Apparatus and Method for Producing Feed

摘要

An apparatus and method for producing an aquatically grown feed include at least one length of conduit having therein stratified water and gas. The water is periodically circulated through the conduit and the aquatic feed grows on the surface of the water. Downstream of the conduit, the aquatic feed and water are separated via a screen. The water is recirculated and the aquatic feed is harvested. The gas within the conduit is pressurized above atmospheric, thereby creating a hyperbaric growing environment for the aquatic feed. Further, carbon dioxide and/or ammonia can be injected into the gas while fertilizer and/or pH correction solutions can be injected into the water. A programmable control system can be used to regulate components of the apparatus.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
providing:
at least one length of conduit, the conduit having an input side and an output side and having therein stratified water and gas;an inlet water valve disposed upstream of the input side and an outlet water valve disposed downstream of the output side;a sump tank downstream of the outlet water valve, the sump tank having thereover a removable screen;a water pump; andan aquatic feed organism disposed upon the surface of the water within the conduit; growing the aquatic feed organism upon the surface of the water within the length of conduit; periodically circulating the water through the conduit and outlet water valve with the water pump; separating the aquatic feed organism from the water via the removable screen; periodically circulating the water from the sump tank through the inlet water valve with the water pump; and injecting carbon dioxide and/or ammonia into the gas stratified in the conduit, wherein the gas within the conduit is at a pressure above standard atmospheric pressure.