AU2003262507B2 - A Method for Treating Molluscs - Google Patents
A Method for Treating Molluscs Download PDFInfo
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- AU2003262507B2 AU2003262507B2 AU2003262507A AU2003262507A AU2003262507B2 AU 2003262507 B2 AU2003262507 B2 AU 2003262507B2 AU 2003262507 A AU2003262507 A AU 2003262507A AU 2003262507 A AU2003262507 A AU 2003262507A AU 2003262507 B2 AU2003262507 B2 AU 2003262507B2
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
- Y02A40/81—Aquaculture, e.g. of fish
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Description
P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2
AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990
ORIGINAL
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Blue Lagoon Pearls Pty Ltd Robert Peter Morgan WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Anti-fouling Composition" Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): 2002952853 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- "Anti-Fouling Composition" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an anti-fouling composition and a method for inhibiting growth of marine fouling organisms. More particularly, the composition and method of the present invention reduce growth of marine fouling organisms on molluscs and equipment associated with mollusc aquaculture.
Background Art At certain times of the year, depending on the location, molluscs produce spawn that on fertilization, are known as spats. In nature, spats may float freely for about one month and then either fix themselves to, for example, a coral or die, buried in the sand. On mollusc farms and in particular, oyster farms, spats may be collected by submerging artificial collectors (such as shade cloth) into lagoons. After a period of time which may be up to a few months, the young oysters may be transferred to panels on 'long lines' for further growth.
Nucleated pearl oysters may be moved into 'post-operative' care, where they hang in relatively crowded baskets, located in lagoons for a week or two near the pearl laboratory. Molluscs that survive and accept the grafts get moved into panels in open waters and are allowed to spread out, leaving enough room between animals so that they can grow and feed.
During all growth phases, it is necessary for the oyster shells and associated equipment such as holding nets, panels, long lines and buoys to be regularly cleaned. Cleaning removes marine fouling barnacles) on the shells and associated equipment thereby reducing weight on the lines and minimising the risk of disease of the mollusc. Cleaning is performed either manually with scrapers or, more commonly, with high-pressure water cleaning machines.
Regardless of the method employed, cleaning is a time-consuming process that adds significantly to the cost of operating a mollusc farm. It is an object of this invention to provide a composition and method that increases the time period between cleaning by inhibiting the fouling on the shell and associated equipment.
The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mollusc coating antifouling composition, comprising wax, wherein the composition is solid at ambient temperature and is sufficiently frangible at ambient temperature to allow a mollusc to breathe and feed.
Preferably, the composition provides a physical barrier that is resistant to the adherence of marine fouling organisms.
In one form of the invention, the composition repels marine fouling organisms.
Preferably, the composition provides a physical barrier that is resistant to the adherence of marine fouling organisms and repels marine fouling organisms.
The composition of the present invention confers the advantage of providing increased resistance to weathering and boring organisms than a composition in a liquid state.
In the context of this specification the term solid is intended to define a state with a persistence of form that may also be deformable.
-4- In the context of this specification, marine fouling organisms may include sponges, barnacles, squirt balls, limpets, fireweed, sea worms and coral.
The composition of the present invention confers the advantage of decreasing the frequency of cleaning of mollusc shells by inhibiting the adherence of marine fouling organisms.
The composition of the present invention is particularly suited for the inhibition of marine growth on bivalves and univalves.
Preferably, the composition melts at a temperature enabling a mollusc to be dipped in the liquid composition and remain viable.
Preferably, the composition melts between about 20 to 140 0C. More preferably, the composition melts between about 40 to 100 Even more preferably, the composition melts between about 50 to 80 0C.
Where the composition is to be applied to a bivalve, the composition is preferably sufficiently frangible at ambient temperature to allow the bivalve to breathe and feed.
Bivalves breathe and feed by opening their shells and pumping water over their gills.
If an animal is prevented from opening its shells, it will eventually die.
The composition of the present invention confers the advantage of providing increased resistance to dislodgement using cleaning techniques known in the art than a composition in a liquid state.
Preferably, the composition is sufficiently adhesive to resist dislodgement from a mollusc shell under high-pressure water cleaning conditions up to 150 p.s.i. More preferably, the composition will resist dislodgement from the mollusc shell under high-pressure water cleaning conditions up to 250 p.s.i.
Preferably, the composition comprises a wax. In one form of the invention, the wax comprises long chain hydrocarbons and/or esters of long chain alcohols and long chain fatty acids.
In a particular form of the invention, the composition comprises petroleum wax. In the context of this specification, the term petroleum wax encompasses both paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, wherein paraffin wax is a substantially fully saturated and substantially straight chain hydrocarbon and microcrystalline wax is a substantially fully saturated hydrocarbon with a significant proportion of branched and cyclic structures.
Where the composition comprises paraffin wax, the carbon number of the paraffin wax is preferably greater than about 25. More preferably, the carbon number is between about 25 and Where the composition comprises microcrystalline wax, the carbon number of the microcrystalline wax is preferably greater than about 25. More preferably, the carbon number is between about 25 and In one form of the invention, the composition comprises a mixture of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax. Where the composition comprises a mixture of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, the paraffin wax preferably comprises between about to 90 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 10 to 80 by weight of the composition. More preferably, the paraffin wax comprises between about 50 to 80 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 20 to 50 by weight of the composition. More preferably still, the paraffin wax comprises between about 60 to by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 30 to 40 by weight of the composition.
Investigations suggest that as the proportion of paraffin wax to microcrystalline wax increases, the composition becomes more frangible, but less adhesive to the mollusc shell.
It should be appreciated that the optimum ratio of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax will vary according to the application of the composition. For example differences in mollusc species, wax types and water conditions will affect the final constitution of the composition. For example, the strength of the adductor muscle on -6different species of bivalves is known to vary significantly, and a composition that may be sufficiently frangible for one species may not be so for another.
Where the composition comprises a wax, the composition may further comprise a plasticiser adapted to decrease the brittleness of the composition at ambient temperature.
Preferably, the plasticiser is provided in the form of an oil. In one form of the invention, the plasticiser is provided in the form of a paraffin oil. In the context of this specification, the term 'paraffin oil' is intended to encompass a liquid hydrocarbon or mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.
Where the plasticiser is an oil, the plasticiser preferably comprises between about 0.1 to 20 by weight of the composition. More preferably, the plasticiser comprises between about 1 to 5 by weight of the composition. More preferably still, the plasticiser comprises about 5 by weight of the composition. It will be appreciated that the final amount of plasticiser used in the inhibitor will depend on the final use of the composition and the nature of the plasticiser used.
Investigations suggest that as the proportion of plasticiser increases beyond about the composition becomes less adhesive to the mollusc shell as well as becoming more difficult to work with.
Where the composition comprises a wax, the composition may further comprise a hardener. In one form of the invention, the hardener may be provided in the form of a highly branched hydrocarbon polymer. In a highly specific form of the invention, the hardener is a hydrocarbon polymer of alpha olefins.
Hydrocarbon polymers prepared from alpha olefins, polymerised or copolymerised in the presence of free radicals at low pressures are highly branched, have increased molecular weight, higher viscosities and greater hardness but lower melting and congealing points than the original alpha olefins from which they are derived
(RCH=CH
2 Within the context of the specification, the term alpha olefins is to be understood to include alpha olefins of the vinylidene structure (R 2
C=CH
2 -7- In a very highly specific form of the invention,, the hydrocarbon polymer is provided in the form of the material sold under the trade mark VYBAR® and in particular, VYBAR®103 by Baker Petrolite.
The addition of the hydrocarbon polymers provides the advantage of increasing the hardness of the composition without increasing its melting point.
Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the hydrocarbon polymer decreases the size of crystals of the wax which are formed on cooling thereby making the composition harder and more water resistant. Where the composition comprises plasticiser, it is further believed that the hydrocarbon polymer increases the capacity of the composition to retain the plasticiser.
Where the composition comprises wax, the composition preferably comprises between about 0.1 to 5 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer. More preferably, the composition comprises between about 0.1 to 3 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer.
More preferably still, the composition comprises between about 0.3 to 1 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer. More preferably still, the inhibitor composition about 0.45 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer.
In one form of the invention, the composition may comprise one or more colouring agents which can aid identification of molluscs. For example, molluscs may be colour coded according to their ages. The colouring agent may also assist in the protection of molluscs by predatory animals, either by camouflage or deterrence.
