CA2116354A1 - Cover structure for a fermentation container - Google Patents
Cover structure for a fermentation containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2116354A1 CA2116354A1 CA 2116354 CA2116354A CA2116354A1 CA 2116354 A1 CA2116354 A1 CA 2116354A1 CA 2116354 CA2116354 CA 2116354 CA 2116354 A CA2116354 A CA 2116354A CA 2116354 A1 CA2116354 A1 CA 2116354A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- strips
- cover structure
- lower cover
- spaced
- over
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M21/00—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses
- C12M21/04—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses for producing gas, e.g. biogas
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/36—Means for collection or storage of gas; Gas holders
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
- C12M23/38—Caps; Covers; Plugs; Pouring means
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Biotechnology (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
Abstract
There is disclosed a cover structure for use with fermentation and the like containers. The cover structure includes a lower cover (10) having a plurality of layers of strips (14), (24) of material covering the container, with the strip layers angularly oriented to each other. Spaces can be formed between strips, and in one embodiment the second strips (24) are connected along their sides (26, 28) at spaced intervals to form the spaces (34). This can provide gaps in the sheet covering the container, allowing gases to pass through. Additionally, spacers (44) may be positioned on the lower cover with a further membrane (60) extending thereover.
The spacers create passages for collection of gases escaping through the lower cover Floating gas collectors may also be provided for collection of gases for further treatment. The cover can provide insulation, to a variable degree.
The spacers create passages for collection of gases escaping through the lower cover Floating gas collectors may also be provided for collection of gases for further treatment. The cover can provide insulation, to a variable degree.
Description
2 1 ~!116 3 5 ~ P~/CA92~00327 ~
COVER 5q~R~CT~RE FOR A FERPqENThTION CONTAINER
The present invention relates to a co~er structure for a container, such as an aerobic or anaerobic fermenta~ion tank or pond, or an aeration tank or pond. More particularly~ it relates to the means for collec~ing the fermentation gas, or agitation gas, for collection or other disposal. The cover may be in~ulated or uninsulated.
In known fermentation systems, there are 10 di~iculties associated with the cover in terms of ~enting the volume of gas that the fermentation area . generates as well as handle the ~olume of gas which exists in the agitatiorl systems. In high wind situa~ions the ventilation system of the cov.er must 15 function effectively to avoid in~lation of the cover i.e. "puffin~ up" which can lead to damage o~ the cover.
: The cover structure of ~he present invention permits use over large areas, while incorporating : 20 structural integrity. In addition, t~e ~over structuxe includes individual overlapping angularly related : ~ strips which are periodically bonded to provide : i~dividual and spaced~apart gas escape areas. Further, in certain instanoes,:the cover~structure can provide `~ ~ 25 insulation, to:maintain desirable temperatures, ~ : ~particularly in~cold weather periods when the cove~
: ~ : will maintain summer temperature conditions in the `
:: -: winter.:
In accordance with a preferred aspec~ of the : 30 present inYentlon~there is pro~ided a cover structure or:a container, comprising a first plurality of strips extending in ;side-by-side relationship; at least one ` :further plu~ality of strips~ extending over the first :
21iS35~
plurality of strips, in side-by~side relationship; each plurality of strips angul~rly oriented relative to another plurality of strips, and forming a lower cover structure; a co~er membrane extending over the lowex 5 cover structure; spacer means positioned between the cover membrane and the lower cover s~ructure ~or defining gas flow channels~
Thus there is provided a unitary sheet or lower cover member having gaps therein for ~he passage 10 of gas therethrough from the fermentation ~r other container~ Venting means may be provided for - ventilating the container ~ the venting means including spacer means adapted for placement atop the unitary sheet. A cover membra~e is a~apted to overlie the 15 first and second strips and the spaGer means ~ the spacer means forming gas flow channels beneath khe ~: cover membrane,: Exhaust vents may be posi~ioned to : vent gas through the cover membrane, or gas2s can be collected for treatme~t.
~ ~ In accordance with another pre~exred aspect ` of the pre~ent in~ention, there is provided a cover structu~e ~or a container which pro~ides kirted coYer sections to preYent ~wind~from lifting the G~ver off the surface of the~fermentation area.
~ In yet~another aspect of the present nvention, there is~provided a cover structure which obYiates:the limitations of known fermentation covers.
: A~further aspect:of the present inventio~
pro~ides~a co~er:structure~haYirlg insulation strips ; 30which ~orm a un$tary cover.
, ::: :: : :
: :
W094/03582 2 1 1 6 3 5 ~ PC~/CA92/00327 ~' Having thus generally descxibed the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings 5 illustrating various embodîments, and in which~
Figure 1 is a per~pective view o~ part o~ a one form of lower cover member, illustrating interconnected strips;
Figure 1 (a~ illust~ates a modification of Figure 1;
Figure ~ is an enlarged perspective view of part of the lower co~er member illu5trating spacer meanss : Figure 3 is an enlarg~d perspective view o~ part o~ acover membrane extending over the spacer means as in Figure . .
1, with ~ent;
D 15 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cover system of : the present in~ention; and ~Figure~ 5 is a crosq~section at orle edge of part o~ a cover system ~as in the~ present in~ention.
Re~erring to Figure 1, illustra~ed is a perspecti~e :~ ~ : :Yiew of the lower ~ov~r member. The lower ~o~er member generally indic~ted by numeral 10 is particularly adapted or use with a fermenta~ion container 12 or pond, or o~h~r ~ container such~as~an aeration container.
: : 2~
Firstly,~:a~plurality of parallel ~trips o~ ma~erial ; : l4 tra~erse~the area of the co~tainer 12. The skrips, each; having opposed:~parall~e~l sides: 16 an~l 18 and ends, not ~shown, ~are~ preferably laid out ~ide by side. A
: ~ 30 ~urther plur lity~ of: st~ips o~ material 24, overlie ~he :
: strips 14 and i~clude opp~sed~p~rallel 5ides 26 and 28 i and ends as depicted by nùmeral 320 The strips l4 and : : : :
21163S~
24 preferably comprise a flexible matexial which, if desired, is also capable of i~sulating the covered area and therefore maintaining a reasonably constant temperature for the area. The strips ~4 e.xtend at an angle~ for example, perpendicular to the strips 14.
This material can include, for example, low density polyethylene foam or other such polymers. The overlying strips 24 are connec~ed at spaced apart positions along the length thereof at their edges 26, 10 28 of adjacent strips 2~. In this manner, along ~he length of any given strip 2~, there will be a connected portion 30 followed by a ~ree or unconnected area 34.
Th~ undexlying strips 14 can ~e unconnected or connected at spaced apart posi~io~s, in a similar 5 manner to strips 24. This arrangement will provide a series Qf gaps 34 at ~he surface i~e. between adjacent strips 24, which wi~l ~e loosely covered by the u~derlying portions o~ strips 14. If strips 14 ar~
also connected,:a series:of gaps 36 will be Pormed and 20 similarly loosely covered by the overlying 5trip5 24.
As sucht this permits migration o~ gases to migrate through the insulating strips. Connec~ions can be made be~ween strips 14 and 24, such as ~y stitchi~g, thermal :25 or chem~cal bon~ing means,:etc. Any such connecting means may be employed which will result in a unitary sheet of insulating material which furtherm~re adequately allows aeration of the container.
An alternative arrangement of the stxips is 30 illustra~ed in Figure l (a). In this figure the strips 14 are spaced slightly apart, as are also the strips 24. The strips ~14 and 24 are interconnected, as by ` : including, bonding stitchlng or o~her at the o~erlap positi ns 38. In ~yet another arrangemen~, not shown, W094/03582 2 ~1~ 3 ~ I PCT/CA92/00327 only one set of strips, for example, strips 14, are spaced apart.
In an alt~rnative arrangement, the strips 14 and 24 can be woven ~ogether, the strip edges in contact or spaced, as desired.
The unitary sheet may be connected to the container 12 by suitable means , e . g ., st itGhing , zippering, etc.
