Development of an Automatic Flipper Prototype Technology for the Purpose of Flipping the OysterGro^TM Cage Technology

Summary:
There is no device on the market that can automatically flip the cages. Such a device would encourage site expansion, increase oyster production, and reduce production costs, thereby increasing profits. The purpose of this project was therefore to develop a prototype for a flipping device for OysterGro™ cages.  This project was divided into 6 phases:  Study of the manual flipping process,  Prototype concept and validation, Prototype design and construction , Prototype test at sea, Redesign and retest at sea and Final test of the prototype with a study of the impact on oysters and cages. 

The idea behind the prototype is a three-finger frame that sits on the cage between the floats and pushes it under the water and turns it. This frame is run by a hydraulic motor with a three-position valve controlled by an operator. This method also allows the oysters to be levelled out after rotation by shaking the cage out of the water. The frame is then remaining in its original position to await the next cage. The device that flips the cages cannot be placed on absolutely any platform without major modifications to ensure safety and stability. It was therefore decided to build this prototype with two pontoons. 

A prototype has been constructed to automatically flip OysterGro™ cages. Flipping will be performed entirely under water. This is a very attractive element because it should reduce stress on the oysters, and in particular, limit fringe breakage. This prototype will offer an advantage to the company by flipping cages without significant physical effort. It will also demonstrate whether better growth can be achieved.

Project Lead: Jaillet Aquaculture Inc.

Total Project Cost: $188,899
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $45,147

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Jaillet Aquaculture Inc.
• Federal Government: NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
• Government of New Brunswick: NBDAAF and Northern Economic Development Fund

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Gulf Region: Stephen.Lanteigne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca