Key information

Title
Method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates
Application number
20230244
Case type
National
Status
25.03.2024 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
08.03.2023
Effective date
08.03.2023
Publicly available
25.03.2024
Next annual fee due
31.03.2027
Applicant
AKVA SOLUTIONS AS (NO)
Owner
AKVA SOLUTIONS AS (NO)
Inventor
Even Hoff (NO) et al.
Agent
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS (NO)
Granted
25.03.2024
Patent number
347804
Expiry date
08.03.2043

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
Method and apparatus (100) for separation of body parts (11, 12) of aquatic invertebrates (10), wherein separating mantle (11), shell or tunic from intestines (12) of the aquatic invertebrates (10) by exposing the aquatic invertebrates (10) to a compression force over a separation section (101) in longitudinal direction of at least one separation assembly (200), between first (210) and second (220, 240) invertebrate engaging surfaces of the separation assembly (200).

Publications

B1A1
Checking availability of the latest published version...

Documents

 Expand Download files (19)
Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 02.02.2025 10-01 Saksbehandling 20230244(347804) UT PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20230244) CURO AS
 26.03.2024 09-01 Saksbehandling 20230244(347804) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20230244)
11.01.2024 08-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) CURO AS
 10.01.2024 07-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 UT Intention to grant CURO AS
 12.12.2023 06-05 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN NO20230244-trykningsklar_tekst_clean CURO AS
 12.12.2023 06-04 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN NO20230244-trykningsklar_tekst_annotated CURO AS
 12.12.2023 06-03 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN NO20230244-reply_office_action CURO AS
 12.12.2023 06-02 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN NO20230244-norske_krav CURO AS
 12.12.2023 06-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) CURO AS
 28.06.2023 05-02 Saksbehandling 20230244 UT PT report 10:11:18
28.06.2023 05-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 UT 20230244_1727836_PT 08 Eng CURO AS
 20.03.2023 04-03 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN Power of attorney CURO AS
 20.03.2023 04-02 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN Assignment CURO AS
 20.03.2023 04-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) CURO AS
 13.03.2023 03-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 UT Formal Examination 1 CURO AS
 13.03.2023 02-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 UT Informasjon til oppfinner Even Hoff
 08.03.2023 01-03 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN U4415-text CURO AS
 08.03.2023 01-02 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN U4415-figures CURO AS
 08.03.2023 01-01 Saksbehandling 20230244 INN Søknadsskjema Patent CURO 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 apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebratesThe present invention is related to a method for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates, according to the preamble of claim 1.The present invention is also related to an apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates, according to the preamble of claim 9.The present invention is especially related to a method and apparatus for separation of aquatic invertebrate’s mantle, shell or tunic, and intestines.BackgroundIn recent years, as part of the green shift towards sustainability, the potential of cultivating lowtrophic marine species has been investigated. These are species that feed on plankton and algae, far down the food chain. An example of such a species is tunicates that are a low-trophic species in the tunicate family. They are pioneering species known for quickly colonizing equipment related to aquaculture. Their high protein content and Omega-3 fatty acids make them suitable for cultivation. It has been verified that both fish and insects respond well to sea squirt-based feed.Tunicates (also known as sea squirts or Sea Vase) are filter-feeding animals that attach themselves to surfaces underwater. They grow to be 10-20 cm in length and are tube-shaped with two openings, or siphons. Nutrient-rich water is drawn in through the top opening, and filtered for nutrients before being expelled through the branched opening below. The animal is composed of roughly 95 % water when harvested.Tunicates can be roughly divided into two parts: the protein-rich intestines and the cellulose-rich mantle, shell or tunic. The intestines are loosely contained within the animal's hollow body and can be easily pressed out from the mantle, shell or tunic using fingers. The mantle, shell or tunic is very sturdy, while the intestines are fragile.To be able to utilize aquatic invertebrates in a large scale it is required that a method and apparatus for separation of physical components are provided.There have been some attempts to provide a method and apparatus for separating body parts of aquatic invertebrates over the years, as will be discussed below. From WO2017116294 A1 it is known an apparatus and method for separating sea-squirt organisms (ascidians), and more specifically solitary ascidians, in two different fractions, viz. a first fraction containing the body, and a second fraction containing the inner tunic and the outer tunic of the ascidians. WO2017116294 A1 is based on the use of roller pairs having a roll gap selected to sort out fractions of a desired size. The roller pair's longitudinal axis has an inclination in respect to the horizontal plane so that material remaining on the rollers is led away from the roller pair via the lower end of the rollers. A disadvantage with this solution is that the solution requires every tunicate to be oriented with the siphons or openings upwards before entering the first roller pair, something that requires an additional mechanism or manual intervention. A further drawback of this solution is that it is required that each tunicate is supplied to the roller pairs singularized. It is a fact that tunicates naturally stick together in clusters. Accordingly, the solution requires an additional mechanism or manual intervention upstream the roller pairs to separate the cluster of tunicates. In WO2019045571 A1 is described tunicate tending and harvesting system for the tending and harvesting of tunicates grown on at least one elongated, suspended growth surface is disclosed. The system comprises a tending and harvesting machine, the machine comprising at least a first and a second treatment stage, and means