specie subsystem. The temperature value may
be maintained within the range of from 27.degree. C. to 32.degree.
C. The controlling an oxygen inflow value may maintain the
dissolved oxygen value within a range of from 4.5 parts per million
to 9.0 parts per million. The controlling a saltwater return inflow
value may maintain an artemia outflow value to the aquatic specie
subsystem to adequately remove waste from the artemia subsystem and
provide sufficient artemia to the aquatic specie subsystem for
food. The saltwater replenishment inflow salinity value may be
maintained within a range of from 30 to 35 parts per thousand. The
preferred artemia specie originate from the Great Salt Lake in
Utah, USA. The step of passing the artemia from the artemia
subsystem to an aquatic specie subsystem may comprise filtering the
artemia outflow from the artemia subsystem through a 400 micron
screen to prevent adult artemia from leaving the artemia subsystem
and allowing artemia waste and smaller artemia to pass to the
aquatic specie subsystem.
[0012] The step of consuming algae and the artemia by an immature
aquatic specie may comprise placing the immature aquatic specie in
the aquatic specie subsystem for consuming algae and artemia for
producing adult aquatic specie, maintaining a temperature of the
aquatic specie, algae, artemia and saltwater by a heater means,
measuring volume, waste, algae density, artemia density, aquatic
specie size, aquatic specie density, temperature, pH, ammonia, and
dissolved oxygen, and controlling oxygen inflow, saltwater return
inflow from a filtration subsystem, saltwater replenishment inflow,
nauplii inflow from the artemia subsystem, and waste outflow to the
filtration subsystem. The step of controlling the waste outflow to
the filtration subsystem may comprise filtering the waste outflow
from the aquatic specie subsystem through a graded screen to
prevent aquatic specie and artemia from leaving the aquatic specie
subsystem and allowing waste products to pass to the filtration
subsystem. The graded filter screen may comprise a 400 micron
bottom section, an 800 micron lower middle section, a 2000 micron
upper middle section, and a 5000 micron top section for enabling
disposal of increased waste products from increasing size aquatic
specie as the effective volume of the aquatic subsystem is
increased by increasing a saltwater level to accommodate the larger
specie size. The temperature value may maintained within the range
of from 27.degree. C. to 32.degree. C. The controlling an oxygen
inflow value may maintain the dissolved oxygen value within a range
of from 4.5 parts per million to 9.0 parts per million. The
controlling a saltwater return inflow value may maintain a waste
outflow value to the filtration subsystem by controlling volume to
adequately remove waste from the aquatic specie subsystem. The
saltwater replenishment inflow salinity value may be maintained
within a range of from 30 to 35 parts per thousand. The preferred
aquatic specie may be selected from the group consisting of
litopenaeus vannamei, monodon, indicus, stylirostis, chinensis,
japonicus, and merguiensis. The optimum waste outflow rate from the
aquatic specie subsystem may be selected to remove waste products
from an aquatic specie density of from 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per
gallon of saltwater.
[0013] The step of filtering a waste outflow from the aquatic
specie subsystem may comprise a filtration subsystem for pumping
the waste flow and filtering the waste flow through a mechanical
filter, and a biofilter for providing a saltwater return. The step
of controlling the aquaculture system may comprise connecting
measurements from the algae subsystem, artemia subsystem and
aquatic specie subsystem to an input multiplexer, connecting an
output from the input multiplexer to an input of a microprocessor,
connecting an output of the microprocessor to a controller output,
connecting an output from the output controller to controls for the
algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem, the aquatic specie
subsystem, and the filtration subsystem, and connecting the
microprocessor to a video monitor and keyboard for providing a user
interface. The aquaculture system may comprise a closed
recirculating system. The harvested adult aquatic specie may be
shrimp.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
producing adult aquatic specie in an aquaculture system comprises
growing algae in saltwater, feeding the algae to artemia in
saltwater, producing artemia by the artemia in saltwater, feeding
the algae and the artemia to an immature aquatic specie in
saltwater to produce adult aquatic specie, and harvesting the adult
aquatic specie from the saltwater when mature. The step of growing
algae may comprise illuminating the algae in the saltwater by a
light source, controlling a temperature of the algae in the
saltwater by a heat source, regulating a CO2 inflow to control pH
of the saltwater, replenishing saltwater lost due to evaporation
and leakage, regulating a saltwater return inflow for controlling
algae outflow, and measuring pH, algae density, temperature, light
output, dissolved oxygen and micronutrients. The step of feeding
the algae to artemia in saltwater may comprise providing an inflow
of algae and saltwater into the artemia in saltwater, controlling a
temperature of the algae and artemia in saltwater by a heat source,
regulating an oxygen inflow to control dissolved oxygen, regulating
a saltwater return inflow for controlling artemia, algae, waste and
saltwater outflow, and measuring pH, algae density, temperature,
ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and artemia density. The step of
producing artemia by the artemia in saltwater may comprise
consuming algae by the artemia to generate artemia filtering the
algae, artemia, waste and saltwater through a screen that allows
the algae, smaller artemia, waste and saltwater to pass as an
outflow while restraining the larger artemia. The step of feeding
the algae and the artemia to an immature aquatic specie in
saltwater to produce adult aquatic specie may comprise providing an
inflow of algae, artemia, waste and saltwater to the immature
aquatic specie in saltwater, controlling a temperature of the
algae, artemia, waste and saltwater by a heat source, regulating an
oxygen inflow to control dissolved oxygen, regulating a saltwater
return inflow for controlling artemia, algae, waste and saltwater
outflow, measuring aquatic specie density, aquatic specie size, pH,
algae density, temperature, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste,
volume and artemia density, consuming artemia by the immature
aquatic specie to produce adult aquatic specie, and filtering the
algae, aquatic specie, artemia, waste and saltwater through a
graded screen that allows the algae, smaller artemia, waste and
saltwater to pass as an outflow to a filtration means while
restraining the aquatic specie.
[0015] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an
aquaculture system for producing adult aquatic specie comprises an
algae subsystem containing saltwater illuminated by a light source
for growing algae, means for flowing the algae from the algae
subsystem into an artemia subsystem and an aquatic specie
subsystem, both containing saltwater, the artemia subsystem
containing adult artemia for consuming the algae and producing
artemia, means for passing the artemia from the artemia subsystem
to the aquatic specie subsystem, the aquatic specie subsystem
containing an immature aquatic specie for consuming the algae and
the artemia for producing an adult aquatic specie, and means for
harvesting the adult aquatic specie. The system may further
comprise a filtration subsystem for filtering a waste outflow from
the aquatic specie subsystem and for providing a saltwater return
to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem, and the aquatic
specie subsystem. The system may further comprise a data
acquisition and control subsystem for controlling the aquaculture
system. The system may further comprise means for replenishing
saltwater lost in the aquaculture system due to evaporation and
leakage. The algae subsystem containing saltwater illuminated by a
light source for growing algae may further comprise a heater for
controlling a temperature of the algae subsystem, a CO2 inflow for
controlling pH of the algae subsystem, a saltwater replenishment
inflow for replacing saltwater lost to evaporation and leakage, a
saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem, an algae
outflow to the artemia subsystem, and measurement means for
measuring pH, algae density, temperature, light output, dissolved
oxygen, and micronutrients of the algae subsystem. The artemia
subsystem containing adult artemia for consuming the algae and
producing artemia may further comprise a heater for controlling
temperature of the artemia subsystem, an oxygen inflow for
controlling dissolved oxygen of the artemia subsystem, a saltwater
replenishment inflow for replacing saltwater lost to evaporation
and leakage, a saltwater return inflow from a filtration subsystem,
a filter screen for separating the smaller artemia and waste from
the adult artemia, an artemia outflow to the aquatic specie
subsystem, and measurement means for measuring pH, algae density,
temperature, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and artemia density
of the algae subsystem. The aquatic specie subsystem containing an
immature aquatic specie for consuming the algae and the artemia for
producing an adult aquatic specie may further comprise a heater for
controlling temperature of the aquatic specie subsystem, an oxygen
inflow for controlling dissolved oxygen of the aquatic specie
subsystem, a saltwater replenishment inflow for replacing saltwater
lost to evaporation and leakage, a saltwater return inflow from a
filtration subsystem, a graded filter screen for separating the
aquatic specie from the waste algae and smaller artemia, a waste
outflow to the filtration subsystem, and measurement means for
measuring aquatic specie density, aquatic specie size, pH, algae
density, temperature, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, and volume
of the algae subsystem. The graded filter screen may be selected
from the group consisting of a planar filter screen and a
cylindrical filter screen. The filtration subsystem may comprise a
waste inflow from the aquatic specie subsystem connected to an
inlet of a pump, an outlet of the pump connected to an input of a
mechanical filter, an output of the mechanical filter connected to
an input of a biofilter, and an output of the biofilter connected
to saltwater return inflows of the algae subsystem, the artemia
subsystem, and the aquatic specie subsystem. The data acquisition
and control subsystem for controlling the aquaculture system may
comprise an input multiplexer for accepting measurement inputs from
the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie
subsystem, a microprocessor connected to an output of the input
multiplexer, a monitor and keyboard user interface, and an input to
an output controller, and control outputs of the output controller
connected to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem, the
aquatic specie subsystem, and the filtration subsystem. The
measurement inputs may comprise pH, algae density, temperature,
light output, dissolved oxygen and micronutrients from the algae
subsystem, pH, algae density, temperature, ammonia, dissolved
oxygen, waste, and artemia density from the artemia subsystem, and
aquatic specie density, aquatic specie size, pH, algae density,
temperature, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, waste, volume, and artemia
density from the aquatic specie subsystem. The control outputs may
comprise heater control, CO2 inflow, saltwater replenishment
inflow, algae outflow, saltwater return inflow, and algae tank flow
valves to the algae subsystem, heater control, oxygen inflow,
artemia outflow, saltwater return inflow, algae inflow, and
saltwater replenishment inflow to the artemia subsystem, heater
control, oxygen inflow, waste outflow, saltwater return inflow,
inflow, and saltwater return inflow to the aquatic specie
subsystem, and pump speed control to the filtration subsystem.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a concentric aquaculture system according to
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows an algae subsystem for use in a concentric
aquaculture system;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows an artemia subsystem for use in a concentric
aquaculture system;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows an aquatic specie subsystem for use in a
concentric aquaculture system;
[0021] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show graded filter screens for use in an
aquatic specie subsystem of aquaculture systems;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a filtration subsystem for use in aquaculture
systems;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a data acquisition and control subsystem for
use in aquaculture systems;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a distributed aquaculture system according to
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show an algae subsystem for use in a
distributed aquaculture system;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows an artemia subsystem for use in a distributed
aquaculture system; and
[0027] FIG. 11 shows an aquatic specie subsystem for use in a
distributed aquaculture system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a concentric aquaculture
system 100 according to the present invention. The concentric
system 100 comprises an algae subsystem 200, an artemia subsystem
300, an aquatic specie subsystem 400, a filtration subsystem 600, a
data acquisition and control subsystem 700, and a saltwater
replenishment source 808. Algae are grown in the algae subsystem
200, and flow to the artemia subsystem 300 and the aquatic specie
subsystem 400. Adult artemia in the artemia subsystem 300 feed on
the algae and produce artemia larvae (live nauplii), which flow to
the aquatic species subsystem 400. The aquatic specie to be
produced by the system 100 is introduced into the aquatic specie
subsystem 400 at an immature stage, to be raised to an adult stage
for harvesting. These immature species are contained in aquatic
specie subsystem 400 and feed on the algae and artemia in the
aquatic specie subsystem 400. Although the algae reduces the affect
of waste products from the artemia and aquatic specie, the system
100 utilizes a unique filtration subsystem 600 that removes
additional waste from the system during growth of the aquatic
specie being produced. The data acquisition and control subsystem
700 is critical for maintaining a suitable environment for the
algae, artemia, and aquatic specie being produced by automatically
monitoring and regulating a number of critical environmental
parameters. A source for saltwater replenishment 808 is provided to
the algae subsystem 200 for replacing saltwater lost from
evaporation and leakage. As noted above, although the method and
system of the present invention may be used to produce a variety of
aquatic species, the preferred embodiments disclose the production
of shrimp.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows an algae subsystem 200
for use in a concentric aquaculture system 100. The algae subsystem
200 uses an enclosed tank 210, preferably of fiberglass
construction, that contains saltwater and algae 218. The saltwater
has a salinity of from 30 to 35 parts per thousand. Lighting 214
provides energy for proper algae growth and a heater 216 maintains
a temperature of the saltwater and algae 218 within an acceptable
range. Sensors within the tank 210 connected to the data
acquisition and monitoring subsystem 700 provide continuous
monitoring of pH 226, algae density 228, temperature 230, light
output 234, micronutrients 236 and dissolved oxygen 232. Since
algae growth naturally causes the pH of the algae subsystem 200 to
increase, controlled amounts of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) 224 is
introduced into the system to maintain the pH 226 within acceptable
levels. The algae will gravity feed 222 from the algae subsystem
200 to the artemia subsystem 300, depending on a saltwater return
rate 220 from the filtration subsystem 600 for controlling the
saltwater level 212 in the tank 210. Saltwater replenishment 208
having a salinity of from 30 to 35 parts per thousand is provided
to replace saltwater losses, such as evaporation and leakage. An
optimal saltwater return rate 220 will keep the algae density 228
at approximately one to ten million cells per milliliter for the
preferred strain of algae (tajitian strain of isochrysis
galbana).
[0030] Turning now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows an artemia subsystem 300
for use in a concentric aquaculture system 100. The artemia
subsystem 300 utilizes an enclosed round tank 310, preferably of
fiberglass construction, which contains the algae subsystem 200,
saltwater and artemia 360. Sensors continuously monitor artemia
density 334, temperature 330, pH 326, ammonia 338, algae density
340, waste 342 and dissolved oxygen 332 within the artemia
subsystem 300. Overlapping lighting from the algae subsystem 200
allows continued growth of the algae 318 fed to the artemia 360 in
the artemia subsystem 300. Although waste from the artemia 360
causes the pH of the artemia subsystem 300 to decrease, the
presence of the algae 318 will increase the pH, thereby stabilizing
the pH of the artemia subsystem 300. The algae 318 also serve as
food for the artemia 360. A heater 316 controlled by the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700 maintains the temperature of
the artemia subsystem 300 within an acceptable range. The adult
artemia 360 produce small artemia on a continuous basis. A
400-micron screen 314 prevents the adult artemia 360 from leaving
the artemia subsystem 300, but allows the artemia waste and small
artemia to pass from the artemia subsystem 300 to the aquatic
specie subsystem 400 by gravity feed. The flow rate to the aquatic
specie subsystem 322 will depend on the return flow rate 320 from
the filtration subsystem 600 and the flow rate 222 from the algae
subsystem 200. An optimal flow rate 322 to the aquatic specie
subsystem 400 adequately removes waste from the artemia subsystem
300 and also provides sufficient artemia 360 to the aquatic specie
subsystem 400 for food. A flow of oxygen 344 is introduced into the
artemia subsystem 300 for controlling the level of dissolved
oxygen. The saltwater level 312 in the artemia subsystem 300 is
determined by the return flow rate 320 from the filtration
subsystem 600 and the algae subsystem 220. The preferred artemia
species 360 originate from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows an aquatic specie
subsystem 400 for use in a concentric aquaculture system 100. The
aquatic specie subsystem 400 utilizes an enclosed round tank 410,
preferably of fiberglass construction, which contains the algae
subsystem 200 and the artemia subsystem 300 within it. The aquatic
specie subsystem 400 also contains aquatic specie 468, preferably
shrimp, algae 418, saltwater, and artemia 462. Sensors continuously
monitor artemia density 434, aquatic specie size 440, aquatic
specie density 442, temperature 430, pH 426, dissolved oxygen 432,
algae density 444, waste 446, volume 448 and ammonia 438. Habitat
structures 414 are positioned in the aquatic species subsystem 400
for providing a greater habitat surface area for increasing the
amount of aquatic species within the subsystem. The artemia 462 are
food for the aquatic specie 468. A heater 416 maintains the
temperature of the aquatic specie subsystem 400 within an
acceptable range. A graded screen 500, preferably nylon material,
provides filtration of aquatic specie waste products and allows
waste flow 422 to the filter subsystem 600. The aquatic specie
subsystem 400 is initially stocked with live, commercially
available postlarvae shrimp in salt water maintained at a low
level. As the shrimp grow from about 0.5 inches in length to about
5 inches in length, the system 100 automatically adds saltwater to
the aquatic specie subsystem 400 to gradually increase the
saltwater level 412 and effective volume of the aquatic specie
subsystem 400. As the saltwater level 412 of the aquatic subsystem
400 increases and the shrimp 468 grow in size, larger screen
openings of the graded screen 500 allow passage of larger waste
particles while preventing the shrimp 468 from passing through the
graded screen. The method of slowly increasing the level of the
saltwater 412 and the effective volume of the aquatic specie
subsystem 400 has an additional beneficial feature. When the shrimp
468 are small, the effective volume of the aquatic specie subsystem
400 is also small, allowing a higher and more beneficial
concentration of food. As the shrimp grow larger, the increase in
effective volume maintains an optimum food density and optimum
shrimp separation. Waste products pass through the graded screen
500 and on to the filter subsystem 700. Since the aquaculture
system 100 is a closed system, the flow rate 422 to the filtration
subsystem 600 will depend on the return flow rate 420 from the
filtration subsystem 600 and the flow rate 322 from the artemia
subsystem 300. An optimum flow rate will adequately remove waste
products from the aquatic specie subsystem 400 at a density of 0.25
to 0.5 pounds of shrimp per gallon of saltwater. The preferred
shrimp species is Litopenaeus Vannamei (Pacific White Shrimp).
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5A shows a planar graded filter
screen 500 for use in an aquatic specie subsystem 400 of a
concentric aquaculture system 100. FIG. 5A depicts one embodiment
of a graded screen 500 having four distinct screens, each having a
distinct mesh size. In alternative embodiments of the graded filter
screen 500, there may also be a multitude of distinct screen mesh
sizes, or a continuous gradient of mesh sizes. The lowest of the
four distinct screens 510 comprises a screen having a mesh size of
about 400 microns. The height of the lower screen 510 corresponds
to a saltwater level 412 for aquatic specie inhabiting the aquatic
specie subsystem 400 for between 0 and 2 weeks. The second screen
520 comprises a screen having a mesh size of about 800 microns. The
height of the second screen 520 corresponds to a saltwater level
412 for aquatic specie inhabiting the aquatic specie subsystem 400
for between 2 and 4 weeks. The third screen 530 comprises a screen
having a mesh size of about 2000 microns. The height of the third
screen 530 corresponds to a saltwater level 412 for aquatic specie
inhabiting the aquatic specie subsystem 400 for between 5 and 8
weeks. The fourth or top screen 540 comprises a screen having a
mesh size of about 5000 microns. The height of the top screen 540
corresponds to a saltwater level 412 for aquatic specie inhabiting
the aquatic specie subsystem 400 for between 9 and 13 weeks.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 5B, FIG. 5B shows a cylindrical graded
filter screen 550 for use in an aquatic specie subsystem 500 of a
distributed aquaculture system 800. FIG. 5B depicts one embodiment
of a graded screen 550 having four distinct screens, each having a
distinct mesh size. In alternative embodiments of the graded filter
screen 550, there may also be a multitude of distinct screen mesh
sizes, or a continuous gradient of mesh sizes. The lowest of the
four distinct screens 560 comprises a screen having a mesh size of
about 400 microns. The height of the lower screen 560 corresponds
to a saltwater level in the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 for
aquatic specie inhabiting the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 for
between 0 and 2 weeks. The second screen 570 comprises a screen
having a mesh size of about 800 microns. The height of the second
screen 570 corresponds to a saltwater level for aquatic specie
inhabiting the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 for between 2 and 4
weeks. The third screen 580 comprises a screen having a mesh size
of about 2000 microns. The height of the third screen 580
corresponds to a saltwater level for aquatic specie inhabiting the
aquatic specie subsystem 1100 for between 5 and 8 weeks. The fourth
or top screen 590 comprises a screen having a mesh size of about
5000 microns. The height of the top screen 590 corresponds to a
saltwater level for aquatic specie inhabiting the aquatic specie
subsystem 1100 for between 9 and 13 weeks.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows a filtration subsystem
600 for use in an aquaculture system 100. The input flow 610 to the
filtration subsystem 600 is depicted in FIG. 1 and the output flow
612 to the algae subsystem 200, the artemia subsystem 300 and the
aquatic specie subsystem 400 is explained with regard to FIG.
2-FIG. 4. The input flow 610 to the filtration system 600 is
connected to the waste flow 422 from the aquatic specie subsystem
400 after passing through the graded filter screen 500. The output
flow 612 from the filtration subsystem 600 is connected to the
saltwater return 220 of the algae subsystem 200, the saltwater
return 320 of the artemia subsystem 300 and the saltwater return
420 of the aquatic specie subsystem 400. As noted above, waste
enters the input flow 610 filtration subsystem 600 from the aquatic
specie subsystem 400 after passing through the graded filter screen
500. Although the algae in the system 100 will remove
micronutrients from the system created by the aquatic specie waste
products, additional filtration allow for higher aquatic specie
densities. A saltwater pump 620 pumps the waste product stream 610,
which has passed through the graded filter screen 500, through a
mechanical filter 630 to remove particulate material. The
mechanical filter 630 has a preferred filter size of about 100
microns, thereby trapping particulate material having a size
greater than 100 microns. The waste stream is then passed through a
biofilter 640 to convert ammonia into micronutrients for use as a
nutrient for the algae. After filtration of the waste stream, a
plumbing and valve network returns the filtered and cleansed
saltwater to the algae subsystem 200, the artemia subsystem 300,
the aquatic specie subsystem 400 and the filtration subsystem 600.
The return flow rates to each of these subsystems, which is
controlled by the data acquisition and control subsystem 700 and
respective return valves, determines the flow rate through each
subsystem. The data acquisition and control subsystem 700 will vary
the return flow rate 220 of the algae subsystem 200 to maintain a
specific algae density 228. This flow rate 220 also determines the
food supply rate to the artemia. The data acquisition and control
subsystem 700 also controls the return flow rate 320 of the artemia
subsystem 300 to maintain an adequate supply of artemia to the
aquatic specie. This flow rate 320 increases as the aquatic specie
grow in size, and also determines the filtration rate of the
artemia subsystem 300. The data acquisition and control subsystem
700 also controls the return flow rate 420 of the aquatic specie
subsystem 400 to maintain adequate filtration of the aquatic specie
subsystem 400. This flow rate 420 increases as the aquatic specie
grow in size, and also affects the amount of time that the artemia
stay in the aquatic specie subsystem 400. As the saltwater level
412 in the aquatic specie subsystem 400 increases, the filtration
subsystem pump 620 operates at a greater flow rate because of
reduced head pressure. The data acquisition and control subsystem
700 controls the filtration subsystem return flow rate 612 to
maintain optimal flow rates to the other subsystems.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a data acquisition and
control subsystem 700 for use in an aquaculture system 100, 800.
The data acquisition and control subsystem 700 uses sensors to
monitor and devices to control critical parameters of the
aquaculture system 100, 800, enabling the system to sustain algae
and artemia cultures while promoting rapid aquatic specie growth. A
microprocessor-based system uses predetermined algorithms to
maintain these critical parameters without operator intervention.
The data acquisition and control subsystem 700 also records and
transmits system measurements and control events to a user
interface for review and analysis by an operator. The data
acquisition and control subsystem 700 contains an input multiplexer
710, a microprocessor 720, an output controller 750 and a video
monitor 730 and keyboard 740 for providing a user interface.
[0036] Input signals 712 from the algae subsystem 200, 900 are
connected to the input multiplexer 710, where they may be
sequentially selected, converted to a digital format, and sent to a
microprocessor 720. The input signals 712 from the algae subsystem
200, 900 include pH 226, 926, temperature 230, 930, algae density
228, 928, light output 234, 934, micronutrients 236, 936, and
dissolved oxygen 232, 932. Input signals 714 from the artemia
subsystem 300, 1000 are also connected to the input multiplexer
710, where they may be sequentially selected, converted to a
digital format, and sent to a microprocessor 720. The input signals
714 from the artemia subsystem 300, 1000 include pH 326, 1026,
temperature 330, 1030, algae density 340, 1040, artemia density
334, 1034, waste 342, 1042, ammonia 338, 1038 and dissolved oxygen
332, 1032. Input signals 716 from the aquatic specie subsystem 400,
1100 are also connected to the input multiplexer 710 where they may
be sequentially selected, converted to a digital format, and sent
to a microprocessor 720. The input signals 716 from the aquatic
specie subsystem 400, 1100 include pH 426, 1126, temperature 430,
1130, algae density 444, 1144, artemia density 434, 1134, aquatic
specie density 440, 1140, waste 446, 1146, ammonia 438, 1138,
dissolved oxygen 432, 1132, aquatic specie size 440, 1140, and
volume 448, 1148.
[0037] Output signals 752 to the algae subsystem 200 900 are
connected to the output controller 750 of the data acquisition and
control subsystem 700, which is controlled by the microprocessor
750. For the distributed aquaculture system 800, the output signals
752 to the algae subsystem 900 include selection of one of the
plurality of algae tanks. The output signals 752 to the algae
subsystem 200, 900 include CO2 flow control 224, 924 for
controlling pH, heater control 216, 916 for controlling
temperature, and saltwater return flow rate 220, 920 for
controlling algae density. In the distributed aquaculture system
800, control of CO2 flow 924 involves controlling valve 960,
control of saltwater return rate 920 and algae flow rate 922
involves controlling valves 962, 964, and 966, and control of
saltwater replenishment 908 involves control of valve 968. Output
signals 754 to the artemia subsystem 300, 1000 are also connected
to the output controller 750 for control by the microprocessor 750.
The output signals 754 to the artemia subsystem 300, 1000 include
saltwater return flow rate 320, 1020 for controlling pH, heater
control 316, 1016 for controlling temperature, and oxygen flow
control 344, 1044 for controlling dissolved oxygen. In the
distributed aquaculture system 800, control the saltwater return
flow 1020 involves controlling valve 1021, control of oxygen flow
1044 involves controlling valve 1043, control of saltwater
replenishment 1008 involves controlling valve 1068, and control of
algae flow 1024 involves controlling valve 1023. Note that artemia
feed rate in the artemia subsystem 300 is controlled by the
saltwater return flow rate 220 of the algae subsystem 200 and the
artemia waste removal is controlled by saltwater return flow rate
320 of the artemia subsystem 300. Output signals 756 to the aquatic
specie subsystem 400, 1100 are also connected to the output
controller 750 for control by the microprocessor 720. The output
signals 756 to the aquatic specie subsystem 400, 1100 include
heater control 416, 1116 for controlling temperature, oxygen flow
control 450, 1150 for controlling dissolved oxygen, and saltwater
return flow rate 420, 1120 to the aquatic specie subsystem 400,
1100 for controlling waste removal and volume. In the distributed
aquaculture system 800, control of the waste flow 1142 from the
aquatic specie subsystem 1100 involves controlling valve 1143,
control of saltwater return 1120 involves controlling valve 1121,
control of oxygen flow 1150 involves controlling valve 1151, and
control of saltwater replenishment 1108 involves controlling valve
1168. Note that the pH of the aquatic specie subsystem 400 is
controlled by the saltwater return flow rate 220 of the algae
subsystem 200, and the aquatic specie feed rate is controlled by
varying the saltwater return flow rate 320 of the artemia subsystem
300.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows a distributed
aquaculture system 800 according to the present invention. The
distributed aquaculture system 800 includes a filtration subsystem
600, an algae subsystem 900, an artemia subsystem 1000, an aquatic
specie subsystem 1100, a data acquisition and control subsystem
700, and a saltwater replenishment source 808. The filtration
subsystem 600 is described above regarding FIG. 6, and accepts a
waste stream from the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 and provides a
saltwater return to the algae subsystem 900, the artemia subsystem
1000, and the aquatic specie subsystem 1100. Algae are grown in the
algae subsystem 900, and flow to the artemia subsystem 1000 and the
aquatic specie subsystem 1100. Adult artemia in the artemia
subsystem 1000 feed on the algae and produce artemia larvae, which
flow to the aquatic species subsystem 1100. The aquatic specie to
be produced by the system 800 is introduced into the aquatic
subsystem 1100 at an immature stage, to be raised to an adult stage
for harvesting. These immature species are contained in the aquatic
specie subsystem 1100 and feed on the algae and artemia larvae in
the aquatic specie subsystem 1100. Although the algae reduces the
affect of waste products from the artemia and aquatic specie, the
system 800 utilizes a unique filtration subsystem 600 that removes
additional waste from the system during growth of the aquatic
specie being produced. The data acquisition and control subsystem
700 is critical for maintaining a suitable environment for the
algae, artemia, and aquatic specie being produced by automatically
monitoring and regulating a number of critical environmental
parameters. A source for saltwater replenishment 808 is provided to
the algae subsystem 900, the artemia subsystem 1000, and the
aquatic specie subsystem 1100 for replacing saltwater lost from
evaporation and leakage. As noted above, although the method and
system of the present invention may be used to produce a variety of
aquatic species, the preferred embodiments disclose the production
of shrimp.
