Patent Publication Number: US-2010116216-A1

Title: Deep Sea Aquarium And Corresponding Operation Method

Description:
The invention relates to an aquarium and a corresponding operation method according to the independent claims. 
     For the accommodation and investigation of fish and other marine animals, aquaria are used which essential consist of a water tank which, in operation, is filled with water and receives the fish and marine animals to be accommodated. 
     A disadvantage of known aquaria is their lack of suitability for accommodating deep sea organisms which, in their natural environment in the deep sea, are adapted to a high water pressure corresponding to a water column of more than 1000 metres, and therefore cannot exist in an aquarium, due to the low water pressure prevailing therein. 
     Aquaria known as “deep sea aquaria” which are installed in public zoos for the display of fish and other marine animals are also known. However, the designation of these known aquaria as deep sea aquaria is misleading, since the water pressure in these aquaria does not in any way correspond to the deep sea pressure, so that these aquaria are also not suitable for accommodating deep sea organisms. 
     The investigation of deep sea organisms is therefore carried out with submarines in the deep ocean, although this is associated with various disadvantages. In the first place, the use of submarines for investigating deep sea organisms is extremely complex. Secondly, the use of submarines is time-limited, so that only investigations of deep sea organisms with a correspondingly short duration can be carried out. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple possibility for investigating deep sea organisms. 
     This aim is achieved with an aquarium according to the invention and a corresponding operation method according to the independent claims. 
     The invention includes the general technical teaching that the water tank of the aquarium according to the invention extends so deeply into the earth that at least the bottom of the water tank is at the pressure of the deep sea, enabling the investigation of deep sea organisms. 
     The expression “deep sea pressure” as used in the context of the invention preferably relates to a water column of more than 1000 m or even more than 2000 m. However, with regard to deep sea pressure, the invention is not limited to water columns of more than 1000 m, but also includes, for example, water tanks which contain a water column of more than 500 m, 250 m, 100 m, 50 m or even only more than 20 m. Accordingly, at the bottom of the aquarium according to the invention the pressure which prevails is more than 2 bar, 5 bar, 10 bar, 25 bar, 50 bar, 100 bar or even more than 200 bar. 
     A simple possibility for realising the aquarium according to the invention is to arrange the water tank in a mine shaft, a mine gallery or a mine cavern of an underground mine. Alternatively, however, a well shaft is also suitable for accommodating the water tank for the aquarium according to the invention. 
     The water tank can optionally be formed by a hollow underground space (e.g. a mine shaft) or can be arranged as a separate component in the hollow space. 
     The hollow space for accommodating the water tank for the aquarium according to the invention can also be a natural geological hollow space (e.g. a cave) or an artificially created hollow space (e.g. a mine shaft) in the earth. 
     Furthermore, the water tank in the aquarium according to the invention can be filled optionally with salt water or fresh water, depending on the organisms to be investigated. 
     The aquarium according to the invention described above has largely been described in this form in the parallel German patent application DE 10 2006 041 063, so that its entire content is to be considered part of the present description. 
     The present invention also solves a further problem. Firstly, some of the marine organisms accommodated by the aquarium can only live at a specific depth in the sea, since they have adapted to the pressure that prevails there. Secondly, some of these marine organisms have the capability of moving actively and would therefore move through different depth regions within the aquarium. Some of the marine organisms, on the other hand, due to a lack of their own mobility, would sink to the bottom of the aquarium, which does not correspond to the natural and appropriate environment of these marine organisms. The movement of the marine organisms in the aquarium can therefore lead to an impairment of these marine organisms. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to solve the problems associated with the movement of the marine organisms in the aquarium. 
     This aim is achieved, according to the invention, with a control device which controls the movement of objects (e.g. marine organisms) and/or water in the water tank. In the context of this movement control, the control device is able to hinder (i.e. block), record and/or specifically guide movements of the objects and/or the water in the water tank. 
     In order to prevent movements in the water tank, the control device can have, for example, a barrier which is arranged in the water tank and at least partially stops the movement of objects (e.g. marine organisms, water, supply capsules) in the water tank. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, this barrier is size-selective in that it lets small objects (e.g. small marine animals) through and stops large objects (e.g. large fish). 
     For example, this size-selectivity of the barrier can be achieved in that the barrier consists of a grid with a particular mesh size, wherein the mesh size of the grid determines the size-selectivity of the barrier. The grid then holds back only those objects (e.g. fish) which are larger than the mesh size of the grid. Smaller objects (e.g. food material), however, can pass through the grid largely unhindered. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention with a grid as the barrier, it is provided that the mesh size of the grid can be adjusted in order to influence the size-selectivity. For example, for this purpose, a plurality of grids can be arranged plane-parallel to one another and moveable relative to one another, in order to change the effective mesh size. The effective mesh size of this grid arrangement is a maximum when the grids are arranged relative to one another such that the meshes of both grids lie over and coincident with, one another. By contrast, the effective mesh size of this grid arrangement is minimal when the two grids are displaced relative to one another such that the grid nodes of one grid lie in the centre of the meshes of the other grid. Therefore, by means of a relative displacement of the two grids, the effective mesh size and thus also the size-selectivity of the barrier can be adjusted. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the barrier in the water tank has an opening in order to allow passing of the barrier, for example, for sample removal. A scaring device is preferably arranged in the region of the opening in order to scare off biological organisms (e.g. dark-adapted deep sea organisms) from passing through the opening. For this purpose, the scaring device can emit, for example, intense light, electrical pulses, alternating electrical fields and/or electromagnetic radiation. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention the barrier in the water tank has a particular resistance force, so that the barrier stops objects having a small impact force (e.g. small deep sea fish), whereas the barrier allows through objects with a larger impact force (e.g. relatively heavy supply capsules). 
     It is also preferably provided in the context of the invention that the barrier is adjustable between a blocking position and a passing position, wherein, in the blocking position, the barrier blocks the movement of the objects, whereas in the passing position, it allows the objects to pass. For example, the barrier can be folded, rotated, pivoted or slid between the blocking position and the passing position. 
     The barrier can also cover the cross-section of the water tank either partially or fully. 
     For example, a plurality of barriers which reach across the whole cross-section of the water tank can be included in the water tank at different depths, thereby dividing the water tank into a plurality of depth zones. 
     Alternatively, it is possible for the barriers which are arranged over one another in the water tank each to cover only part of the cross-section of the water tank, wherein the barriers can be arranged offset in the peripheral direction. This offers the advantage that food material can sink from above to the base of the water tank, in order to supply marine organisms that have settled there. 
     The possibility also exists within the scope of the invention that the barrier in the water tank is semi-permeable in that the barrier is permeable to the water and to dissolved or suspended substances (e.g. food materials), whereas the barrier is impermeable to objects under investigation (e.g. marine organisms) or other objects. 
     The possibility also exists for the barrier to have an adjustable position in the water tank, allowing for flexible division of the space in the water tank. For example, the barrier can be specifically placed in the water tank to block side galleries of a mine. 
     It is also advantageous if the barrier has a viewing window or is made from a transparent material to enable visual monitoring through the barrier. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier is formed by terraces in the inner side wall of the water tank, wherein the individual terraces each comprise platforms for colonisation with marine organisms. The platforms advantageously prevent the colonising marine organisms from sinking down into the depth. 
     Alternatively, the possibility exists for the barrier to be formed by a platform floating in the water. 
     The concept of movement control as used within the scope of the invention is not limited to the prevention of movement in the water tank as explained above. Rather, this term also includes the detection of movements, for which purpose, for example, a movement sensor can be used. 
     It should also be noted that movement is preferably controlled in the vertical direction and/or in the horizontal direction. 
     It is evident from the statements above that the invention is not restricted only to an aquarium, but also includes a corresponding operation method. 
    
    
     
       Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterised in the subclaims or are described in greater detail below, together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, making reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a mine shaft which has been converted according to the invention as a deep sea aquarium, 
         FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal section along the line A-A in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows a variant of the mine shaft converted as a deep sea aquarium of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , 
         FIG. 4  shows a further variant of the mine shaft converted as a deep sea aquarium, which is divided by closable barriers into a plurality of depth zones, 
         FIG. 5  shows a further variant of the mine shaft converted as a deep sea aquarium, wherein the mine shaft has terraces arranged laterally, which form platforms for colonisation by marine organisms, 
         FIG. 6  shows a variant of the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4 , wherein the barriers between the different depth zones are water-permeable, 
         FIG. 7  shows a variant of the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4 , with openings in the barriers between the adjacent depth zones, wherein the openings are illuminated in order to prevent dark-adapted deep sea organisms from passing, and 
         FIG. 8  shows a variant of the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4 , wherein the barriers between the adjacent depth zones are permeable to supply capsules, which are able to sink downwardly from above through different depth zones. 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a mine shaft  1  converted as a deep sea aquarium and having a depth of several thousand metres, wherein the mine shaft  1  belongs to a shut-down underground mine in which mining is no longer carried out. This may be, for example, a shut-down coal or salt mine. 
     Arranged in the mine shaft  1  is a water tank  2  with an elliptical cross-section, wherein the water tank  2  extends from the earth&#39;s surface down to the base of the mine shaft  1  and, in this example, is filled with sea water  3  in order to accommodate marine animals  4  which are illustrated purely schematically here. The wall thickness of the water tank  2  is adapted to the pressure conditions according to the respective water depth. The wall thickness of the water tank  2  therefore increases from top to bottom in order to be able to withstand the great water pressure prevailing at the bottom of the water tank  2 . 
     The remainder of the cross-section of the mine shaft  1  is filled, apart from the water tank  2 , with air under atmospheric pressure, wherein the inner wall of the mine shaft  1  is walled off from the surrounding earth  5 . 
     In addition, H-shaped steel supports  6  are inserted in the mine shaft  1  at spacings from a few metres to a few tens of metres. The water tank  2  is anchored to the steel supports  6  and is thereby mechanically stabilised in the mine shaft  1 . 
     Arranged on the side of the steel supports  6  opposing the water tank  2  is a further steel support  7  with two vertically arranged guide rails  8 ,  9 , on which lift gondolas  10 ,  11  can be respectively lowered or raised on cables for passenger transportation. 
     Also arranged over one another at regular spacings in the mine shaft  1  are rescue platforms  12 , which can be reached via emergency exits in the lift gondolas  10 ,  11  and are connected to one another by means of stairs  13 . In the event of a failure of the lift gondolas  10 ,  11 , the persons in the lift gondolas  10 ,  11  can leave the lift gondolas via the respective emergency exit and reach the nearest rescue platform  12 . From there, the persons can then leave the mine shaft  1  via the stairs  13 . 
     Also arranged in the mine shaft  1  laterally beside the steel supports  6  are media lines  14  for electricity, air infeed, air outfeed, etc., wherein the media lines  14  extend in the mine shaft  1  from the earth&#39;s surface to the bottom of the mine shaft  1 . 
     It is also apparent from the longitudinal sectional view in  FIG. 2  that fixed barriers  15  and foldable barriers  16  are arranged in the water tank  2  at various depths. The fixed barriers  15  and, in their horizontal state, the foldable barriers  16  extend over part of the cross-section of the water tank  2  at different depths in the water tank  2  and prevent the larger marine animals  4  from sinking downwardly in the water tank  2 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the barriers  15 ,  16  are configured as grids and have a particular mesh size, so that the water and small marine organisms, such as plankton, can pass through the barriers  15 ,  16  almost unhindered, whereas substantially larger marine animals  4  are stopped. 
     The longitudinal section in  FIG. 2  also shows a side gallery  17  of the shut-down mine, wherein the side gallery  17  branches off laterally from the mine shaft  1 . The mouth of the side gallery  17  in the mine shaft  1  is closed by a barrier  18  so that relatively large marine animals  19  can be enclosed in the side gallery  17 . 
     The exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 3  accords with the exemplary embodiment described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , so that in the interests of avoiding repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein the same reference signs are used for matching details. 
     A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment lies therein that the foldable barriers  16  carry whole biotopes with sea bed formations and communities of organisms wherein the individual foldable barriers  16  extend asymmetrically and in sectors into the water tank  2 . 
     The barriers  16  are herein configured trough-shaped in order to be able to accommodate the sea bed formations or communities of organisms. 
     It is herein important that the water tank  2  is not separated by the foldable barriers  16  into depth zones arranged one above the other and between which no exchange of water is possible. Rather, food material can pass from the top to the bottom of the water tank  2 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the grid-shaped barrier  18  is arranged further back in the side gallery  17 , so that the larger marine animals  19  can emerge forwardly out of the side gallery  17  into the water tank  2 . 
     The exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4  also accords substantially with the exemplary embodiments described above, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein the same reference signs are used for matching details. 
     A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment lies therein that the barriers  15  in the water tank  2  extend across the whole cross-section of the water tank  2  and therefore divide the water tank into several depth zones arranged over one another. Arranged in the individual barriers  15  is an opening  20  which can be optionally opened or closed by slide gates  21 , wherein the size of the opening  20  can be adjusted steplessly by the slide gates  21  in order to allow only marine animals up to a particular freely selectable size to pass through. 
     Furthermore, the barrier  16  at the branch site of the side gallery  17  is configured as a folding closure so that the side gallery  17  can be optionally opened or closed. 
     Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slide gates  21  and the barriers  16  are made from a transparent material in order to enable visual control. 
     The exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 5  also agrees largely with the above described exemplary embodiments, so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein the same reference signs are used for matching details. 
     A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment lies therein that the water tank  2  is divided into several circular elements arranged over one another and offset laterally to one another, so that in each case, two horizontal platforms  22  are produced in the water tank  2 , which can be colonised by marine organisms that are adapted to the respective depth. 
     Furthermore, individual niches can be separated in the water tank  2  by grids  23  in order that where marine organisms colonise the niches, they are protected from predators. 
     The exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 6  largely accords with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4  so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein the same reference signs are used for matching details. 
     A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment consists therein that the barriers  15  each have a duct  24 ,  25  through which water can flow but which holds back the marine animals  4 . The ducts  24 ,  25  can contain pipes, chambers and labyrinths, which, on the one hand, allow particular organisms to settle but, on the other hand, hinder vertical migration of organisms, but without preventing it entirely. In order to enable the sedimentation of food materials such as feedstuffs, a collecting funnel can also be placed on the duct  24 ,  25 . 
     Furthermore, infrared sensors  26  are arranged at the branching site of the side gallery  17 , in order to be able to detect the approach of marine animals  19 . 
     The exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 7  largely accords with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4  described above, so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description above, wherein the same reference signs are used for matching details. 
     A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment consists therein that lamps  27  are arranged in the opening  20  of the barrier  15  in order to scare the dark-adapted deep sea organisms off from passing through the opening  20 . 
     Arranged in the lower barrier  15  is an electrode arrangement  28  which emits strong electrical pulses or alternating fields and thereby also hinders the marine animals  4  from passing through the barrier  15 . 
     Arranged at the branching point to the side gallery  17 , in this exemplary embodiment, are strong lamps  29  which scare off the dark-adapted marine animals  19  situated in the side gallery  17  from swimming out of the side gallery  17  into the water tank  2 . 
     Finally, the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 8  accords substantially with the above described exemplary embodiments, so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description above. 
     A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment is that the barriers  15  in the water tank  2  each have closure flaps  30 ,  31  which can fold downwardly in order to allow supply capsules  32  through, which can then sink to the bottom of the water tank  2 . The closure flaps  30 ,  31  have a resistance force which is overcome on being impacted by one of the supply capsules  32 , but which is sufficient to prevent the passage of the marine animals  4 . 
     Suitable closure flaps  33  are also arranged at the opening site of the side gallery  17  and these can only be pushed through by a supply capsule  34 . 
     The invention is not restricted to the above described preferred exemplary embodiments. Rather, several variants and developments are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS  
     
         
           1  Mine shaft 
           2  Water tank 
           3  Sea water 
           4  Marine animals 
           5  Earth 
           6  Steel support 
           7  Steel support 
           8 ,  9  Guide rails 
           10 ,  11  Lift gondolas 
           12  Rescue platform 
           13  Stairs 
           14  Media lines 
           15  Fixed barriers 
           16  Foldable barriers 
           17  Side gallery 
           18  Barrier 
           19  Marine animals 
           20  Opening 
           21  Slide gate 
           22  Platform 
           23  Grid 
           24 ,  25  Duct 
           26  Infrared sensors 
           27  Lamps 
           28  Electrodes 
           29  Lamps 
           30 ,  31  Closure flaps 
           32  Supply capsule 
           33  Closure flaps 
           34  Supply capsule