EP2590501A1 - Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct

Info

Publication number
EP2590501A1
EP2590501A1 EP11733558.8A EP11733558A EP2590501A1 EP 2590501 A1 EP2590501 A1 EP 2590501A1 EP 11733558 A EP11733558 A EP 11733558A EP 2590501 A1 EP2590501 A1 EP 2590501A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seal
connection member
actuator
slurry
duct
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11733558.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jens Bang Mikkelsen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AGRIFARM APS
Original Assignee
Mt Hojgaard AS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mt Hojgaard AS filed Critical Mt Hojgaard AS
Publication of EP2590501A1 publication Critical patent/EP2590501A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/01—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
    • A01K1/0103—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables of liquid manure

Definitions

  • Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct.
  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for handling a seal in a slurry duct.
  • a stable often comprises more than 30 seals and each seal needs to be lifted free of the drain below to allow slurry to pass into the drain.
  • the individual seal may typically weigh around 5 kg, but as an under pressure often is kept in the drain, to suck slurry into the drain from the duct, the effective lift to be performed may be 40 - 50 kg or even higher.
  • the slurry Due to the heavy lifts the slurry is kept in the slurry ducts for a long time, which allows the slurry to de-gas large amounts of especially ammonia, which contaminates the air in the animal habitat area causing discomfort for both animals and humans present. Furthermore, the value of the slurry as a fertilizer and its effectivity in biogas plants is decreased as a large part of the ammonia evaporates from the slurry. Moreover, it is difficult to achieve a speed of establishing the required opening that will facilitate discharge of both liquids and solids in the slurry. Thus, often the faces will remain in the duct.
  • Another disadvantage is that the risk of back injuries is high when performing the handling of the slurry seals manually due to the heavy lift and the often awkward working position.
  • an apparatus and method according to the present invention by means of which manual work in handling seals in slurry ducts can be avoided or entirely eliminated.
  • an apparatus and method according to the present invention for handling seals in slurry ducts based on the conditions in and around the slurry duct at any time.
  • an apparatus and method according to the present invention whereby the indoor climate in a stable with slurry ducts can be enhanced.
  • slurry is used for any animal waste product, including manure.
  • the apparatus comprises an actuator and a connection member providing operative connection between the actuator and the seal
  • the connection member has a first end attached to the actuator and an opposite free second end configured to be attached to the seal, which opposite free second end are displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member between a first position where the seal is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal is closed.
  • an apparatus which ensures proper closing of each seal in a stable. Moreover, the automatically opening of the seal was found to ensure a fast opening of the seal so that the under pressure in the stable and the size of the opening causes the slurry to be released at a rate which allows for both liquids and solids to be discharged.
  • the actuator is mounted in the slurry duct and preferably the actuator is mounted directly over the slurry seal in order to perform the opening and closing of the seal with the required power and precision for the seal to be opened as much as predetermined and to be closed tightly with a minimum risk that the seal will be misaligned with the drain.
  • the present construction provides an apparatus with maximum power to repeatedly both pull and push the slurry seal to the desired positions even though the effective weight of the seal is high and that solids in the slurry may engage in the drain opening and on the apparatus itself.
  • the apparatus may preferably be made of materials resistant to corrosion such as stainless steel, or, the apparatus may comprise parts which are surface coated to be able to resist corrosion by the slurry.
  • the apparatus can be kept simple but strong to withstand the repeated push and pull of the apparatus.
  • the durability of the apparatus will be long and there will be a lower risk of malfunctions due to corrosion and clogging of vital parts.
  • connection member may comprise a means for adjusting the length of the connection member.
  • said means can be telescopically arranged rods or a scissor-like connection member.
  • the means for adjusting the length of the connection member may also include an integral part of the actuator and/or a removable part.
  • connection member may comprise a part which is e.g . telescopically moved along the longitudinal axis of the connection member by means of the actuator, in order to pull or push the seal to or from a desired position.
  • the connection member may also comprise a part, which is used to optimize the length of the connection member to fit a specific duct. For example when the apparatus is installed in a duct, a part of a connection member may be inserted to provide the operative connection between the actuator and seal along the full range of all relevant positions of the seal . This may especially be useful if the telescopically part of the connection member is not long enough to reach over the full operational range of the seal .
  • the actuator may be an electrical linear actuator in which part of the connection member is an integral part with a telescopic function.
  • the connection member may be extended with a connection member part customized to allow the operational connection between actuator and seal on the full range of motion from the seals closed position to the seals maximum open position .
  • An example is an LA35 actuator avai lable from LI NAK DAN MARK A/S, Monstedsvej 9, DK-8600 Sil keborg .
  • the LA 35 actuator has sufficient power and is able to resist the harsh envi ronment i nside a sl urry duct, however any other correspond ing actuator that is corrosion-resistant and is able to provide similar power level can be used as well .
  • connection member may be provided with means for coupling to the seal, e.g . a hook, a suction means or similar means that is able to create and keep a strong and reliable attachment at least during handling said seal .
  • the apparatus comprises a seal .
  • Activation of the actuator may advantageously be controlled by any of a person, preprogrammed or not preprogrammed automation and/or a central computer with specialized software, whereby control of the activation of the actuator may be made remote, online and/or offline.
  • a person may activate the actuator, and thus also the apparatus, by for example pressing a button when, e.g. visual, inspection indicates that the duct should be emptied based on a predefined parameter such as the depth of the slurry in the duct.
  • the actuator is preprogrammed to be activated at certain time intervals. For example, the actuator may be programmed to automatically open the seal for ten minutes every two hours during the daytime and every five hours during night hours, when the activity in the stable is minimal .
  • the actuator can also be regulated by input from a central computer, which receives information about the conditions in and around the stable building and the slurry duct, or, is programmed with information about the time intervals wherein the actuator is to be activated.
  • the apparatus may further comprise means for providing the central computer with information including information about gaseous contaminants in the slurry duct or an animal habitat area, slurry levels in the slurry duct and/or temperature in the slurry duct or animal habitat area.
  • Such means may advantageously be provided in one or more locations in and/or around the slurry duct and stable.
  • Such information may include concentration levels of the gaseous contaminants and/or compositions of the same.
  • the means for providing the information may typically be different types of sensors providing data to the central computer, which may regulate not only the activation of the apparatus according to the present invention but also many other features in and around the stable.
  • the central computer may in accordance with the present invention activate the actuator and hereby the apparatus for handling the seal, if the ammonia concentration is detected by a sensor, which is higher than a desired. This will empty the slurry duct and thus reduce the amount of evaporating ammonia.
  • the actuator may communicate, i.e. receive and send signals, with sensor means, a central computer, relays and buttons by cable or by wireless means. If the communication is at least partially wireless it is possible to arrange the apparatus with the sensors etc. so that cleaning in and around the slurry duct is made easier, which increases the hygiene and indoor environment significantly.
  • the invention further relates to a method for handling a seal arranged in a slurry duct in relation to an animal habitat surface by means of the apparatus according to the present invention.
  • the apparatus comprises an actuator and a connection member for providing operative connection between the actuator and the seal, the connection member has a first end attached to the actuator and an opposite free second end configured to be attached to the seal, which opposite free second end are displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member between a first position where the seal is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal is closed.
  • the method comprises the steps of
  • connection member by means of the actuator to at least partly open the seal for a period of time by displacing the free second end of the connection member
  • step c) operating the connection member by means of the actuator to close the seal by displacing the free end of the seal, and optionally repeating step b) and step c).
  • connection member is length-adjusted to provide the operational connection between actuator and seal when installed.
  • the operation of the system may be controlled manually and preferably automatically.
  • the length of the longitudinal connection may be adjusted by inserting one or more connection member parts of fixed length and/or by adjusting the length of a connection member part when comprised of telescopic rods. Depending on the conditions either of the two possibilities may be used alone or in combination.
  • connection member part allows for easy installment in a wide range of slurry ducts of different nature and depths, whereas having a range of prefabricated connection member parts to choose from may be a cheap and fast solution.
  • Using customized connection member parts ensures perfect positioning in any slurry duct.
  • the seal is sufficiently opened as predetermined to ensure that enough slurry is allowed to pass to the drain during the time interval where the apparatus keeps the seal open, that the seal is opened fast enough to utilize the power of the under pressure and thus ensuring that both liquids and solids in the slurry are discharged as well as avoiding clogging of the opening between seal and drain.
  • the method may further comprise the step of activating the actuator by preprogrammed settings or signals from a central computer.
  • Exemplary settings may be seal opening intervals on specific times of day. It is also possible that the activation of the seal is controlled by a central computer, which can be responsible for or be part of an automatic operation of an entire stable, in which the apparatus and method according to the present invention is implemented, as well as be responsible for the vital functions of the stable.
  • the method may comprise providing the central computer with information including information about gaseous contaminants in the slurry duct or an animal habitat area, slurry levels in the slurry duct and/or temperature in the slurry duct or animal habitat area, which information are obtained by means of the sensor means.
  • information of the gaseous contaminants and/or compositions may include concentration levels and/or compositions of the same.
  • the operation of the seal is facilitated and optimized at all times to ensure that the working, living and environmental conditions in and around the stable optimal while avoiding unnecessary opening of the seal, as the seals can be operated in optimized intervals.
  • the apparatus for hand ling seals in a slurry duct is equipped with an alarm for indicating malfunction.
  • the sensor means in or around the slurry duct and stable may also trigger alarms relevant or related to the functioning of the apparatus according to the present invention. E.g. too high a manure level in a manure duct may trigger an alarm if the level is not decreased satisfactory within a specific time limit after activating the actuator to open the seal in the manure duct.
  • the present apparatus and method for handling seals in manure ducts can advantageously be used within stables and duct systems as described in the applicant international patent applications PCT/IB2009/055315 and PCT/IB2009/055319, however the person skilled in the art will understand that the inventive apparatus and method can be implemented and operated in relation to any conventional slurry duct due to the versatility, adaptability and configurability of the apparatus to structural and spatial limitations and restrictions of the environment.
  • the central computer for use in the present invention may correspond to the central data units or computers used in the above-mentioned international patent applications, and the operation of the apparatus according to the present invention may be part of and/or dependent of the operation of the entire stable arrangement.
  • One or more apparatuses for handling the seal in the slurry duct may be installed depending on the number of seals in the slurry duct, as well as a stable may contain one or more slurry ducts.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention arranged in a slurry duct below an animal habitat surface, seen in sectional view, in the state where the seal is fully closed.
  • Fig. 2 shows the same where the seal is fully open.
  • FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for handling a seal 2 in a slurry duct 3 under an animal habitat surface 4 comprising a slatted floor part 5 and a removable cover plate 6.
  • the apparatus 1 is attached at the cover plate 6 by an anchoring 7 fastened to an actuator 8 of the apparatus 1.
  • the actuator 8 has an integral longitudinal telescopic connection member part 9a, which in use may be retracted at least partly into the housing 10 of the actuator 8.
  • a connection member part 9b with a permanent length has been inserted to lengthen the telescopic connection member 9a.
  • the telescopic connection member part 9a and the permanent length connection member part 9b constitute a connection member 12.
  • a lock 14 for securing the connection member 12 to the seal 2.
  • the seal 2 is closed and submerged into a drain 15 of the floor 11 of the slurry duct 3.
  • the free end 13 of the connection member 12 is in its fully extended position.
  • the actuator 8 When the actuator 8 is activated the free end 13 is retracted towards the actuator 8 and the seal 2 is hereby released from its closed position in the drain 15 and thus, allowing the slurry 16 to be discharged from the slurry duct 3 and into the drain 15.
  • the two-way arrow A indicates in which direction the displacement and/or movements of the free second end 13 of the connection member 12 will be.
  • the actuator can be activated manually by for example pressing a button 20 on a relay connected to the actuator 8.
  • the actuator 8 may also optionally be controlled by a preprogrammed timer with information for when and how long time the seal 2 should be open.
  • the actuator 8 may also be preprogrammed to how much the seal 2 is opening a given time, and thus, optimizing the discharge of the slurry 16 without damaging the under pressure of the drain 15.
  • the actuator 8 is fully automated and controlled by a central computer 17.
  • the central computer 17 receives signals 18a from a number of sensors 19 detecting parameters as temperature, slurry level in the duct 3, and air composition, especially including ammonia concentrations etc.
  • the central computer 17 may also contain any relevant information about number and species of animals in the stable, time of day etc.
  • the central computer 17 may activate the actuator 8 by sending a signal 18b by network cables or wireless means to the actuator 8 to handle the seal 2.
  • the air quality, slurry quality in the drain, energy consumption, and/or noise level depending on the time of day etc will thereby be optimized.
  • the operation of the apparatus 1 handling the seal 2 in the slurry duct 3 may be correlated by the central computer 17 to any other relevant operation in the stable, such as ventilation, feeding, animal transport etc.
  • One or more apparatuses 1 may be installed in each slurry duct 3 and a stable may comprise one or more slurry ducts 3.
  • Fig. 2 shows the same setup as shown in fig. 1, however, the free end 13 is retracted towards the actuator 8 and the seal 2 in the slurry duct 3 is fully open to discharge the slurry 16 from the slurry 3.
  • the flow direction of the slurry 16 into the drain 15 is indicated by arrows F.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) and method for handling a seal (2) in a slurry duct (3) in relation to an animal habitat surface (4). The apparatus (1) comprises an actuator (8) and a connection member (9a, 9b, 12) providing operative connection between the actuator (8) and the seal (2), the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) has a first end attached to the actuator (8) and an opposite free second end (13) configured to be attached to the seal (2), which opposite free second end (13) are displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) between a first position where the seal (2) is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal (2) is closed.

Description

Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for handling a seal in a slurry duct.
Traditionally the work with handling seals for emptying slurry from the slurry ducts in relation to animal habitat areas, is performed manually and is physically very hard and time consuming work. A stable often comprises more than 30 seals and each seal needs to be lifted free of the drain below to allow slurry to pass into the drain. The individual seal may typically weigh around 5 kg, but as an under pressure often is kept in the drain, to suck slurry into the drain from the duct, the effective lift to be performed may be 40 - 50 kg or even higher. Due to the heavy lifts the slurry is kept in the slurry ducts for a long time, which allows the slurry to de-gas large amounts of especially ammonia, which contaminates the air in the animal habitat area causing discomfort for both animals and humans present. Furthermore, the value of the slurry as a fertilizer and its effectivity in biogas plants is decreased as a large part of the ammonia evaporates from the slurry. Moreover, it is difficult to achieve a speed of establishing the required opening that will facilitate discharge of both liquids and solids in the slurry. Thus, often the faces will remain in the duct.
Another disadvantage is that the risk of back injuries is high when performing the handling of the slurry seals manually due to the heavy lift and the often awkward working position.
Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and an alternative method to perform the handling of seals in slurry ducts.
In a first aspect is provided an apparatus and method according to the present invention by means of which manual work in handling seals in slurry ducts can be avoided or entirely eliminated.
In a second aspect is provided an apparatus and method according to the present invention for handling seals in slurry ducts based on the conditions in and around the slurry duct at any time.
In a third aspect is provided an apparatus and method according to the present invention whereby the indoor climate in a stable with slurry ducts can be enhanced.
In a fourth aspect is provided an apparatus and method according to the present invention whereby useful yield of the waste slurry can be optimized.
In the present invention the term "slurry" is used for any animal waste product, including manure.
The novel and unique features whereby these and other aspects are achieved according to the present invention consists in that the apparatus comprises an actuator and a connection member providing operative connection between the actuator and the seal, the connection member has a first end attached to the actuator and an opposite free second end configured to be attached to the seal, which opposite free second end are displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member between a first position where the seal is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal is closed.
Thus, by the present invention is provided a solution that can be adapted to existing seal means and without any parts of the seal means and/or connecting member and the actuator being visible outside the slurry duct.
In addition by the present invention is provided an apparatus which ensures proper closing of each seal in a stable. Moreover, the automatically opening of the seal was found to ensure a fast opening of the seal so that the under pressure in the stable and the size of the opening causes the slurry to be released at a rate which allows for both liquids and solids to be discharged.
By using the apparatus according to the present invention in e.g. a stable, it is possible to handle the seals inside the slurry ducts without the need for manual intervention. Thus, the physically hard work traditionally involved is minimized and basically avoided. As the heavy lifts are avoided the working environment for the personnel is greatly improved and the frequency of emptying the slurry ducts is more likely to increase as the slurry ducts are emptied automatically without manual intervention, moreover it is possible to release all seal means in the stables at the same time. When the slurry is kept in the slurry duct for a shorter time less ammonia will be created that can evaporate. Therefore it is possible to maintain a higher ammonia concentration in the slurry. This is an advantage both of the indoor environment for humans and animals as well as for the quality of the slurry for use in biogas plants and in fertilizer products formed from the slurry.
Preferably the actuator is mounted in the slurry duct and preferably the actuator is mounted directly over the slurry seal in order to perform the opening and closing of the seal with the required power and precision for the seal to be opened as much as predetermined and to be closed tightly with a minimum risk that the seal will be misaligned with the drain. The present construction provides an apparatus with maximum power to repeatedly both pull and push the slurry seal to the desired positions even though the effective weight of the seal is high and that solids in the slurry may engage in the drain opening and on the apparatus itself.
The environment in a slurry duct is very harsh due to the composition of the slurry. Thus, the apparatus may preferably be made of materials resistant to corrosion such as stainless steel, or, the apparatus may comprise parts which are surface coated to be able to resist corrosion by the slurry. In addition, having few joints in the apparatus, e.g. at the second free end, the apparatus can be kept simple but strong to withstand the repeated push and pull of the apparatus. Thus, due to the simple construction of the apparatus according to the present invention with few and resilient parts and/or joints, the durability of the apparatus will be long and there will be a lower risk of malfunctions due to corrosion and clogging of vital parts.
In a preferred embodiment the connection member may comprise a means for adjusting the length of the connection member. For example said means can be telescopically arranged rods or a scissor-like connection member. The means for adjusting the length of the connection member may also include an integral part of the actuator and/or a removable part.
Telescopic rods and scissor-li ke connection members allow the actuator to move the free second end of the connection member along the longitudinal axis of the connection member with the use of very little space. The connection member may comprise a part which is e.g . telescopically moved along the longitudinal axis of the connection member by means of the actuator, in order to pull or push the seal to or from a desired position. The connection member may also comprise a part, which is used to optimize the length of the connection member to fit a specific duct. For example when the apparatus is installed in a duct, a part of a connection member may be inserted to provide the operative connection between the actuator and seal along the full range of all relevant positions of the seal . This may especially be useful if the telescopically part of the connection member is not long enough to reach over the full operational range of the seal .
In one embodiment the actuator may be an electrical linear actuator in which part of the connection member is an integral part with a telescopic function. To adjust the apparatus to any given slurry duct depth the connection member may be extended with a connection member part customized to allow the operational connection between actuator and seal on the full range of motion from the seals closed position to the seals maximum open position . An example is an LA35 actuator avai lable from LI NAK DAN MARK A/S, Monstedsvej 9, DK-8600 Sil keborg . The LA 35 actuator has sufficient power and is able to resist the harsh envi ronment i nside a sl urry duct, however any other correspond ing actuator that is corrosion-resistant and is able to provide similar power level can be used as well .
To allow for a permanent or releasable coupling of the connection member and the seal the opposite free second end of the connection member may be provided with means for coupling to the seal, e.g . a hook, a suction means or similar means that is able to create and keep a strong and reliable attachment at least during handling said seal . Thus, it is also contemplated that the apparatus comprises a seal .
Activation of the actuator may advantageously be controlled by any of a person, preprogrammed or not preprogrammed automation and/or a central computer with specialized software, whereby control of the activation of the actuator may be made remote, online and/or offline.
A person may activate the actuator, and thus also the apparatus, by for example pressing a button when, e.g. visual, inspection indicates that the duct should be emptied based on a predefined parameter such as the depth of the slurry in the duct. It is also contemplated that the actuator is preprogrammed to be activated at certain time intervals. For example, the actuator may be programmed to automatically open the seal for ten minutes every two hours during the daytime and every five hours during night hours, when the activity in the stable is minimal . The actuator can also be regulated by input from a central computer, which receives information about the conditions in and around the stable building and the slurry duct, or, is programmed with information about the time intervals wherein the actuator is to be activated.
The apparatus may further comprise means for providing the central computer with information including information about gaseous contaminants in the slurry duct or an animal habitat area, slurry levels in the slurry duct and/or temperature in the slurry duct or animal habitat area. Such means may advantageously be provided in one or more locations in and/or around the slurry duct and stable. Such information may include concentration levels of the gaseous contaminants and/or compositions of the same. The means for providing the information may typically be different types of sensors providing data to the central computer, which may regulate not only the activation of the apparatus according to the present invention but also many other features in and around the stable. For example, the central computer may in accordance with the present invention activate the actuator and hereby the apparatus for handling the seal, if the ammonia concentration is detected by a sensor, which is higher than a desired. This will empty the slurry duct and thus reduce the amount of evaporating ammonia.
The actuator may communicate, i.e. receive and send signals, with sensor means, a central computer, relays and buttons by cable or by wireless means. If the communication is at least partially wireless it is possible to arrange the apparatus with the sensors etc. so that cleaning in and around the slurry duct is made easier, which increases the hygiene and indoor environment significantly.
The invention further relates to a method for handling a seal arranged in a slurry duct in relation to an animal habitat surface by means of the apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus comprises an actuator and a connection member for providing operative connection between the actuator and the seal, the connection member has a first end attached to the actuator and an opposite free second end configured to be attached to the seal, which opposite free second end are displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member between a first position where the seal is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal is closed. The method comprises the steps of
- in an initial step a) providing the apparatus in relation to the slurry duct and the seal,
in a step b) operating the connection member by means of the actuator to at least partly open the seal for a period of time by displacing the free second end of the connection member,
- in a step c) operating the connection member by means of the actuator to close the seal by displacing the free end of the seal, and optionally repeating step b) and step c).
It is possible to safely and effectively handle seals in any slurry duct independent of shape and depth, as the connection member is length-adjusted to provide the operational connection between actuator and seal when installed. When the seal is opened and closed by use of the actuator, it greatly improves both working conditions for the farmer and the indoor environment for both animals and humans. The operation of the system may be controlled manually and preferably automatically. The length of the longitudinal connection may be adjusted by inserting one or more connection member parts of fixed length and/or by adjusting the length of a connection member part when comprised of telescopic rods. Depending on the conditions either of the two possibilities may be used alone or in combination. Having an adjustable telescopical connection member part allows for easy installment in a wide range of slurry ducts of different nature and depths, whereas having a range of prefabricated connection member parts to choose from may be a cheap and fast solution. Using customized connection member parts ensures perfect positioning in any slurry duct.
By controlling the position of the slurry seal by means of one or more sensor means, and manually or automatically adjust the position of the seal by activating the actuator, a proper operation and functionality of the apparatus in relation to the slurry duct is always ensured. This also applies to the entire installation environment, e.g. a cowhouse or a piggery. If for example just one seal is not closed properly, the under pressure in the drain may be weakened, and the outlet through all the other drain/seal sites may be less effective. Therefore, it is very important that all seals are properly closed. Also, it is important that the seal is sufficiently opened as predetermined to ensure that enough slurry is allowed to pass to the drain during the time interval where the apparatus keeps the seal open, that the seal is opened fast enough to utilize the power of the under pressure and thus ensuring that both liquids and solids in the slurry are discharged as well as avoiding clogging of the opening between seal and drain.
The method may further comprise the step of activating the actuator by preprogrammed settings or signals from a central computer. Exemplary settings may be seal opening intervals on specific times of day. It is also possible that the activation of the seal is controlled by a central computer, which can be responsible for or be part of an automatic operation of an entire stable, in which the apparatus and method according to the present invention is implemented, as well as be responsible for the vital functions of the stable.
In an embodiment of the method according to the present invention the method may comprise providing the central computer with information including information about gaseous contaminants in the slurry duct or an animal habitat area, slurry levels in the slurry duct and/or temperature in the slurry duct or animal habitat area, which information are obtained by means of the sensor means. Such information of the gaseous contaminants and/or compositions may include concentration levels and/or compositions of the same. In this embodiment the operation of the seal is facilitated and optimized at all times to ensure that the working, living and environmental conditions in and around the stable optimal while avoiding unnecessary opening of the seal, as the seals can be operated in optimized intervals.
It is also possible that the apparatus for hand ling seals in a slurry duct is equipped with an alarm for indicating malfunction. The sensor means in or around the slurry duct and stable may also trigger alarms relevant or related to the functioning of the apparatus according to the present invention. E.g. too high a manure level in a manure duct may trigger an alarm if the level is not decreased satisfactory within a specific time limit after activating the actuator to open the seal in the manure duct. The present apparatus and method for handling seals in manure ducts can advantageously be used within stables and duct systems as described in the applicant international patent applications PCT/IB2009/055315 and PCT/IB2009/055319, however the person skilled in the art will understand that the inventive apparatus and method can be implemented and operated in relation to any conventional slurry duct due to the versatility, adaptability and configurability of the apparatus to structural and spatial limitations and restrictions of the environment. The central computer for use in the present invention may correspond to the central data units or computers used in the above-mentioned international patent applications, and the operation of the apparatus according to the present invention may be part of and/or dependent of the operation of the entire stable arrangement.
One or more apparatuses for handling the seal in the slurry duct may be installed depending on the number of seals in the slurry duct, as well as a stable may contain one or more slurry ducts.
In the following the apparatus according to the present invention is described by way of example with reference to exemplary embodiments schematically shown in the figures.
Drawing
Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention arranged in a slurry duct below an animal habitat surface, seen in sectional view, in the state where the seal is fully closed.
Fig. 2 shows the same where the seal is fully open.
Detailed description of the invention
Referring now to the figures fig. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for handling a seal 2 in a slurry duct 3 under an animal habitat surface 4 comprising a slatted floor part 5 and a removable cover plate 6. The apparatus 1 is attached at the cover plate 6 by an anchoring 7 fastened to an actuator 8 of the apparatus 1. In the present example the actuator 8 has an integral longitudinal telescopic connection member part 9a, which in use may be retracted at least partly into the housing 10 of the actuator 8. To establish the operative connection between the actuator 8 and the seal 2 a connection member part 9b with a permanent length has been inserted to lengthen the telescopic connection member 9a. Together the telescopic connection member part 9a and the permanent length connection member part 9b constitute a connection member 12. At a free end 13 of the connection member 12 opposite the actuator housing 10 is a lock 14 for securing the connection member 12 to the seal 2. In the shown example of fig. 1, the seal 2 is closed and submerged into a drain 15 of the floor 11 of the slurry duct 3. The free end 13 of the connection member 12 is in its fully extended position. When the actuator 8 is activated the free end 13 is retracted towards the actuator 8 and the seal 2 is hereby released from its closed position in the drain 15 and thus, allowing the slurry 16 to be discharged from the slurry duct 3 and into the drain 15.
The two-way arrow A indicates in which direction the displacement and/or movements of the free second end 13 of the connection member 12 will be. The actuator can be activated manually by for example pressing a button 20 on a relay connected to the actuator 8. The actuator 8 may also optionally be controlled by a preprogrammed timer with information for when and how long time the seal 2 should be open. The actuator 8 may also be preprogrammed to how much the seal 2 is opening a given time, and thus, optimizing the discharge of the slurry 16 without damaging the under pressure of the drain 15. Preferably, the actuator 8 is fully automated and controlled by a central computer 17. The central computer 17 receives signals 18a from a number of sensors 19 detecting parameters as temperature, slurry level in the duct 3, and air composition, especially including ammonia concentrations etc. The central computer 17 may also contain any relevant information about number and species of animals in the stable, time of day etc. On the basis of this information the central computer 17 may activate the actuator 8 by sending a signal 18b by network cables or wireless means to the actuator 8 to handle the seal 2. The air quality, slurry quality in the drain, energy consumption, and/or noise level depending on the time of day etc will thereby be optimized. The operation of the apparatus 1 handling the seal 2 in the slurry duct 3 may be correlated by the central computer 17 to any other relevant operation in the stable, such as ventilation, feeding, animal transport etc.
One or more apparatuses 1 may be installed in each slurry duct 3 and a stable may comprise one or more slurry ducts 3. Fig. 2 shows the same setup as shown in fig. 1, however, the free end 13 is retracted towards the actuator 8 and the seal 2 in the slurry duct 3 is fully open to discharge the slurry 16 from the slurry 3. The flow direction of the slurry 16 into the drain 15 is indicated by arrows F.

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S
1. An apparatus (1) for handling a seal (2) in a slurry duct (3) in relation to an animal habitat surface (4), characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises an actuator (8) and a connection member (9a, 9b, 12) providing operative connection between the actuator (8) and the seal (2), the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) has a first end attached to the actuator (8) and an opposite free second end (13) configured to be attached to the seal (2), which opposite free second end (13) are displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) between a first position where the seal (2) is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal (2) is closed.
2. An apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) comprises a means for adjusting the length of the connection member (9a, 9b, 12), preferably the means for adjusting the length of the connection member is telescopically arranged rods or a scissor-like connection member.
3. An apparatus (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the opposite free second end (13) of the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) is provided with means (14) for coupling to the seal (2).
4. An apparatus (1) according to claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that activation of the actuator (8) is controlled by any of a person, preprogrammed or not preprogrammed automation and/or a central computer (17) with specialized software, which control of the activation of the actuator (8) is made remote, online and/or offline.
5. An apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the apparatus (1) further comprises means (19) for providing the central computer with information including information about gaseous contaminants in the slurry duct (3) or an animal habitat area, slurry levels in the slurry duct (3) and/or temperature in the slurry duct (3) or animal habitat area.
6. A method for handling a seal (2) arranged in a slurry duct (3) in relation to an animal habitat surface (4) by means of an apparatus (1) that comprises an actuator (8) and a connection member (9a,9b,12) for providing operative connection between the actuator (8) and the seal (2), the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) has a first end attached to the actuator (8) and an opposite free second end (13) configured to be attached to the seal (2), which opposite free second end (13) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) between a first position where the seal (2) is at least partly opened and a second position where the seal (2) is closed, the method comprises the steps of
a) providing the apparatus (1) in relation to the slurry duct (3) and the seal (2), b) operating the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) by means of the actuator (8) to at least partly open the seal (2) for a period of time by displacing the free second end (13) of the connection member (9a,9b,12),
c) operating the connection member (9a, 9b, 12) by means of the actuator (8) to close the seal (2) by displacing the free second end (13) of the connection member (9a,9b,12), and
7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the connection members (9a,9b,12) length is adjusted by inserting one or more connection member parts (9b) of fixed length and/or by adjusting the length of a connection member (9b) part comprised of telescopic rods.
8. A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the method comprises controlling the position of the slurry seal (2) by means of one or more sensor means (19), and manually or automatically adjust the seals (2) position by activating the actuator (8).
9. A method according to any of the claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the method comprises activating the actuator (8) by preprogrammed settings or signals (18b) from a central computer (17).
10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises providing the central computer (17) with information including information about gaseous contaminants in the slurry duct (3) or an animal habitat area, slurry levels in the slurry duct (3) and/or temperature in the slurry duct (3) or animal habitat area, which information are obtained by means of the sensor means (19).
EP11733558.8A 2010-07-07 2011-07-07 Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct Withdrawn EP2590501A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA201000603 2010-07-07
PCT/DK2011/050266 WO2012003837A1 (en) 2010-07-07 2011-07-07 Apparatus and method for handling a seal in a slurry duct

Publications (1)

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EP2590501A1 true EP2590501A1 (en) 2013-05-15

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EP (1) EP2590501A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2013102961A (en)
WO (1) WO2012003837A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1596651B1 (en) * 2003-02-13 2006-07-12 O'Donovan, John A scraper rail drive mechanism
PL2367416T3 (en) * 2008-11-24 2014-07-31 Agrifarm Aps Ventilation duct system for exchanging at least a part of the air in a stable section, or in a stable arrangement with stable sections, and method for ventilating same
EP2367415B1 (en) * 2008-11-24 2013-03-27 MT Højgaard A/S A ventilation duct system and a method for minimizing air pollution in and/or around an animal habitat structure

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2012003837A1 *

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WO2012003837A1 (en) 2012-01-12

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