Drip Field A Rotational Aquaponic System

Greg Bugel, Andrea Sreshta, and Rodrigo Zamora

CONCEPT:Simple Action, Huge Responsibility

+Drip Field, a rotational aquaponic system replaces all automated components in an aquaponic system—water pumps, filters, and aerators—with human interaction and concern. Not satisfied by the idea of flipping a switch and walking away, our project seeks to maintain an active and regular presence of humans in the aquaponic system by requiring that people become responsible for initiating and maintaning the water cycle.

control: opensmall top hole

small side hole

control: opensmall top hole

small side hole

In this way, Drip Field both introduces ideas about future food production in an urban environment and at the same time re-introduces the ancient connection humans have lost/cultivated with the earth.

DISCONNECTION TO OUR FOOD:Simple Action, Huge Responsibility

In order to make the system more accessible, Drip Field uses herbs and goldfish, living organisms humans are already used to caring for in their homes.

POTS AND PETS:What we already know and love

control: opensmall top hole

small side hole

control: opensmall top hole

small side hole

water tank 1

gravel container

drip field

stresed goldfish

relaxed goldfish

water tank lid

herb garden

growing bedcentral rotation axis

base

DESIGN SOLUTION:A Rotational SystemBy making humans responsible for rotating the system, Drip Field eliminates the need for water pumps. Through the vertical stacking of “drip” surfaces, gravity is used to replace mechanical aerators.

As a mechanism that brings together several different organisms with specific cycles, Drip Field synchronizes the cyles of several different actors: humans, fish, plants, and bacteria.

CALLIBRATION:Cycles

TESTING:Aeration Results Surface:

Parabolic punch

surface turbulence

low-pressure pooling

Surface:Parabolic punch

surface turbulence

low-pressure pooling

drip field

obloid spheroid water droplet

splash/ moment of aeration

funnel focuses water pressure on one point

In order to accomodate a rotation of 180 degrees every twelve hours, the drip surfaces work in two directions, allowing for water flow and aeration in both directions.

CHOSEN SURFACE:Aeration + Flow Control

0.5 x

1 x

2 x

0.5 x

FUNCTION:contain gravel

water flow control + distribution

FUNCTION:contain growing media

water flow contorl + distribution

FUNCTION:aeration

multidirectional water flow

FUNCTION:contain gravelcontain plants

funnel water

Through scaling, the same aeration surface was adapted to accomodate the other parts of the aquaponic system.

SCALING AND FUNCTION:Three Scales

In order to achieve the double curve on the aeration surfaces, a two part mold was used with the bottom part serving for vacuum-forming mold and the top part serving as a stamp.

FABRICATION METHODS:Vacuum and Punch

Surface:Parabolic punch process

1/2” Plywood3” Metal PipeAxel sits on saddle

FRAME:Saddle System

FRAME:

1/2” plywood

3” PVC pipe

Axel sits on a saddle

FABRICATION METHODS:Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

FABRICATION METHODS:Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

FRAME:

1/2” plywood

3” PVC pipe

Axel sits on a saddle

Half of the bottom frame fits on one sheet of 48” x 96”plywood. With two sheets the complete saddle canbe built.

two sheets of plywood

FABRICATION METHODS:Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

FABRICATION METHODS:Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

Axel sitting on saddle Interlocking Joints Interlocking Joints

Structural Strength Gradient Pattern

Interlocking Joints

FABRICATION METHODS:Milling the Frame

12.00

3.50

5.00

19.0

02.

0017

.00

2.00

90.0

0

72.00 80.00

19.00

The frame for the tower can be created from one singlesheet of plywood. A system of slots hold the surfaces inthe frame and offer versatility to the design by allowingpieces to be changed in and out.

one sheet of plywood

FABRICATION METHODS:Milling and Assembling the Tank

Interlocking Corner

1

3

2

2

The tank uses a sequential interlocking system similar to the saddle and frame.