[0039] Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show an
algae subsystem 900 for use in a distributed aquaculture system
800. The algae subsystem 900 uses a plurality of enclosed tanks
910, preferably of fiberglass construction, that contains saltwater
and algae 918. FIG. 9A shows a plurality of tanks 910, and FIG. 9B
shows one of the tanks in greater detail. The saltwater has a
salinity of from 30 to 35 parts per thousand. Lighting 914 provides
energy for proper algae growth and heaters 916 maintain a
temperature of the saltwater and algae 918 within acceptable
levels. Sensors within each tank 910 connected to the data
acquisition and monitoring subsystem 700 provide continuous
monitoring of pH 926, algae density 928, temperature 930, light
output 934, micronutrients 936 and dissolved oxygen 932. Since
algae growth naturally causes the pH of the algae subsystem 900 to
increase, controlled amounts of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) 924 is
introduced into the system to maintain the pH within acceptable
levels. The amount of CO2 gas 924 introduced into each tank 910 is
determined by a control valve 960, which is controlled by the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700. Each tank 910 may receive
saltwater return 920 from the filtration subsystem 600 through a
control valve 962, which is controlled by the data acquisition and
control subsystem 700. Algae flow 922 from each tank 910 to the
artemia subsystem 1000 and aquatic specie subsystem 1100 is
determined by a control valve 964, which is controlled by the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700. A crossover valve 966,
controlled by the data acquisition and control subsystem 700 is
provided for bypassing each tank 910 for the flow of saltwater
return 920 or algae 922. The algae flow 922 will feed from the
selected tank 910 in the algae subsystem 900 to the artemia
subsystem 1000 and the aquatic specie subsystem 1100, depending on
an algae outflow 970 connected to the algae outflow 922 from the
algae subsystem 900. The algae outflow 970 is controlled by the
data acquisition and control subsystem 700. Saltwater replenishment
908 having a salinity of 30 to 35 parts per thousand is provided
through a control valve 968, controlled by the data acquisition and
control subsystem 700, to replace saltwater losses, such as by
evaporation and leakage. An optimal saltwater return rate 920 to
each tank 910 will keep the algae density 928 at approximately one
to ten million cells per milliliter for the preferred strain of
algae (tajitian strain of isochrysis galbana).
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 shows an artemia subsystem
1000 for use in a distributed aquaculture system 800. The artemia
subsystem 1000 utilizes an enclosed round tank 1010, preferably of
fiberglass construction, which contains saltwater, algae 1018, and
artemia 1060. Sensors continuously monitor artemia density 1034,
temperature 1030, pH 1026, ammonia 1038, algae density 1040, waste
1042 and dissolved oxygen 1032 within the artemia subsystem 1000.
These sensors are connected to the data acquisition and control
subsystem 700. Although waste from the artemia 1060 causes the pH
of the artemia subsystem 1000 to decrease, the presence of the
algae 1018 will increase the pH, thereby stabilizing the pH of the
artemia subsystem 1000. The algae 1018 also serve as food for the
artemia 1060. A heater 1016, controlled by the data acquisition and
control subsystem 700, maintains the temperature of the artemia
subsystem 1000 within an acceptable range. The adult artemia 1060
produce small artemia on a continuous basis. A circular 400-micron
screen 1014 prevents the adult artemia 1060 from leaving the
artemia subsystem 1000 in the flow 1022 to the aquatic specie
subsystem 1100, but allows the artemia waste and small artemia to
pass from the artemia subsystem 1000 to the aquatic specie
subsystem 1100 in the flow 1022 to the aquatic specie subsystem
1100. The flow rate to the aquatic specie subsystem 1022 will
depend on the return flow rate 1020 from the filtration subsystem
600 and the flow rate 922 from the algae subsystem 900. The algae
flow 1024 from the algae subsystem 900 is controlled by a valve
1023, which is controlled by the data acquisition and control
subsystem 700. The saltwater return from the filtration subsystem
1020 is controlled by a valve, which is controlled by the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700. An optimal flow rate to the
aquatic specie subsystem 1022 adequately removes waste from the
artemia subsystem 1000 and also provides sufficient artemia 1060 to
the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 for food. A flow of oxygen 1044
in the form of air is introduced into the artemia subsystem 1000
for controlling the level of dissolved oxygen. The flow of oxygen
is controlled by a valve 1043, which is controlled by the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700. Saltwater replenishment 1008
to the artemia subsystem 1000 is controlled by a valve 1068, which
is controlled by the data acquisition and control subsystem 700.
The saltwater level in the artemia subsystem 1000 is determined by
the return flow rate 1020 from the filtration subsystem 600 and the
algae subsystem 1024. The preferred artemia species 1060 originate
from the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
[0041] Turning now to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 shows an aquatic specie
subsystem 1100 for use in a distributed aquaculture system 800. The
aquatic specie subsystem 1100 utilizes an enclosed round tank 1110,
preferably of fiberglass construction. Habitat structures 1114 are
positioned in the aquatic species subsystem 1100 for providing a
greater habitat surface area for increasing the amount of aquatic
species within the subsystem. The aquatic specie subsystem 1100
also contains aquatic specie 1168, preferably shrimp, algae 1118,
saltwater, and artemia 1162. Sensors connected to the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700 continuously monitor artemia
density 1134, aquatic specie size 1140, aquatic specie density
1142, temperature 1130, pH 1126, dissolved oxygen 1132, algae
density 1144, waste 1146, volume 1148 and ammonia 1138. A cover
over the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 prevents light from entering
the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 to maximize aquatic specie growth
and density. The artemia 1162 are food for the aquatic specie 1168.
A heater 1116 controlled by the data acquisition and control
subsystem 700 maintains the temperature of the aquatic specie
subsystem 1100 within an acceptable range. A graded screen 550,
preferably nylon material, provides filtration of aquatic specie
waste products and allows waste flow 1142 to the filter subsystem
600. The aquatic specie subsystem 1100 is initially stocked with
live, commercially available postlarvae shrimp in salt water
maintained at a low level. As the shrimp grow from about 0.5 inches
in length to about 5 inches in length, the system 800 automatically
adds saltwater to the aquatic specie subsystem 1100 to gradually
increase the saltwater level and effective volume of the aquatic
specie subsystem 1100. As the saltwater level of the aquatic specie
subsystem 1100 increases and the shrimp 1168 grow in size, larger
screen openings of the graded screen 550 allow passage of larger
waste particles while preventing the shrimp 1168 from passing
through the graded screen. The method of slowly increasing the
level of the saltwater and the effective volume of the aquatic
specie subsystem 1100 has an additional beneficial feature. When
the shrimp 1168 are small, the effective volume of the aquatic
specie subsystem 1100 is also small, allowing a higher and more
beneficial concentration of food. As the shrimp 1168 grow larger,
the increase in effective volume maintains an optimum food density
and optimum shrimp separation. Waste products pass through the
graded screen 550 and on to the filter subsystem 600. Since the
aquaculture system 800 is a closed system, the flow rate 1142 to
the filtration subsystem 600 will depend on the return flow rate
1120 from the filtration subsystem 600 and the flow rate 1122 from
the artemia subsystem 1000. A saltwater return valve 1121, which is
controlled by the data acquisition and control subsystem 700,
controls the flow 1120 from the filtration subsystem 600. A waste
flow valve 1143, which is controlled by the data acquisition and
control subsystem 700, controls the flow 1142 to the filtration
subsystem 600. An oxygen control valve 1151, which is controlled by
the data acquisition and control subsystem 700, controls the flow
of air 1150 to the aquatic specie subsystem 1100. A saltwater
replenishment valve 1168, which is controlled by the data
acquisition and control subsystem 700, controls the flow 1108 for
replenishing saltwater due to evaporation and leakage. An optimum
flow rate will adequately remove waste products from the aquatic
specie subsystem 1100 at a density of from 0.25 to 0.5 pounds of
shrimp per gallon of saltwater. The preferred shrimp species is
Litopenaeus Vannamei (Pacific White Shrimp).
[0042] Although the present invention has been described in detail
with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be
apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments
might occur to persons skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
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