Recipient Organization
Lindgren-Pitman Inc.
2615 NE 5th Ave.
Pompano Beach,FL 33064
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Net cleaning and maintenance represent a significant cost in the aquaculture industry. Clean nets are essential in maintaining a healthy stock, and achieving optimal yield. Fouled nets also generate drag, and the dirtier the net, the higher the loading on moored structures in the farm, which could lead to failures. However, few options exist that are truly efficient in terms of their consumption of power, labor, or massive capital investment. This project proposes a mechanical scrubber that will clean netting efficiently, thereby drastically lowering operating costs, and increasing margins for the farmer. Efficiency is especially important in the development of the aquaculture industry in the U.S. because of increased competition with products farmed in developing nations with lower labor costs. The U.S. has a ~$10 billion trade offset, and is becoming increasingly reliant on foreign seafood (FAO, 2008). The accountability of these foreign supplies is often suspect as well. A growing and accountable domestic aquaculture industry would increase food safety and security. However, due to high labor costs, advancements in technology, as proposed in this project, will be necessary to make this industry successful. Deliverables in this project include a comprehensive design report, prototype testing, and a working prototype at the end of Phase I. Phase II will include the construction of more robust prototype units, with more robust control systems for pilot study testing at aquaculture facilities.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
It is understood that cleaning costs represent a large portion of the operating costs for marine aquaculture operations. The objective of this project is to develop a novel mechanical scrubbing system that is scalable for use in all size marine aquaculture situations. Deliverables will include several iterations of scrubber element design (brush design), propulsion design, and electro-mechanical drive design. Field testing will be performed at AquaRanch in Long Key FL, using netting previously deployed as a testing platform for each design iteration. The data collected will consist of electrical amperage and voltage (of the drive), solidity (quantified cleanliness) before and after cleaning, and visual observations taken from underwater pictures and video. Milestones will include- development of prototype and final designs of the mechanical scrubbing element, development and testing of preliminary (basic) electronic control package, design and construction of a basic prototype drive, insight and research on propeller design and functionality, and prototype propeller fabrication. By the interim report, deliverables should include a design engineering report and the beginning of fabrication of a prototype. Design criteria will be evaluated, and optimized, with the final deliverable being in the form of a basic, small, functional prototype for more robust Phase II pilot studies.
Project Methods
The proposed mechanical scrubber represents a significant departure from conventional net cleaning methods. At present, nets are typically cleaned by hand, though net rotation, or using high pressure water devices. The proposed design should prove to be more efficient in its consumption of power , and drastically reduce operating costs, while eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure. The ideal design, and ultimate goal of this project is to identify the most efficient scrubbing mechanism in terms of power consumption as it relates to cleaning ability. Cleaning ability/efficiency will be measured as the change in solidity before and after cleaning. Amperage and voltage will also be recorded to determine the efficiency of the whole system- by relating amperage and voltage to reduction of solidity. This will help in determining the scale of the cleaner as it relates to individual applications in the aquaculture industry, as well as determining power requirements, and relating that to the availability/feasibility of power available at farms of corresponding scale.