GB2322367A - Controlling the dosage or concentration of a bacterial additive - Google Patents
Controlling the dosage or concentration of a bacterial additive Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2322367A GB2322367A GB9703744A GB9703744A GB2322367A GB 2322367 A GB2322367 A GB 2322367A GB 9703744 A GB9703744 A GB 9703744A GB 9703744 A GB9703744 A GB 9703744A GB 2322367 A GB2322367 A GB 2322367A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- contaminated
- bacterial cocktail
- concentration
- control means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 title 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 title 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 151
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229910021536 Zeolite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000005342 ion exchange Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K phosphate Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002910 solid waste Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 241000194110 Bacillus sp. (in: Bacteria) Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000193464 Clostridium sp. Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000589774 Pseudomonas sp. Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000440 bentonite Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000278 bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N bentoquatam Chemical compound O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003085 diluting agent Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 24
- 241000238557 Decapoda Species 0.000 description 11
- 241000972773 Aulopiformes Species 0.000 description 10
- 235000019515 salmon Nutrition 0.000 description 10
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 6
- 235000019688 fish Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000003608 fece Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dihydrogen sulfide Chemical compound S RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000277331 Salmonidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006065 biodegradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012851 eutrophication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000002440 industrial waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009372 pisciculture Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05D—INORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C; FERTILISERS PRODUCING CARBON DIOXIDE
- C05D9/00—Other inorganic fertilisers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
- A01K61/60—Floating cultivation devices, e.g. rafts or floating fish-farms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
- A01K63/04—Arrangements for treating water specially adapted to receptacles for live fish
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
- C02F1/685—Devices for dosing the additives
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F3/006—Regulation methods for biological treatment
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F3/00—Fertilisers from human or animal excrements, e.g. manure
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/20—Fertilizers of biological origin, e.g. guano or fertilizers made from animal corpses
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
- Y02A40/81—Aquaculture, e.g. of fish
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
- Y02P20/141—Feedstock
- Y02P20/145—Feedstock the feedstock being materials of biological origin
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
- Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
- Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Purification Treatments By Anaerobic Or Anaerobic And Aerobic Bacteria Or Animals (AREA)
- Biological Treatment Of Waste Water (AREA)
- Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
Abstract
A device for controllably releasing a first fluid 20 containing a bacterial cocktail into a second fluid 2, comprises at least one fluid release means 21 connectable to a fluid supply 19 and being submersible in the second fluid 2, control means, and measuring means to measure at least one parameter which is characteristic of the composition of the second fluid, wherein when a measured parameter reaches a pre-determined threshold value the control means reduces or increases either the volume of first fluid 20 supplied to the fluid release means 21 or the concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial cocktail in the first fluid 20. The measured parameters include pH, ammonia concentration, phosphate concentration, COD and BOD. Preferably means are provided to collect solid matter falling through the second fluid, the means being either a tray, mesh, fabric or layer capable of base ion exchange and being formed of either a zeolite, bentourite or clay material.
Description
Effluent Treatment
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the treatment of effluents, and in particular to the treatment of water polluted by the discharge of effluents.
Background to the Invention
It is widely acknowledged that it is undesirable to introduce organic effluents into water, because such release leads to eutrophication of the water, and an increase in the concentration of methane, hydrogen sulphide and phosphorous, and decreases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water. This leads to the water being unable to support life, and also causes algal blooms.
Fish farming, where fish are contained in tanks or ponds at stocking densities many times greater then would occur naturally, creates a particular problem. This is because the fish being farmed require high quality water in which to live and grow, yet at the same time the fish produce effluent in large quantities. For example, Scotland produces in the region of 55000 tonne of farmed salmon per year. The salmon are contained in wire cages, the cages being located in lochs. In producing such a tonnage of salmon, around 30000 tonnes of solid effluent would be produced by the salmon. This effluent comprises faeces and waste food. Furthermore, whilst the wire cages take up only a small amount of space in the loch, the effluent becomes dispersed through the larger body of water forming the loch, and hence the whole loch becomes contaminated, rather than merely the water in the region of the cage.
At present the only way to prevent the eco-systems of the lochs from being devastated is to fallow each loch every other year, the cost of which is great.
Also, the stocking density of each salmon farm is limited by the statutory limits on the discharge of phosphorous.
Not only does the effluent produced and discharged into the lochs by the fish harm the eco-system of the loch, but it is also detrimental to the health and growth of the salmon being farmed.
This problem occurs in all countries where salmon are farmed.
A similar problem occurs in the production of prawns in countries of
South East Asia. There, prawns are farmed in ponds. The ponds soon become contaminated by the effluent produced by the prawns, resulting in the ponds being incapable of supporting most life forms. This means that new ponds with adequate water supplies must be found. However, in many countries of S. E. Asia water is in short supply, which has led the imposition of a total ban on the building of new prawn farms.
Many processes other than fish and prawn farming produce effluent in large quantities, and generally such effluent must be treated or diluted before it can be introduced to water courses or the sea. Such effluent may include sewage, industrial waste, hydrocarbons, organic chemicals etc.
The food processing and paper making industries produce contaminated water in vast quantities. All of these waste materials present a problem, the scale of which increases each time there is a tightening of environmental protection laws.
Known effluent treatment methods rely on adding various chemicals and/or bacteria to batches of effluent in order to bring contaminant levels to acceptable levels. This requires numerous holding and treatment tanks which are not only costly to build, operate and maintain, but also present health and safety hazards.
It would therefore be desirable to be able to treat effluent as it is produced.
It would also be desirable to be able to treat water which is being contaminated by effluent with a bacterial cocktail, the cocktail's constituents being chosen in accordance with properties of the water being contaminated and the contaminating effluent.
The term "bacterial cocktail" shall be understood to mean a mixture of at least two bacteria.
Summary of the Invention
The invention provides a device for controllably releasing a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail into a second fluid, the device comprising at least one fluid release means connectable to a fluid supply and being submersible in the second fluid, control means, and measuring means to measure at least one parameter which is characteristic of the composition of the second fluid, wherein when a measured parameter reaches a pre-determined threshold value the control means reduces or increases either the volume of first fluid supplied to the fluid release means or the concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial cocktail in the first fluid.
A collecting means to collect any solid waste material falling through the second fluid may be provided. The collecting means may comprise a tray, a fine mesh material or fabric suitably supported, or a layer of material capable of base ion exchange, and which in particular attracts nitrogen. The material may be granular material. One particularly suitable material is zeolite. Other suitable materials include bentonite and clay materials.
Means to empty to collecting means may be provided, such as members to which a suction hose may be attached to remove the collected waste. The collecting member may be detachably mounted to the device.
The bacterial cocktail may comprise at least one of pseudomonas sp, bacillus sp, enterobacteriacal, and clostridium sp.
Preferably, the fluid release means comprises a pipe connectable at one end to the fluid supply, and more preferably a plurality of pipes at least one of which is connectable to the fluid supply. The or each pipe may be provided with holes in its surface through which the first fluid may be released, and more preferably each hole is provided with a nozzle through which the first fluid is dispersed into the second. The pipe may be closed at one end or may return to the fluid supply. Alternatively, the fluid release means may comprise a hollow apertured member which extends laterally and longitudinally.
The fluid supply to which the device is connectable preferably comprises at least one reservoir which holds the first fluid. The fluid supply may comprise a plurality of reservoirs each holding one of the bacteria used in the bacterial cocktail or a diluent. Advantageously the fluid supply further comprises a pump which may be driven by a motor which is preferably electrically powered.
The motor may also be provided with a speed controller so that the speed at which the motor rotates may be varied, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume of the first liquid moved by the pump.
The parameter(s) measured by the measuring means preferably include at least one of the following: pH, ammonia concentration, phosphate concentration, chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand. The measuring means may comprise a probe adapted to convert the level of a measured parameter into an electrical or electronic signal.
In one embodiment of the device, the control means comprises at least one valve, and preferably includes actuation means to actuate the or each said valve, which means may be adapted to actuate the or each said valve in accordance with one or more electrical or electronic signals received from the measuring means. The actuation means may comprise an hydraulic or electric motor which may be a rotary or linear motor, and further may be a stepper motor. Advantageously, the actuation means comprises a solenoid or an hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement.
Preferably each valve is provided with an actuation means. The control means may provide an output signal in accordance with which the speed controller varies the speed at which the motor is driven.
Advantageously, a plurality of measuring means may be provided to measure parameters at different locations, and the fluid release means may be capable of releasing different volumes of the first fluid at different locations. Preferably, the control means is adapted to reduce or increase either the volume of the first fluid supplied to the fluid release means or the concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial cocktail in the first fluid delivered to a particular location when a measured parameter at the particular location reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
In an embodiment of the invention, the control device includes a micro-processor which effects the control functions of the said device.
One embodiment of the invention includes an electrical power source to provide power for at least one of the motor, the measuring means, and the control means. The electrical power source may be a battery, and the battery may be re-chargeable. A wind, wave, or solar powered generator may be provided to re-charge the battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a wind, wave, or solar powered generator which may further comprise means to store electricity, such as a capacitor.
In one embodiment of the invention the fluid release means may be mounted beneath a cage, and preferably the fluid release means is arranged so that the first fluid is released into the second fluid substantially in a direction towards the base of the cage. The effect of mounting the fluid release means below the cage is to treat waste locally, as it is produced. This significantly reduces the contamination of the larger body of water, e.g. a loch, in which the cage is positioned.
In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid release means may be mounted in or on the collecting means. The collecting means may cover a part, or the whole, of the bottom of a pond or lake.
The invention also provides a method for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail, a contaminated second fluid by releasing the first fluid into the second, comprising the steps of:
a) measuring at least one parameter which is characteristic of the composition of the second fluid; and
b) increasing or decreasing the volume of the said first fluid released into the second and/or the concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial cocktail in the first fluid when a measured parameter reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
The invention also provides a method for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail, a contaminated second fluid by releasing the first fluid into the second, comprising the steps of:
a) measuring at least one parameter which is characteristic of the composition of the second fluid prior to being contaminated;
b) calculating the likely level of contamination produced in a given time interval;
c) calculating the amount and constitution of first fluid required to reduce the degree of contamination of the contaminated second fluid to an acceptable level; and
d) introducing the first fluid into the contaminated second fluid substantially continuously so that at the end of any given time period the contaminated fluid has been treated with the required amount of first fluid.
The level of contamination may be considered acceptable where the degree of contamination of the contaminated second fluid is reduced by between 60 to 80 percent, and preferably 70 to 80 percent, and even more preferably by 80 percent. Such reductions allow life to be supported in essentially the same manner as would occur in clean water.
The method for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail, a contaminated second fluid by releasing the first fluid into the second, may further comprise the step of collecting any solid contaminants, and preferably a still further step of periodically removing the solid contaminants collected.
The invention also provides a process for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail, a second contaminated fluid using a device according to the invention.
The invention further provides a device for controllably releasing a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail into a second fluid, the device comprising at least one fluid release means connectable to a fluid supply and being submersible in the second fluid, control means for controllably releasing the first fluid into the second fluid, and collecting means to collect any solid waste material falling through the second fluid.
The invention is particularly advantageous because it allows for the treatment of fluid which is continuously being contaminated as the contamination is occurring. The ability to treat contaminated fluids in this way will not only enable fish and prawn farms to be operated more efficiently and profitably, but will also reduce the environmental impact that such farms make. This will allow better use to be made of available water sources. In fact, this will be beneficial in any area where it is desirable to treat contaminated fluids as they are being produced. In addition, in many cases the solid waste collected from the device of the invention may be used as fertiliser, thereby converting a harmful waste product into a valuable resource.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a device according to the invention mounted beneath a cage used in salmon farming in its working position;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the device shown in Figure 1 in a cleaning position;
Figure 3 is a plan view of a device according to the invention situated in a pond; and
Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line A-A in Figure 3.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Figure 1 shows a cage 1 of the type used to contain salmon to which is attached a means for releasing a first fluid 20 containing a bacterial cocktail into a second fluid 2.
The cage 1 is partially submersed below water line 2. Around the sides of the cage 2 are mounted members 3 from which ropes 5 are hung.
Ropes 5 together with buoyancy aids 4 and ropes 8 attach pipes 21 to the cage 1.
Pipes 21 are attached to a tarpaulin 23. Pipes 21 are provided with apertures to facilitate the release of fluid 20 into fluid 2. As waste in the form of faeces and uneaten food falls from the base of the cage 1 through water 2, it meets fluid 20 which is being dispersed through fluid 2. The bacterial cocktail contained in fluid 20 reacts with this waste to break it down by bio-degradation. Remaining waste is caught by the tarpaulin 23 where it is further subjected to treatment by fluid 20 which is dispersed through fluid 2.
At the centre of tarpaulin 23, there is provided a pipe 22. The function of pipe 22 is to act as a drain when the tarpaulin 23 is in the position shown in Figure 2. A suction hose may be attached to pipe 22 to allow waste built up on tarpaulin 23 to be removed.
The tarpaulin 23 and pipes 21 are held in the position shown in
Figure 1 by a draw string. Releasing the draw string allows the tarpaulin 23 to move from the position shown in Figure 1 to that shown in Figure 2, whilst pulling on the draw string causes the tarpaulin 23 to move from the postion shown in Figure 2 to that shown in Figure 1. Any suitable means to pull and release the draw string may be provided.
Fluid 20 is held in a tank 19 and is introduced into pipes 21 by means of pipe 15. One end of pipe 15 is connected to pipes 21, whilst the other end is connected to the outlet of pump 16. The inlet of pump 16 is connected to tank 19.
Pump 16 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) which is powered by battery 18. The battery is recharged by a generator which is powered by propeller 17.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown an embodiment of the invention located in a prawn pond 30. Pond 30 is filled with water 36, and the base of the pond 30 is covered with zeolite 37. A means for releasing a first fluid 38 containing a bacterial cocktail into water 37 is provided, the means comprising a plurality of pipes 33, each pipe 33 being connected to a pipe 35, the pipe 35 having an inlet 32 into which the first fluid 38 is fed from a fluid supply (not shown). As can be seen from Figure 3, each of the pipes 33 and 35 is apertured 34, so that fluid 38 can be released in the direction shown by the arrows in Figure 4.
Suitable control means, and measuring means to measure at least one parameter which is characteristic of the composition of the water 36 when populated by prawns, are provided, the control means reducing or increasing either the volume of first fluid supplied to the fluid release means or the concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial cocktail in the first fluid when a threshold value is reached.
The effect of the zeolite 37 is to take up nitrogen produced during the decomposition of the waste produced by the prawns. After the pond has been harvested and restocked a number of times, for example 4 to 5 time, it is necessary to remove and replace the zeolite since it is no longer takes up nitrogen effectively. The spent zeolite is rich in nitrogen and can be used as a fertiliser.
In both the embodiments of the invention shown, not only is the waste material treated as it is produced, it is further treated when it is captured either on the tarpaulin 23 shown in Figures 1 and 2, or the zeolite 37 shown in Figures 3 and 4. Finally, residual waste is removed and can be recycled as fertiliser.
The fact that virtually all waste produced is captured, treated and subsequently removed means that there is very little contamination of the water being used for the purpose of salmon, trout, shrimp, or prawn farming. This means that fallow periods are not required which increases the productivity significantly, and also that stocking densities can be increased because, for example, phosphate levels in the water can be controlled.
Claims (48)
1. A device for controllably releasing a first fluid containing a
bacterial cocktail into a second fluid, the device comprising at
least one fluid release means connectable to a fluid supply and
being submersible in the second fluid, control means, and
measuring means to measure at least one parameter which is
characteristic of the composition of the second fluid, wherein
when a measured parameter reaches a pre-determined
threshold value the control means reduces or increases either
the volume of first fluid supplied to the fluid release means or
the concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial
cocktail in the first fluid.
2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein a collecting means to
collect any solid waste material falling through the second fluid
is provided.
3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the collecting means
comprises a tray, a fine mesh material or fabric suitably
supported, or a layer of material capable of base ion exchange.
4. A device according to Claim 3, wherein the layer of material
capable of base ion exchange attracts nitrogen.
5. A device according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the material is
granular.
6. A device according to any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the material
is zeolite, bentonite, or any clay material.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein means to
empty the collecting means is provided.
8. A device according to Claim 7, wherein a member to which a
suction hose may be attached to remove the collected waste is
provided.
9. A device according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the collecting
member is detachably mounted to the device.
10.A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid
release means comprises at least one pipe connectable at one
end to the fluid supply.
11. A device according to Claim 10, wherein at least one of the said
at least one pipe is provided with holes in its surface through
which the first fluid is released.
12. A device according to Claim 11, wherein each hole is provided
with a nozzle through which the first fluid is dispersed into the
second.
13. A device according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the pipe is closed
at one end or returns to the fluid supply.
14. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the fluid
release means comprises a hollow apertured member which
extends laterally and longitudinally.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid
supply to which the device is connectable comprises at least one
reservoir which holds the first fluid.
16. A device according to Claim 15, wherein the fluid supply
comprises a plurality of reservoirs each holding one of the
bacteria used in the bacterial cocktail, or a diluent.
17. A device according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the fluid supply
further comprises a pump driven by a motor.
18. A device according to Claim 17, wherein the motor is preferably
electrically powered.
19. A device according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the motor is also
provided with a speed controller so that the speed at which the
motor rotates may be varied, thereby increasing or decreasing
the volume of the first liquid moved by the pump.
20. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the
parameter(s) measured by the measuring means include at
least one of the following: pH, ammonia concentration,
phosphate concentration, chemical oxygen demand, and
biological oxygen demand.
21. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the
measuring means comprises a probe adapted to convert the
level of a measured parameter into an electrical or electronic
signal.
22. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein, the control
means comprises at least one valve.
23. A device according to Claim 22, wherein the control means
includes actuation means to actuate the or each said valve.
24. A device according to Claim 23, wherein the said actuation
means is adapted to actuate the or each said valve in
accordance with one or more electrical or electronic signals
received from the measuring means.
25. A device according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein the actuation
means comprises an hydraulic or electric motor.
26. A device according to any of Claims 23 to 25, wherein each
valve is provided with an actuation means.
27.A device according to any of Claims 19 to 26, wherein the
control means provides an output signal in accordance with
which the speed controller varies the speed at which the motor
is driven.
28. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality
of measuring means is provided to measure parameters at
different locations.
29. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid
release means is capable of releasing different volumes of the
first fluid at different locations.
30. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control
means is adapted to reduce or increase either the volume of the
first fluid supplied to the fluid release means or the
concentration of at least one constituent of the bacterial
cocktail in the first fluid delivered to a particular location when
a measured parameter at the particular location reaches a pre
determined threshold value.
31. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control
device includes a micro-processor which effects the control
functions of the said device.
32. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising
an electrical power source to provide power for at least one of
the motor, the measuring means, and the control means.
33. A device according to Claim 32, wherein the electrical power
source is a battery.
34. A device according to Claim 33, wherein a wind, wave, or solar
powered generator is provided to re-charge the battery.
35. A device according to Claim 32, wherein the power source is a
wind, wave, or solar powered generator further comprising
means to store electricity.
36. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid
release means is mounted beneath a cage.
37. A device according to Claim 36, wherein the fluid release
means is arranged so that the first fluid is released into the
second fluid substantially in a direction towards the base of the
cage.
38. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid
release means is mounted in or on the collecting means.
39. A device according to Claim 38, wherein the collecting means
covers a part, or the whole, of the bottom of a pond or lake.
40. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the
bacterial cocktail comprises at least one of pseudomonas sp,
bacillus sp, enterobacteriacal, and clostridium sp.
41. A device for controllably releasing a first fluid containing a
bacterial cocktail into a second fluid, the device comprising at
least one fluid release means connectable to a fluid supply and
being submersible in the second fluid, control means for
controllably releasing the first fluid into the second fluid, and
collecting means to collect any solid waste material falling
through the second fluid.
42. A method for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial
cocktail, a contaminated second fluid by releasing the first fluid
into the second, comprising the steps of:
a) measuring at least one parameter which is characteristic of
the composition of the second fluid; and
b) increasing or decreasing the volume of the said first fluid
released into the second and/or the concentration of at least
one constituent of the bacterial cocktail in the first fluid when
a measured parameter reaches a pre-determined threshold
value.
43. A method for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail, a contaminated second fluid by releasing the first fluid into the second, comprising the steps of:
a) measuring at least one parameter which is characteristic of
the composition of the second fluid prior to being
contaminated;
b) calculating the likely level of contamination produced in a
given time interval;
c) calculating the amount and constitution of first fluid
required to reduce the degree of contamination of the
contaminated second fluid to an acceptable level; and
d) introducing the first fluid into the contaminated second
fluid substantially continuously so that at the end of any
given time period the contaminated fluid has been treated
with the required amount of first fluid.
44. A method according to Claim 43, wherein the level of
contamination is considered acceptable where the degree of
contamination of the contaminated second fluid is reduced by
between 60 to 80 percent.
45. A method according to any of Claims 42 to 44, further
comprising the step of collecting any solid contaminants.
46. A method according to Claim 45, further comprising the step of
periodically removing the solid contaminants collected.
47. A process for treating, with a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail, a second contaminated fluid using a device according to any of Claims 1 to 41.
48. A device for controllably releasing a first fluid containing a bacterial cocktail into a second fluid substantially as shown in, or as described with reference to, the drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9703744A GB2322367A (en) | 1997-02-22 | 1997-02-22 | Controlling the dosage or concentration of a bacterial additive |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9703744A GB2322367A (en) | 1997-02-22 | 1997-02-22 | Controlling the dosage or concentration of a bacterial additive |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9703744D0 GB9703744D0 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
GB2322367A true GB2322367A (en) | 1998-08-26 |
Family
ID=10808166
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB9703744A Withdrawn GB2322367A (en) | 1997-02-22 | 1997-02-22 | Controlling the dosage or concentration of a bacterial additive |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2322367A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1875795A1 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2008-01-09 | Heiner Legat | Particle for forming a base |
WO2011032894A1 (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2011-03-24 | Solvay Sa | Process for treating with a chemical compound a body of water used in aquaculture |
WO2015022519A1 (en) * | 2013-08-12 | 2015-02-19 | Marine Harvest Scotland Limited | Treatment system for aquaculture |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1595537A (en) * | 1977-05-17 | 1981-08-12 | Stamicarbon | Process and apparatus for the biological purification of waste water |
EP0203782A2 (en) * | 1985-05-31 | 1986-12-03 | W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. | Method of and apparatus for dosing a material |
EP0607096A1 (en) * | 1993-01-14 | 1994-07-20 | Arm Biotechnology | Process and apparatus for biological treatment of polluted water, sludges and deposits |
GB2294038A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1996-04-17 | Lasertrim Ltd | A fluid treatment system |
-
1997
- 1997-02-22 GB GB9703744A patent/GB2322367A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1595537A (en) * | 1977-05-17 | 1981-08-12 | Stamicarbon | Process and apparatus for the biological purification of waste water |
EP0203782A2 (en) * | 1985-05-31 | 1986-12-03 | W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. | Method of and apparatus for dosing a material |
EP0607096A1 (en) * | 1993-01-14 | 1994-07-20 | Arm Biotechnology | Process and apparatus for biological treatment of polluted water, sludges and deposits |
GB2294038A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1996-04-17 | Lasertrim Ltd | A fluid treatment system |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1875795A1 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2008-01-09 | Heiner Legat | Particle for forming a base |
WO2011032894A1 (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2011-03-24 | Solvay Sa | Process for treating with a chemical compound a body of water used in aquaculture |
US8883684B2 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2014-11-11 | Solvay Sa | Process for treating with a chemical compound a body of water used in aquaculture |
AU2010294639B2 (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2016-03-24 | Solvay Sa | Process for treating with a chemical compound a body of water used in aquaculture |
US9532553B2 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2017-01-03 | Solvay Sa | Process for treating with a chemical compound a body of water used in aquaculture |
WO2015022519A1 (en) * | 2013-08-12 | 2015-02-19 | Marine Harvest Scotland Limited | Treatment system for aquaculture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9703744D0 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
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