VAKI Bioscanner User manual

Bioscanner
User Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents 2
Warranty terms 4
List of items 5
1. Preface 6
2. Assembly instructions 7
2.1 V-channel 1 7
2.1.1 Attaching the PVC flap 8
2.1.2 Attaching the flange and the 90° elbow joints 8
2.1.3 Fitting the aluminium grating 9
2.1.4 Fitting the clamp 9
2.1.5 Installing the scanner unit 10
2.2 V-channel 3 10
2.2.1 Attaching the PVC plastic cover 11
2.2.2 Fitting the clamp 11
2.2.3 Installing the scanner unit 11
3. Operation 12
3.1 The principle functions of the Bioscanner channels 12
3.2 Controlling the water-flow 13
3.3 Slope of the channel 13
3.4 Level of the channel 14
3.5 Counting 14
3.6 Power failure! 14
3.7 End of operation 14
4. Control unit application 15
4.1. Overview 15
4.2. Main view 16
4.3. Size view 17
4.4. Throughput 18
4.5. Report View 19
4.6. Info View 21

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5. Troubleshooting 22
5.1. Over counting 22
5.2. Undercounting 22
6. Technical Specifications 23
7. Avoiding problems with connectors 24
Appendix 25
Throughput chart 25
VAKI
Akralind 4, 201 Kópavogur
Iceland
Tel. 354 - 595 3000
Fax. 354 - 595 3001
e-mail: [email protected]
www.vaki.is

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WARRANTY TERMS
VAKI Aquaculture Systems Ltd. offers warranty for defects that appear within two (2) years from
the date of delivery by VAKI Iceland, on condition that the equipment has been assembled, used,
and maintained in accordance with the instructions for assembly and use.
VAKI undertakes to repair all defects that are due to faults in the design, materials used, or
manufacture of the equipment. These defects will be rectified by repairing the equipment, or
replacing components. The complete unit or parts thereof may be required to return to the
factory in Iceland for repair.
VAKI accepts corresponding warranty for original parts fitted by VAKI as replacements, for a
period of one (1) year from the date supplied.
VAKI will not be liable for:
Incorrect assembly and use, or inadequate maintenance.
Defects which result from the fitting of materials, components, or
devices not supplied by VAKI, and which are purchased and fitted by
the user.
Defects due to changes made to the equipment by the user, without
the written consent of VAKI.
Faulty or inadequate repairs carried out by the user.
Normal wear and tear of the equipment.
Faulty connection of electrical equipment.
Faults caused by excessive voltage.
Damage or stoppage due to immersion of the computer or camera in
water.
Damage to electrical supply cables.
Any economic loss that may arise from production stoppage.
If faults or defects appear in the equipment, the user must report this in writing to VAKI or its
appointed representative as soon as possible, and without unjustifiable delay. The report must
be sent within two (2) weeks from the expiry of the deadline, which is two (2) year from the date
of supply by VAKI Iceland.
If the purchaser does not inform VAKI or its representative within the time limits stated above,
the purchaser shall forfeit the rights of the warranty.

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LIST OF ITEMS
The main parts of the Bioscanner are:
1) The scanner
mmm
2) Cable
3) Control unit –single
channel or multi –
channel.
4) V-channel

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1. PREFACE
VAKI Aquaculture Systems Ltd thanks you for choosing the Bioscanner. More and more
aquaculture enterprises are using equipment from VAKI in their day-to-day production and
management. An accurate knowledge of the number of fish, and the average weight and size
distribution in each pen is the basis for success in today’s tough competition.
The Bioscanner is a sophisticated electronic device specially designed for counting both small and
large fish on fish farms. Among the clear benefits of using the Bioscanner are:
Manpower saving
Increased efficiency
Accurate data on number of fish in each size category
Efficient feeding and accurate medical dosage
A safer basis for insurance assessment
The Bioscanner is very gentle and the fish is not touched by any mechanic parts when counted,
and the fish are in water at all time. Correct set up and use of the Bioscanner fish counter is
essential for accurate results. Please read this manual carefully.
This manual is a guide to assembling the V-Channels and the use of the Bioscanner control unit.

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2. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
The Bioscanner V-channel is manufactured and packed ready for assembly by the user. V-CHANNEL
1is recommended for fish from 3 gr. - 750 gr. and V-CHANNEL 3is recommended for fish from 500
gr. - 6.000 gr. Following are the parts for V-CHANNEL 1.
2.1 V-CHANNEL 1
1. Glass-fibre reinforced polyester channel
2. Polyurethane flange
3. Rubber 0-ring
4. Two 90° PVC elbow joints
5. Aluminium grating
6. Transparent PVC flap
7. Stainless steel screws, bolts and nuts
8. Clamp

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2.1.1 Attaching the PVC flap
Parts: 2 x M5 bolts, 2 x
M5 nuts, 4 x Ø5 washers.
Place the flap in position
at the end of the
channel. Fasten the flap
in position with the M5
bolts. Check that the flap
is hanging straight.
Adjust if necessary.
2.1.2 Attaching the flange and the 90° elbow joints
Prepare all the parts
needed: The channel, the
flange, the 0-ring, 4 M5 bolts
and nuts and the two elbow
joints. Place the 0-ring in the
recess in the flange and
fasten the flange to the
channel with the four bolts
and nuts shown, tighten the
nuts evenly. Before fitting
the 90° elbow joints to the
flange, lubricate them with
soap and/or water.

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2.1.3 Fitting the aluminium grating
Tools required: Silicone
gun. Prepare the grating
and four M3 screws,
spacers and nuts. Make
sure that the smooth
side of the grating faces
upwards so as to avoid
injuring the fish. The
smooth side can be
identified by running
your fingers across the
grating.
2.1.4 Fitting the clamp
Prepare all the parts
needed: 4 M8 bolts, 4
washers and 4 M8 nuts.
Place the clamp in the inlet
of the channel, aligning the
holes on the clamp. Place all
8 mm screws in position
before tightening fully. To
prevent all bolts from
corroding, some grease has
been put on the bolts and
bushings.

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2.1.5 Installing the scanner unit
Place a washer on each
of the two wing screws.
Put the screws through
the pre-drilled holes in
the channel and secure
them with the plastic
locking washers. Place
the scanner unit in
position and secure it by
tightening the wing
screws.
2.2 V-CHANNEL 3
1. Glass-reinforced
polyester channel
2. Plastic cover with two
plastic strips
3. Clamp (with bolts and
screws)
4. PVC flap
5. Stainless steel screws,
bolts and nuts

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2.2.1 Attaching the PVC plastic cover
Prepare 10 M5 bolts and
nuts, two strips, the
plastic cover on top of
the channel, aligning the
holes in the cover and
the channel, then place
the strips on the top of
the cover aligning the
holes and put all the M5
bolts in before
tightening fully with the
M5 nuts on the other
side.
2.2.2 Fitting the clamp
See chapter 2.1.4 Fitting the clamp.
2.2.3 Installing the scanner unit
See chapter 2.1.5 Installing the scanner unit.

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3. OPERATION
3.1 THE PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS OF THE BIOSCANNER CHANNELS
The V-channels of the Bioscanner are specially formed to separate the fish as they glide through.
The two main functions are the V-form and the curve form. As the fish come out of the basin they
are close together, and have to be separated to be counted accurately. The V-form ensures that
the fish cannot turn around, and also that they are not crowded together.
The curved form accelerates the fish down the channel. If two fish are close together in the
beginning the one that is little bit ahead will accelerate faster and this causes a separation of the
fish. See figure 2.

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3.2 CONTROLLING THE WATER-FLOW
For correct operation the amount of water must be adjusted to the size of the fish. Generally
speaking, better separation of the fish will be achieved if not too much water is used. On the other
hand sufficient water must be used to flush the fish smoothly down the channel. The following
table can be used as a rough guideline. The figures are for salmon, other fish species (different
shape) may require slightly different amounts of water.
The figures shows how correct water flow can be achieved by using a stop watch and a water
bucket (12 –14 litres). The time is measured while the water flows from the channel and fills the
bucket.
Fish size
Up to 10 gr.
10 - 30 gr.
30 - 150 gr.
150 - 1500 gr.
1500 - 6000 gr.
Flow per channel
3 - 6 l. /min.
6 - 10 l. /min.
10 - 60 l. /min.
60 - 130 l. /min.
130 - 210 l. /min.
3.3 SLOPE OF THE CHANNEL
Generally, the slope of
the V-channel should be
about 0° - 5° for stable
operation. For higher
capacity (and lower
accuracy) the slope can
be increased to 10° - 15°.

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3.4 LEVEL OF THE CHANNEL
By pouring some water
into the bottom of the V-
channel, it is possible to
use the channel itself as a
level indicator.
3.5COUNTING
The Bioscanner is now ready for counting. It displays the number it had before the power was cut
the last time. Double clicking on the count textbox for each Bioscanner will reset the count for
that Bioscanner to zero. Pressing the Start button will start counting from zero for all Bioscanners
and will generate a pdf report after clicking the Stop button.
3.6POWER FAILURE!
In the event of accidental power failure the counter will stop counting but the control unit will
remember the counting figures from when the power failed. Clicking the Start button will reset
the counters back to zero so be sure to take note of the numbers if you want to keep them.
3.7END OF OPERATION
When the counting operation is completed, disconnect the leads and store the equipment in a
dry place. Screw caps on connections and plug cables end to end. Clean and dry the scanners with
a soft cloth.
NEVER CLEAN THE WINDOWS WITH ACETONE, AS IT WILL RUIN THEM COMPLETELY.

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4. CONTROL UNIT APPLICATION
The control unit is used to set up the counter according to the fish size and the way the counter
is to be used. In the application, you can view the last hour throughput and generate reports to
validate the count. The application stores all data so the user can validate the data for reassurance
purposes.
4.1. OVERVIEW
By pressing VIEW you can select the view you want to have on the screen. The views are as follows.
1) Main shows the count in each channel.
2) Size allows you to set the size group for the counter.
The size groups are: < 10 g, 10 –30g, 30 –150g, 150 –1500g, >1.5 kg.
3) Throughput shows the throughput for the last hour.
4) Reports allows you to set counting session’s information and view and copy counting
reports.
5) Info shows software versions and similar information

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At the bottom of all screens is the total count and a start button. To start a new counting session
press the “Start” button. Once activated this button will change to Stop. To stop the counting
session press “Stop”. When the counting session ends all the reports and records will be
generated and ready to be uploaded to VAKI cloud.
4.2. MAIN VIEW
Up to four counters can be connected at the same time. The main view shows the count for each
counter. By double pressing the count you can reset the count without stopping the counting
session. The total count is not affected by the reset.
If the counter is unplugged, the count number will disappear, demonstrating that the counter is
not connected. If you reconnect the counter it will appear again, with the same count as it had
before it was disconnected. There is no need to stop the program and restart it, the program
always knows if a counter is connected or not.

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4.3. SIZE VIEW
Here you can set the size group for each counter. The size groups are:
< 10 g
10 –30 g
30 –150 g
150 –1500 g
> 1.5 kg
Make sure to select a size group that suites best the fish that is being counted. Also make sure to
unplug and reconnect the counter after setting the correct size to ensure the scanner is using
the correct size group.

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4.4. THROUGHPUT
The Throughput view shows a graph of rate of fish passing through the counter the last hour. The
graph updates every 15 seconds and each point in the graph shows the throughput since last
update. This graph is displayed in the counting report that is generated after each counting
session.

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4.5. REPORT VIEW
The report view allows you to set the farm name and the name of the person in charge of
counting. Here are also OPEN and TRANSFER buttons to work with the generated reports from
counting sessions. Clicking the OPEN button brings up a dialog box where you can select which
report you want to open. Clicking the TRANSFER button brings up two dialog boxes, in the former
one you select which reports to copy and in the latter one you select the destination the reports
are copied to.
On the following page is an example report.

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