ZAF Plus Pumps Valve
To deliver a precise amount of food in one tanks we are "simply" controlling the distribution of food using 12V water solenoid valves . Upstream each tanks a valve is connected to control the water flow. So we can, using the software, open the valve upstream to a specific tank during the food distribution and therefore control feeding quantity. The pipeline for food preparation is the following, food preparation according to the numbers of fish per tanks, opening of a valve upstream to a tank, activate the pump to flow the water and food mix to the tank.
In the version of ZAF+ presented in the wiki we can provide food to up to 30 tanks, therefore we decided to upgrade the pump (compare to ZAF), with diaphragm self priming pump with a flow up to 4.5L/mn. One pump is needed to bring the water to the system and another pump for the food delivery. To avoid any water return we added upstream and downstream the pumps some simple check valves .
- Top Panel is a schematic representation of the pumps and valves assembly in the food preparation and valves and tubing frames respectively.
- A&B. Mounting of the pumps on the frame
- C. Valves mounted in series of 5 on raws
- D. Fixation of an individual valve on a drilled Makerbeam 200mm