Referring now to Figure 2, illu~trated is an 10 en~arged perspecti~e ~iew of an arrangement for pro~iding venting. The arrangement comprises a plurality of intersecting spacer mem~ers 44, shown in this embodiment as four. The spacer memb r~ 44, in the : examplel comprise an arrangement in which there are a l5 plurality of radiating spacer arm~ 46 intersecting with ; ~ one anothe~. The inner ends of the spacer arms 46, at the intersection of the arms, ar~ increased in thic~ness at 50. .The arms :46~ in the example are tap~red in cross-section. A suitable material ~or the ; 20 arms g6 is a foamed polymeric~material. The radial ~ arms 46, and the increased:thickness portions 50 can be :~ formed integrally or be of sel?srate ec~ions joine~
together, ~or~example, by bonding. The rentral thickened~portions:5~o~can~be~formed as a single unit t~
: 25 which:arms 46 are i:oined.~
In operationr spacer members 44 are i positioned oh the unitary sheet lO, or lower c~v~r ~ member, (~Figu~e l)~:ln a:spacéd apart relationship, in : : the example~forming a~network extending dlagonally 30 re-lative to the~strips 14 and~24.~ The sp~cer members ; : 44 as positioned:a~op ~he unitary cover are W094/03~82 PCT/C~92/0~327 21~ 6~ l particularly useful for directing and collecting gases emanating ~rom the con~ainer ~2 tFigure 1) which migrates through the gaps as indicated at ~2 in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 3, ~he cover 10 and spacer 5 members 44, are covered by a membrane 60 which, as will be seen from Figure 3, does nut conform tightly with the spacer members, but produce channels 61 along ~he sides of the spacer memb~rs. ~as can pass through the gaps in the coYer 10 and travels ~owar~s the spacer lOmembers 4~, as indica~ed by arrows 54. The gas then travels along the sidPs of the 5pacer m~mbers ~ via the channels 61 where it reaches the intersection point. The gas concentration is aided, to some extent, by the increased thickness 50. ~he additional height, lSin combination with the temperature o~ the ~ermentation area and the overlying cover membrane 60, facilitates ga~eous concentration at the site o~ a venting meanC. .
This permits gas to travel from a remote area within the area betw~en ~he lower co~er member and cover ..
20 membrane 60 to:venting means.
Illustrated in Figure 3 is a vent member 62.
Vent member 62~is mounted atop the inter5ection p~int of the spacer members~4~. A suitable opening is formed ~: in the cover membrane to permit gas to discharge 25 ~hrough ~he vent 62. The ven~ 6~ pre erably ir~cludes a base 64 and a ~tubular ~ischarge member 66 projec:ting therefrom. The cover membrane: ~O is at~ached to the base 64, the base extending up the tubular discharge member 66 alnd sec:ure~ about its periphery by suitable i30 meahs ~8 proYidi.ng adequate se~lin~ theréto e.g. a clamp. The vent: m~nber 62 may additionally inc~ude a static or free;ly rotatab~e ~op 70 to effect e~ficient -.
dissipation o~ the gas emanatin~ there~hrough. The top 70 ray optionally include ~irs etc.
w~ g4/03~82 2 1 1 6 3 ~ `~1 PCT/C~92/00327 The cover membrane 60 in conjunction with the spacer means 44 an~ lower co~er member connec~s the indi~i~ual components of the cover structure together ~:~
~o pr~vide a lightweight cover having structural integrity which can be easily connected ~o the top of container 12.
Figure 4 illustrates, in perspective t a portion of a large coYer, having se~eral vents. The cover is in sections 60(a), 60(b) t 60(c), etc. joined 10 a~ their edges, as by lacing, at 72. Each section has spacer members ~4 and a ~ent 62. Also ~hown are welghts 80, for example sand filled plastic pipes, which a~sist in holding the cover down to a~oid li~ting of the cover by the wind, or by excess gases, or both.
A cover structure in accordance with the in~ention can be used o~er various ~ype of ~ontainers, : including aerobic and anaeroblc fermentation structures, and in agitation structures where material is agitated by the introduction of a gas, such as air, 20 or, if desired oxygen. In some f~rmentation r~action~
sufficient hea~ is produced to mAintain ~he material at : a desired temperature, without any need to:provide insulation over the sur~ace of the materia~. Xn other :~
rea~tions, insulation will be requîred ~o keep the ; 25 temperature:high~enough for proper operati~n. In agitation installations, ;Lnsùlation may be required, parti~ularly~in cold weather periods~, to maintai~ a : ~inimum temperature~ ~:The degree of insulation re~uired, ;and provided, can vary.
~ In some fe~mentation reactions, for example : ~ : in an aerobic fermentation, methane gas~is produced and : ~ is collected for use~or disposal.~In other reactions, :
WO 94/03582 PCr/CA92/00327 f or example in aerobic f ermentation, air is bubbled through the f ermenting material . In many ins~ances the air, af~er passing through the material can be allowed .
ts:~ escap~ directly to atmosphere, f or example, through 5 vents as illustra~ed in Figures 3 and 40 However, it can be desirable, or necessary, to collec~ th~ air and any other gases which have passed through the material, ~Dr re-use or f ox treatment . The term gas has been used in it~ broad interpretation and incl~des gases lO produced by the reactions and gases deliberately introduced, ~;uch as air and oxygen, and mixturas of such gases.
As illustrated in Figux e 5, the lower cover composed of strips 14 and 24 is seen together with top 15 cover 60. The strips 14 and 2D~ are ;hown spaced ~ut need not be . ~ the edge, f or example, at the con2lection of one section to anothQr, as in Figure d"
in additi~n to the weight 80, a further weight B2 c:an be suspended :f~rom the edge Qf a section. The ~;trips 20 are attached to a skirt at 84 which, in turn, is : ~ : attached to the weight 82. The combination of the weights: 8û and 82 causes any gases beneath the c:over ~o f low t~wards a vent or recovery position ., If desired l edges ! as indicated at 8 6 c:an be provided to hed water 25 towards the skirt, where it can be collected and removed.
In the ~ examples described,. two layers of strips have been described, and illustratedO If desired more than two layers may be provided. When an 30 insulat~ng cover is: required, the number of layers can :~ be varied, dependl~ng upon the insulation required.
Also, whether o f insulating material, or of relatively n :?n-insulating material, the use of more layers of :
W094/03582 21 1 6 3 ~ PCT/CA92/00327 thinner strips can provide improved ~lexibility. As described, the strips can be spaced slightly, or be closely spaced. Alternatively, the strips can be closely spaced for a particular distance and then a s space formed. This can be repeated at inter~als, for each layer i~ desired. The deyree of insulation pro~ided can be from a minimum provi~ed by thin strips to a substantial amount by using strips which have a higher insulation Yalue, for example, of ~oamed 10plastic. A com~ination o~ substantially i~sulating strips and relatively non-insulating strips can be used, for strength and other reasons.
.
While the ven~ing o~ gases has been descrihed, the gases can ~e collected for ~reatment.
15 Such collection is described in U~ S. Let~ers Patent Serial No~ 4,672 r 691 enti~led Bul~ Volu~ p~ ç,, ~: the specification of which is included herein by specific reference.
As those skilled in the art will realize, these 20preferred illustrated details can be s~bject~d to substantial variation, without affecting the ~unction of the illustrated embodiments. Thus, although ; ;: ~ embodiments o~ the~in~ention have been described above, it;is not limited~thereto and it will~;be apparent to 25t~ose skilled in the art that~numerous modifications ~: ~form part of the~present inv~èntion insofar as they do not depart:from the spirit, nature;and scope of the claimed and described invention.
; ' ' :
,
COVER 5q~R~CT~RE FOR A FERPqENThTION CONTAINER
The present invention relates to a co~er structure for a container, such as an aerobic or anaerobic fermenta~ion tank or pond, or an aeration tank or pond. More particularly~ it relates to the means for collec~ing the fermentation gas, or agitation gas, for collection or other disposal. The cover may be in~ulated or uninsulated.
In known fermentation systems, there are 10 di~iculties associated with the cover in terms of ~enting the volume of gas that the fermentation area . generates as well as handle the ~olume of gas which exists in the agitatiorl systems. In high wind situa~ions the ventilation system of the cov.er must 15 function effectively to avoid in~lation of the cover i.e. "puffin~ up" which can lead to damage o~ the cover.
: The cover structure of ~he present invention permits use over large areas, while incorporating : 20 structural integrity. In addition, t~e ~over structuxe includes individual overlapping angularly related : ~ strips which are periodically bonded to provide : i~dividual and spaced~apart gas escape areas. Further, in certain instanoes,:the cover~structure can provide `~ ~ 25 insulation, to:maintain desirable temperatures, ~ : ~particularly in~cold weather periods when the cove~
: ~ : will maintain summer temperature conditions in the `
:: -: winter.:
In accordance with a preferred aspec~ of the : 30 present inYentlon~there is pro~ided a cover structure or:a container, comprising a first plurality of strips extending in ;side-by-side relationship; at least one ` :further plu~ality of strips~ extending over the first :
21iS35~
plurality of strips, in side-by~side relationship; each plurality of strips angul~rly oriented relative to another plurality of strips, and forming a lower cover structure; a co~er membrane extending over the lowex 5 cover structure; spacer means positioned between the cover membrane and the lower cover s~ructure ~or defining gas flow channels~
Thus there is provided a unitary sheet or lower cover member having gaps therein for ~he passage 10 of gas therethrough from the fermentation ~r other container~ Venting means may be provided for - ventilating the container ~ the venting means including spacer means adapted for placement atop the unitary sheet. A cover membra~e is a~apted to overlie the 15 first and second strips and the spaGer means ~ the spacer means forming gas flow channels beneath khe ~: cover membrane,: Exhaust vents may be posi~ioned to : vent gas through the cover membrane, or gas2s can be collected for treatme~t.
~ ~ In accordance with another pre~exred aspect ` of the pre~ent in~ention, there is provided a cover structu~e ~or a container which pro~ides kirted coYer sections to preYent ~wind~from lifting the G~ver off the surface of the~fermentation area.
~ In yet~another aspect of the present nvention, there is~provided a cover structure which obYiates:the limitations of known fermentation covers.
: A~further aspect:of the present inventio~
pro~ides~a co~er:structure~haYirlg insulation strips ; 30which ~orm a un$tary cover.
, ::: :: : :
: :
W094/03582 2 1 1 6 3 5 ~ PC~/CA92/00327 ~' Having thus generally descxibed the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings 5 illustrating various embodîments, and in which~
Figure 1 is a per~pective view o~ part o~ a one form of lower cover member, illustrating interconnected strips;
Figure 1 (a~ illust~ates a modification of Figure 1;
Figure ~ is an enlarged perspective view of part of the lower co~er member illu5trating spacer meanss : Figure 3 is an enlarg~d perspective view o~ part o~ acover membrane extending over the spacer means as in Figure . .
1, with ~ent;
D 15 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cover system of : the present in~ention; and ~Figure~ 5 is a crosq~section at orle edge of part o~ a cover system ~as in the~ present in~ention.
Re~erring to Figure 1, illustra~ed is a perspecti~e :~ ~ : :Yiew of the lower ~ov~r member. The lower ~o~er member generally indic~ted by numeral 10 is particularly adapted or use with a fermenta~ion container 12 or pond, or o~h~r ~ container such~as~an aeration container.
: : 2~
Firstly,~:a~plurality of parallel ~trips o~ ma~erial ; : l4 tra~erse~the area of the co~tainer 12. The skrips, each; having opposed:~parall~e~l sides: 16 an~l 18 and ends, not ~shown, ~are~ preferably laid out ~ide by side. A
: ~ 30 ~urther plur lity~ of: st~ips o~ material 24, overlie ~he :
: strips 14 and i~clude opp~sed~p~rallel 5ides 26 and 28 i and ends as depicted by nùmeral 320 The strips l4 and : : : :
21163S~
24 preferably comprise a flexible matexial which, if desired, is also capable of i~sulating the covered area and therefore maintaining a reasonably constant temperature for the area. The strips ~4 e.xtend at an angle~ for example, perpendicular to the strips 14.
This material can include, for example, low density polyethylene foam or other such polymers. The overlying strips 24 are connec~ed at spaced apart positions along the length thereof at their edges 26, 10 28 of adjacent strips 2~. In this manner, along ~he length of any given strip 2~, there will be a connected portion 30 followed by a ~ree or unconnected area 34.
Th~ undexlying strips 14 can ~e unconnected or connected at spaced apart posi~io~s, in a similar 5 manner to strips 24. This arrangement will provide a series Qf gaps 34 at ~he surface i~e. between adjacent strips 24, which wi~l ~e loosely covered by the u~derlying portions o~ strips 14. If strips 14 ar~
also connected,:a series:of gaps 36 will be Pormed and 20 similarly loosely covered by the overlying 5trip5 24.
As sucht this permits migration o~ gases to migrate through the insulating strips. Connec~ions can be made be~ween strips 14 and 24, such as ~y stitchi~g, thermal :25 or chem~cal bon~ing means,:etc. Any such connecting means may be employed which will result in a unitary sheet of insulating material which furtherm~re adequately allows aeration of the container.
An alternative arrangement of the stxips is 30 illustra~ed in Figure l (a). In this figure the strips 14 are spaced slightly apart, as are also the strips 24. The strips ~14 and 24 are interconnected, as by ` : including, bonding stitchlng or o~her at the o~erlap positi ns 38. In ~yet another arrangemen~, not shown, W094/03582 2 ~1~ 3 ~ I PCT/CA92/00327 only one set of strips, for example, strips 14, are spaced apart.
In an alt~rnative arrangement, the strips 14 and 24 can be woven ~ogether, the strip edges in contact or spaced, as desired.
The unitary sheet may be connected to the container 12 by suitable means , e . g ., st itGhing , zippering, etc.
Referring now to Figure 2, illu~trated is an 10 en~arged perspecti~e ~iew of an arrangement for pro~iding venting. The arrangement comprises a plurality of intersecting spacer mem~ers 44, shown in this embodiment as four. The spacer memb r~ 44, in the : examplel comprise an arrangement in which there are a l5 plurality of radiating spacer arm~ 46 intersecting with ; ~ one anothe~. The inner ends of the spacer arms 46, at the intersection of the arms, ar~ increased in thic~ness at 50. .The arms :46~ in the example are tap~red in cross-section. A suitable material ~or the ; 20 arms g6 is a foamed polymeric~material. The radial ~ arms 46, and the increased:thickness portions 50 can be :~ formed integrally or be of sel?srate ec~ions joine~
together, ~or~example, by bonding. The rentral thickened~portions:5~o~can~be~formed as a single unit t~
: 25 which:arms 46 are i:oined.~
In operationr spacer members 44 are i positioned oh the unitary sheet lO, or lower c~v~r ~ member, (~Figu~e l)~:ln a:spacéd apart relationship, in : : the example~forming a~network extending dlagonally 30 re-lative to the~strips 14 and~24.~ The sp~cer members ; : 44 as positioned:a~op ~he unitary cover are W094/03~82 PCT/C~92/0~327 21~ 6~ l particularly useful for directing and collecting gases emanating ~rom the con~ainer ~2 tFigure 1) which migrates through the gaps as indicated at ~2 in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 3, ~he cover 10 and spacer 5 members 44, are covered by a membrane 60 which, as will be seen from Figure 3, does nut conform tightly with the spacer members, but produce channels 61 along ~he sides of the spacer memb~rs. ~as can pass through the gaps in the coYer 10 and travels ~owar~s the spacer lOmembers 4~, as indica~ed by arrows 54. The gas then travels along the sidPs of the 5pacer m~mbers ~ via the channels 61 where it reaches the intersection point. The gas concentration is aided, to some extent, by the increased thickness 50. ~he additional height, lSin combination with the temperature o~ the ~ermentation area and the overlying cover membrane 60, facilitates ga~eous concentration at the site o~ a venting meanC. .
This permits gas to travel from a remote area within the area betw~en ~he lower co~er member and cover ..
20 membrane 60 to:venting means.
Illustrated in Figure 3 is a vent member 62.
Vent member 62~is mounted atop the inter5ection p~int of the spacer members~4~. A suitable opening is formed ~: in the cover membrane to permit gas to discharge 25 ~hrough ~he vent 62. The ven~ 6~ pre erably ir~cludes a base 64 and a ~tubular ~ischarge member 66 projec:ting therefrom. The cover membrane: ~O is at~ached to the base 64, the base extending up the tubular discharge member 66 alnd sec:ure~ about its periphery by suitable i30 meahs ~8 proYidi.ng adequate se~lin~ theréto e.g. a clamp. The vent: m~nber 62 may additionally inc~ude a static or free;ly rotatab~e ~op 70 to effect e~ficient -.
dissipation o~ the gas emanatin~ there~hrough. The top 70 ray optionally include ~irs etc.
w~ g4/03~82 2 1 1 6 3 ~ `~1 PCT/C~92/00327 The cover membrane 60 in conjunction with the spacer means 44 an~ lower co~er member connec~s the indi~i~ual components of the cover structure together ~:~
~o pr~vide a lightweight cover having structural integrity which can be easily connected ~o the top of container 12.
Figure 4 illustrates, in perspective t a portion of a large coYer, having se~eral vents. The cover is in sections 60(a), 60(b) t 60(c), etc. joined 10 a~ their edges, as by lacing, at 72. Each section has spacer members ~4 and a ~ent 62. Also ~hown are welghts 80, for example sand filled plastic pipes, which a~sist in holding the cover down to a~oid li~ting of the cover by the wind, or by excess gases, or both.
A cover structure in accordance with the in~ention can be used o~er various ~ype of ~ontainers, : including aerobic and anaeroblc fermentation structures, and in agitation structures where material is agitated by the introduction of a gas, such as air, 20 or, if desired oxygen. In some f~rmentation r~action~
sufficient hea~ is produced to mAintain ~he material at : a desired temperature, without any need to:provide insulation over the sur~ace of the materia~. Xn other :~
rea~tions, insulation will be requîred ~o keep the ; 25 temperature:high~enough for proper operati~n. In agitation installations, ;Lnsùlation may be required, parti~ularly~in cold weather periods~, to maintai~ a : ~inimum temperature~ ~:The degree of insulation re~uired, ;and provided, can vary.
~ In some fe~mentation reactions, for example : ~ : in an aerobic fermentation, methane gas~is produced and : ~ is collected for use~or disposal.~In other reactions, :
WO 94/03582 PCr/CA92/00327 f or example in aerobic f ermentation, air is bubbled through the f ermenting material . In many ins~ances the air, af~er passing through the material can be allowed .
ts:~ escap~ directly to atmosphere, f or example, through 5 vents as illustra~ed in Figures 3 and 40 However, it can be desirable, or necessary, to collec~ th~ air and any other gases which have passed through the material, ~Dr re-use or f ox treatment . The term gas has been used in it~ broad interpretation and incl~des gases lO produced by the reactions and gases deliberately introduced, ~;uch as air and oxygen, and mixturas of such gases.
As illustrated in Figux e 5, the lower cover composed of strips 14 and 24 is seen together with top 15 cover 60. The strips 14 and 2D~ are ;hown spaced ~ut need not be . ~ the edge, f or example, at the con2lection of one section to anothQr, as in Figure d"
in additi~n to the weight 80, a further weight B2 c:an be suspended :f~rom the edge Qf a section. The ~;trips 20 are attached to a skirt at 84 which, in turn, is : ~ : attached to the weight 82. The combination of the weights: 8û and 82 causes any gases beneath the c:over ~o f low t~wards a vent or recovery position ., If desired l edges ! as indicated at 8 6 c:an be provided to hed water 25 towards the skirt, where it can be collected and removed.
In the ~ examples described,. two layers of strips have been described, and illustratedO If desired more than two layers may be provided. When an 30 insulat~ng cover is: required, the number of layers can :~ be varied, dependl~ng upon the insulation required.
Also, whether o f insulating material, or of relatively n :?n-insulating material, the use of more layers of :
W094/03582 21 1 6 3 ~ PCT/CA92/00327 thinner strips can provide improved ~lexibility. As described, the strips can be spaced slightly, or be closely spaced. Alternatively, the strips can be closely spaced for a particular distance and then a s space formed. This can be repeated at inter~als, for each layer i~ desired. The deyree of insulation pro~ided can be from a minimum provi~ed by thin strips to a substantial amount by using strips which have a higher insulation Yalue, for example, of ~oamed 10plastic. A com~ination o~ substantially i~sulating strips and relatively non-insulating strips can be used, for strength and other reasons.
.
While the ven~ing o~ gases has been descrihed, the gases can ~e collected for ~reatment.
15 Such collection is described in U~ S. Let~ers Patent Serial No~ 4,672 r 691 enti~led Bul~ Volu~ p~ ç,, ~: the specification of which is included herein by specific reference.
As those skilled in the art will realize, these 20preferred illustrated details can be s~bject~d to substantial variation, without affecting the ~unction of the illustrated embodiments. Thus, although ; ;: ~ embodiments o~ the~in~ention have been described above, it;is not limited~thereto and it will~;be apparent to 25t~ose skilled in the art that~numerous modifications ~: ~form part of the~present inv~èntion insofar as they do not depart:from the spirit, nature;and scope of the claimed and described invention.
; ' ' :
,
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A cover structure for collecting gases in a container, comprising a first plurality of strips extending in side-by-side relationship; at least one further plurality of strips, extending over said first plurality of strips, in side-by-side relationship, angularly oriented relative to the first plurality of strips and together forming a lower cover structure, strips in at least one of said plurality of strips being connected together at spaced locations along adjacent edges to form spaced gaps to permit the migration of gas therethrough; a gas impermeable cover membrane extending over said lower cover structure; spacer means positioned between said gas impermeable cover membrane and said lower cover structure for defining gas flow channels, said spacer means comprising a plurality of elongate members extending angularly relative to each other over said lower cover structure with inner ends of increased thickness intersecting to form a vent position, and a vent member positioned at said vent position for collecting and venting gases from said gas flow channels.
2. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1, said strips in at least one of said plurality of strips spaced to form enlarged gaps.
3. A cover structure as claimed in claim 4, said strips in each of said plurality of strips spaced apart to form enlarged gaps.
4. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1, said strips in each of said plurality of strips connected together along adjacent edges at spaced locations to form spaced gaps.
5. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1, said plurality of strips being oriented at about 90° to each other.
6. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1, at least one of said plurality of strips being of insulating material.
7. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1, including a plurality of said vent positions spaced apart.
8. A method of collecting gases in a container comprising, forming a lower cover structure having a plurality of spaced gaps extending uniformly across said cover structure over the container to permit the migration of gas therethrough, placing a gas impermeable cover membrane over the lower cover structure, positioning spacer means between the gas impermeable cover membrane and the lower cover structure for defining gas flow channels, said spacer means comprising a plurality of elongate members extending angularly relative to each other over said lower cover structure with inner ends of increased thickness intersecting to form a vent position, and positioning a vent member at said vent position for collecting and venting gases from gas flow channels.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, forming said lower cover structure by placing a first plurality of strips in side-by-side relationship over the container, laying a second plurality of strips in side-by-side relationship over the first plurality of strips, and connecting at least one one the plurality of strips at spaced intervals along adjacent edges to form spaced gaps for migration of gas therethrough.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2116354 CA2116354A1 (en) | 1992-07-29 | 1992-07-29 | Cover structure for a fermentation container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2116354 CA2116354A1 (en) | 1992-07-29 | 1992-07-29 | Cover structure for a fermentation container |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2116354A1 true CA2116354A1 (en) | 1994-02-17 |
Family
ID=4152958
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2116354 Abandoned CA2116354A1 (en) | 1992-07-29 | 1992-07-29 | Cover structure for a fermentation container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2116354A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005097500A1 (en) * | 2004-04-06 | 2005-10-20 | Degarie Claude J | Title: membrane cover having a protective layer to prevent deterioration of uv stabilizers therein. |
| US7374059B2 (en) | 2001-10-05 | 2008-05-20 | Industrial And Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Covering systems and venting methods |
| USRE41442E1 (en) | 1993-10-22 | 2010-07-20 | Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Insulated removable pond cover |
| US9591797B2 (en) | 2013-11-14 | 2017-03-14 | Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Cover systems with fusion welds |
| US11141952B2 (en) | 2015-04-06 | 2021-10-12 | Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Sludge covers, sludge management systems, and related methods |
-
1992
- 1992-07-29 CA CA 2116354 patent/CA2116354A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USRE41442E1 (en) | 1993-10-22 | 2010-07-20 | Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Insulated removable pond cover |
| US7374059B2 (en) | 2001-10-05 | 2008-05-20 | Industrial And Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Covering systems and venting methods |
| WO2005097500A1 (en) * | 2004-04-06 | 2005-10-20 | Degarie Claude J | Title: membrane cover having a protective layer to prevent deterioration of uv stabilizers therein. |
| US9591797B2 (en) | 2013-11-14 | 2017-03-14 | Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Cover systems with fusion welds |
| US11141952B2 (en) | 2015-04-06 | 2021-10-12 | Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. | Sludge covers, sludge management systems, and related methods |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |