U.S. patent application number 15/637651 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for aquaculture pump system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dennis P. Delong, Robert W. Stiles, JR..
Application Number | 20170295761 15/637651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48574986 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170295761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stiles, JR.; Robert W. ; et
al. |
October 19, 2017 |
Aquaculture Pump System and Method
Abstract
A method of operating a variable speed pump in an aquaculture
system including a culture tank that houses aquatic life. The
method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture
tank, determining a dissolved oxygen threshold based on current
respiration requirements of the aquatic life in the culture tank,
and comparing the dissolved oxygen level to the dissolved oxygen
threshold. When the dissolved oxygen level is below the dissolved
oxygen threshold, the method further includes increasing a speed of
the variable speed pump until a flow rate through the culture tank
that maintains the dissolved oxygen level at or above the dissolved
oxygen threshold is reached. The method also includes updating the
dissolved oxygen threshold based on new respiration requirements of
the aquatic life as the aquatic life matures through its growth
cycle.
Inventors: |
Stiles, JR.; Robert W.;
(Cary, NC) ; Delong; Dennis P.; (Raleigh,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. |
Cary |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48574986 |
Appl. No.: |
15/637651 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13710073 |
Dec 10, 2012 |
9693537 |
|
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15637651 |
|
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|
61568427 |
Dec 8, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 63/047 20130101;
B01F 15/0408 20130101; A01K 63/042 20130101; A01K 61/00 20130101;
B01F 2003/04879 20130101; B01F 15/0022 20130101; A01K 63/003
20130101; B01F 3/0446 20130101; A01K 63/045 20130101; A01K 61/85
20170101; B01F 3/04503 20130101; B01F 5/106 20130101; A01K 63/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 63/04 20060101
A01K063/04; B01F 15/04 20060101 B01F015/04; B01F 15/00 20060101
B01F015/00; A01K 61/85 20060101 A01K061/85; A01K 63/04 20060101
A01K063/04; A01K 63/00 20060101 A01K063/00; A01K 61/00 20060101
A01K061/00; A01K 63/04 20060101 A01K063/04; B01F 3/04 20060101
B01F003/04 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a variable speed pump in an aquaculture
system, the aquaculture system including a culture tank that houses
aquatic life, the method comprising: monitoring a dissolved oxygen
level in the culture tank; determining a dissolved oxygen threshold
based on current respiration requirements of the aquatic life in
the culture tank; comparing the dissolved oxygen level to the
dissolved oxygen threshold; when the dissolved oxygen level is
below the dissolved oxygen threshold, increasing a speed of the
variable speed pump until a flow rate through the culture tank that
maintains the dissolved oxygen level at or above the dissolved
oxygen threshold is reached; and updating the dissolved oxygen
threshold based on new respiration requirements of the aquatic life
as the aquatic life matures through its growth cycle.
2. The method of claim 1 and further comprising monitoring at least
one of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and solids removal.
3. The method of claim 2 and further comprising monitoring using
sensors in a biofilter.
4. The method of claim 1 and further comprising increasing oxygen
flow into the culture tank when the dissolved oxygen level is below
the dissolved oxygen threshold.
5. The method of claim 4 and further comprising remotely operating
a solenoid valve in order to increase the oxygen flow into the
culture tank.
6. The method of claim 5 and further comprising providing two-way
communication between the variable speed pump and the solenoid
valve.
7. The method of claim 1 and further comprising using a flow
control algorithm to operate the variable speed pump to maintain
the flow rate.
8. The method of claim 1 and further comprising determining when to
feed the fish based on the dissolved oxygen level.
9. A recirculating aquaculture system comprising: a culture tank
configured to house aquatic life; a sensor configured to measure a
dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank; a variable speed pump
configured to circulate water through the culture tank; and a
controller in communication with the sensor and the variable speed
pump, the controller configured to: retrieve the dissolved oxygen
level from the sensor; determine a dissolved oxygen threshold based
on current respiration requirements of the aquatic life in the
culture tank; compare the dissolved oxygen level to the dissolved
oxygen threshold; when the dissolved oxygen level is below the
dissolved oxygen threshold, increase a speed of the variable speed
pump until a flow rate through the culture tank that maintains the
dissolved oxygen level at or above the dissolved oxygen threshold
is reached; and update the dissolved oxygen threshold based on new
respiration requirements of the aquatic life as the aquatic life
matures through its growth cycle.
10. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
controller includes a variable frequency drive.
11. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9 and further
comprising an oxygen cone in fluid communication with the culture
tank'through a solenoid valve
12. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 11, wherein the
controller is further configured to operate the solenoid valve to
increase oxygen flow into the culture tank when the dissolved
oxygen threshold is below the dissolved oxygen level.
13. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9 and further
comprising a biofilter in fluid communication with the culture tank
and the variable speed pump.
14. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
controller includes a user interface, and the controller is
configured to change the speed of the variable speed pump based on
user input from the user interface.
15. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
controller is integrated into the variable speed pump.
16. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
controller is configured to determine at least one condition for
feeding the aquatic life in the culture tank from the dissolved
oxygen level measured by the sensor.
17. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
controller is an on-board controller adjacent to the variable speed
pump.
18. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9 and further
comprising a second sensor configured to measure one of ammonia,
nitrite, nitrate, and solids removal.
19. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
controller is configured to use a flow control algorithm to operate
the variable speed pump to maintain the flow rate.
20. The recirculating aquaculture system of claim 9, wherein the
variable speed pump includes multiple variable speed pumps and the
controller is configured to operate the variable speed pumps in a
cascading manner.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/710,073, filed on Dec. 10, 2012, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/568,427 filed on Dec. 8, 2011, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pumps can be used to recirculate water in aquatic farms,
such as recirculating aquaculture systems in which fish and other
aquatic life are raised. Recirculating aquaculture systems
generally include one or more tanks to house the fish, one or more
water inlets into the tank, and one or more water outlets out of
the tank. The water outlets are connected to an inlet of the pump.
The pump generally propels the water through a filter and back into
the tank through the water inlets.
[0003] Conventional recirculating aquaculture systems have a
sizable upfront cost to design and build, and also have high
operating costs that make it difficult for recirculating
aquaculture farmers to compete with other types of aquaculture
farms, such as ponds and net pen operations. Conventional
recirculating aquaculture systems usually provide manually adjusted
oxygen flow into the tank and manually adjusted water flow through
the culture tank depending upon the size or requirements of the
aquatic life. As a result, typical recirculating aquaculture farms
spend anywhere from $100,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 in electrical cost
and $1,700 to $4,000 in oxygen costs on an annual basis. In fact,
the highest operating costs for recirculating aquaculture farms are
feed, electricity, and oxygen.
[0004] In conventional recirculating aquaculture systems, there are
several parameters that must be frequently monitored by the farmers
in order to determine when feed rates for the fish may be
increased. Presently, aquaculture farmers must monitor fecal output
of the fish daily. Every 30 minutes to 2 hours, they must monitor
the amount of feed the fish can be induced to consume. In addition,
they must monitor the oxygen consumption of the fish and the
culture system water constantly. Therefore, a need exists for a way
in which to lower the production cost and operating cost of
recirculating aquaculture systems.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of
operating a variable speed pump in an aquaculture system including
a culture tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes
monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank,
determining a dissolved oxygen threshold based on current
respiration requirements of the aquatic life in the culture tank,
and comparing the dissolved oxygen level to the dissolved oxygen
threshold. When the dissolved oxygen level is below the dissolved
oxygen threshold, the method further includes increasing a speed of
the variable speed pump until a flow rate through the culture tank
that maintains the dissolved oxygen level at or above the dissolved
oxygen threshold is reached. The method also includes updating the
dissolved oxygen threshold based on new respiration requirements of
the aquatic life as the aquatic life matures through its growth
cycle.
[0006] Some embodiments of the invention provide a recirculating
aquaculture system including a culture tank, a sensor, a variable
speed pump, and a controller. The culture tank is configured to
house aquatic life, the sensor is configured to measure a dissolved
oxygen level in the culture tank, and the variable speed pump is
configured to circulate water through the culture tank. The
controller is in communication with the sensor and the variable
speed pump and is configured to retrieve the dissolved oxygen level
from the sensor, determine a dissolved oxygen threshold based on
current respiration requirements of the aquatic life in the culture
tank, and compare the dissolved oxygen level to the dissolved
oxygen threshold. When the dissolved oxygen level is below the
dissolved oxygen threshold, the controller is further configured to
increase a speed of the variable speed pump until a flow rate
through the culture tank that maintains the dissolved oxygen level
at or above the dissolved oxygen threshold is reached. The
controller is also configured to update the dissolved oxygen
threshold based on new respiration requirements of the aquatic life
as the aquatic life matures through its growth cycle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aquaculture system according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pump for use in the system
of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pump of FIG.
2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view of an on-board controller for use
with the pump of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an external controller for
use with the system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0013] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention.
Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and
applications without departing from embodiments of the invention.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited
to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The
following detailed description is to be read with reference to the
figures, in which like elements in different figures have like
reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to
scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will
recognize the examples provided herein have many useful
alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an aquaculture system 10 according to one
embodiment of the invention. The aquaculture system 10 can include
one or more variable speed pumps 12 in communication with one or
more controllers 14, such as one or more variable frequency drives
(VFD). If more than a single pump 12 is used, the pumps 12 can be
controlled in a cascading manner. The aquaculture system 10 can
include a biofilter 16 and sensors measuring one or more of the
following: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and solids removal. The
aquaculture system 10 can include one or more water tanks, or
culture tanks, 20 housing the fish. The aquaculture system 10 can
include a dissolved oxygen sensor 22 coupled to the culture tank
20. The aquaculture system can include a positional,
remote-controlled, oxygen solenoid valve 24 coupled to the culture
tank 20. The oxygen solenoid valve 24 can be coupled to an oxygen
cone 26, which can be coupled to an oxygen tank 28.
[0015] The pump 12 can be a variable speed pump operated according
to a flow control algorithm, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,845,913 entitled "Flow Control" and issued Dec. 7, 2010, the
entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. The
controller 14 can read water quality information including
dissolved oxygen, as well as other water quality variables. The
controller 14 can be a separate component from the pump 12 or can
be integrated into the variable speed pump 12.
[0016] The controller 14 can be connected to the various sensors,
including the dissolved oxygen sensor 22, as well as the solenoid
valve 24 in control of the oxygen supply. In some embodiments, the
controller 14 can be in two-way communication with the biofilter
16, the dissolved oxygen sensor 22, and the solenoid valve 24.
Two-way communication in the aquaculture system 10 can be performed
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,597 entitled "Pumping System
with Two-Way Communication" and issued on Dec. 21, 2010, the entire
contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0017] The controller 14 can operate the pump 12 to control water
flow and the solenoid valve 24 to control oxygen delivery based on
the principles of fish growth. When fish are fingerlings, they
require X amount of oxygen and Y amount of water flow to have the
continuous and substantial growth that is required in aquaculture
systems. As the fingerlings mature into market-size fish, the
formulas change to the following:
X+Ratio of Respiration Required by Larger Fish (in ppm of
oxygen)=New Oxygen Requirement/Time; and
Y+Flow Required by Maturing Fish for Water Quality and Safe
Swimming Velocity=Clean Water Standard of X Ammonia/PH/Solids
Removed, etc.
[0018] The new oxygen requirement/time can also incorporate the
oxygen demand of the water with increased nutrient loading.
[0019] Presently, aquaculture farmers must monitor fecal output of
the fish daily. Every 30 minutes to 2 hours, the fanners must
monitor the amount of feed the fish can be induced to consume. In
addition, the farmers must monitor oxygen consumption of the fish
constantly. The aquaculture system 10 according to some embodiments
of the invention allows the farmer to measure a single parameter
(i.e., dissolved oxygen) that summarizes all conditions for
continued feeding. In some embodiments, the aquaculture system 10
can be used to tell the farmer where and when to feed.
[0020] As the fish grow, their oxygen and water flow requirements
change. As a result, the electrical and oxygen costs of an
aquaculture farm change with the life cycle or respiration
potential of a fish through its growth cycle. In other words, the
electrical and oxygen costs of an aquaculture farm change with the
dissolved oxygen requirements and water treatment needs of the fish
as they grow. In conventional recirculating aquaculture systems, an
operator must manually adjust oxygen flow and/or water flow (i.e.,
through manual valves to adjust flow paths) periodically to meet
oxygen and water flow requirements.
[0021] The aquaculture system 10 according to embodiments of the
invention can be used with any scale of culture tank(s) 20 through
any part of the lifecycle of aquatic life requiring oxygen. The
aquaculture system 10 can operate to keep dissolved oxygen
substantially constant by varying the flow of water, coupled with
the flow of oxygen, by monitoring and pinpointing respiration and
circulation requirements. In other words, the controller 14 can
monitor a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank 20 and can
increase oxygen flow into the culture tank 20 if the dissolved
oxygen level is below an oxygen threshold. The controller 14 can
also, or alternatively, determine a flow rate threshold based on
the dissolved oxygen level, and increase water flow through the
culture tank 20 by adjusting a speed of the pump 12 (e.g., by
providing an updated speed control command to the pump 12) if the
dissolved oxygen level is below the flow rate threshold.
Accordingly, the dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank 20 can
be increased by changing the speed of the pump 12 and increasing
the flow rate of water through the culture tank 20.
