Seeking Designer for Modular Aquaculture Structures

Kurzfassung

A large US company is looking for designers to create optimal modular constructions of copper-based aquaculture enclosures. The aquaculture industry uses net pens for near-shore and offshore fish farming operations. They are interested in contract research and joint development.

Details

Expansion of aquaculture into the offshore environment through use of submerged cages is a growing concept in fish farming. The copper industry has demonstrated the value of using copper alloys for these structures to solve problems of biofouling, protection from predator attack and fish escape, and decrease of pathogen and parasite infection. One issue that remains is the physical design of panels and connection methods to permit scalable structures that are easy to transport, assemble, install and use.

The company, a trade association representing copper producers, fabricators, and processors, seeks to develop technologies that permit wide-scale use of copper structures for marine aquaculture.

Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements:
The successful technology will:
• Use anti-fouling copper alloy materials for mesh panels and connectors:
- May use other materials in connectors if compatible (not promote corrosion) with copper alloy and marine environment.

• Create modular elements to permit construction of aquaculture cages with:
- Volumes from 100 to 50000 m3.
- Volumes that minimise acute angles.
- Round or rectangular shape at surface, possibly with different shape at depth.
- Shapes that optimize fish health.

• Minimise surface area on which biofouling organisms can grow.

• Be robust for marine applications in shallow and deep water.

• Permit easy assembly and portability of components.

The ideal designer will have:
- Demonstrated experience developing large-scale modular structures with easy onsite assembly and unit portability.
- A broad understanding or engineering materials including polymers, textiles, metals, and composites.
- A wide range of knowledge concerning material joining techniques.
- A desire to think creatively about how to apply various materials and processes to achieve minimum-cost designs.
- The ability to prepare concept sketches, computer models, and physical prototypes.
- Preferably, experience with marine structures.