Key information

Title
A land based system for aquaculture for providing a fluid flow
Application number
20230445
Case type
National
Status
18.11.2024 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
24.04.2023
Effective date
24.04.2023
Publicly available
25.10.2024
Next annual fee due
30.04.2027
Applicant
Andfjord Innovation AS (NO)
Owner
Andfjord Innovation AS (NO)
Inventor
ERIKSEN Ben-Tommy (NO)
Agent
ZACCO NORWAY AS (NO)
Granted
18.11.2024
Patent number
348318
Expiry date
24.04.2043

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
The invention provides a land bases system for aquaculture comprising at least one tank adapted for holding fluid and biomass comprises one inlet module and an outlet module in fluid contact with the at least one tank, wherein the inlet module is adapted to provide fluid into the at least one tank, and the outlet module is adapted to remove fluid from the at least one the tank.

Publications

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Documents

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 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
17.07.2025 11-01 Saksbehandling 20230445(348318) INN Melding om søksmål Kvale Advokatfirma DA
08.07.2025 10-02 Saksbehandling 20230445(348318) INN Melding om søksmål(5063691.1) Kvale Advokatfirma DA
08.07.2025 10-01 Saksbehandling 20230445(348318) INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) Kvale Advokatfirma DA
02.03.2025 09-01 Saksbehandling 20230445(348318) UT PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20230445) ZACCO NORWAY AS
 19.11.2024 08-01 Saksbehandling 20230445(348318) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20230445)
25.10.2024 07-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 UT PT Meddelelse om patent ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-07 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Translation of claims ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-06 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Response to OA ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-05 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Description - amended marked ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-04 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Description - amended clean ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-03 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Claims - amended marked ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-02 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Claims - amended clean ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.07.2024 06-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ZACCO NORWAY AS
 02.05.2024 05-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 UT Realitet patent ZACCO NORWAY AS
 12.01.2024 04-06 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 amended description - marked ZACCO NORWAY AS
 12.01.2024 04-05 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 amended description - clean ZACCO NORWAY AS
 12.01.2024 04-04 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 amended claims - marked ZACCO NORWAY AS
 12.01.2024 04-03 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 amended claims - clean ZACCO NORWAY AS
 12.01.2024 04-02 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN Besvarelse av uttalelse av 24.10.23 ZACCO NORWAY AS
 12.01.2024 04-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.10.2023 03-02 Saksbehandling 20230445 UT PT report 09:40:31
24.10.2023 03-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 UT 20230445_1770161_PT 08 ZACCO NORWAY AS
 25.04.2023 02-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 UT Infobrev til oppfinner ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.04.2023 01-06 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Sammendrag ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.04.2023 01-05 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Figurer ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.04.2023 01-04 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Claims ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.04.2023 01-03 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN P454749NO00 Beskrivelse ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.04.2023 01-02 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN General Power of Attorney Andfjord Innovation AS ZACCO NORWAY AS
 24.04.2023 01-01 Saksbehandling 20230445 INN Søknadsskjema Patent ZACCO NORWAY 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
Title: A land-based system for aquaculture for providing a fluid flow.Technical field:[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for providing and removing fluid to a series of aquaculture enclosures. More specifically it relates to two or more aquaculture for land based aquaculture.Background:[0002] In aquaculture there has been an increasing demand in land-based facilities, fish pens and aquaculture enclosure to reduce the over-fertilization of the ocean, escape of fish and the exposure to sea lice. These land based tanks, pools and facilities demands a large through flow of water to keep the fish healthy. The large through flow gives rise to several problems, large energy consumption due to large amounts of water that must be transported and treated. Other reasons are area conflict. Land-based facilities are not limited by the weather and are therefore not limited to fjords.[0003] In a land based aquaculture enclosures it is preferable that the throughput of water is high, but at the same time, it is preferable that sediments from excess feed and fish excrement is not carried out with the outlet water, as to not clog any outlet or fish escape filter or sediments on the seabed outside the facility. Furthermore, to build structures on land can be expensive in its self, so different constructions with aquaculture basins build into the ground or bedrock, thereby reducing the need for structural reinforcement, has recently been developed. A pit or enclosure may be excavated by dynamite or machinery in solid rock or a solid foundation, thereby achieving a tank that can withstand the necessary amount of hydrostatic forces. One of the reasons to lower the facility into the ground is to save energy by not having to lift the water.[0004] Document NO20170692 A1 discloses a solution where a natural holding tank, such as a lake, or an excavated pool in the bedrock is used to hold the floating fish cages 4. In these solution convention fish pens may be used and the construction is relatively cheap without the need for dimensioning a wall to withstand relatively large hydrostatic pressure on one side and zero pressure on the other side. This solution has the downside of demanding large amounts of energy to pump the water from the sea up to the lake tank.[0005] Norwegian document NO911075 L discloses a dry dock type outer tank 1 m 2 situated on the bedrock with a fish farm cage or net 7 floating and in fluid communication with the outer tank 1, 2. A pump 4 controlled the stream of fluid and the level of water inside the tank 1, 2. The dry dock walls 1, 2 needs to be built to withstand the water pressure from the outside so the solution disclosed in the documents is costly to build the natural foundation is not protected from the inside of the cage. The system has one inlet from the sea and one outlet into the sea, wherein the inlet and outlet is below the sea surface, to reduce the energy consumption. However, this system requires walls to be erected into the sea and on the bedrock.[0006] Document KR 20130119796 A discloses a seawater supply apparatus for a land fish farm includes a water tank installed on land and above the sea surface, a seawater intake pipe which is installed to transfer seawater from the sea to the water tank, a pump installed in the seawater intake pipe. The disclosed system has the downside of needing to elevate the seawater to the water tank. Document NO 20210273 A1 discloses a system for non-resistive fluid circulation to elevated containers, wherein the resistive flow is removed for energyefficiency, when moving water to an elevated position. The disclosed system has the downside of needing to elevate the seawater to the water tank. [0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide continues flow through land based aquaculture tanks and basis. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a system with a structure that can handle different fluid levels in adjacent tanks. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a flexible inlet and outlet system that can be adapted to different needs. It is further an aim of the present invention to overcome the downside of the prior art.Summary:[0014] The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.Brief description of the figures[0008] These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings.Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a land based aquaculture facilityFigure 2 illustrates an inlet module of a land based aquaculture facilityFigure 3 illustrates four separate tanks seen from above connected with inlets and outlets. Figure 4 illustrates four separate tanks seen from a slanted view connected with inlets and outlets.Figure 5 illustrates an inlet module of a land based aquaculture facility.Figure 6 illustrates different features of the inlet and outlet module.Figure 7 illustrates three tanks separate by modules seen from a slanted view.Figure 8 illustrates an inlet module seen from above.Figure 9 illustrates an inlet module seen from above.Detailed description of the invention[0009] The following description will use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “back and forth”, “up and down”, ”upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “forward”, “rear”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader’s convenience only and shall not be limiting. Like numerals on different drawings describe the same feature. Numerals with apostrophe represents an additional feature represented by the same numeral, for instance the number 40 will represent one or the first of multiple or all of the multiples, and the numeral 40’ represents an additional of the same feature, like a second or multiple of the same feature.[0010] Fig.1 illustrates a land based aquaculture system comprising at least two adjacent tanks 40, 40’, or basins, adapted for holding fluid 50 and biomass 340, wherein the system comprises at least one dividing portion, such as an module 30, 60, 70 between two adjacent tanks 40, 40’. The dividing portion can be a structural wall section with means for preventing water passing through the dividing portion, such as an impenetrable wall, or it may comprise means for letting water through, such as openings, pumps and/or filters. In the illustrated example, the land based aquaculture system comprises one inlet module and an outlet module in fluid contact with each tank. The inlet modules and outlet modules may form part of the dividing portions or be integral to the structure of a tank or to adjacent structure of the tanks. The land based aquaculture system may comprise one tank with an inlet module and one outlet module. In figure 1, a total of six tanks 40, 40’, 40’’, 40’’’, 40’’’’, 40’’’’’ is illustrated, however, any number of tanks will be possible.[0011] The inlet module(s) 30, 70 is adapted to provide fluid into at least one of the tanks 40, 40’ and the outlet module(s) 60, 60’ is adapted to discard fluid from at least one of the tanks 40, 40’.[0012] The system may further comprise two adjacent tanks 40, 40’ that has at least one of an inlet module 70 or the outlet module 60, 60’ in common and situated between the two adjacent tanks 40, 40’, such as within the dividing portion, or forming a structural part of the dividing portion.[0013] The inlet module may comprise an inlet 160 below the sea surface 10 a distance away from the tanks. The sea inlet 160 is preferably situated on the ocean floor 20 adapted to let seawater 170 from the sea into the inlet tunnel system 130, 140, 150. The inlet tunnel system 130, 140, 150 connects the sea inlet 160 and the inlet module(s) 30, 70, 70’, wherein at least a first part of the inlet system is comprises of a main inlet tunnel 150, 140 horizontally, or close to horizontally, aligned, and situated a distance below the lowest portion 260 of the tanks, and a feeding inlet tunnel 130, 130’ vertically, or close to vertically, aligned, from the main inlet tunnel to the inlet module. The main inlet tunnel 150, 140 might comprise a main inlet tunnel 150 and several branch inlet tunnels 140, 140’ branching from the main inlet tunnel 150, each branch inlet tunnels 140, 140’ being in fluid communication with the a feeding inlet tunnel(s) 130, 130’.[0014] The outlet module may comprise an outlet below the sea surface a distance away from the tanks, wherein a tunnel system connects the outlet and the outlet module, wherein at least a first part of the outlet system comprises of a first main outlet tunnel horizontally, or close to horizontally, aligned, and situated below the lowest portion of the tanks, and a feeding outlet tunnel portion vertically, or close to vertically, aligned, from the outlet module to the main tunnel.[0015] As seen in figure 1, the system can comprise two or more tanks 40, 40’ arranged in fluid contact, wherein a first tank 40 at a first end comprises a first inlet module 30 adapted to provide a fluid, preferably seawater, from the sea 10 to the first tank 40, and to all of the consecutive tanks 40’. Adjacent to the first tank 40 is the second tank 40’, wherein it is arranged a first dividing portion comprising a first outlet module 60 between the first and second tank 40, 40’, both tanks being in fluid communication with the first outlet module 60. The first outlet module is adapted to provide a fluid outlet from the first and second tank.[0016] As further seen in fig.1, the system may comprise a third thank 40’’ arranged adjacent to the second tank 40’, wherein a second dividing portion, such as an inlet module 70 is arranged between the second and third tank, and wherein the second dividing portion comprises a second inlet module, wherein the second inlet module is adapted to provide a fluid, preferably seawater, from the sea to the second and/or third tank.[0017] By incorporating a common inlet and outlet for two adjacent tanks, the cost and time for construction and installation is reduced in relation to a more conventional system, wherein each tank comprises respective inlets and outlets. Furthermore, by incorporating a dividing portion between two adjacent tanks, the system can facilitate the drainage or filling of only one tank, leaving on tank empty for maintenance or cleaning etc.[0018] As further seen in fig.1, the system is illustrated with six tanks 40, 40’, 40’’, 40’’’, 40’’’’, 40’’’’’ adapted for holding water and biomass 340 for aquaculture purposes, wherein the two and two adjacent tanks comprises dividing portion comprised of either an inlet module or an outlet module. Although the system is illustrated with six tanks, the system may comprise any number of tanks, such as 1-10 tanks or more.[0019] Figure 2 illustrated a cut out view of a plane going through a first 40 and second 40’ tank. As seen in the figure, the first tank 40 comprises an inlet module 30 in a first end. Said inlet module 30 receives water from the inlet tunnels 140, 130 below the tank 40 and below the sea level. In the illustration, the inlet module is comprised of a framework 210 and walls 220 that may comprise openings 410, 420 for providing a pathway 320 from the water from the inlet tunnels 140, 130 and to the pool of water 50 adapted to house the biomass. The arrows illustrates the water flow direction.[0020] In the illustration of the system, the inlet module comprises an inlet 180, extending from the feeding inlet tunnel (vertical inlet riser) 130 and into an intermediate section comprising framed dividers 210 between a first wall 205, or a headend wall, and a second wall 220, the tank wall, facing the flow-through pool. The tank wall 220 comprises an inlet opening 400 from the intermediate section and into the pool of the tank, to provide fluid to the pool in a flow-through manner. The fluid pool 50, is then in fluid contact with the inlet tunnels 130, 140. In a direction away from end first tank wall 205, in the direction that can be considered down-stream in the tank, is a pressure filter 310 creating an antechamber at a headend of the pool, wherein the inlet and the headend wall are in the antechamber. The inlet module may comprise filter, plugs and/or pumps 330, 350, 360, 370, 380, as illustrated in figs.5 and 6.[0021] In the second end of the tank, and between the first and second tank, is a dividing portion 60, 210, 220, 225, separating the flowing pools of water in the two adjacent tanks 40, 40’. In figure 2, the dividing portion comprises an inlet module 60 wherein two walls 220, 225, a first parallel wall 225 for the second end of the first tank, and a second parallel wall 220 for the first end of the second tank, comprises openings 420 (see fig.5) allowing fluid to flow from said two tanks and into the outlet. The openings 420 can be plugged or closed with closing means or plugging means, to prevent fluid from entering. The said two walls 220, 225 are separated by one or more framed walls 210 or framework adapted withstand the water pressure. The outlet 250 is in fluid communication with the vertical feeding outlet tunnel 110 and the main outlet tunnel 120. In figure 2, the second tank 40’ is empty and the first tank 40 is full of fluid. This may be made possible with means for opening or closing the openings 420 and 410 in the walls of the dividing portion, pumps and/or filters. Thus, the dividing portion adds structural strength to withstand the pressure difference with different water levels, as well as physically separating two bodies of fluids to accommodate biomass of different age/size etc.Furthermore, in fig.2, the system is illustrated with a drainage system comprising a draining mass 190, 270 under the floor and/or draining mass 290 behind the walls 300 of the tanks. Said drainage mass 190, 270 is accessible by a drainage column 230 in the dividing portion, with a pump sump access 280 in fluid communication with the drainage mass. Such that when a pool in a tank is to be emptied, any fluid in the drainage mass 190, 270 can be removed to prevent the tank 40, 40’ from floating up. There should preferably be no fluids between the ground and the tanks (concrete that may constitute the tanks). This is to prevent the tanks from floating up. A pump (not shown) in fluid communication with the pump sump access 280 can pump of the water from the pump sump access 280. Fluid on the outside of the tanks can be problem in situations wherein the tanks are situated in the bedrock or down into the ground, and fluid seeps in from the outer boundaries or leaks through the boundaries of the tanks. To control the fluid level in the drainage system, a pump may continuously pump out fluid from the pump sump access 280. As seen in fig.2, the inlet 200 may be between the opening of the inlet 200 and the vertical inlet tunnel 130 with an inlet seal 180.[0022] As further illustrated in Fig.2, and embodiment is illustrated with a divider between the first and second tank, wherein divider comprises at least two parallel walls, a first wall facing the first tank and a second wall facing the second tank, with frames and/or additional walls between the two walls. The frames comprises openings for dispersing fluid around and into an intermediate outlet section. In the illustrated example, the intermediate outlet section forms part of the divider, and the outlet feed is in fluid communication with the intermediate section.[0023] Figure 3 illustrates four tanks 40 or pools with a flow 50 adapted for holding biomass such as fish, and a first and second inlet module 30, 70 and a first outlet module 60. In the illustration, the first and second tank 40, 40’ are adjacent arranged and separated by the first divider comprising the first inlet module 30, wherein the inlet module 30 comprises an inlet 200 rising from the fluid distribution system 130, and a wall section. Wherein the wall section comprises walls 220, 225 and/or pressure walls 310 and trusses, frames or additional walls, wherein at least one of the trusses, frames or additional walls are arranged with an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the parallel walls. In this configuration, the common inlet 200 of the first and second tank 40, 40’ supplies both the first and second tank with fluid. The walls comprises openings 410, 420 for guiding and letting the fluid flow 320 out from the, through the pressure walls 310 and into the pool of water, wherein a flow 50 is directed from the inlet end to an outlet end, wherein the fluid passes through openings in the walls 220, 225 in the outlet module 60 though wall openings 410, 420 and into the outlet 250, shared by the second 40’ and third 40’’ tank.[0024] The second and third tank 40’, 40’’ are adjacent arranged and separated by the first outlet module 60, wherein the outlet module comprises an outlet 250 into external outlet system. Wherein the outlet module comprises walls 220 and frames arranged at an angle to parallel of the cross section of the tanks. In another embodiment, the wall section comprises of the outlet module and divider might comprise parallel walls 220, 225 facing the tanks. In this configuration, the common outlet 60 of the second and third tank receives fluid from both the second and third tank.[0025] The third 40’’ and fourth tank 40’’’ are adjacent arranged and separated by the second divider comprising the second inlet module 70, wherein the second inlet module 70 comprises an inlet 200 rising from the fluid distribution system, and a wall section 220, 225, 310. Wherein the wall section comprises two parallel walls and trusses, frames or additional walls, wherein at least one of the trusses, frames or additional walls are arranged with an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the parallel walls. In this configuration, the common inlet of the third and fourth tank supplies both the third and fourth tank with fluid. This configuration can be alternated with additional tanks, wherein only the first and last tank will comprise an inlet module or outlet module not shared with an adjacent tank. [0026] As further illustrated in Fig.3, the water pressure from the third tank would preferably taken up by the frames angled frames within the divider and transferred to the side walls of the structure.Fig. 4. Illustrates the system as seen in fig 3, however, it is illustrated from a slanted view.[0027] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the inlet module comprises two fluid inlets 200, 200’, wherein a first inlet 200 is in fluid communication with a first water tunnel 140 with and inlet opening at a first sea level depth and a second inlet 200’ is in fluid communication with a second water tunnel 140’ with and inlet opening at a second seat level depth. This might be preferable to extract water from different depth in the sea at different times of the year, to accommodate the changes in water temperature. Said two inlet depths might also be employed as a redundancy measure. Furthermore, in Figure 5, the inlet module is illustrated with an intermediate chambers directly above the inlet openings 200, 200’, wherein the intermediate chamber is restricted between two walls, a first facing the tank and another (not shown) facing the opposite direction of the first, and two frames situated between the two walls. As illustrated, a frame arrangement 290 comprises an opening for water to enter into further chambers between additional framed sections in the inlet module. In the first middle framed section, a series of holder means 385 is arranged, whereby each holder means can hold a pump, a plugging means and/or filters 330, 350, 360. Such that a pump can be employed to pump fluid from the inlet intermediate chamber to the further chamber, and/or a plugging means to cut of fluid to pass from the inlet intermediate chamber to the further chamber, and/or different filters to prevent unwanted object to enter the stream. Furthermore, openings 420 are arranged in the first wall 220 facing the tank, to provide fluid from the inlet 200 and into the tank 40. The invention might comprise the inlet module disclosed herein, however with only one inlet, for all embodiments of the invention. The inlet may further comprise a column 230 adjacent the inlet 200’ for drainage and/or drain access.[0028] Figure 6 illustrates an inlet module and outlet module with an exploded view of a configuration of the means for inducing a fluid flow into the pool, such as a current generator 330’ or pump 330 and filters 360, or means for preventing a flow from entering or exiting such as a plug 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate section of the inlet module comprises a cylindrical shape or cylindrical wall section, wherein a holder means 385 comprising means for inducing a water current’, such as a pump 330 or current generator 330’. The holder means 385 are preferably removable arranged such that different elements easily can be added or removed, either for service or for additional functions. The means for inducing a water current can for instance be removed and a plug 350 can be inserted to stop the flow of fluid, for instance if the tank is to be emptied. Furthermore, a filter 360 adapted to prevent unwanted elements to enter, or for the biomass to escape, can be added into the holder 385 around the means for inducing a water current.[0029] Figure 6 further illustrates a version wherein the intermediate section of the outlet module 60 comprises a cylindrical shape or cylindrical outlet section, wherein a centrifugal filter 380 is situated down in the cylinder. A centrifugal filter 380 may be used to separate and concentrate contaminants suspended in the fluid. A centrifugal filter 380 will rotate the fluid to separate the particulates from the liquid. The process of centrifugation takes advantage of the difference in the specific gravity of a fluid and the density of particles within to accelerate the separation process utilizing centrifugal force rather than the force of gravity. A generator 370 can be situated within the intermediate section, possibly above the centrifugal filter, to take advantage of the passing fluid, to produce electricity. As the pool experiences a constant flow from the inlet to the outlet, i.e. from one side to another side, there will be a constant filling of the pool with fluid and a constant outflow of fluid. As the outflow passes the generator, the pressure of the water column will drive the generator to produce electric power. Said electric power can be utilized to drive, at least partly, one or more pumps 330 or current generators in the inlet module.[0030] In addition, or in in replacement of the centrifugal filter, a tubular filter 360’ or standard screen mesh filter can be placed upstream of the generator 370, i.e. before, the generator to prevent biomass, such as fish, to escape or enter the generator. The generator 370 can be any type of turbine or the like. A filter 360 can be utilized without the presence of a generator. As the fluid rotates down into the centrifugal filter, another filter may be employed in front of the outlet, within the intermediate section, adapted to prevent unwanted elements to exit, or for the biomass to escape, into the outlet. This modular intermediate sections for the inlet and outlet facilitates a vast variety of functions.[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the modular inlet intermediate section can comprise a structural holder means 385 adapted to be placed within the inlet intermediate section 200 downstream of the inlet. The holder means 385 can be configured to hold a current inducer/generator adapted to induce a current on the fluid received from the inlet and into the pool and a filter device, such as a screen or a mesh, adapted to let fluid pass the filter, but prevent biomass, such as fish, to escape out the inlet. The holder means 385 may also comprise a pump 330 adapted to pump a fluid.[0032] The modular outlet intermediate section can comprise a structural holder means adapted to be placed within the outlet intermediate section upstream of the outlet, and configured to hold a filter to prevent biomass, such as fish, to escape out the outlet, and/or a centrifugal filter adapted to filter out particles in the fluid, such as faeces or fish food.Furthermore, the embodiment may comprise the turbine situated in the outlet intermediate section. In this embodiment, which may be considered under normal use, fluid will be introduced trough the inlet and inlet system, wherein the pump or current generator of the inlet intermediate section will introduce the fluid into the pool and the outlet intermediate section will transport the fluid out of the pool, through the filer(s) and possibly the generator. It should be understood that the generator is optional. This results in a steady flow of fluid through the pool from the inlet to the outlet to provide an advantages environment for the biomass in the pool.[0033] In another embodiment, or situation, which can be utilized to empty a pool, the modular outlet intermediate section can comprise a structural holder means adapted to be placed within the outlet intermediate section upstream of the outlet, and configured to hold a plug, such as plugging means, which is adapted to cut off fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The modular outlet intermediate section can comprise a structural holder means adapted to be placed within the outlet intermediate section upstream of the outlet, and configured to hold a filter to prevent biomass, such as fish, to escape out the outlet, and/or a centrifugal filter adapted to filter out particles in the fluid, such as faeces or fish food. Furthermore, the embodiment may comprise the turbine situated in the outlet intermediate section. In this embodiment, which may be considered as emptying fluid, the fluid can exit the outlet, but not enter from the inlet, thus emptying the pool between the inlet and outlet sections.[0034] In another embodiment, or situation, which can be utilized to fill a pool, the modular inlet intermediate section can comprise a structural holder means adapted to be placed within the inlet intermediate section downstream of the inlet. The holder means can be configured to hold a current inducer/generator and/or a pump adapted to induce a current on the fluid received from the inlet and into the pool and a filter device, such as a screen or a mesh, adapted to let fluid pass the filter, but prevent biomass, such as fish, to escape out the inlet. The modular outlet intermediate section can comprise a structural holder means adapted to be placed within the outlet intermediate section upstream of the outlet, and configured to hold a plug, such as plugging means, which is adapted to cut off fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. In this embodiment, which may be considered as filling fluid, the fluid can enter in through the inlet, but not exit the outlet, thus filling the pool between the inlet and outlet sections.[0035] To achieve a steady and turbulent free flow of fluid from an inlet and/or inlet module in a divider, the invention set forth different alternatives to achieve this. Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein two adjacent tanks separated by a divider comprising common inlet module in an intermediate section comprising two inlet openings 130 in fluid communication with a fluid source, such as the sea, and the tanks. In the illustrated embodiment, each inlet opening comprises a first vertical tube 130 extending a distance upwards to an inlet opening, and a surface 430 within the intermediate wall section 310, 310’ that extends from the inlet opening 200 and downwards to the bottom of the tanks/pool in a slanted manner. A pressure filter 310, 310’ extending the width and height of the tank, is arranged between the pool of fluid in the tank and the inlet opening 200, creating an antechamber at a headend of the pool. The pressure filter section comprises multipole holes. The surface 430 is slanted from the bottom to the inlet opening to provide gradiently and diminishing room for the fluid. This alternative is arranged such that the fluid enters the inlet module with an upwards velocity vector, and as the fluid is pressed through the pressure filter, the fluid will spread evenly into the pool. As the surface 430 slants outward, the fluid is gradually pressured out through the pressure filter 310.310’ as it is forced downwards. In the illustrated embodiment the inlet section comprises an X shaped structural wall to transfer forces to the side walls and to provide fluid barrier between the two adjacent tanks, together with respective pressure filters and inlet openings with slanted downwards surfaces.Although, the structural wall 220 is illustrated with an X shaped cross section, it should be understood that any type of wall structure may be used.[0036] To achieve a steady and turbulent free flow 50 (laminar) of fluid from an inlet and/or inlet module 30 in a divider, and into the pool, the invention set forth different alternatives to achieve this. Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an inlet module 30, 70 as seen from above, wherein an inlet module in a first end of the tanks comprises the fluid inlet from the inlet system, and wherein the inlet module comprises a wall 220 to separate the pool of the tank with the inlet module. The wall 200 comprises a flow inlet opening 400, wherein a plate 390 is positioned inside the pool and centered on a center of the flow inlet opening 400 for distributing a current from the flow inlet opening 400 in a direction angled to the flow through the flow inlet opening 400. The fluid enters the flow inlet opening 400 and interacts with the plate 390, therby dispersing in the pool between the wall 220 and the pressure filter 310. The pressure filter 310 creating an antechamber at a headend of the pool, wherein the inlet 400 and the headend wall are in the antechamber. The fluid flows through the inlet and interacts with the plate 390, thereby distributing the water evenly over the entire pressure filter wall 310 and changes its direction as it flows into the pool with the biomass, in a laminar manner. Furthermore, the flow 50 in the tank 40 will be even across the cross section of the tank.[0037] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an inlet module 30, 70 as seen from above, similar to the embodiment illustrated in fig.8, however, with an additional plate 390’ in front of the flow inlet opening 400. In said illustration the inlet module is illustrated in a first end of the tank 40, 40’ comprises the fluid inlet 200 from the inlet system, and wherein the inlet module comprises a wall 220 to separate the fluid in the tank 40 and the inlet module 30, wherein a two parallel plates 390, 390’ are positioned inside the pool and centered on a center of the flow inlet opening 400 for distributing a fluid current from the flow inlet opening 400 in a direction along the wall 220. The two parallel plates 390, 390’ are spaced apart a distance, both from the wall 220 and from each other. A pressure filter 310 creates an antechamber at a headend of the pool, wherein the flow inlet opening 400 and the wall 220 are in the antechamber. The fluid flows through the flow inlet opening 400 and interacts with the first 390 plate, thereby generating a first path, which again interacts with the second plate 390’, generating a second fluid path, thereby distributing the water evenly over the entire pressure filter wall 310 and changes its direction as it flows into the pool with the biomass. The pressure filter wall can be any type of filter or wall which is water permeable. The pressure filter wall 310 may function both as a filter, preventing biomass from escaping, and to distribute the fluid flow in a laminar and even manner across the cross section of the tank.[0038] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating the invention may be used. These and other examples of the invention illustrated above are intended by way of example only and the actual scope of the invention is to be determined from the following claims. 10 Ocean water20 Oceanfloor30 Inlet module end40 tank50 water in a tank turbulent free60 Outlet module70 Inlet module between tank80 Tunnel outlet90 surrounding ground100 Main outlet tunnel110 Vertical part of outlet tunnel120 transverse outlet tunnel130 Vertical part of inet tunnel140 transverse inlet tunnel150 Main inlet tunnel160 Water intake at cea bottom to tunnel170 Water being sucked in to water intake180 Sealing between pool and tunnel190 Draining mass200 Inlet from tunnel to inlet-module205 First wall210 Secondary walls220 Second wall225 First wall230 column to drain the water around the pool240 Empty pool250 Outlet-module to tunnel260 Poolfloor270 Draining mass under tank280 Pump sump. Access to draining mass290 Draining mass between pool walls and surrounding ground 300 Wall between pool and surrounding ground310 Water distribution on wall320 Waterflow true openings in wall330 Pump340 Biomass350 Plugg – stop valve unit360 Filter escape obstacle module370 Generator – turbine module380 Centrifugalfilter module385 Holder390 Plate - obstacle causes the water toflow in several directions 400 Inlet between inlet module and tank410 Cavities in walls or pipes transport water420 Opening in tank wall430 Surface in inlet
Claims
Claims1. A land-based system for aquaculture comprising at least one tank (40, 40’) adapted for holding fluid (50) and biomasscomprises one inlet module (30) and an outlet module (60) in fluid contact with the at least one tank (40, 40’), wherein the inlet module (30) is adapted to provide fluid into the at least one tank (40, 40’), and the outlet module (60) is adapted to remove fluid from the at least one the tank (40, 40’), and wherein the inlet module (30) comprises a fluid inlet (160) located below a sea surface (10) a distance away from the tank (40, 40’), and an inlet system (130, 140, 150, 130’, 140’, 150’) connecting the inlet (160) and the inlet module (30),characterized in that at least a first part of the inlet system comprises of a first main inlet tunnel (140, 150) situated a distance below the lowest portion (260) of the tank (40, 40’), and a feeding inlet tunnel (130) vertically, or close to vertically, aligned, from the main inlet tunnel (140, 150) to the inlet module (30).2. The system according to claim 1, wherein outlet module (60) comprises an outlet (80) below the sea surface (10) a distance away from the tanks (40, 40’), wherein an outlet system (80, 100, 110, 120) connects, or is adapted to connect, the outlet (80) and the outlet module (60), wherein at least a first part of the outlet system comprises of a first main outlet tunnel (100, 120) situated a distance below the lowest portion (260) of the tank (40, 40’), and a feeding outlet tunnel (110) vertically, or close to vertically, aligned, from the main outlet module (60) to the main outlet tunnel (100).3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system comprising at least two adjacent tanks (40, 40’), adapted for holding fluid (50) and biomass, wherein the system comprises at least one dividing portion between the two adjacent tanks (40, 40’), and wherein at least one of the inlet module (30, 70) or the outlet module (60, 60’) is situated between the two adjacent tanks (40, 40’) and/or within the dividing portion.4. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the system comprises at least three adjacent tanks (40, 40’, 40’’), wherein a third tank (40’’) is arranged adjacent to the second tank (40’), wherein a second dividing portion is arranged between the second (40’) and third tank (40’’), and wherein a second inlet module (70, 70’) or a second outlet module (60, 60’) is situated between the two adjacent second and third tanks (40’, 40’’) and/or within the second dividing portion.5. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one divider comprises at least two walls (220, 225, 310), a first wall facing a first tank (40) and a second wall facing the second tank (40’), and/or trusses and/or frames and/or additional walls, wherein at least one of the trusses, frames or additional walls (210, 220, 300, 310.320) are arranged with an angle ranging from parallel to perpendicular to the two walls (220, 225310).6. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the inlet module (30) comprises an inlet (200), extending from the vertical feeding inlet tunnel (130) and into an intermediate inlet section comprising framed dividers (210) between a first wall and a second wall, the second wall facing the tank (40, 40’, 40’’) with a flow-through pool (50), wherein the tank wall comprises an inlet opening (400) from the intermediate section and into the pool (50) of the tank (40’, 40’’), to provide fluid to the pool in a flow-through manner.7. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the inlet module (30, 70) further comprises a pump (330, 330’) and/or closing means (350) and/or filters (360) within the intermediate section.8. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the outlet module (60, 60’) comprises an outlet (250), extending from an intermediate outlet section in the outlet module (60, 60’), to the vertical feeding outlet tunnel (110) and wherein a tank wall comprises an opening (410, 420) in a divider and/or wall into the intermediate section, to provide a fluid exit from the pool (50) in a tank (40, 40’, 40’’) in a flow-through manner.9. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the outlet module (60, 60’) further comprises a pump (330) and/or closing means (350’) and/or filters (360, 380) within intermediate section (250).10. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one divider and/or two walls (220, 225) defines a cavity (200, 250) that is/are adopted to transport fluid to or from the adjoining tanks (40, 40’, 40’’) and to prevent a fluid from a first adjoining tank (40) to enter a second adjoining tank (40’).11. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least the at least one divider and/or two walls are adopted to prevent fluid from a first adjoining tank (40) to enter a second adjoining tank (40’) when the second adjoining tank (40’) is empty and the first tank (40) is at least partly fluid filled.12. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least the at least one divider and/or two walls, are structural wall sections (220) and/or pressure filters (310) comprising multiple protrusions and/or openings.13. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the inlet module (30, 70) comprises a laminar flow provider (310, 390, 400), wherein said laminar flow provider comprises at least one plate (390) positioned inside the pool (50) and centered on a center of an inlet (400) though a wall (220) for distributing a current from the inlet along the wall (220); a pressure filter (310) creating an antechamber at a headend of the tank (40, 40’), wherein the inlet (400) and the headend wall (220) are in the antechamber.14. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the inlet module (30, 70) comprises a laminar flow provider (310, 390, 400), wherein said laminar flow provider comprises at least two plates (390, 390’) positioned inside the pool (50) and centered on a center of an inlet (400) though a wall (220) for distributing a current from the inlet along the wall (220); a pressure filter (310) creating an antechamber at a headend of the tank (40, 40’), wherein the inlet (400) and the headend wall (220) are in the antechamber.Patentkrav1. Et landbasert system for akvakultur som omfatter av minst én tank (40, 40’) tilpasset for å holde væske (50) og biomasse, omfatter en innløpsmodul (30) og en utløpsmodul (60) i væskekontakt med minst én tank (40, 40’), hvor innløpsmodulen (30) er tilpasset for å tilføre væske til minst én tank (40, 40’), og utløpsmodulen (60) er tilpasset for å fjerne væske fra minst én tank (40, 40’), og hvor innløpsmodulen (30) omfatter et væskeinntak (160) plassert under havoverflaten (10) et stykke unna tanken (40, 40’), og et innløpssystem (130, 140, 150, 130’, 140’, 150’) som forbinder inntaket (160) og innløpsmodulen (30), karakterisert ved at minst en første del av innløpssystem omfatter av en første hovedinnløpstunnel (140, 150) plassert et stykke under den laveste delen (260) av tanken (40, 40’), og en innmatings innløpstunnel (130) vertikalt, eller nær vertikalt, orientert, fra hovedinnløpstunnelen (140, 150) til innløpsmodulen (30).2. Systemet ifølge krav 1, hvor utløpsmodulen (60) omfatter et utløp (80) under havoverflaten (10) et stykke unna tankene (40, 40’), hvor et utløpssystem (80, 100, 110, 120) forbinder, eller er tilpasset for å forbinde, utløpet (80) og utløpsmodulen (60), hvor minst en første del av utløpssystemmet omfatter av en første hovedutløpstunnel (100, 120) plassert et stykke under den laveste delen (260) av tanken (40, 40’), og en utmatingstunnel (110) vertikalt, eller nær vertikalt, justert, fra hovedutløpsmodulen (60) til hovedutløpstunnelen (100).3. Systemet ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvor systemet omfatter av minst to tilstøtende tanker (40, 40’), tilpasset for å holde væske (50) og biomasse, hvor systemet omfatter av minst en skillevegg mellom de to tilstøtende tankene (40, 40’), og hvor minst én av innløpsmodulen (30, 70) eller utløpsmodulen (60, 60’) er plassert mellom de to tilstøtende tankene (40, 40’) og/eller innenfor skilleveggen.4. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor systemet omfatter av minst tre tilstøtende tanker (40, 40’, 40’’), hvor en tredje tank (40’’) er plassert ved siden av den andre tanken (40’), hvor en andre skillevegg er plassert mellom den andre (40’) og tredje tanken (40’’), og hvor en andre innløpsmodul (70, 70’) eller en andre utløpsmodul (60, 60’) er plassert mellom de to tilstøtende andre og tredje tankene (40’, 40’’) og/eller innenfor den andre skilleveggen.5. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor minst én skillevegg omfatter av minst to vegger (220, 225, 310), en første vegg vendt mot en første tank (40) og en andre vegg vendt mot den andre tanken (40’), og/eller bjelker og/eller rammer og/eller ekstra vegger, hvor minst en av bjelkene, rammene eller ekstra veggene (210, 220, 300, 310, 320) er arrangert med en vinkel fra parallell til vinkelrett på de to veggene (220, 225, 310).6. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsmodulen (30) omfatter av et inntak (200), som strekker seg fra den vertikale innmatingstunnelen (130) og inn i en mellomliggende innløpsseksjon som omfatter innrammede skillevegger (210) mellom en første vegg og en andre vegg, hvor den andre veggen vender mot tanken (40, 40’, 40’’) med et gjennomstrømningsbasseng (50), hvor tankveggen omfatter av en innløpsåpning (400) fra den mellomliggende seksjonen og inn i bassenget (50) i tanken (40’, 40’’), for å tilføre væske til bassenget på en gjennomstrømningsmåte.7. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsmodulen (30, 70) videre omfatter en pumpe (330, 330’) og/eller lukkemidler (350) og/eller filtre (360) innenfor den mellomliggende seksjonen.8. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor utløpsmodulen (60, 60’) omfatter av et utløp (250), som strekker seg fra en mellomliggende utløpsseksjon i utløpsmodulen (60, 60’), til den vertikale utmatingstunnelen (110) og hvor en tankvegg omfatter av en åpning (410, 420) i en skillevegg og/eller vegg inn i den mellomliggende seksjonen, for å gi en væskeutgang fra bassenget (50) i en tank (40, 40’, 40’’) på en gjennomstrømningsmåte.9. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor utløpsmodulen (60, 60’) videre omfatter en pumpe (330) og/eller lukkemidler (350’) og/eller filtre (360, 380) innenfor den mellomliggende seksjonen (250).10. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor minst én skillevegg og/eller to vegger (220, 225) definerer et hulrom (200, 250) som er tilpasset for å transportere væske til eller fra de tilstøtende tankene (40, 40’, 40’’) og for å hindre en væske fra en første tilstøtende tank (40) i å komme inn i en andre tilstøtende tank (40’).11. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor minst én skillevegg og/eller to vegger er tilpasset for å hindre væske fra en første tilstøtende tank (40) i å komme inn i en andre tilstøtende tank (40’) når den andre tilstøtende tanken (40’) er tom og den første tanken (40) er minst delvis fylt med væske.12. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor minst én skillevegg og/eller to vegger, er strukturelle veggseksjoner (220) og/eller trykkfiltre (310) som omfatter flere utstikkere og/eller åpninger.13. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsmodulen (30, 70) omfatter av en laminærstrømsforsyner (310, 390, 400), hvor den nevntelaminærstrømsforsyneren omfatter av minst en plate (390) plassert inne i bassenget (50) og sentrert på midten av et innløp (400) gjennom en vegg (220) for å distribuere en strøm fra innløpet langs veggen (220); et trykkfilter (310) som skaper et forkammer i en endevegg av tanken (40, 40’), hvor innløpet (400) og endeveggen (220) er i forkammeret.14. Systemet ifølge ett av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsmodulen (30, 70) omfatter av en laminærstrømsforsyner (310, 390, 400), hvor den nevnte laminærstrømsforsyneren omfatter av minst to plater (390, 390’) plassert inne i bassenget (50) og sentrert på midten av et innløp (400) gjennom en vegg (220) for å distribuere en strøm fra innløpet langs veggen (220); et trykkfilter (310) som skaper et forkammer i en endevegg av tanken (40, 40’), hvor innløpet (400) og endeveggen (220) er i forkammeret.
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Patent classes

IPC classesA01K 61/10A01K 61/13A01K 63/04CPC classesA01K 61/10A01K 61/13A01K 63/04

Citations

KR 20130119796 A (A)NO 20210273 A1 (A1)WO 2019125175 A1 (A1)EP 3017696 A1 (A1)WO 2018199770 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
Andfjord Innovation AS
Storhøggveien 2 8406 SORTLAND NO (SORTLAND Municipality, Nordland county)Org. number: 930769584Inventors
ERIKSEN Ben-Tommy
Storhøggveien 2 8406 SORTLAND NO (SORTLAND Municipality, Nordland county)

Agent

ZACCO NORWAY AS
ZACCO NORWAY AS

Org. number: 982702887

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Postboks 488 0213 OSLO NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)
Org. number: 982702887
Reference: P454749NO00

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