for moving the at least one growth surface sequentially through the treatment stages. Further, a tunicate tending and harvesting method for the tending and harvesting of tunicates grown on at least one elongated suspended growth surface is disclosed. During harvesting, when the growth surface is lifted up from the sea as in WO2019045571 A1, the tunicates tend to easily fall off the growth surface due to the pull of the gravitational force. By applying an additional force to squeeze out the intestines of the tunicates as described in WO2019045571 A1 this will lead to even more tunicates falling off the growth surface. Further, as tunicates naturally stick together in clusters, the use of the WO2019045571 A1 solution on thicker clusters where individuals are piled on top of each other will result in a low level of separation. From NO325805B is known a squashing device for squashing krill and other marine organisms comprising a soft protein containing material and a shell material so that some particulate and soft protein material and press-water is separated from a residue comprising shell and further protein material. The device comprises a press band and a sieve band which both are endless bands which in a squashing zone are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to move in the same direction and with a common speed. The sieve band is arranged to receive the material to be squashed upstream of the squashing zone and is perforated with a certain, convenient mesh size and in the squashing zone is supported by a perforated plate The press band in the squashing zone is supported from above by a number of pressing rolls arranged mainly perpendicular to the moving direction of the press band, arranged to expose the material resident between the two endless bands in the squashing zone for a controlled pressure against the perforated plate. The solution is dependent on that one fraction is pressed through the sieve band in the squashing zone, resulting in loss of biomass during the roller process.Another known solution is disclosed in US5005258A related to a method and apparatus for eviscerating scallops wherein a plurality of shucked shellfish is mechanically eviscerated utilizing a series of longitudinally aligned inclined channels. Each channel is formed of a power-driven roller and adjacent insert rollers, the insert rollers extending generally parallel and longitudinally aligned with each other. The frictional surfaces of the rollers and the spacing between adjacent rollers, or both, are controlled to effectively separate the soft shellfish viscera from the soft adductor muscle of the shellfish without significant damage to the muscles. The solution suffers from the same drawbacks a discussed above.There is accordingly a need for a method and apparatus enabling efficient and gentle separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates.There is further a need for a method and apparatus enabling large scale separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates.There is further a need for a method and apparatus being easily scalable, as aquatic invertebrate harvesting and processing often must be performed in large volumes to be profitable.There is further a need for a method and apparatus being able to process aquatic invertebrates regardless of their orientation when entering the separation stage.There is further a need for a method and apparatus which can process aquatic invertebrates being fed from a buffer tank upstream the separation assembly, as well as directly from a harvesting mechanism.ObjectThe main object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates partly or entirely solving the drawbacks of prior art.It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates enabling efficient and gentle separation of the body parts. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates enabling large scale separation of aquatic invertebrates.It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates enabling separation into mantle, shell or tunic and intestines in one operation.A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates enabling separation of nutrition rich body parts from nutrition poor body parts.It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates sorted in separate containers for further processing.An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus enabling large scale separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates.A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus being easily scalable and enabling processing of large volumes.It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus enabling processing of aquatic invertebrates regardless of their orientation when entering the separation stage.A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus enabling processing of aquatic invertebrates being fed from a buffer tank or directly from a harvesting mechanism. Further objects of the present invention will appear from the following description, claims and attached drawings.The inventionA method for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates according to the present invention is defined by the technical features of claim 1. Preferable features of the method are described in the depending method claims. An apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates according to the present invention is defined by the technical features of claim 9. Preferable features of the apparatus are described in the depending apparatus claims.The present invention provides a method and system for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates, such as tunica, but the principles of the present invention may also be used for other aquatic invertebrates, such as sea cucumber, sea urchin or other species where it is possible to separate mantle, shell or tunic from intestines.A method according to the present invention comprises separating mantle, shell or tunic from intestines of the aquatic invertebrates by exposing the aquatic invertebrates to a compression force over a separation section in longitudinal direction of at least one separation assembly, between first and second invertebrate engaging surfaces of the separation assembly.In accordance with one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method further comprises an initial step of supplying a biomass of aquatic invertebrates to the first invertebrate engaging surface, or both the first and second invertebrate engaging surface upstream the separation assembly.The method according to the present invention further comprises puncturing the aquatic invertebrates upstream the separation section and separation assembly, prior to separation of the mantle, shell or tunic from intestines. By puncturing the aquatic invertebrates, this will facilitate the separation process as the mantle, shell or tunic will be burst open and not allowed to act as a water balloon in the separation section.In accordance with a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises applying an increasing compression force to the biomass of invertebrates in the separation section of the separation assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, this is achieved by using first and second invertebrate engaging surfaces exhibiting decreasing gap therebetween in the separation section, seen in longitudinal direction of the separation assembly from inlet end to outlet end thereof. In this manner the invertebrates will experience an increasing compression as the invertebrates move from an inlet end of the separation assembly and towards an outlet end thereof.In another embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises applying a dynamic compression force to the biomass of invertebrates in the separation section of separation assembly by at least one of the first and second invertebrate engaging surfaces being applied a compression force in the separation section. In this manner, the compressing force will rely on the amount/thickness of the biomass of invertebrates.In accordance with a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method further comprises extracting the separated body parts of the aquatic invertebrates downstream the separation section by means of first and second sorting units.According to one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises extracting the intestines by using vacuum in the first sorting unit arranged downstream the separation section and separation assembly, in combination with first perforations, slits or holes in the first invertebrate engaging surface.In accordance with a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises extracting the mantle, shell or tunic by using vacuum, scraping and/or pressurized air in the second sorting unit arranged downstream the first sorting unit.According to a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises using a conveyor belt as the first invertebrate engaging surface and using a conveyor belt or elongated member or plate as the second invertebrate engaging surface.In accordance with a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises massaging or crushing the biomass of aquatic invertebrates in the separation section by using rollers in the mentioned conveyor belts.According to a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises removing most of the water in the aquatic invertebrate in the separation section by the mentioned compression force or massaging or crushing.An apparatus for separation of body parts of aquatic invertebrates according to the present invention comprises at least one separation assembly configured for separating body parts of the aquatic invertebrates. The at least one separation assembly according to the present invention comprises first and second invertebrate engaging surfaces configured to apply a compression force over a separation section in longitudinal direction of the separation assembly separating mantle, shell or tunic from intestines of the aquatic invertebrates.In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus comprising an aquatic invertebrate feeder unit arranged upstream the separation assembly. By using a controllable feeder unit, a controlled supply of biomass of invertebrates is supplied to the separation assembly.The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises at least one puncturing unit arranged upstream the separation section and separation assembly configured to puncture the aquatic invertebrates prior to separation of the mantle, shell or tunic from intestines.In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the first and second invertebrate engaging surfaces of the separation assembly are arranged with a decreasing gap therebetween in the separation section, seen in longitudinal direction of the separation assembly from inlet end to outlet end thereof, to apply an increasing compression force to the biomass of invertebrates in the separation section of separation assembly.According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, at least one of the first and second invertebrate engaging surfaces is arranged to compression means to apply a dynamic compression force to the biomass of invertebrates in the separation section of the separation assembly. This embodiment provides a possibility to adapt the separation assembly according to the volume of biomass of invertebrates.In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus comprises first and second sorting units configured to extract the separated body parts of the aquatic invertebrates, the first and second sorting units being arranged downstream the separation section and separation assembly.According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the first sorting unit is arranged upstream the second sorting unit and configured to extract intestines by comprising a suction member configured to use vacuum in combination with first perforations, slits or holes in the first invertebrate engaging surface to extract the intestines therefrom.In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the second sorting unit is arranged downstream the first sorting unit and comprising a scraper, vacuum extracting system, air blower system, or a combination thereof, to extract the mantle, shell or tunic from the first invertebrate engaging surface.According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first invertebrate engaging surface is a conveyer belt and the second invertebrate engaging surface is a conveyor belt or elongated member or plate. In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the conveyer belts are provided with rollers in the separation section of the separation assembly to massage or crush the biomass of invertebrates.Accordingly, the method and apparatus according to the present invention provide a solution for large scale separation and sorting of body parts of invertebrates.The method and apparatus according to the present invention provides a solution being easily scalable and enabling processing of large volumes.By the method and apparatus according to the present invention is enabled processing of aquatic invertebrates regardless of their orientation when entering the separation stage.The method and apparatus according to the present invention enables processing of aquatic invertebrates being fed from a buffer tank or directly from a harvesting mechanism.By the method and apparatus according to the present invention, the separated body parts can be separated and sorted to separate receiver units for further processing.Further preferable features and advantageous details of the present invention will appear from the following example description, claims and attached drawings.ExampleThe present invention will below be described in further detail with references to the attached drawings, where:Fig.1a-f are principle drawings of an apparatus for separating body parts of aquatic invertebrates according to one embodiment of the present invention,Fig.2 is a principle drawing of a vacuum extraction system according to the present invention, Fig.3 is a principle drawing of separated aquatic invertebrates according to the present invention, andFig.4 is a principle drawing of an apparatus for separating body parts of aquatic invertebrates according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Reference is first made to Figures 1a-b showing principle drawings of an apparatus 100 for separation of body parts 11-12 of an aquatic invertebrate 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention will be especially suitable for aquatic invertebrates 10 in the form of tunica, but may also be used for other aquatic invertebrates, such as sea cucumber, sea urchin or similar species where one wishes to separate a mantle 11, shell or tunic from intestines 12.The apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises a separation assembly 200 configured to apply physical force from both sides of the aquatic invertebrates 10 (see e.g. Fig.1a, 3) to separate body parts 11-12 (Fig. 3) thereof in a separation section 101 (step). The apparatus 100 according to the present invention is further provided with at least one sorting unit 300, 350, sorting at least one of the respective separated body parts 11-12 to an associated receiving unit 330 351 for further processing.In the first embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, the separation assembly 200 is formed by first 210 and second 220 invertebrate engaging surfaces. In the first embodiment, the first 210 and second 220 invertebrate engaging surfaces are formed by first 211 and second 221 controllable conveyor belts arranged in mainly parallel rotational planes such that a biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 can be received therebetween for separation. The mentioned first 211 and second 221 conveyer belts are independently controllable by respective associated motors 212, 222. In the shown embodiment, the rotational direction R of the mentioned first 211 and second 221 conveyor belts are to the right.According to the first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the mentioned first 211 and second 221 conveyor belts are provided with respective rollers 213, 223 distributed (arranged in series) in longitudinal direction in the separation section 101 of the apparatus 100, further described below. The mentioned first 211 and second 221 conveyor belts are preferably provided with tensioners 214, 224 for tensioning of the mentioned conveyor belts 211, 221. As can be seen in Fig.1a-b, the tensioner 214 is located at a distance from the upper side of the first conveyor belt 211 to provide space for the vacuum extraction system.In the first embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, the second conveyor belt 221 is arranged inclined in relation to the longitudinal plane of the first conveyor belt 211, such that there is a tapered spacing between the conveyor belts 211, 221, where the gap between the conveyor belts 211, 221 is wider at the inlet 230 and narrower at the outlet 231 of the separation assembly 200. The height difference between the mentioned conveyors 211, 221 is preferably adjustable on both the inlet 230 and outlet side 231 of the separation assembly to allow for biomass of various size. In a non-limiting example, the gap at the inlet side 230 is up to 1 cm, while the gap on the outlet side 231 is between 0.5-1 mm.In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the first conveyor belt 211 is configured for transporting a biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 from an aquatic invertebrate feeder 400 at one end thereof and conveying the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 towards and past the separation section 101. Accordingly, the first conveyor belt 211 is of a longer length than the second conveyor belt 221.In accordance with the present invention, the first conveyor belt 211 is at least provided with multiple first perforations, slits or holes 215 distributed in longitudinal and transversal direction of the first conveyor belt 211, which first perforation, slits or holes 215 will be used for separation of body parts 11, further described below. The mentioned perforations, slits or holes 215 will typically be within the non-limiting range of 5-10 mm. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the mentioned first conveyor belt 211 is further provided with multiple second perforations, slits or holes (not shown) with a considerably smaller size than the mentioned first perforations, slits or holes 215, wherein the purpose of the multiple second perforations, slits or holes is to enable increased suction or blowing air through the first conveyor belt 211. The mentioned first conveyor belt 211 is e.g. a cast or woven mesh.In accordance with the first embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, the first sorting unit 300 comprises a vacuum extraction system positioned downstream the outlet 231 of the separation assembly 200, and arranged close to a lower side of the first conveyor belt 211 to cooperate with the mentioned at first perforations, slits or holes 215 therein for suction of body parts 11 through the mentioned perforations, slits or holes 215 and into an associated receiving unit 330 (Fig.2).In the first embodiment of the apparatus 100 further comprises a second sorting unit 350, which in the shown example comprises a scraper 352 in engagement with the first conveyer belt 211 for removal of body parts 12 thereof and into a receiving unit 351. The second sorting unit 350 is in an alternative embodiment formed by a vacuum extraction system or air blower system, or a combination of scraper 352 and vacuum extraction or air blower.In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 comprises a puncturing unit 500 arranged upstream the separation assembly 200 configured to puncture the aquatic invertebrates 10 and preparing the aquatic invertebrates 10 for the following separation process. According to the shown embodiment the puncturing unit 500 is formed by at least one rotation member 501, such as a roller, which at outer circumference thereof is provided with sharp needles or spikes 502. The rotation member 501 is arranged to rotate on top of the first conveyor belt 211. In an alternative embodiment the puncturing unit 500 is formed by two rotation members 501 with needles or spikes 502 rolling against each other and thus receiving the aquatic invertebrates 10 therebetween. The latter solution is suitable for integration with or arrangement to the aquatic invertebrate feeder 400, e.g. in connection with the outlet thereof.Reference is now made to Fig.1c showing an alternative embodiment of the separation assembly 200 according to the present invention, wherein the rollers 213 of the first conveyor belt 211 is replaced by a longitudinally extending plate 216 extending in longitudinal direction of the first conveyor belt 211 in the separation section 101.Reference is further made to Fig. 1d showing another alternative to the first embodiment, where the first 211 and second 221 conveyor belts are arranged rotating in parallel planes and wherein the second conveyor belt 221 is arranged to compression means 600, such as one or more springs, applying a desired compression force to the second conveyor belt 221 towards the first conveyor belt 211. In this manner the distance between the first 211 and second 221 conveyer belt will change according to the volume of biomass of the aquatic invertebrates 10 supplied to the separation assembly 200.Reference is further made to Fig. 1e-f showing other alternative embodiments, where separation assembly 200 is formed by the first conveyor belt 211 and an elongated member or plate 240 extending in a parallel longitudinal plane to the first conveyor belt 211. In the embodiment in Fig. 1e, the elongated member or plate 240 is arranged inclined in relation to the longitudinal plane of the first conveyor belt 211, similar to the embodiment with the inclined second conveyor belt 221. In the embodiment of Fig.1f, the elongated member or plate 240 extend in parallel plane with the first conveyor belt 211, and wherein the elongated member or plate 240 is arranged to compression means 600, such as one or more springs, applying a desired compression force to the elongated member or plate 240 towards the first conveyor belt 211. In this manner the distance between the first conveyor belt 211 and the elongated member or plate 240 will change according to the biomass of the aquatic invertebrates 10 supplied thereto.Reference is now made to Fig.1a-f and 2 showing details of an embodiment of the first sorting unit 300 according to the present invention, in the form of a vacuum extractions system. In accordance with one embodiment of the vacuum extraction system according to the present invention it comprises a suction member 310, such as a nozzle, positioned under the first conveyer belt 211 and configured to create an airflow that goes from upper side of the first conveyor belt 211 and to the lower side of the first conveyor belt 211. The airflow enables body parts 12 to be sucked through the mentioned first perforations, slits or holes 215 of the first conveyor belt 211. In the present invention, the mentioned body parts 12 will be the intestines of the separated aquatic invertebrates 10. The vacuum level and gap size of the suction unit 310 is preferably adjustable. In accordance with the shown embodiment the suction member 310 is supplied with vacuum from a vacuum pump 320 via the receiving unit 330. In accordance with one embodiment of the vacuum extraction system according to the present invention, the receiving unit 330 is a cyclone separator configured to separate the body parts 12 (intestines) from the air and storing in a tank 331 at lower part thereof. Accordingly, by the present invention is provided an apparatus comprising a separation assembly 200 to separate the body parts 11-12 of the aquatic invertebrates 10 followed by sorting of the separated body parts 11-12 for further processing.The present invention is especially suitable for aquatic invertebrates 10 in the form of tunicates, and especially for separating the nutrition rich inside, i.e. intestines 12, of the aquatic invertebrates 10 from the nutrition poor mantle 11, shell or tunic, surrounding the inside. The softer, more viscous inside of the aquatic invertebrate 10 is extracted by the first sorting unit 300, while the shell or tunic will be extracted by the second sorting unit 350.How the apparatus 100 according to the present invention works will now be described.The aquatic invertebrate feeder 400 supplies biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 to the first conveyor belt 211 upstream the inlet end of the separation assembly 200.The biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 are pre-processed by the puncturing unit 500 upstream the separation assembly by the needles or spikes 501 puncturing the aquatic invertebrate 10.The biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10, after being punctured by the puncturing unit 500, is next conveyed by the first conveyor belt 211 to the inlet 230 of the separation assembly 200 and into the separation section 101.In the separation assembly of 200 of Fig.1a-b the rollers 213, 223 of the first 211 and second 221 conveyer belt will act in pairs, where one roller 213 from the first conveyer belt 211 will work together with the roller 223 directly above in the second conveyor belt 221 to manipulate the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 in between. As mentioned, some aquatic invertebrates 10, such as tunicates, consist of protein rich intestines 12 inside a durable, but soft mantle 11, shell or tunic, the separation assembly 200 in the separation section 101 will gently force the intestines 12 out of the mantle 11, shell or tunic. When the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 is massaged or crushed between the rollers 213, 223, the first 211 and second 221 conveyor belts will ensure that the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 is kept in place and does not slip out of the apparatus 100.For the other embodiments, the same massage effect or crush effect is achieved between the elongated member or plate 216, 240 and the rollers 213, 223 of the first 211 or second 221 conveyor belts.The advantage of performing a puncturing of the aquatic invertebrates 10 by the puncturing unit 500 is that this allows for the mantle 11, shell or tunic to burst open under the applying of a compression force (squeezing force), as the mantle 11, shell or tunic may act as a water balloon, not allowing the intestines 12 to escape during the separation process. If enough compression force (squeezing force) is applied, the separation assembly 200 may also separate the outer mantle 11, shell or tunic from the inner intestines 12.Reference is now made to Fig.3 showing an example of the result on the outlet 231 of the separation assembly 200 according to the present invention, where the aquatic invertebrates 10 have been separated into two fractions: intestines 12 and mantle 11, shell or tunic. In addition, most of the water in the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 has been squeezed out.The separated aquatic invertebrates 10 is next conveyed past the first sorting unit 300. The mantle 11, shell or tunic is at this point squeezed flat. The first sorting unit 300 comprising the vacuum extraction system, creating a suction, by the suction member 310, through the first perforations, slits or holes 215 resulting in that the intestines 12, due to their delicate, flexible and volatile texture, are sucked through the first perforations, slits or holes 215 for further processing. The mantle 11, shell or tunic, which is of larger extension/size and has a stiffer structure, will not be sucked through the perforations, slits or holes 215.If the first conveyor belt 211 is a mesh, a vacuum on the underside of the conveyer belt 211 will also move air through the mesh, not just through the perforations, slits or holes 215. This contributes to the mantle 11, shell or tunic being further retained on the upper side, as its large surface is “airtight”. The mantle 11, shell or tunic will be sucked against the first conveyor belt 211, and thus not pass through the first perforations, slits or holes 215. In accordance with a further embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention it comprises means 700 (Fig. 1a) for sprinkling water on the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 before it reaches the first sorting unit 300, the volatility of the biomass of aquatic invertebrates 10 can be further affected.In accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig.2, the sorted-out intestines 12 are then stored in a separate tank 331 after being separated from the air in cyclone separator 330.The remaining mantles 11, shells or tunics are conveyed further by the first conveyer belt 211 and to the second sorting unit 350 where they are removed from the first conveyer belt 211 by means of a scraper 352, vacuum extraction system and/or blower system and collected in an associated receiving unit 351.Accordingly, in this manner the body parts 11-12 of aquatic invertebrates 10 are gently separated into separate containers 331, 351, ready for further processing.In the shown embodiments the apparatus 100 is arranged with the longitudinal direction of the separation assembly 200 mainly in the horizontal plane. In an alternative embodiment, the separation assembly 200 is arranged with the longitudinal direction thereof mainly in the vertical plane. In such an embodiment both the first conveyor belt 211 and second conveyor belt 221 or elongated member or plate 240, is preferably arranged laterally reversed about a vertical center axis of the separation assembly 200. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, both the first conveyor belt 211 and second conveyor belt 221 or elongated member or plate 240 may be inclined in relation to the vertical center axis of the separation assembly 200.Reference is now made to Fig.4 showing an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, wherein the first sorting unit 300 is arranged above the first invertebrate engaging surface 210. In this embodiment the first invertebrate engaging surface 210 will not have the mentioned perforations, slits or holes 215. In the shown embodiment, the first sorting unit 300 is formed by a roller 340 provided with perforations, slits or holes 341 in circumferential direction thereof, corresponding to the perforations, slits or holes 215 of the first invertebrate engaging surface 210. The roller 340 is arranged to rotate in a parallel plane to the first invertebrate engaging surface, with the surface thereof close to the surface of the first invertebrate engaging 210 via a stationary hub 342. The roller 340 is further arranged to the mentioned vacuum extraction system described above, wherein a suction unit (not shown) is integrated interior in the roller 340 facing towards the first invertebrate engaging surface 210, and working as described above. In other words, the body parts 12 are sucked through the mentioned perforations, slits or holes 341 of the roller 340. The vacuum level and gap size of the suction unit is preferably also here adjustable. The suction member will also here be supplied with vacuum from a vacuum pump 320 (Fig.2) via the receiving unit 330 (Fig.2), as well as the receiving unit 330 e.g. being a cyclone separator configured to separate the body parts 12 (intestines) from the air and storing in the tank 331 (Fig.2) at lower part thereof.The apparatus 100 according to the present invention is easily scalable to required arrangements by arranging several apparatuses 100 in parallel. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may be provided with several separation assemblies 200 and sorting units 300, 350 arranged in parallel for increased capacity.Alternatively, the width of the apparatus 100 can be increased to process a larger volume.In a further alternative, several apparatuses 100 according to the present invention are arranged above each other.It will be preferable that at least the first invertebrate engaging surface 210 is exhibiting a rough surface to ensure that the invertebrates 10 are retained by some resistance on the first invertebrate engaging surface 210 during the separation process in the separation assembly 200.The technical features of the above described embodiments of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention may be combined to form modified embodiments within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims
Claims1. Method for separation of body parts (11, 12) of aquatic invertebrates (10), wherein the method comprises:- puncturing the aquatic invertebrates (10) upstream a separation section (101), and- separating mantle (11), shell or tunic from intestines (12) of the aquatic invertebrates (10) by exposing the aquatic invertebrates (10) to a compression force over the separation section (101) in longitudinal direction of at least one separation assembly (200), between first (210) and second (220, 240) invertebrate engaging surfaces of the separation assembly (200) causing the intestines (12) of the aquatic invertebrate (10) to be squeezed out from the outer body parts.2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprising an initial step of supplying a biomass of aquatic invertebrates (10) to the first invertebrate engaging surface (210), or both the first (210) and second (220) invertebrate engaging surface upstream the separation assembly (200).3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises applying an increasing compression force to the biomass of invertebrates (10) in the separation section (101) of separation assembly (200) by using the first (210) and second (220) invertebrate engaging surfaces exhibiting decreasing gap therebetween in the separation section (101), seen in longitudinal direction of the separation assembly (200) from inlet end (230) to outlet end (240) thereof, or applying a dynamic compression force to the biomass of invertebrates (10) in the separation section (101) of separation assembly (200) by at least one of the first (210) and second (220) invertebrate engaging surfaces being applied a compression force in the separation section (101).4. Method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprising extracting the separated body parts (11, 12) of the aquatic invertebrates (10) downstream the separation section (101) by means of first (300) and second (350) sorting units.5. Method according to claim 4, wherein extracting the intestines (12) by using vacuum in the first sorting unit (300) arranged downstream the separation section (101) and separation assembly (200), in combination with first perforations, slits or holes (215) in the first invertebrate engaging surface (210) or perforations, slits or holes (341) of a roller (340) arranged above the first invertebrate engaging surface (210).6. Method according to claim 4-5, wherein extracting the mantle (11), shell or tunic by using vacuum, scraping and/or pressurized air in the second sorting unit (350) arranged downstream the first sorting unit (300).7. Method according to any preceding claim, wherein using a conveyor belt (211) as the first invertebrate engaging surface (210) and using a conveyor belt (221) or elongated member or plate (240) as the second invertebrate engaging surface (220).8. Method according to claim 7, wherein massaging or crushing the biomass of aquatic invertebrates (10) in the separation section (101) by using rollers (213, 223) in the conveyor belts (211, 221).9. Apparatus (100) for separation of body parts (11, 12) of aquatic invertebrates (10), wherein the apparatus (100) comprises:- at least one separation assembly (200) comprising first (210) and second (220, 240) invertebrate engaging surfaces configured to apply a compression force over a separation section (101) in longitudinal direction of the separation assembly (200) causing the intestines (12) to be squeezed out from the outer body parts and separating mantle (11), shell or tunic from intestines (12) of the aquatic invertebrates (10), and- at least one puncturing unit (500) arranged upstream the separation section (101) and separation assembly (200) configured to puncture the aquatic invertebrates (10) prior to separation of the mantle (11), shell or tunic from the intestines (12).10. Apparatus (100) according claim 9, wherein the apparatus (100) comprising an aquatic invertebrate feeder unit (400) arranged upstream the separation assembly (200).11. Apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein the first (210) and second (220) invertebrate engaging surfaces of the separation assembly (200) are arranged with a decreasing gap therebetween in the separation section (101), seen in longitudinal direction of the separation assembly (200) from inlet end (230) to outlet end (240) thereof, to apply an increasing compression force to the biomass of invertebrates (10) in the separation section (101) of separation assembly (200).12. Apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first (210) and second (220) invertebrate engaging surfaces is arranged to compression means (600) to apply a dynamic compression force to the biomass of invertebrates (10) in the separation section (101) of the separation assembly (200).13. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim 9-12, wherein the apparatus (10) comprising first (300) and second (350) sorting units configured to extract the separated body parts (11, 12) of the aquatic invertebrates (10), the first (300) and second (350) sorting units being arranged downstream the separation section (101) and separation assembly (200).14. Apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein the first sorting unit (300) is arranged upstream the second sorting unit (350) and configured to extract intestines (12) by comprising a suction member (310) configured to use vacuum in combination with first perforations, slits or holes (215) in the first invertebrate engaging surface (210) or perforations, slits or holes (341) of a roller (340) arranged above the first invertebrate engaging surface (210) to extract the intestines (12) therefrom.15. Apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein the second sorting unit (350) is arranged downstream the first sorting unit (300) and comprising a scraper (352), vacuum extracting system, air blower system, or a combination thereof, to extract the mantle (11), shell or tunic from the first invertebrate engaging surface (210).16. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim 9-15, wherein the first invertebrate engaging surface (210) is a conveyer belt (211) and the second invertebrate engaging surface (220) is a conveyor belt (221) or elongated member or plate (240).17. Apparatus (100) according to claim 16, wherein the conveyer belts (211, 221) are provided with rollers (213, 223) in the separation section (101) of the separation assembly (200) to massage or crush the biomass of invertebrates (10).Patentkrav1. Fremgangsmåte for separering av kroppsdeler (11, 12) av akvatiske invertebrater (10), hvori fremgangsmåten omfatter:- punktering av de akvatiske invertebratene (10) oppstrøms en separeringsseksjon (101), og- separere mantel (11), skall eller kappe fra innvoller (12) av de akvatiske invertebratene (10) ved å utsette de akvatiske invertebratene (10) for en komprimeringskraft over separeringsseksjonen (101) i lengderetning av minst en separeringssammenstilling (200), mellom første (210) og andre (220, 240) invertebrateengasjerende overflater av separeringssammenstillingen (200) hvilket medfører at innvollene (12) til de akvatiske invertebratene (10) klemmes ut av de ytre kroppsdelene.2. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med krav 1, hvori fremgangsmåten videre omfatter et innledende trinn med tilføring av en biomass av akvatiske invertebrater (10) til den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210), eller både den første (210) og andre (220) invertebrateengasjerende overflaten oppstrøms separeringssammenstillingen (200).3. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med krav 1, hvori fremgangsmåten omfatter påføring av en økende komprimeringskraft på biomassen av invertebrater (10) i separeringsseksjonen (101) av separeringssammenstillingen (200) ved bruk av den første (210) og andre (220) invertebrateengasjerende overflaten hvilke oppviser avtagende mellomrom derimellom i separeringsseksjonen (101), sett i lengderetning av separeringssammenstillingen (200) fra innløpsende (230) til utløpsende (240) derav, eller anvende en dynamisk komprimeringskraft på biomassen av invertebrater (10) i separeringsseksjonen (101) av separeringssammenstillingen (200) ved at minst en av den første (210) og andre (220) invertebrateengasjerende overflaten påføres en komprimeringskraft i separeringsseksjonen (101).4. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med ett av de foregående krav, hvori fremgangsmåten omfatter ekstrahering av de separerte kroppsdelene (11, 12) av de akvatiske invertebratene (10) nedstrøms separeringsseksjonen (101) ved hjelp av første (300) og andre (350) sorteringsenheter.5. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med krav 4, hvori ekstrahere innvollene (12) ved bruk av vakuum i den førte sorteringsenheten (300) innrettet nedstrøms separeringsseksjonen (101) og separeringssammenstillingen (200), i kombinasjon med først perforeringer, slisser eller hull (215) i den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210) eller perforeringer, slisser eller hull (341) i en rulle (340) innrettet over den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210).6. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med krav 4-5, hvori ekstrahere mantelen (11), skallet eller kappen ved bruk av vakuum, skraping og/eller trykkluft i den andre sorteringsenheten (350) innrettet nedstrøms den første sorteringsenheten (300).7. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med ett av de foregående krav, hvori bruk av et transportbånd (211) som den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210) og bruk av et transportbånd (221) eller langstrakt element eller plate (240) som den andre invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (220).8. Fremgangsmåte i samsvar med krav 7, hvori massere eller knuse biomassen av akvatiske invertebrater (10) i separeringsseksjonen (101) ved bruk av ruller (213, 223) i transportbåndene (211, 221).9. Innretning (100) for separering av kroppsdeler (11, 12) av akvatiske invertebrater (10), hvori innretningen (100) omfatter:- minst en separeringssammenstilling (200) hvilken omfatter første (210) og andre (220, 240) invertebrateengasjerende overflater konfigurert til å påføre en komprimeringskraft over en separeringsseksjon (101) i lengderetning av separeringssammenstillingen (200) hvilket medfører at innvollene (12) klemmes ut av de ytre kroppsdelene og separerer mantel (11), skall eller kappe fra innvoller (12) av de akvatiske invertebratene (10), og- en punkteringsenhet (500) innrettet oppstrøms separeringsseksjonen (101) og separeringssammenstillingen (200) konfigurert til å punktere de akvatiske invertebratene (10) før separering av mantelen (11), skallet eller kappen fra innvollene (12).10. Innretning (100) i samsvar med krav 9, hvori innretningen (100) omfatter en akvatisk invertebratetilførselsenhet (400) innrettet oppstrøms separeringssammenstillingen (200).11. Innretning (100) i samsvar med krav 9, hvori den første (210) og andre (220) invertebrateengasjerende overflaten av separeringssammenstillingen (200) er innrettet med et avtakende mellomrom derimellom i separeringsseksjonen (101), sett i lengderetning av separeringssammenstillingen (200) fra innløpsende (230) til utløpsende (240) derav, for påføring av en økende komprimeringskraft på biomassen av invertebrater (10) i separeringsseksjonen (101) av separeringssammenstillingen (200).12. Innretning (100) i samsvar med krav 9, hvori minst en av den første (210) og andre (220) invertebrateengasjerende overflaten er innrettet til komprimeringsmidler (600) for påføring av en dynamisk komprimeringskraft til biomassen av invertebrater (10) i separeringsseksjonen (101) av separeringssammenstillingen (200).13. Innretning (100) i samsvar med ett av de foregående krav 9-12, hvori innretningen (10) omfatter første (300) og andre (350) sorteringsenheter konfigurert til å ekstrahere de separerte kroppsdelene (11, 12) av de akvatiske invertebratene (10), hvor den første (300) og andre (350) sorteringsenheten er innrettet nedstrøms separeringsseksjonen (101) og separeringssammenstillingen (200).14. Innretning (100) i samsvar med krav 13, hvori den første sorteringsenheten (300) er innrettet oppstrøms den andre sorteringsenheten (350) og konfigurert til å ekstrahere innvoller (12) ved å omfatte en sugeinnretning (310) konfigurert til å bruke vakuum i kombinasjon med første perforeringer, slisser eller hull (215) i den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210) eller perforeringer, slisser eller hull (341) i en rulle (340) innrettet over den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210) for ekstrahering av innvollene (12) derfra.15. Innretning (100) i samsvar med krav 13, hvori den andre sorteringsenheten (350) er innrettet nedstrøms den første sorteringsenheten (300) og omfatter en avskraper (352), vakuumekstraheringssystem, luftblåsersystem, eller en kombinasjon derav, for ekstrahering av mantelen (11), skallet eller kappen fra den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210).16. Innretning (100) i samsvar med ett av de foregående krav 9-15, hvori den første invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (210) er et transportbånd (211) og den andre invertebrateengasjerende overflaten (220) er et transportbånd (221) eller langstrakt element eller plate (240).17. Innretning (100) i samsvar med krav 16, hvori transportbåndene (211, 221) er forsynt med ruller (213, 223) i separeringsseksjonen (101) av separeringssammenstillingen (200) for massering eller knusning av biomassen av invertebrater (10).
Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classesA22C 29/00A22C 29/02CPC classesA22C 29/00A22C 29/02

Citations

NO 325805 B (B)WO 2017116294 A1 (A1)US 5005258 A (A)WO 2019045571 A1 (A1)US 2009325474 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
AKVA SOLUTIONS AS
Møregata 4 6516 KRISTIANSUND N NO (KRISTIANSUND Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county)Org. number: 925777420Inventors
Even Hoff
Langveien 18 6509 KRISTIANSUND N NO (KRISTIANSUND Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county)
Christer Olden
Møregata 4 6516 KRISTIANSUND N NO (KRISTIANSUND Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county)

Agent

ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Org. number: 932214636

Name and address are automatically synchronized with the Brønnøysund Register Centre.

Open in The Brønnøysund Register Centre
Edvard Griegs vei 1 5059 BERGEN NO (BERGEN Municipality, Vestland county)
Org. number: 932214636
Reference: P20230244NO

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

No Gazette entries foundOnly events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.