[0022] In some embodiments, the controller 14 can incrementally
increase the speed of the pump 12 until dissolved oxygen levels are
at or above the oxygen threshold. In other words, the controller 14
can determine the oxygen threshold (e.g., based on respiration
requirements of the aquatic life in the culture tank 20, as
discussed above), compare the oxygen threshold to the measure
dissolved oxygen level, and increase the speed of the pump 12 and,
thus, the flow rate through the culture tank 20 when the measure
dissolved oxygen level is below the oxygen threshold. The
controller 14 can continuously monitor the dissolved oxygen level
and increase the speed of the pump 12 until a flow rate through the
culture tank 20 that maintains the dissolved oxygen level at or
above the oxygen threshold is reached. In some embodiments, an
operator can also manually adjust the speed of the pump 14 through
a user interface of the controller 14, as further discussed
below.
[0023] The aquaculture system 10 can cadence off of the
requirements for the fish and only require full normal operation of
the pump 12 toward the end of the aquatic life growth curve. This
would potentially save the farmer 50 percent to 70 percent of the
normal operating costs associated with water flow and oxygen
delivery (e.g., electrical and oxygen costs).
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the pump 12 for use with
the aquaculture system 10. The pump 12 can include a housing 112, a
motor 114, and an on-board controller 116 (which can include the
variable frequency drive controller 14). In some embodiments, the
motor 114 can be a variable speed motor. In one embodiment, the
motor 114 can be driven at four or more different speeds. The
housing 112 can include an inlet 118, an outlet 120, a basket 122,
a lid 124, and a stand 126. The stand 126 can support the motor 114
and can be used to mount the pump 12 on a suitable surface (not
shown).
[0025] In some embodiments, the on-board controller 116 can be
enclosed in a case 128. The case 128 can include a field wiring
compartment 130 and a cover 132. The cover 132 can be opened and
closed to allow access to the on-board controller 116 and protect
it from moisture, dust, and other environmental influences. The
case 128 can be mounted on the motor 114. In some embodiments, the
field wiring compartment 130 can include a power supply to provide
power to the motor 114 and the on-board controller 116.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the internal components of the pump 12
according to one embodiment of the invention. The pump 12 can
include a seal plate 134, an impeller 136, a gasket 138, a diffuser
140, and a strainer 142. The strainer 142 can be inserted into the
basket 122 and can be secured by the lid 124. In some embodiments,
the lid 124 can include a cap 144, an O-ring 146, and a nut 148.
The cap 144 and the O-ring 146 can be coupled to the basket 122 by
screwing the nut 148 onto the basket 122. The O-ring 146 can seal
the connection between the basket 122 and the lid 124. An inlet 152
of the diffuser 140 can be fluidly sealed to the basket 122 with a
seal 150. In some embodiments, the diffuser 140 can enclose the
impeller 136. An outlet 154 of the diffuser 140 can be fluidly
sealed to the seal plate 134. The seal plate 134 can be sealed to
the housing 112 with the gasket 138. The motor 114 can include a
shaft 156, which can be coupled to the impeller 136. The motor 114
can rotate the impeller 136, drawing fluid from the inlet 118
through the strainer 142 and the diffuser 140 to the outlet
120.
[0027] In some embodiments, the motor 114 can include a coupling
158 to connect to the on-board controller 116. In some embodiments,
the on-board controller 116 can automatically operate the pump 12
according to at least one schedule. In some embodiments, the
on-board controller 116 can allow a manual operation of the pump
12. In some embodiments, the on-board controller 116 can monitor
the operation of the pump 12 and can indicate abnormal conditions
of the pump 12.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface 160 for the on-board
controller 116 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
user interface 160 can include a display 162, at least one speed
button 164, navigation buttons 166, a start-stop button 168, a
reset button 170, a manual override button 172, and a "quick clean"
button 174. The manual override button 172 can also be called "time
out" button. In some embodiments, the navigation buttons 166 can
include a menu button 176, a select button 178, an escape button
180, an up-arrow button 182, a down-arrow button 184, a left-arrow
button 186, a right-arrow button 188, and an enter button 190. The
navigation buttons 166 and the speed buttons 164 can be used to
program a schedule into the on-board controller 116. In some
embodiments, the display 162 can include a lower section 192 to
display information about a parameter and an upper section 194 to
display a value associated with that parameter. In some
embodiments, the user interface 160 can include light emitting
diodes (LEDs) 196 to indicate normal operation and/or a detected
error of the pump 12.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an external controller 198 for the pump
12 according to one embodiment of the invention. The external
controller 198 can communicate with the on-board controller 116.
The external controller 198 can control the pump 12 in
substantially the same way as the on-board controller 116. The
external controller 198 can be used to operate the pump 12 and/or
program the on-board controller 116, if the pump 12 is installed in
a location where the user interface 160 is not conveniently
accessible.
[0030] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while the invention has been described above in connection with
particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not
necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments,
examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments,
examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims
attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and
publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each
such patent or publication were individually incorporated by
reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention
are set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *