Key information

Title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING A LIQUID CONTAINING PARTICLES, PREFERABLY FISH IN WATER
Application number: 20190005
Case type: PCT-based
Status: 12.05.2025 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed: 03.01.2019
International application date: 10.06.2016
International application number: PCT/NO2016/050124
Effective date: 10.06.2016
Publicly available: 03.01.2019
Next annual fee due: 30.06.2027
Applicant: MELBU SYSTEMS AS (NO)
Owner: MELBU SYSTEMS AS (NO)
Inventor: Ingmar Jensen (NO)
Agent: ACAPO ONSAGERS AS (NO)
Granted: 12.05.2025
Patent number: 348726
Expiry date: 10.06.2036

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

This publication relates to a system for pumping particles (2) in a liquid, in particular living fish in water, where a chamber (4) draws a liquid and particles (2) up from a liquid volume (1) through a closed duct (3), the chamber (4) being connected to the suction side of an ejector (7) and a pump (13) for formation of a sub-pressure in the chamber (4).At the same time, gas supplied from the compressor (12) to the liquid column in the chamber (4) contributes further to the acceleration of liquid flow through the chamber. The ejector (7) is driven by a liquid flow from the pump (13) or of gas from the compressor (12). The closed duct (15) is connected to a non-return valve or check valve (14), preventing liquid and particles (2) from returning to the liquid volume (1). Liquid and particles (2) are transferred out of the chamber (4) and through the ejector (7) and then into a closed duct (15) to the receiving unit I

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Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
13.05.2025	09-01	Saksbehandling	20190005(348726)	UT	PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20190005)
17.02.2025	08-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	UT	PT Meddelelse om patent	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-07	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Norsk kravoversettelse	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-06	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Krav - renskrevet	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-05	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Krav - annotert	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-04	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Besvarelse 201224	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-03	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Beskrivelse - ren	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-02	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Beskrivelse - annotert	ACAPO AS
20.12.2024	07-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	ACAPO AS
22.10.2024	06-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	UT	Realitet patent	ACAPO AS
25.06.2024	05-04	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Krav renskrevet	ACAPO AS
25.06.2024	05-03	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Krav annotert	ACAPO AS
25.06.2024	05-02	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	P17393NO00 Besvarelse	ACAPO AS
25.06.2024	05-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	ACAPO AS
05.02.2024	04-02	Saksbehandling	20190005	UT	PT report 02:02:46
05.02.2024	04-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	UT	Realitet patent	ACAPO AS
05.03.2019	03-03	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Fullmakt	ACAPO AS
05.03.2019	03-02	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Erklæring Søkers rett til oppfinnelse	ACAPO AS
05.03.2019	03-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	ACAPO AS
19.02.2019	02-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	UT	Formalia 1	ACAPO AS
03.01.2019	01-03	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	PCT pamflett	ACAPO AS
03.01.2019	01-02	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Internasjonal granskingsrapport	ACAPO AS
03.01.2019	01-01	Saksbehandling	20190005	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	ACAPO AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING A LIQUID CONTAINING PARTICLES; PREFERABLY FISH IN WATER

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for pumping a liquid containing particles or solid substances, where the particles or solid substances is not intended to be pumped through the liquid pump used for the pumping operation, avoiding exposing said particles or solid substances for moveable parts of the pumps or exposing the same for high liquid velocities. In particular, but not exclusively, the system is suitable for pumping fish in water, in particular, but not exclusively living fish. The particles may also other type of food.

In particular, the invention relates a method and system for pumping particles contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water but not exclusively, from a liquid volume containing the particles to a receiving unit through associated one or more closed pipelines, using at least one pump; where liquid and particles are drawn through a pipeline from the liquid volume to a chamber for establishing a subpressure in the chamber by means of one or more pumps; and where liquid and particles are transported from the chamber through one or more closed ducts or pipelines to a receiving unit contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water.

Background for the invention

When pumping fish there is a need for a system enabling pumping of a continuous flow of water from the suction side of the pump, pumping water and fish for delivery of water and fish at a higher level, and at the same time obtaining a large total lifting height and proper and adequate lifting capacity on the suction side without exposing the fish for excessive water velocities as in an ejector pumping system. Moreover, the system must be able to be positioned above the water for example in a temporary fishing cage containing fish for transfer or the water in a well boat for transporting for example fish to an abattoir, the only part of the pumping system being submerged just below the water level being an inlet funnel for suction of water.

There exit many prior art solutions for pumping fish, but all of them differ from the present invention in that they cannot combine functions as being arranged above water; large total lifting height, appropriate proper lifting height on the suction side; and continuous water flow from inlet to outlet without exposing the fish for large and detrimental water velocities or movable pumping parts, also when pumping large fish.

US 4,551,042 discloses a pump for pumping fish where water is extracted and air is added at a location in the pumping system higher than the initial air injection point, thereby excluding a certain percentage of water, whereupon the efficiency is not only increased, but variable control capabilities are achieved. According to this solution, the fish is lifted up via a transport pipe to a chamber by means of formation of a sub-pressure in the transport pipeline, the pump comprises a pump for gas/air and pumps for liquid/water, where air and water is injected at a pressure through openings into the lower part of the pipe. Air is also injected in an upper air supply ring, such that the fish is transported up in party air born state through the transport pipe to a height above water level.

Another prior art method for pumping fish is described on EP 0352941, the method comprising use of a fish pumping device where a chamber receives a mixture og water and fish via an inlet orifice when the chamber is subjected to an under-pressure, and where the mixture of water and fish is transported out of the chamber along to the outlet, when the chamber becomes subjected to an overpressure.

NO337898B discloses a device for pumping of liquid with mixed in particles, mainly fish in water.

Other known prior art methods are disclosed in the following listed patents or patent application: EP 1179508; WO 2010/082834; US 9,011,680 B; GB 2498667 B; NO 394301 B; NO 394302 B; NO 303841 B; and US 4,551,042 B.

Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for pumping liquid and particles, preferably water and fish, where liquid and particles float continuously in a pipeline from inlet to outlet, without moving the particles through a liquid pump with moveable parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for pumping a liquid and particles, preferably water and fish, where the velocity of the liquid flow may be maintained at a velocity that does not cause any damage to the particles.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for pumping liquid and particles, preferably water and fish, where the suction side has sufficient lifting height so that the pumping device may be positioned at a certain height above the water surface, for example onboard a well boat or a fishing vessel, and at the same time permitting that the inlet end for liquid and particles to be positioned just below the water surface.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device for pumping liquid and particles, preferably water and fish, requiring as small space or foot print and still providing sufficient lifting height to transport liquid and particles to a plant positioned a distance apart or at a large height above the water surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for pumping a liquid and particles, preferably water and fish, with sufficient capacity so that the water flow obtains a velocity sufficient to catch living fish without allowing the fish to unintentionally escape or swim away from the suction inlet, also when using pipes with large pipe diameter, thus allowing pumping of large fish.

According to the invention, the objects are achieved by a solution more clearly defined by the independent claim, while embodiments, variants and alternatives are defined by the dependent claims.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, it is provided a method for pumping particles contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water, from a liquid volume containing the particles to a receiving unit through associated one or more closed pipelines, using at least one pump; where liquid and particles are drawn through a pipeline from the liquid volume to a chamber for by establishing a subpressure in the chamber by means of one or more pumps; and where liquid and particles are transported from the chamber through one or more closed ducts to a receiving unit. The liquid and particles are delivered from the chamber into an ejector and from the ejector to the receiving unit through a pipeline by means of a pump pumping water through the ejector and into duct for formation of a sub-pressure at the ejector and for providing a required liquid flow through the duct, and by connecting the suction side of the pump to a separate chamber connected to the chamber via an outlet with openings that are smaller than the particles for supply of only liquid and gas from the chamber into the chamber, the ejector and the pump together forming a sufficient sub-pressure with a subsequent over-pressure so that sufficient volume of liquid and particles may be drawn from the liquid volume through the closed duct to the chamber, and from the chamber through the ejector and the duct to the receiving unit, preventing the particles from passing through the pump.

One or more compressors may be used for supply of pressurized gas delivered to a distribution chamber, allowing the gas to ascend upwards in the liquid via openings in the chamber wall, drawing particles through the chamber past the outlet and into the ejector.

Moreover, the pump may pump gas in addition to liquid, so that the pump evacuates gas from the chamber and the volume that is substituted by liquid. drawn up from the liquid volume.

According to one embodiment, a rotating sieve or band sieve may be used in association with the outlet to the chamber in order to transport the particles past the inlet towards the ejector.

The sieve may preferably be cleaned by a liquid jet forcing liquid in direction from the chamber into the chamber in order to force particles away from the outlet and into the ejector.

According to an alternative, nozzles forming a part of the ejector may be used, allowing a part of the flow of liquid out of the ejector to pass through the outlet for forcing particles away from the outlet and into the ejector.

According to another embodiment, the particles may be shielded from the liquid flow out of the ejector by means of a sieve or filter at least until the liquid velocity out of the ejector has dropped downstream of the ejector to a level where said flow does not harm the particles.

According to the invention, it is also provided a system for pumping particles contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water, comprising a pump; a suction line arranged between the pump and a liquid volume containing the liquid and the particles to pumped; a receiving unit, and a pipeline for transferring the pumped liquid and particles. An ejector is arranged downstream of the pump, an inlet of which being arranged in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump and with a device for formation of a sub-pressure at inlet of the ejector, providing a required liquid flow through the duct, said device being a separate chamber in fluid communication with chamber via an outlet with openings that are smaller than the particles for supply of only liquid and gas from the chamber into the chamber, enabling both the ejector and the pump together to form a sufficient sub-pressure with a subsequent over-pressure at the outlet of the ejector so that sufficient volume of liquid and particles may be drawn from the liquid volume through the closed duct to the chamber, and from the chamber through the ejector and the duct to the receiving unit, preventing the particles from passing through the pump.

According to one embodiment of the system, the suction side of the pump may be connected to the chamber at the bottom of the chamber, and that outlet is positioned at the upper end of the chamber, so that gas mixed with the liquid will ascend upwards and back into the chamber through the outlet, while liquid is drawn downwards in the chamber and into the pump. The suction side of the pump may also be connected to an external supply of liquid.

The suction side may be connected to both the chamber and an external supply, where the connection may be completely opened and closed by means of a valve on the supply line and a valve on the connection to the chamber, said valves preferably being controlled so that it is a least flow resistance in the connection line to the chamber, until the outlet becomes partly or completely clogged by particles, and then it will be lower flow resistance in the external supply until gas delivered by the compressor draws away said particles when the gas ascends upwards through the liquid column in the chamber.

An outlet is arranged at the top of the chamber, having a controllable opening for gas with a non-return valve or check valve, configured to close at a sub-pressure in the chamber, and in case of buildup of gas with overpressure at the top of the chamber the gas will force it way out of the chamber through the outlet, and by controlling or adjusting the opening of the outlet, sufficient overpressure will be maintained at the top of the chamber to force or press liquid and particles to the receiving unit.

The gas pressed out through the outlet may be directed to the distribution chamber for supply of additional gas at the bottom of the chamber. The outlet (9) may be provided with a third line with adjustable or controllable opening and a valve for allowing superfluous gas to escape out of the system, and wherein the valve may be mechanically adjusted or controlled for opening at a certain pressure, controlled manually or automatically by a sensor measuring the pressure or liquid level inside the chamber.

The compressor may be provided with two outlets, each with a valve where one of the valves being associated with the distribution chamber and the other with the ejector, so that by closing valve on the outlet from the distribution chamber and supplying pressurized gas from the compressor into the ejector, a sub-pressure is formed at the ejector, emptying the closed duct, the chamber and the chamber for gas, said gas being substituted by liquid drawn up from the liquid volume.

A non-return valve or check valve may be arranged in the closed duct or duct, closing if the flow of liquid and particles is moving in wrong direction from the duct to the liquid volume, and opens when the liquid flow moves in opposite direction.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is provided a system for pumping particles contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water. The system comprises a liquid volume containing the particles; one or more closed ducts from the liquid volume to a chamber for receipt of liquid and particles by establishing a sub-pressure in the chamber; one or more pumps for supply of gas and liquid; one or more compressors for supply of pressurized gas; and one or more closed ducts for transport of liquid and particles from the chamber to a receiving unit.

The chamber is provided with an outlet for liquid and particles into an ejector and from the ejector to a closed duct ending at the receiving unit; and a distribution chamber into which pressurized gas is supplied from the compressor(s), the gas ascending upwards in the liquid via openings in the chamber wall; and a pump pumping water through the ejector and into duct for formation of a sub-pressure at the ejector and for providing a required liquid flow through the duct, the suction side of the pump being connected to the chamber so that the volume of liquid supplied to the pump is drawn from the liquid volume; the chamber being connected to the chamber via an outlet with openings that are smaller than the particles for supply of only liquid and gas from the chamber into the chamber, so that the gas ascend vertically in the chamber, the ejector and the pump together forming a sufficient subpressure with a subsequent over-pressure so that sufficient volume of liquid and particles may be drawn from the liquid volume through the closed duct to the chamber, and from the chamber through the ejector and the duct to the receiving unit, preventing the particles from passing through the pump.

According to one embodiment, the pump may pump gas in addition to liquid, so that the pump evacuates gas from the chamber and the chamber that is substituted by liquid drawn up from the liquid volume.

Short Description of the Drawings

An exemplary embodiment of the invention shall in the following be described in further detail, referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows schematically, partly in vertical section, an outline of an exemplary embodiment of the invention for pumping fish from a cage to a well onboard a well boat;

Figure 2 shows schematically in an enlarge scale a vertical section through an exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows schematically, partly in vertical section, an outline of a second exemplary embodiment according to the invention for pumping fish from a cage to a well onboard a well boat;

Figure 4 shows schematically in an enlarge scale a vertical section through a second exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows schematically, partly in vertical section, through a third exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the present invention; and

Figure 6 to 8 show schematically an outline of a second exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiment disclosed in the Drawings

The following description of the exemplary embodiment refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to various forms of pumping systems and pumps used for pumping water and fish. It should be appreciated, however, that the referenced pumping system may also be used for pumping other mixtures of a liquid and a substance, or particles or soft or solid bodies without deviating from the inventive idea.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

Moreover, the arrows in the drawings indicate the direction of flow and movement through the system and the direction of rotation with respect to direction of flow.

Figure 1 shows schematically, partly in vertical section, an outline of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention for pumping fish from a cage to a well onboard a well boat, while Figure 2 shows schematically in an enlarge scale a vertical section through an exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the present invention. As indicated in the Figures, water and fish 2 (particles) is pumped up from a well 1 in the direction of the arrows and delivered to a tank or container or the like 16.

As indicated in Figure 1 and 2, the pumping plant comprises a hose with a suction funnel 3, where the end of the hose provided with the funnel 3 is submerged into the upper layer 20 of a liquid volume 1 containing the fish 2. The opposite end of the hose with the funnel 3 is connected to a first chamber 4. In association with the first chamber 4 a distribution chamber 11 is arranged, the interface plate between the first chamber 4 and the distribution chamber 11 being provided with a number of small holes or apertures for supply of air or a gas in the form of small bobbles to the chamber 4. This distribution chamber 11 is connected to a compressor 12, delivering pressurized gas to the distribution chamber 11 and hence to the firs chamber 4 through the small openings or apertures. The first chamber 4 extends vertically upwards to an outlet with a non-return valve or check valve 14, where liquid and particles 2 pass through the valve 14 and into an ejector 7 and then further into a pipeline 15, extending from the outlet of the ejector 7 and to a well, tank or a container 16. The check valve 14 opens up when the pressure in the first chamber 4 is larger than the pressure in the ejector 7 and closes when the pressure in the first chamber 4 is lower than the pressure in the ejector 7. The check valve 14 prevents in this manner liquid and particles from returning back from the pipeline 15 and downwards into the liquid volume 1.

On top of the first chamber 4, an outlet 9 is provided, the outlet 9 being provided with an associated valve 10 for evacuating air trapped at the top of the first chamber 4, while at the same time the valve 10 closes when an under-pressure is formed in the first chamber 4, preventing that false air is drawn into the first chamber 4. If possible, the outlet 9 is connected to a point on the pipeline 15 where the pipeline ascend upwards toward the outlet, allowing air to be drawn with the liquid flow and out of the pipeline 15, into the tank 16.

In the upper part of the first chamber 4, a liquid outlet 6 is provided for transfer of liquid to an outer chamber 5, the outlet 6 having openings or apertures that is smaller than the smallest particles 2 to be pumped, thus preventing said smallest particles to enter into the outer chamber 5.

The outer chamber 5 is given such height that air that is drawn with the water into the outer chamber 5 ascends up and back into the first chamber 4 through the outlet 6, at the same time as the liquid is drawn downwards and into the pump 13. In this manner the suction side of the pump 13 contributes to filling of liquid in the first chamber 4, and during operation, to parts of the flow of liquid and particles 2 in the first chamber 4.

The pump 13 is a liquid pump of desired type, such as a positive pressure pump or a centrifugal pump with a non-return valve or check valve, where the pump 13 sealed when it is not in operation, such that the liquid does not flow back or return through the pump 13 and back into the first chamber 4.

The liquid is pumped through the pump 13 and into the ejector chamber 8 and further through the ejector 7 and into the pipeline 15. When the first chamber 4 is to be filled with liquid, there is no liquid in the pump 13 or in the ejector 7. It will then be the lowest pressure in the first chamber 4. The non-return valve or check valve 14 will then be closed, such that the pump 13 will form a sufficient sub-pressure in the first chamber 4 in order to lift liquid and particles 2 up from the liquid volume 1 through the hose with suction funnel 3. When the liquid level has come up to the pump 13, then the compressor 12 may be started. The compressor 12 forces the air into the distribution chamber 11, so that air is supplied to the bottom of the first chamber 4. When this air ascends, it will function as a mammoth pump where the ascending air sucks or draws water up through the chamber 4.

Simultaneously the pump 13 pumps liquid into the antechamber 8 and from the antechamber 8 through the ejector 7, such that the ejector 7 forms a further pressure drop in the pipeline 15 at the ejector 7, and a corresponding pressure increase in the pipeline downstream of the ejector 7. In this manner both the pump 13, the mammoth pump and the ejector 7 contribute to a liquid flow of 200 to 300 liters per second and a lifting height in the order of 15 to 20 meters, in spite of the first chamber 4 having a limited height of 2.5 meters, and without causing any increase in liquid velocity in the ejector 7 that may cause damage or injury to the particles 2.

At the exit of the pipeline 15, the flow of liquid and particles 2 is led into a receiving unit 16, where the particles 2 are transported for further storage or processing.

Figure 3 shows schematically, partly in vertical section, an outline of a second exemplary embodiment according to the invention for pumping fish from a cage to a well onboard a well boat, while Figure 4 shows schematically in an enlarge scale a vertical section through a second exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the invention. As indicated in the Figure, water and fish 2 (particles) is pumped up from a well 1 in the direction of the arrows and delivered to a tank or container or the like 16.

Figures 3 and 4 disclose an alternative embodiment of the invention n. This alternative embodiment differs from the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 and 2, in that the pump 13 is connected to an external liquid supply 19 in addition to the connection to the outer chamber 5. The supply of liquid is controlled by means of a valve 17 on the external supply line 19 and a valve 18 on the supply from the chamber 5.

The external supply 19 is used for example for cleaning of the system with pure or clean water, filling of water at start-up and operation of the ejector 7 in those cases where particles 2 may have a tendency to clog the outlet 6.

When the external supply 19 is connected to the liquid volume 1, the system may be operated with a valve 17 partly open and the valve 18 completely open. The pump 13 will then draw liquid supply with lowest flow resistance, so that if the outlet 6 becomes more or less clogged, then the least flow resistance will be in in the external supply 9. When the flow of air and liquid then flowing in the chamber 4 has cleaned the outlet 6, the pump 13 will again draw water from the external chamber 5, since the valve only will be partly open and function as a flow resistance in the external supply 19.

Figure 5 shows schematically, partly in vertical section, through a third exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the present invention. The Figure shows yet another exemplary embodiment that differs from the previously described embodiments in that fluid out of the outlet 9 is fed to the distribution chamber 11 for increase of air supply to the bottom of the first chamber 4. The outlet 9 is in addition connected to a valve 21 that may open a third line for addition of free air when the air at the top of the first chamber 4 obtains a certain increase in pressure or when a certain liquid level is obtained. The valve 21 may be controlled so as to open at a certain over-pressure. This occur when a larger build-up of air at the top of the first chamber 4 is formed, said air then obtaining an increase in pressure when the passage for the liquid below the pocket of air is narrowing in and the liquid is forced against the pocket of air.

Figure 5 shows also a further embodiment, where the gas from the compressor 12 is directed either to the distribution chamber 11 or to the ejector 7. This is obtained by providing the compressor 12 with first line to the distribution chamber 11 that may be closed and open by a valve 22 and a second line 24 communicating with the ejector 7, that may be closed and opened by a valve 23. The valves 22,23 may be controlled manually or by a sensor sensing the liquid height in the chamber 4.

This function is used when the system is in progress of filling liquid. In such case the valve 22 is closed and the valve 23 is opened, while the compressor delivers pressurized gas into the ejector 7, creating a sub-pressure evacuating gas from the first chamber 4 and sucking up liquid from the liquid volume 1 and into the first chamber 4.

Figure 6 to 8 show schematically an outline of a second exemplary embodiment of a pump according to the invention. This second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the outlet 6 for liquid to an outer chamber 5 is configured as a rotating sieve (ref. Figure 6) or a rotating bans sieve (ref. Figure 7), powered by a separate motor 28.

At the inlet to the ejector 7, a flushing unit 25 is arranged, forcing water through an outlet 6 from the side facing the chamber 5 and into the chamber 4. A closed wall 26 guides the particles and the liquid flow delivered from the flushing unit 25 into the ejector 7. The particles that follow the outlet when rotating, is drawn to the flushing unit 25 where the particles 2 are forced away from the outlet 6 by the liquid flow from the flushing unit25 and in such manner is fed to the inlet of the ejector 7. When the liquid has passed through the outlet 6, the liquid is pumped through the pump 13 and onto the antechamber 8 and from the antechamber into the ejector 7.

A sieve 27 shields the particles 2 from the strong and hard water flow coming out of the ejector 7 until the particles 2 and the water flow out of the ejector 7 are mixed in the pipeline 15 so far downstream of the ejector 7 that the water velocity out of the ejector 7 has been reduced to a level that does not cause any harm or damage to the particles 2.

According to one embodiment, the compressor 12 forces air into the distribution chamber 11, such that air is introduced into the chamber 4. The air is mainly supplied for moving the particles away from the outlet and into the ejector 7. It is of importance that the system is configured in such that sufficient sub-pressure is established at the inlet to the ejector 7. Moreover, it is also important that the chamber is formed and configured in such way that the air ascends upwards in the chamber 4, ending at the inlet to the ejector 7. If the ejector 7 creates an increased sub-pressure 4, the ejector 7 will contribute to increased flow of liquid and particles 2 into the chamber 4. A part of the liquid flow will pass through the pump 13, while the remaining part of the liquid flow will enter at the suction side of the ejector 7. If a volume of air corresponding to the remaining part of the liquid flow is supplied, air will be lighter than the liquid and hence will be drawn into the ejector 7 instead of water. The system will then adjust itself down again until the flow of water and particles 2 entering the chamber 4 correspond to the liquid flow passing through the pump 13, while supplied air is drawn towards the ejector 7 instead of entering the pump 13.

Without supply of gas, only the particles 2 floating or sinking will be fed to the ejector 7, if the ejector is positioned at the top of the chamber 4 for floating particles 2, or at the bottom of the chamber 4, if the particles 2 sink. The particles 2 must then be much larger or lower density than the liquid, so that the particles when I the chamber 4 will be able to leave the water flow due to own weight or buoyancy. If not, the liquid flow will feed the particles 2 forward until the particles are forced against the outlet(s), and after a while clog the outlet(s).

In such latter case it may be necessary to use for example a rotating sieve 30 as outlet 6, moving the particles 2 forced against the outlet 6 towards the inlet of the ejector 7 due to the rotation of the sieve 30, ref. the arrows in Figures 6 and 7. As shown, while the particles and the liquid flow is in a direction to the left in the drawing, the direction of rotation of the rotating sieve is a clockwise direction. It should be noted that the embodiment disclosed in Figures 6 and 7, i.e. an embodiment with a rotating sieve 30, supply of gas/air may be superfluous. Not withstanding the above, it should be noted, however, that the disclosed embodiment may also function in the intended manner even if a gas is supplied.

The embodiment disclosed in Figures 6 and 7, i.e. use of a rotating sieve, differs from the embodiments disclosed in Figures 1 to 5 in that the outlet 6 for supply of a liquid to the outer chamber 6 is configured or formed as a self-cleaning or rinsing sieve. The sieve may be in the form of a rotating, cylindrically shaped sieve 30 or a rotating, band sieve, either being driven by a separate motor 28 (only indicated in Figure 8).

At the inlet to the ejector 7, one or more one or more nozzles 25 forcing liquid through sieve or filter 30 out through the outlet 6 from the side facing towards the chamber and into the chamber 4. Particles 2 following the outlet 6 when rotating, will be drawn towards the nozzles 25 where the particles are forced away from the outlet 6 by the flow of liquid out of the nozzles 25, and hence into the inlet of the ejector 7. A closed wall 26 guides the particles and the flow of liquid from the nozzles 25 into the ejector 7.

As shown in Figure 8, a sieve 27 protects the particles 2 against the tough and hard water flow out of the ejector 7, until the particles 2 and water flow out from the ejector are mixed downstream in the pipeline 15, such mixing occurring at a distance downstream of the outlet of the ejector 7where the velocity has decreased to a level that does not cause any harm to the particles.

Claims

1. Method for pumping particles (2) contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water, from a liquid volume (1) containing the particles (2) to a receiving unit (16) through one or more associated pipelines (3, 15), using at least one pump (13); where liquid and particles (2) are drawn through a pipeline (3) from the liquid volume (1) to a chamber (4) for by establishing a sub-pressure in the chamber (4) by means of one or more pumps (13); and where liquid and particles are transported from the chamber (4) through one or more pipelines (15) to a receiving unit (16), wherein the liquid and particles (2) are delivered from the chamber (4) into an ejector (7) and from the ejector (7) to the receiving unit (16) through the pipeline (15) by means of the pump (13) pumping water through the ejector (7) and into pipeline (15) for formation of a sub-pressure at the ejector (7) and for providing a required liquid flow through the pipeline (15), and by connecting the suction side of the pump (13) to a separate chamber (5) connected to the chamber (4) via an outlet (6) with openings that are smaller than the particles (2) for supply of only liquid and gas from the chamber (4) into the chamber (5), the ejector (7) and the pump (13) together forming a sufficient sub-pressure with a subsequent over-pressure so that sufficient volume of liquid and particles (2) may be drawn from the liquid volume (1) through the pipeline (3) to the chamber (4), and from the chamber (4) through the ejector (7) and the pipeline (15) to the receiving unit (16), preventing the particles (2) from passing through the pump (13);

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a rotating sieve (30) or band sieve (30) is used in association with the outlet (6) to the chamber (5) in order to transport the particles past an inlet towards the ejector (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein one or more compressors (12) are used for supply of pressurized gas delivered to a distribution chamber (11), allowing the gas to ascend upwards in the liquid via openings in the chamber (4) wall, drawing particles (2) through the chamber (4) past the outlet (6) and into the ejector (7).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump (13) may pump gas in addition to liquid, so that the pump (13) evacuates gas from the chamber (5) and the chamber (4) that is substituted by liquid drawn up from the liquid volume (1).

4. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the sieve (30) is cleaned by a liquid jet forcing liquid in direction from the chamber (5) into the chamber (4) in order to force particles (2) away from the outlet (6) and into the ejector (7).

5. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein nozzles (25) forming a part of the ejector (7) are used, allowing a part of the flow of liquid out of the ejector (7) to pass through the outlet (6) for forcing particles away from the outlet (6) and into the ejector (7).

6. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, where the particles (2) are shielded from the liquid flow out of the ejector (7) by means of a sieve (27) or filter at least until the liquid velocity out of the ejector (7) has dropped downstream of the ejector (7) to a level where said flow does not harm the particles (2).

7. System for pumping particles (2) contained in a liquid, preferably living fish in water, said system comprising:

a pump (13);

a pipeline (3) arranged between the pump (13) and a liquid volume (1) containing the liquid and the particles (2) to be pumped;

a receiving unit (16); and

a pipeline (15) for transferring the pumped liquid and particles (2) to the receiving unit (16);

a chamber (4) arranged between the pipeline (3) and the pump (13);

an ejector (7) arranged downstream of the pump (13), an inlet of which being arranged in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump (13); and with

a device for formation of a sub-pressure at inlet of the ejector (7), providing a required liquid flow through the pipeline (15), said device being a separate chamber (5) in fluid communication with the chamber (4) via an outlet (6) with openings that are smaller than the particles (2) for supply of only liquid and gas from the chamber (4) into the chamber (5) and said separate chamber (5) being in fluid communication with the pump (13), the separate chamber (5) enabling both the ejector (7) and the pump (13) together to form a sufficient sub-pressure with a subsequent overpressure at the outlet of the ejector (7) so that sufficient volume of liquid and particles (2) may be drawn from the liquid volume (1) through the pipeline (3) to the chamber (4), and from the chamber (4) through the ejector (7) and the pipeline (15) to the receiving unit (16), preventing the particles (2) from passing through the pump c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a rotating sieve (30) or band sieve (30) is arranged in association with the outlet (6) to the chamber (5) in order to transport the particles (2) past the inlet towards the ejector (7).

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the suction side of the pump (13) is connected to the chamber (5) at the bottom of the chamber (5), and that outlet (6) is positioned at the upper end of the chamber (5), so that gas mixed with the liquid will ascend upwards and back into the chamber (4) through the outlet (6) while liquid is drawn downwards in the chamber (6) and into the pump (13).

9. System according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the suction side of the pump (13) also is connected to an external supply (19) of liquid.

10. System according to one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the suction side is connected to both the chamber (5) and an external supply (19), where the connection may be completely opened and closed by means of a valve (17) on the supply line (19) and a valve (18) on the connection to the chamber (5), said valves (17,18) being controlled so that it is a least flow resistance in the connection line to the chamber (5), until the outlet (6) becomes partly or completely clogged by particles (2), and then it will be lower flow resistance in the external supply (19) until gas delivered by en compressor (12) draws away said particles (2) when the gas ascends upwards through a liquid column in the chamber (4).

11. System according to one of the claims 7 to 10, wherein an outlet (9) is arranged at the top of the chamber (4), having a controllable opening for gas with a non-return valve or check valve (10), configured to close at a sub-pressure in the chamber (4), and in case of buildup of gas with overpressure at the top of the chamber (4) the gas will force its way out of the chamber (4) through the outlet (9), and by controlling or adjusting the opening of the outlet (9), sufficient overpressure will be maintained at the top of the chamber (4) to force or press liquid and particles (2) to the receiving unit (16).

12. System according to one of the claims 7 to 11, wherein the gas pressed or forced out through the outlet (9) is directed to the pipeline (15), preferably to a point in the pipeline (15) where the pipeline (15) inclines upwards towards the outlet at the receiving unit (16), and where the gas follows the flow of liquid to the outlet end of the pipeline (15).

13. System according to one of the claims 7 to 12, wherein the gas pressed out through the outlet (9) is directed to the distribution chamber (11) for supply of additional gas at the bottom of the chamber (4).

14. System according to one of the claims 7 to 13, wherein the outlet (9) is provided with a third line with adjustable or controllable opening and a valve (21) for allowing superfluous gas to escape out of the system, and wherein the valve (21) may be mechanically adjusted or controlled for opening at a certain pressure, controlled manually or automatically by a sensor measuring the pressure or liquid level inside the chamber (4).

15. System according to one of the claims 7 to 14, wherein the compressor (12) is provided with two outlets, each with a valve (22,23) where one of the valves being associated with the distribution chamber (11) and the other with the ejector (7), so that by closing valve (22) on the outlet from the distribution chamber (11) and supplying pressurized gas from the compressor (12) into the ejector (7), a subpressure is formed at the ejector (7), emptying the pipeline (3), the chamber (4) and the chamber (5) for gas, said gas being substituted by liquid drawn up from the liquid volume (1).

16. System according to one of the claims 7 to 15, wherein a non-return valve or check valve (15) is arranged in the pipeline (3) or pipeline (15), closing if the flow of liquid and particles (2) is moving in wrong direction from the pipeline (15) to the liquid volume (1), and opens when the liquid flow moves in opposite direction.

Krav

1. Fremgangsmåte for å pumpe partikler (2) inneholdt i en væske, fortrinnsvis levende fisk i vann, fra et væskevolum (1) som inneholder partiklene (2) til en mottakerenhet (16) gjennom én eller flere forbundne rørledninger (3, 15), ved å bruke minst én pumpe (13); hvor væske og partikler (2) trekkes gjennom en rørledning (3) fra væskevolumet (1) til et kammer (4) for ved å etablere et undertrykk i kammeret (4) ved hjelp av én eller flere pumper (13); og hvor væske og partikler transporteres fra kammeret (4) gjennom én eller flere rørledninger (15) til en mottakerenhet (16), hvor væsken og partiklene (2) leveres fra kammeret (4) inn i en ejektor (7) og fra ejektoren (7) til mottakerenheten (16) gjennom rørledningen (15) ved hjelp av pumpen (13) som pumper vann gjennom ejektoren (7) og inn i rørledningen (15) for å danne av et undertrykk ved ejektoren (7) og for å tilveiebringe en nødvendig væskestrøm gjennom rørledningen (15), og ved å koble sugesiden av pumpen (13) til et separat kammer (5) koblet til kammeret (4) via et utløp (6) med åpninger som er mindre enn partiklene (2) for tilførsel av bare væske og gass fra kammeret (4) inn i kammeret (5), hvor ejektoren (7) og pumpen (13) sammen danner et tilstrekkelig undertrykk med et påfølgende overtrykk slik at tilstrekkelig volum av væske og partikler (2) kan trekkes fra væskevolumet (1) gjennom rørledningen (3) til kammeret (4), og fra kammeret (4) gjennom ejektoren (7) og rørledningen (15) til mottakerenheten (16), forhindrer partiklene (2) fra å passere gjennom pumpen (13) k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d a t en roterende sil (30) eller båndsil (30) brukes i forbindelse med utløpet (6) til kammeret (5) for å transportere partiklene forbi ett innløp mot ejektoren (7).

2. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 1, hvori én eller flere kompressorer (12) brukes for tilførsel av trykksatt gass levert til ett distribusjonskammer (11), som tillater gassen å stige oppover i væsken via åpninger i kammer (4) veggen, som trekker partikler (2) gjennom kammeret (4) forbi utløpet (6) og inn i ejektoren (7).

3. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvori pumpen (13) kan pumpe gass i tillegg til væske, slik at pumpen (13) evakuerer gass fra kammeret (5) og kammeret (4) som er erstattet med væske trukket opp fra væskevolumet (1).

4. Fremgangsmåte ifølge ett av kravene 1 til 3, hvori silen (30) rengjøres av en væskestråle som tvinger væske i retning fra kammeret (5) inn i kammeret (4) for å tvinge partikler (2) bort fra utløpet (6) og inni ejektoren (7).

5. Fremgangsmåte ifølge ett av kravene 1 til 3, hvori det brukes dyser (25) som danner en del av ejektoren (7), som tillater en del av væskestrømmen ut av ejektoren (7) å passere gjennom utløpet (6) for å tvinge partikler bort fra utløpet (6) og inn i ejektoren (7).

6. Fremgangsmåte ifølge ett av kravene 1 til 5, hvor partiklene (2) skjermes fra væskestrømmen ut av ejektoren (7) ved hjelp av en sil (27) eller filtrert i det minste inntil væskehastigheten ut av ejektoren (7) har sakket av nedstrøms ejektoren (7) til et nivå hvor nevnte strøm ikke skader partiklene (2).

7. System for å pumpe partikler (2) inneholdt i en væske, fortrinnsvis levende fisk i vann, hvor nevnte system omfatter:

en pumpe (13);

en rørledning (3) arrangert mellom pumpen (13) og et væskevolum (1) som inneholder væsken og partiklene (2) som skal pumpes;

en mottakerenhet (16); og

en rørledning (15) for å overføre den pumpede væsken og partikler (2) til mottakerenheten (16);

et kammer (4) anordnet mellom rørledningen (3) og pumpen (13);

en ejektor (7) arrangert nedstrøms av pumpen (13) , et innløp som arrangeres i fluidkommunikasjon med et utløp av pumpen (13); og med en anordning for å danne et undertrykk ved innløp av ejektoren (7), som tilveiebringer en nødvendig væskestrøm gjennom rørledningen (15), hvor nevnte anordning er et separat kammer (5) i fluidkommunikasjon med kammeret (4) via et utløp (6) med åpninger som er mindre enn partiklene (2) for tilførsel av bare væske og gass fra kammeret (4) inn i kammeret (5) og nevnte separate kammer (5) er i fluidkommunikasjon med pumpen (13), hvor det separate kammeret (5) muliggjør at både ejektoren (7) og pumpen (13) sammen danner et nødvendig undertrykk med et påfølgende overtrykk ved utløpet av ejektoren 87) slik at nødvendig væskevolum og partikler (2) kan trekkes fra væskevolumet (1) gjennom rørledningen (3) til kammeret (4), og fra kammeret (4) gjennom ejektoren (7) og rørledningen (15) til mottakerenheten (16), som forhindrer at partiklene (2) passerer gjennom pumpen (13);

k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d a t en roterende sil (30) eller båndsil (30) anordnes i forbindelse med utløpet (6) til kammeret (5) for å transportere partiklene (2) forbi innløpet mot ejektoren (7).

8. System ifølge krav 7, hvori sugesiden av pumpen (13) kobles til kammeret (5) ved bunnen av kammeret (5), og at utløpet (6) posisjoneres ved den øvre enden av kammeret (5), slik at gass blandet med væsken vil stige oppover og tilbake inn i kammeret (4) gjennom utløpet (6) mens væske trekkes nedover inn i kammeret (6) og inn i pumpen (13).

9. System ifølge krav 7 eller 8, hvori sugesiden av pumpen (13) også kobles til en ekstern forsyning (19) av væske.

10. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 9, hvori sugesiden kobles til både kammeret (5) og en ekstern forsyning (19), hvor forbindelsen kan åpnes og lukkes helt ved hjelp av en ventil (17) på forsyningslinjen (19) og en ventil (18) på forbindelsen til kammeret (5), hvor nevnte ventiler (17, 18) styres slik at det er minst mulig strømningsmotstand i forbindelseslinjen til kammeret (5), inntil utløpet (6) blir delvis eller helt tilstoppet av partikler (2), og da vil det bli lavere strømningsmotstand i den eksterne forsyningen (19) inntil gass levert av en kompressor (12) trekker bort nevnte partikler (2) når gassen stiger oppover gjennom en væskekolonne i kammeret (4).

11. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 10, hvori et utløp (9) arrangeres ved toppen av kammeret (4), som har en styrbar åpning for gass med en tilbakeslagsventil eller sikkerhetsventil (10), konfigurert for å lukke ved en undertrykk i kammeret (4), og i tilfelle oppbygging av gass med overtrykk i toppen av kammeret (4) vil gassen tvinge seg veg ut av kammeret (4) gjennom utløpet (9), og ved å styre eller justere åpningen av utløpet (9), vil tilstrekkelig overtrykk bli opprettholdt i toppen av kammeret (4) for å tvinge eller presse væske og partikler (2) til mottakerenheten (16).

12. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 11, hvori gassen presset eller tvunget ut gjennom utløpet (9) ledes til rørledningen (15), fortrinnsvis til et punkt i rørledningen (15) hvor rørledningen (15) heller oppover mot utløpet ved mottakerenheten (16), og hvor gassen følger strømmen av væske til utløpsenden av rørledningen (15).

13. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 12, hvori gassen presset ut gjennom utløpet (9) ledes til distribusjonskammeret (11) for tilførsel av ekstra gass ved bunnen av kammeret (4).

14. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 13, hvori utløpet (9) tilveiebringes med en tredje linje med justerbar og styrbar åpning og en ventil (21) som tillater overflødig gass å lekke ut av systemet, og hvori ventilen (21) kan bli mekanisk justert eller styrt for åpning ved et gitt trykk, styrt manuelt eller automatisk ved hjelp av en sensor som måler trykket eller væskenivået inni kammeret (4).

15. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 14, hvori kompressoren (12) tilveiebringes med to utløp, hvert med en ventil (22, 23) hvor én av ventilene forbindes med distribusjonskammeret (11) og den andre med ejektoren (7), slik at ved lukking av ventil (22) på utløpet fra distribusjonskammeret (11) og tilføring av trykksatt gass fra kompressoren (12) inn i ejektoren (7), dannes et undertrykk ved ejektoren (7), som tømmer rørledningen (3), kammeret (4) og kammeret (5) for gass, hvor nevnte gass byttes ut med væske trukket opp fra væskevolumet (1).

16. System ifølge ett av kravene 7 til 15, hvori en tilbakeslagsventil eller sikkerhetsventil (15) arrangeres i rørledningen (3) eller rørledningen (15), som lukker dersom strømmen av væske og partikler (2) beveger seg i feil retning fra rørledningen (15) til væskevolumet (1), og åpnes når væskestrømmen beveger seg i motsatt retning.

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

A01K 79/00

B65G 53/30

F04F 5/10

CPC classes

A01K 79/00

B65G 53/30

F04F 5/10

B65G 2201/0202

Citations

NO 20141502 A1 (A1)

CA 2869084 A1 (A1)

NO 162506B B (B)

WO 2009131458 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

MELBU SYSTEMS AS

Sminesgate 3

8445 MELBU

NO (HADSEL Municipality, Nordland county)

Org. number: 994443739

Inventors

Ingmar Jensen

Riseveien 173

8404 SORTLAND

NO (SORTLAND Municipality, Nordland county)

Agent

ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Edvard Griegs vei 1

5059 BERGEN

NO (BERGEN Municipality, Vestland county)

Org. number: 932214636

Reference: P17393NO00

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

No oppositions or appeals

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

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Only events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING A LIQUID CONTAINING PARTICLES, PREFERABLY FISH IN WATER