Investigations suggest that the colour purple appears to deter blue bone gropers from attacking small oysters.
Where the composition comprises a colouring agent, the colouring agent may be provided in the form of a vegetable dye or a pigment, for example those used in the tinting of paints.
It should be appreciated that the amount of colouring agent will be very small and should not affect the mollusc or its properties. In one form of the invention, the composition comprises about 0.01 by weight of colouring agent.
-8- In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for treating molluscs to inhibit the growth of marine fouling organisms thereon, the method comprising the steps of: applying a liquid mollusc coating anti-fouling composition comprising wax to at least a portion of a mollusc shell; causing the composition to solidify; and wherein the composition is sufficiently frangible at ambient temperature to allow a mollusc to breathe and feed.
Preferably, the composition provides a physical barrier that is resistant to the adherence of marine fouling organisms.
In one form of the invention, the composition repels marine fouling organisms.
Preferably, the composition provides a physical barrier that is resistant to the adherence of marine fouling organisms and repels marine fouling organisms.
The composition of the present invention confers the advantage of providing increased resistance to weathering and boring organisms than a composition in a liquid state.
In the context of this specification the term solid is intended to define a state with a persistence of form that may also be deformable.
In the context of this specification, marine fouling organisms may include sponges, barnacles, squirt balls, limpets, fireweed, sea worms and coral.
The composition of the present invention confers the advantage of decreasing the frequency of cleaning of mollusc shells by inhibiting the adherence of marine fouling organisms.
The composition of the present invention is particularly suited for the inhibition of marine growth on bivalves and univalves.
Preferably, the composition melts at a temperature enabling a mollusc to be dipped in the liquid composition and remain viable.
;Z
O Preferably, the composition melts between about 20 to 140 0C. More preferably, the composition melts between about 40 to 100 0C. Even more preferably, the composition melts between about 50 to 80 0C.
(Ni NO Where the composition is to be applied to a bivalve, the composition is preferably
IND
Cc sufficiently frangible at ambient temperature to allow the bivalve to breathe and feed.
SBivalves breathe and feed by opening their shells and pumping water over their gills.
C If an animal is prevented from opening its shells, it will eventually die.
The composition of the present invention confers the advantage of providing increased resistance to dislodgement using cleaning techniques known in the art than a composition in a liquid state.
Preferably, the composition is sufficiently adhesive to resist dislodgement from a mollusc shell under high-pressure water cleaning conditions up to 150 p.s.i. More preferably, the composition will resist dislodgement from the mollusc shell under high-pressure water cleaning conditions up to 250 p.s.i.
Preferably, the composition comprises a wax. In one form of the invention, the wax comprises long chain hydrocarbons and/or esters of long chain alcohols and long chain fatty acids.
In a particular form of the invention, the composition comprises petroleum wax. In the context of this specification, the term petroleum wax encompasses both paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, wherein paraffin wax is a substantially fully saturated and substantially straight chain hydrocarbon and microcrystalline wax is a substantially fully saturated hydrocarbon with a significant proportion of branched and cyclic structures.
Where the composition comprises paraffin wax, the carbon number of the paraffin wax is preferably greater than about 25. More preferably, the carbon number is between about 25 and Where the composition comprises microcrystalline wax, the carbon number of the microcrystalline wax is preferably greater than about 25. More preferably, the carbon number is between about 25 and In one form of the invention, the composition comprises a mixture of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax. Where the composition comprises a mixture of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, the paraffin wax preferably comprises between about to 90 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 10 to 80 by weight of the composition. More preferably, the paraffin wax comprises between about 50 to 80 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 20 to 50 by weight of the composition. More preferably still, the paraffin wax comprises between about 60 to by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 30 to 40 by weight of the composition.
Investigations suggest that as the proportion of paraffin wax to microcrystalline wax increases, the composition becomes more frangible, but less adhesive to the mollusc shell.
It should be appreciated that the optimum ratio of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax will vary according to the application of the composition. For example differences in mollusc species, wax types and water conditions will affect the final constitution of the composition. For example, the strength of the adductor muscle on different species of bivalves is known to vary significantly, and a composition that may be sufficiently frangible for one species may not be so for another.
Where the composition comprises a wax, the composition may further comprise a plasticiser adapted to decrease the brittleness of the composition at ambient temperature.
Preferably, the plasticiser is provided in the form of an oil. In one form of the invention, the plasticiser is provided in the form of a paraffin oil. In the context of this specification, the term 'paraffin oil' is intended to encompass a liquid hydrocarbon or mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.
-11 Where the plasticiser is an oil, the plasticiser preferably comprises between about 0.1 to 20 by weight of the composition. More preferably, the plasticiser comprises between about 1 to 5 by weight of the composition. More preferably still, the plasticiser comprises about 5 by weight of the composition. It will be appreciated that the final amount of plasticiser used in the inhibitor will depend on the final use of the composition and the nature of the plasticiser used.
Investigations suggest that as the proportion of plasticiser increases beyond about the composition becomes less adhesive to the mollusc shell as well as becoming more difficult to work with.
Where the composition comprises a wax, the composition may further comprise a hardener. In one form of the invention, the hardener may be provided in the form of a highly branched hydrocarbon polymer. In a highly specific form of the invention, the hardener is a hydrocarbon polymer of alpha olefins.
Hydrocarbon polymers prepared from alpha olefins, polymerised or copolymerised in the presence of free radicals at low pressures are highly branched, have increased molecular weight, higher viscosities and greater hardness but lower melting and congealing points than the original alpha olefins from which they are derived
(RCH=CH
2 Within the context of the specification, the term alpha olefins is to be understood to include alpha olefins of the vinylidene structure (R 2
C=CH
2 In a very highly specific form of the invention,, the hydrocarbon polymer is provided in the form of the material sold under the trade mark VYBAR® and in particular, VYBAR®103 by Baker Petrolite.
The addition of the hydrocarbon polymers provides the advantage of increasing the hardness of the composition without increasing its melting point.
Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the hydrocarbon polymer decreases the size of crystals of the wax which are formed on cooling thereby making the composition harder and more water resistant. Where the composition comprises plasticiser, it is further believed that the hydrocarbon polymer increases the capacity of the composition to retain the plasticiser.
-12- Where the composition comprises wax, the composition preferably comprises between about 0.1 to 5 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer. More preferably, the composition comprises between about 0.1 to 3 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer.
More preferably still, the composition comprises between about 0.3 to 1 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer. More preferably still, the inhibitor composition about 0.45 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer.
In one form of the invention, the composition may comprise one or more colouring agents which can aid identification of molluscs. For example, molluscs may be colour coded according to their ages. The colouring agent may also assist in the protection of molluscs by predatory animals, either by camouflage or deterrence.
Investigations suggest that the colour purple appears to deter blue bone gropers from attacking small oysters.
Where the composition comprises a colouring agent, the colouring agent may be provided in the form of a vegetable dye or a pigment, for example those used in the tinting of paints.
It should be appreciated that the amount of colouring agent will be very small and should not affect the mollusc or its properties. In one form of the invention, the composition comprises about 0.01 by weight of colouring agent.
In one form of the invention, the step of causing the composition to solidify encompasses allowing the composition to cool.
It should be appreciated that the step of causing the composition to solidify could be achieved by evaporation or chemical reaction.
The method of the present invention confers the advantage of being able to kill marine fouling organisms that may be present on the mollusc shell prior to the step of applying the composition to at least a portion of the mollusc shell.
The method of the present invention may further comprise the step of: applying the liquid composition to the mollusc shell by dipping, spraying or painting.
-13- O Where the composition is a wax, the composition is preferably maintained at a Stemperature of greater than about 45 0C during application of the composition to the ;Zmollusc shell. More preferably, the composition is maintained at a temperature of IDbetween about 45 and 70 0C. Most preferably, the composition is maintained at a temperature of between about 55 and 60 0C.
It should be appreciated that the thickness of the composition and the frangibility of Sthe composition will influence the ability of the mollusc to breathe and feed.
IPreferably, the composition is applied to a thickness of between about 0.5 mm to Smm. More preferably, the thickness is between about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Most preferably, the thickness is about 1.0 mm.
Where the composition is a wax, the method may comprise the additional step of: drying the mollusc shell prior to applying the liquid composition to at least a portion of the mollusc shell.
In another form of the invention, the method may comprise the additional step of: applying a second liquid anti-fouling composition; and causing the composition to solidify.
In a specific form of the invention, the first and second compositions are the same.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an anti-fouling composition, the composition being solid at ambient temperature and adapted to adhere to mollusc farming equipment.
Preferably, the composition provides a physical barrier that is resistant to the adherence of marine fouling organisms.
In one form of the invention, the composition repels marine fouling organisms.
Preferably, the composition provides a physical barrier that is resistant to the adherence of marine fouling organisms and repels marine fouling organisms.
-14- In the context of this specification, mollusc farming equipment may include panels, lines and buoys, nets, mesh bags, onion bags, trays, cages, markers, floats and pots.
Preferably, the composition melts between about 20 to 200 OC. More preferably, the composition melts between about 40 to 150 Even more preferably, the composition melts between about 50 to 100 °C.
Preferably, the composition is sufficiently adhesive to resist dislodgement from the equipment under high-pressure water cleaning conditions up to 150 p.s.i. More preferably, the composition will resist dislodgement from the equipment under highpressure water cleaning conditions up to 250 p.s.i.
Preferably, the composition comprises a wax. In one form of the invention, the wax is comprises long chain hydrocarbons and/or esters of long chain alcohols and long chain fatty acids.
In a particular form of the invention, the composition comprises petroleum wax. In the context of this specification, the term petroleum wax encompasses both paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, wherein paraffin wax is a substantially fully saturated and substantially straight chain hydrocarbon and microcrystalline wax is a substantially fully saturated hydrocarbon with a significant proportion of branched and cyclic structures.
Where the composition comprises paraffin wax, the carbon number of the is preferably greater than about 25. More preferably, the carbon number of the paraffin wax is between about 25 and Where the composition comprises microcrystalline wax, the carbon number of the microcrystalline wax is preferably greater than about 25. More preferably, the carbon number of the microcrystalline wax is between about 25 and In one form of the invention, the composition comprises a mixture of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax. Where the composition comprises a mixture of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, preferably the paraffin wax comprises between about to 50 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 50 to 90 by weight of the composition. More preferably, the ;paraffin wax comprises between about 20 to 50 by weight of the composition and IND the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 50 to 80 by weight of the composition. More preferably still, the paraffin wax comprises between about 30 to 40 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between O about 60 to 70 by weight of the composition. Most preferably, the paraffin wax comprises about 30% by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax
IND
N' comprises about 70 by weight of the composition.
(N 10 Where the composition comprises wax, the composition may further comprise a plasticiser adapted to decrease the brittleness of the composition at ambient tem perature.
Preferably, the plasticiser is provided in the form of an oil. In one form of the invention, the plasticiser is provided in the form of a paraffin oil.
Where the plasticiser is an oil, the plasticiser preferably, the softener comprises between about 0.1 to 20 by weight of the composition. More preferably, the plasticiser comprises between about 1 to 5 by weight of the composition. More preferably still, the plasticiser comprises about 5 by weight of the composition. It will be appreciated that the final amount of plasticiser used in the composition will depend on the final use of the composition and the nature of the plasticiser used.
Where the composition comprises a wax, the composition may further comprise a hardener. In one form of the invention, the hardener may be provided in the form of a highly branched hydrocarbon polymer. In a highly specific form of the invention, the hardener is a hydrocarbon polymer of alpha olefins.
In a very highly specific form of the invention, the hardener is provided in the form of the material sold under the trade mark VYBAR® and in particular, VYBAR®103 by Baker Petrolite.
Where the composition comprises wax, the composition preferably comprises between about 0.1 to 5 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer. More preferably, the -16composition comprises between about 0.1 to 3 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer.
More preferably still, the composition comprises between about 0.3 to 1 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer. More preferably still, the inhibitor composition about 0.45 by weight of hydrocarbon polymer.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for treating mollusc farming equipment to inhibit the growth of marine fouling organisms thereon, the method comprising the steps of: applying a liquid anti-fouling composition to at least a portion of the mollusc farming equipment; and causing the composition to solidify.
In one form of the invention, the step of causing the composition to solidify encompasses allowing the composition to cool.
The method of the present invention may further comprise the additional step of: applying the liquid composition to the mollusc farming equipment by dipping, spraying or painting.
In one form of the invention, the method may comprise the additional step of: removing excess liquid composition from the equipment prior to the step of causing the composition to solidify.
Preferably, the composition is applied to a thickness of between about 0.5 mm to mm. More preferably, the thickness is between about 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm. Most preferably, the thickness is between about 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.
Brief Description of the Drawings The method and composition of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to two embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawing, in which:- -17- Figure 1 is a plan view of oysters in a panel in accordance with the present invention.
Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The method and composition of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to four embodiments thereof.
By way of example, the method of the present invention is described in the context of an anti-fouling composition and a method for inhibiting growth of fouling organisms on pearl oysters, although such should not be seen as limiting the generality of the foregoing description.
In one embodiment of the invention, paraffin wax (70 W/w) and microcrystalline wax w/w) were heated to about 60 at which temperature they were liquid. After the waxes were thoroughly mixed to provide Composition A (see Table an oyster was picked up at the hinged end with a pair of pliers and immersed into the wax solution for about 1 s, after which time, the oyster was removed and the wax allowed to set and harden.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that compositions comprising greater than about 50 60 W/w microcrystalline wax may prevent the mollusc shell from opening in the usual manner to feed and breathe.
In a second embodiment of the invention, paraffin wax (30 W/w) and microcrystalline wax (70 W/w) were heated to about 90 cC, at which temperature they were liquid. After the waxes were thoroughly mixed to provide Composition B (see Table a buoy or a panel were immersed into the wax solution for about 3 s, after which time the buoy or panel were removed and the wax allowed to set and harden. At temperatures lower than about 80 the composition is applied too thickly to the equipment, resulting in a waste of materials.
Depending on the size of the mollusc and the panels, it is common for about 16 molluscs to be inserted into each panel which is attached to a long line at the end of -18a buoy. The oysters to which the composition had been applied, were allowed to grow in panels at the end of long lines, supported by buoys in the usual manner.
Oysters give new growth without affecting the wax coating. However, new growth after some time may become fouled and shells may require cleaning and re-waxing.
In trials to date there has not been sufficient fouling to warrant cleaning of the original shell. Furthermore, the molluscs and panels treated with the anti-fouling compositions have shown significantly less fouling than untreated molluscs and panels.
In Figure 1, there is shown a panel 10 comprising a first row 12 a second row 14, a third row 16 and a fourth row 18. Each row comprises a series of oysters 20. The anti-fouling compositions were applied to the second 14 and fourth 18 rows and the oysters on the third 16 and fourth 18 rows as shown in Table 1.
Figure 1 shows the resultant fouling of the oysters and the panel after a number of months immersed underwater. It can be seen that the oysters on the third 16 and fourth 18 rows display significantly less fouling than the oysters on the first 12 and second 14 rows.
Panel Oysters St row 2 nd row 3 rd row VA 4 t row VB
A
Table 1 Application of anti-fouling compositions to panel rows and oysters attached to row. (V'A Composition A applied; (VB Composition B applied; X- no compositions applied).
The methods and compositions of the present invention can be seen to provide an effective means of reducing fouling on molluscs and equipment used in mollusc -19farming thereby significantly increasing the time period between cleaning, providing a more efficient farm.
In a third embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises the following: 500 g paraffin wax (paraffin 500 g microcrystalline wax (microcrystalline mL paraffin oil g VYBAR®103 1 g UV resistant pigment In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises the following: 250 g paraffin wax (paraffin 700 g microcrystalline wax (microcrystalline mL paraffin oil g VYBAR®103 1 g UV resistant pigment While advantageous and preferred embodiments of the present invention have been selected as illustrations of the invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and adaptations can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
1. A method for treating molluscs to inhibit the growth of marine fouling organisms thereon, the method comprising the steps of: applying a liquid mollusc coating anti-fouling composition comprising wax to at least a portion of a mollusc shell; Scausing the composition to solidify; and INO wherein the composition is sufficiently frangible at ambient temperature to allow a mollusc to breathe and feed.
2. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 1, wherein the composition melts at a temperature enabling a mollusc to be dipped in the liquid composition and remain viable.
3. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition is sufficiently adhesive to resist dislodgement from a mollusc shell under high-pressure water cleaning.
4. A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a petroleum wax. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 4, wherein the petroleum wax comprises at least one of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax.
6. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 5, wherein the paraffin wax comprises between about 20 to 90 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 10 to 80 by weight of the composition.
7. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the paraffin wax comprises between about 50 to 80 by weight of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about 20 to by weight of the composition.
8. A method for treating molluscs according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the paraffin wax comprises between about 60 to 70 by weight -21- of the composition and the microcrystalline wax comprises between about to 40 by weight of the composition.
9. A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding Z Iclaims, wherein the composition comprises a plasticiser adapted to Sdecrease the brittleness of the composition at ambient temperature. method for treating molluscs according to claim 9, wherein the Splasticiser is an oil. ID11.A method for treating molluscs according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plasticiser is paraffin oil. S12.A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a hardener.
13.A method for treating molluscs according to claim 12, wherein the hardener is a highly branched hydrocarbon polymer.
14. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the hardener is a hydrocarbon polymer of alpha olefins. method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of causing the composition to solidify encompasses allowing the composition to cool.
16.A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the further step of: applying the liquid composition to the mollusc shell by dipping, spraying or painting.
17.A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is maintained at a temperature of greater than about 45 °C during application of the composition to the mollusc shell.
18.A method for treating molluscs according to claim 17, wherein the composition is maintained at a temperature of between about 45 and °C. -22-
19. A method for treating molluscs according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the composition is maintained at a temperature of between about 55 and °C. A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding Sclaims, wherein the composition is applied to a thickness of between about 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm. In 21. A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding (N IND claims, wherein the composition is applied to a thickness of between ten about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. (N 22. A method for treating molluscs according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is applied to a thickness of about 1.0 mm.
23. A method for treating molluscs substantially as herein described, with reference to the Examples.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2003262507A AU2003262507B2 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2003-11-21 | A Method for Treating Molluscs |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2002952853 | 2002-11-21 | ||
| AU2002952853A AU2002952853A0 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2002-11-21 | Anti-fouling composition and method |
| AU2003262507A AU2003262507B2 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2003-11-21 | A Method for Treating Molluscs |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2003262507A1 AU2003262507A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
| AU2003262507B2 true AU2003262507B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2003262507A Withdrawn - After Issue AU2003262507B2 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2003-11-21 | A Method for Treating Molluscs |
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| Country | Link |
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| AU (1) | AU2003262507B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008009067A1 (en) * | 2006-07-20 | 2008-01-24 | Newsouth Innovations Pty Limited | Antifouling coating |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1967555A1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2008-09-10 | Roland Herzog | Non-toxic anti-fouling comprising a solid and a liquid hydrocarbon mixture |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1163343A (en) * | 1967-06-07 | 1969-09-04 | Atlantic Richfield Co | Wax Compositions |
| GB1480491A (en) * | 1974-03-13 | 1977-07-20 | British Petroleum Co | Treatment of underwater surfaces |
| EP0003389A1 (en) * | 1978-01-19 | 1979-08-08 | The British Petroleum Company p.l.c. | Process for coating underwater surfaces with wax and coating compositions thus applied |
| US5063271A (en) * | 1989-02-06 | 1991-11-05 | Conoco Inc. | Hot melt wax compositions |
-
2003
- 2003-11-21 AU AU2003262507A patent/AU2003262507B2/en not_active Withdrawn - After Issue
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1163343A (en) * | 1967-06-07 | 1969-09-04 | Atlantic Richfield Co | Wax Compositions |
| GB1480491A (en) * | 1974-03-13 | 1977-07-20 | British Petroleum Co | Treatment of underwater surfaces |
| EP0003389A1 (en) * | 1978-01-19 | 1979-08-08 | The British Petroleum Company p.l.c. | Process for coating underwater surfaces with wax and coating compositions thus applied |
| US5063271A (en) * | 1989-02-06 | 1991-11-05 | Conoco Inc. | Hot melt wax compositions |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008009067A1 (en) * | 2006-07-20 | 2008-01-24 | Newsouth Innovations Pty Limited | Antifouling coating |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2003262507A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB | Opposition filed |
Opponent name: PEARL SHELL TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD |
|
| CFC | Opposition proceedings - application withdrawn |
Opponent name: PEARL SHELL TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD |
|
| MK12 | Application lapsed section 141(1)/reg 8.3(2) - applicant filed a written notice of withdrawal |