EP2673575B1 - System zur einführung eines kühlmediums in einen behälter - Google Patents

System zur einführung eines kühlmediums in einen behälter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2673575B1
EP2673575B1 EP12705238.9A EP12705238A EP2673575B1 EP 2673575 B1 EP2673575 B1 EP 2673575B1 EP 12705238 A EP12705238 A EP 12705238A EP 2673575 B1 EP2673575 B1 EP 2673575B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cassette
gaseous
outlet
loading pistol
cooling
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.)
Active
Application number
EP12705238.9A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2673575A2 (de
Inventor
Peter DYCKMANS
Rik TIMMERMANS
Jan Vansant
Joanna GÓRZYNSKA
Eryk REMIEZOWICZ
Règis HAJEK
Wojciech LAUTEROWSKI
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.)
ACP Belgium NV
Original Assignee
ACP Belgium NV
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
Priority claimed from PL393898A external-priority patent/PL219359B1/pl
Priority claimed from PL394550A external-priority patent/PL220648B1/pl
Priority claimed from PL395828A external-priority patent/PL395828A1/pl
Application filed by ACP Belgium NV filed Critical ACP Belgium NV
Publication of EP2673575A2 publication Critical patent/EP2673575A2/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2673575B1 publication Critical patent/EP2673575B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/12—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using solidified gases, e.g. carbon-dioxide snow
    • F25D3/125—Movable containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of filling insulated containers, in particular transport insulated cooling containers with a cryogenic medium. More in particular, the present invention relates to a system, devices and methods for the introduction of a cryogenic medium into an insulated container.
  • EP 1 326 046 discloses a system for filling a cooling container with a cryogenic medium.
  • the system comprises a coupling device and a countercoupling element having each at least one extraction opening for gaseous CO 2 withdrawal.
  • the extraction openings are brought into flow connection with the corresponding extraction openings provided in the countercoupling element so that an extraction line is created from the cooling container into the coupling device.
  • the system implies that special cassettes have to be used which limits the user's freedom.
  • the gas removal system is not tight enough to ensure sufficient purity of recovered CO 2 , thereby making reliquefaction possible. The recovered gas is released into the atmosphere which has negative economic and environmental consequences.
  • EP 1 291 594 presents a module for injection of liquid carbon dioxide into a refrigerating module assigned to a refrigerating container.
  • the module is massive enough to incorporate means necessary to inject liquid carbon dioxide into one of two openings of the cassette and a removal system for gaseous CO 2 , thereby solving the problem of emission of gaseous CO 2 .
  • the filling process is coupled with gas removal process.
  • the significant size of the module makes it difficult to operate.
  • the suction cups are placed in front of the refrigerating module.
  • the connection between the refrigerating module and the suction cups is achieved by activation of vacuum generating means provided in the suction cups. This system cannot ensure a pure gaseous CO 2 recuperation as the described connection is not airtight.
  • the means for supplying liquid CO2 and for withdrawing the carbon dioxide gas are assigned to a common housing. These systems allow only for usage of one module for one cassette at once, thereby slowing down the filling process.
  • EP 0 823 600 discloses a cassette being a two-part arrangement consisting of an L-shaped reservoir and the upper part of the container. A part of the cassette is dedicated to the separation and evacuation of the gas. The cassette is provided with a feed channel and a suction channel. A one-piece cassette will be simpler, more robust, less prone to gas leakage, and less vulnerable to small differences in container size.
  • One cassette system gives the customer the choice of a container and is safer during the operation, as a one-piece cassette is less prone to be pushed out from the container during injection.
  • the gas removal system is not tight enough to ensure sufficient purity of recovered CO 2 , thereby making reliquefaction possible.
  • the developed systems present several other disadvantages such as being operationally complicated with large equipment devices.
  • the loading stations in a fixed position and the containers have to be brought to the station location to be loaded, which requires additional manpower.
  • the distribution centre that uses the dry ice loading system is large, a need arises to install several loading stations, which severely increases the investment cost.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to overcome at least part of the above mentioned disadvantages by providing an improved cassette, an improved loading pistol, an improved filling station and system. Further details of the invention are provided by the description hereunder and the appended claims and figures.
  • the present invention provides a cassette according to claim 1.
  • the lid of the cassette is gastight.
  • longitudinal parallel corrugated channels are provided in the lid of the cassette.
  • the corrugated channels have in cross sectional view a circular, rectangular, triangular, conical, inverted conical or inverted frusto-conical shape, preferably a frusto-conical shape.
  • the cassette comprises two adjacent cooling chambers separated by a separation element and at least one collection chamber in front of said cooling chambers for collection of gaseous CO 2 .
  • the separation element of the cassette is at least partly hollow and is connected at one end to the inlet of the cassette.
  • the separation element of the cassette is provided with at least two openings, each opening is in fluid connection with each cooling chamber of the cassette.
  • the cassette comprises a separation filter covering the cooling chambers of the cassette and positioned under the lid of the cassette, said separation plane is permeable to gaseous CO 2 .
  • a predetermined quantity of liquid CO 2 sufficient to fill at least one cooling chamber is suitable to be injected in the cassette.
  • the present invention provides a filling station for the introduction of a CO 2 cooling medium such as liquid CO 2 and suitable to be used with a cassette of the invention, said filling station comprising a control cabinet provided with at least one loading pistol for the injection of the CO 2 cooling medium in the cassette and at least one suction head for the removal of gaseous CO 2 from the cassette.
  • the filling station is characterized in that, the loading pistol and the suction head are separate and independently operable entities.
  • the present invention provides a loading pistol suitable for the introduction of a CO 2 cooling medium in a cassette of the invention.
  • the loading pistol is characterized in that, it is provided with an outlet containing separate piping and outlet openings, said loading pistol is suitable to be introduced, through the inlet, in the separation element of the cassette.
  • a heating element is provided in said loading pistol outlet.
  • the present invention provides a system comprising a cassette of the invention, a filling station of the invention and a loading pistol according to the present invention for cooling products such as foodstuff in a container.
  • the present invention provides a method for cooling products such as foodstuff in a container comprising the steps of connecting a loading pistol to a cassette according to the invention for the introduction of a CO 2 cooling medium and connecting a suction head to said cassette for the withdrawal of gaseous CO 2 formed while exposing the CO 2 cooling medium to atmospheric conditions, whereby said suction head and said loading pistol are separately connected to the cassette and are magnetically connected to the cassette.
  • the withdrawal of gaseous CO 2 and the introduction of the CO 2 cooling medium are separately, simultaneously and/or subsequently performed.
  • the cassette of the present invention presents several advantages.
  • the cassette allows the withdrawal of essentially pure gaseous CO 2 without increasing pressure within the cassette and without entraining solid CO 2 produced in liquid expansion process. Hence, reliquefaction of the gaseous CO 2 emitted during liquid CO 2 injection is possible.
  • the cassette and system of the invention increase the efficiency of use of the cold gaseous CO 2 produced during decompression of liquid CO 2 . This leads to a cost reduction.
  • the flow of gaseous CO 2 is precisely guided in the cassette of the present invention, therefore facilitating design of light cassette, which is reinforced only where it is required.
  • the elements of the cassette are not moved due to mechanical shocks resulting from transport process, liquid CO 2 expansion process and other processes.
  • the cooling chambers of the cassette are separated and no solid CO 2 will be transferred to an inappropriate chamber due to mechanical shocks resulting from transport process, liquid CO 2 expansion process and other processes.
  • some of the elements of the cassette are additionally reinforced in order to eliminate the need for maintenance.
  • the cassette offers a high safety level to the user and to the environment.
  • the cassette can be further upgraded with heat exchange elements to facilitate maintaining of additional temperature ranges in the isothermal container.
  • the cassette of the present invention is a closed cassette. It is gastight and no gaseous CO 2 is capable of escaping out of the cassette through its lid.
  • the cassette is equipped with additional technical solutions eliminating most of the maintenance typical for other cassettes.
  • the cassette ensures mechanical ruggedness and facilitates gas removal, without being a large and massive cassette.
  • a cassette of significant size would mean a reduction of space for the transported goods, an increase in the mass of the container leading to more difficult handling and a more difficult handling of the cassette itself.
  • the cassette of the present invention can be a part of a system for injection of liquid CO 2 .
  • the present invention relates to a system for injecting liquid CO 2 into a cassette.
  • the system and devices of the present invention comprise a filling station having at least one liquid CO 2 loading pistol and at least one CO 2 gas suction head, at least one cassette wherein a determined quantity of liquid CO 2 is suitable to be injected.
  • the different element of the system of the present invention are detailed hereunder and in the recying figures.
  • a compartment refers to one or more than one compartment.
  • Fig. 1 presents a schematic side cross section view of the control cabinet 1 itself and of and its important elements.
  • the supply of liquid CO 2 to the snowgun 2 as well as withdrawal of gaseous CO 2 with the suction head 3 is also shown. It is advantageous to insulate the control cabinet 1 as it decreases the heat losses of liquid CO 2 , thereby increasing the efficiency of the equipment. Insulation also increases the comfort of the operator, as the large surface of the cabinet will have temperatures close to ambient.
  • the user may choose his own type of snowgun, suitable to his needs. It is possible that the user will alternatively use several types of snowguns in order to supply all the types of the drawers he possesses.
  • the choice of coupling of the snowgun 2 to the cassette 5, allowing for easy connection process, but preventing disconnection during loading process can be made of any type known to a person skilled in the art, e. g. mechanical or magnetic coupling.
  • the snowgun may be equipped with a starter for the loading process, but the starter is not a necessary part of the snowgun, as the starter can be placed in the control box 6. Therefore the starter is not shown in detail.
  • a heating element 21 is provided in order to prevent snowgun freezing, which in turn could make it impossible to withdraw the snowgun after completion of the injection.
  • the heating element 21 warms the snowgun outlet 22.
  • the heating element 21 is a resistance wire mounted into snowgun outlet 22. The wire is powered by electric cable 24, while the cables 25 running through the snowgun grip 26 are not meant to heat it, but only to conduct electricity.
  • FIG. 7 On fig. 7 a schematic embodiment of connection of suction head 3 with cassette 5 is presented.
  • the cassette 5 is equipped with magnet 51, in which a ring 52 is grooved.
  • An identical magnet 53 is mounted on suction head 3 and in its groove an O-ring gasket 54 is placed.
  • the strength of such connection is provided by the magnets 51 and 53, while the gasket 54 is meant to provide tightness.
  • the gasket is made of any rubbery material that is not brittle at a temperature lower than -80°C.
  • the gasket material is selected from the list comprising gasket paper, rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer nitrile, buna, neoprene, flexible graphite, grafoil, aflas, kalrez, viton, silicone, metal, mica, felt and plastic polymer such as Teflon® (PTFE), peek, urethane, or ethylene propylene (EP).
  • PTFE Teflon®
  • EP ethylene propylene
  • the suction head 3 may be connected to the cassette in an airtight manner and/or gastight manner, thereby guaranteeing the high purity of the recovered gaseous CO 2 . This makes the subsequent reliquefaction possible. This is very advantageous as it minimizes the costs.
  • a similar airtight and/or gastight manner connection can be provided for the snowgun (2) and the cassette (5).
  • connection of the suction head and the loading pistol to the cassette is ensured by electromagnetic force.
  • reliquefaction of the recovered gaseous CO 2 comprises the steps of compressing said gas to reach about 18 to 20 barg and reintroduce the compressed CO 2 into the liquid CO 2 storage tank.
  • the suction head in operation mode, is first activated so as to create a vaccum effect in the cassette. After activation of the suction head, the loading pistol will be activated for the injection of cooling medium. This allows minimizing the impact on the cassette, placed in the container, of the cooling medium injection. This in turn ensures a better security.
  • the suction head 3 is connected to the ventilator 7, which removes the gaseous CO 2 produced during decompression of liquid CO 2 .
  • the usage of ventilator is a necessary prerequisite for making the process safer, however it is one of the aspects of the invention to use the heat absorbing capacity of the cold gas within the distribution centre. In the non-limiting example presented in fig. 1 , this goal is realized within the heat exchanger 8, which uses the cold gas, having temperature comprised between -50°C and -70°C to cool down the liquid CO 2 .
  • the hoses 9 and 10 that are used for transport of liquid and gaseous CO 2 should preferably be insulated.
  • the hoses should preferably be insulated with vacuum insulation. Insulation protects the workers from contact with cold surfaces, eliminates condensation of water vapour on hoses and decreases the heat losses of liquid CO 2 .
  • phase separator 11 which removes the gaseous CO 2 created during the idle time within CO 2 hoses.
  • the phase separator 11 is schematically shown on fig. 5 .
  • connection 12 for liquid CO 2 In order to make connection to CO 2 source and to exhaust system, at the rear of the control cabinet there is a connection 12 for liquid CO 2 and a connection 13 for the exhaust hose for gaseous CO 2 .
  • Any type of connection apparent to a person of professional skill can be used, providing that it guarantees adequate flow of both fluids and operator safety.
  • liquid CO 2 a good trade-off between the need to simplify the operation and the need to guarantee appropriate safety performance are quick coupling connections.
  • gaseous CO 2 a much wider choice can be made by a person skilled in ventilation.
  • the control cabinet is equipped with wheels 14, making it mobile.
  • the wheels are equipped with mechanical brakes (not shown on the figures) which have to be used during loading process. It is also advantageous to use the brakes while the control cabinet is unused in order to prevent any movement.
  • FIG. 2 On fig. 2 another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the control cabinet 1 and external exhaust ventilator 15 are placed on a frame 16.
  • the liquid and gaseous CO 2 hoses (9 and 10) are led from the control cabinet 1 to the trolley 17 along the upper part of the frame 16 and then vertically to the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3.
  • This solution facilitates the horizontal movement of the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 and adjusting the position of the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 to the position of the isothermal container 4.
  • the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 are additionally equipped with a system of counterbalances 18. This reduces the amount of work required to operate the equipment.
  • a programming device 61 which allows for choosing the time of the injection, depending on the (i) weather conditions, (ii) the necessary temperature within the container, (iii) the length of the road, (iv) the time of storage after transport and (v) the type of transported goods.
  • the access control system which protects the employees from unintended startup of the system.
  • the system can be operated on several principles, e. g. mechanical key, numeric access code, electronic chip, or any similar system apparent to person of a professional skill.
  • the control box 6 is also equipped with electronic safeguards for safety of the operators, which consist, for example, of:
  • the control box 6 may be a part of the control cabinet 1, as in fig. 1 or it can be mounted separately, as in fig. 2 .
  • FIG. 3 another non-limiting embodiment of the control cabinet 1 is shown.
  • the liquid CO 2 piping 9 is constructed in such a manner that three independent snowguns 2 can be connected with the help of manifold 19.
  • Such system is advantageous, as it allows loading three containers 4 to be loaded within the same time with different amounts of snow.
  • the gaseous CO 2 lines 10 are also constructed in such a manner allowing for simultaneous usage of three suction heads 3 with the help of manifold 20.
  • the control system of this embodiment is not shown for clarity. Any system obvious to a system skilled in the art can be used. It is self-evident that the number of independent snowguns and independent suctions heads are to be adjusted to the need of the user.
  • Fig. 4 presents another non-limiting example of the system. This one is thought as a solution to users who fill lots of containers with identical amounts of snow. In such case it is advantageous from the organisational point of view to inject liquid CO 2 into several cassettes 5 at once. In order to do this, the snowgun 2 is replaced with an injection manifold 191, and the suction head 3 is replaced with suction manifold 201.
  • This arrangement allows for a simultaneous connection of several containers at once, thereby shortening the loading time of a container.
  • Fig. 8 presents a non-limiting example of a filling process of the cassette 5 wherein the liquid CO 2 is being supplied by the snowgun 2, while the gaseous CO 2 is being withdrawn with the suction head 3.
  • the process is being facilitated by temporary connection of the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3, which ensures the proper adjustment of the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 in the cassette 5.
  • Fig. 9 is a non-limiting example of another embodiment of the invention, where the heat absorbing capacity of gaseous CO 2 produced during decompression is being used for cooling of the inlet fresh air.
  • the cold gaseous CO 2 from decompression is pumped by ventilator through an opening in the external wall SZ to the heat exchanger 8.
  • the fresh air which allows for efficient ventilation of the room is being sucked through the heat exchanger 8 (the room ventilation system is not shown).
  • the ventilator 7 doesn't have to be placed within the control cabinet 1 but instead the suction head 3 and the transport lines 10 of the gaseous CO 2 can be connected to a large main ventilator (not shown). In this way the weight of the control cabinet may be lessened, but more energy consumption from the main ventilator may result.
  • the decision depends on local conditions and user choice.
  • a system with one main ventilator is presented as a non-limiting example in fig 10 (some elements from previous figures have been omitted for clarity).
  • a schematic of the whole distribution centre CD is presented together with the CO 2 removal lines 101.
  • the distribution centre CD has one frozen storage room MR and one chilled storage room CH.
  • three control cabinets 1 are connected through the gas connection 101, while two connections 102 to the system of removal of gaseous CO 2 are left idle.
  • FIG. 10 another non-limiting example of recuperation of heat absorbing capacity of gaseous CO 2 is shown.
  • the cold gas is being passed through a heat exchanger 8 placed in the frozen storage room MR, thereby decreasing the air temperature and saving user's expenses on air cooling.
  • the dimensions of the filling station of the invention are to be adapted to the requirements of the user. These dimensions comprise length of the different hoses, height of the control cabinet, height and width of the frame.
  • the cassette is filled while being placed in the isothermal container.
  • the invention is characterized in that before the injection process the snowgun and the suction head can be connected to cassette one after another as separate entities and after the injection process the snowgun and the suction head are disconnected from the cassette as separate entities while during the injection process the gaseous CO 2 is removed with a ventilator and used, after decompression, for cooling.
  • the system of the present invention provides for additional organisational flexibility in the distribution centres by using mobile loading station. It also allows additional organisational flexibility in the distribution centres by using exchangeable heads for liquid injection and gas suction and control cabinets with multiple liquid filling and gas removal lines. Hence, the work efficiency is increased by making simultaneous filling of several containers possible. The safety is also increased by giving access to control station only to authorized users.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a particular embodiment of the pistol according to the invention, in which the pistol has been constructed for a cassette 306 which enables usage of two temperature ranges in the container.
  • liquid carbon dioxide is fed into the pistol through a single pipe 313.
  • the pipe branches into pipes 323 and 333 which are dedicated to different filling holes 302 and 303.
  • liquid carbon dioxide is fed into cassette compartment for keeping the temperature in the range of -10 to 10°C, preferably -5 to 5 °C, more preferably 0 to 4°C, while through the hole 303 the liquid carbon dioxide is being fed into cassette compartment for keeping the temperature in the range of -25 to 0°C, preferably -20 to -10°C, more preferably around -18°C.
  • the pipes 323 and 333 are mounted with on-off valves 322 and 332, which allow for control of the supply of the liquid CO 2 . Further from the valves, the pipes 321 and 331 are brought together to form the loading pistol outlet 312.
  • the carbon dioxide used for filling cassette can be simultaneously fed through both holes 302 and 303 and the tubing can be constructed in another way.
  • the choice of the cassette zone to be filled can be automated.
  • a control element RF is illustrated, which can be for example, an RFID chip, which is a programmed sender 315.
  • the transmitter of the RFID chip is located in the container and/or in the cassette while the receiver of the RFID chip is located in the loading pistol.
  • the element RF controls the valves 322 and 332 in a way enabling supply of proper amount of CO 2 to the appropriate chambers of the cassette 306.
  • the amount of CO 2 depends on the (i) weather conditions, (ii) the necessary temperature within the container, (iii) the length of the road, (iv) the time of storage after transport and (v) the type of transported goods.
  • Fig 12 illustrates in detail an exemplary embodiment of the pistol of the invention.
  • the loading pistol outlet 312 is shown with greater detail there, showing the position of the loading holes 302 and 303 respective to the outlet 312.
  • the holes are not coaxial with the loading pistol outlet 312, but instead open on the side of it.
  • the direction of the injection of liquid CO 2 is substantially perpendicular to the outlet (312) of the loading pistol (301). Thanks to that, the return force created through decompression of liquid carbon dioxide leaving the holes 302 and 303 is not directed along the loading pistol outlet 312, and does not push the outlet 312 and the pistol out of the cassette.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates the two compartments 304 and 305 of the cassette 306 together with the opening for gas evacuation 307. Filling of the compartment 304 allows for keeping temperature in the range 0-4°C, while filling of the compartment 305 allows for keeping temperature around -18°C. As can be seen from the picture, the outlet 312 is constructed in such a way, that the filling hole 302 opens into the compartment 304, and the filling hole 303 opens into compartment 305.
  • the difference of temperature maintained in the chambers of the cassette compartments 304 and 305 lies in their heat transfer properties. This difference can be obtained changing these properties.
  • said difference is obtained by changing the thickness of the planes defining the cassette; preferably changing the thickness of the cover of the cassette.
  • the thickness of the cassette's cover is comprised between 0.5 and 10 mm, preferably between 1 and 9 mm, more preferably between 1.5 and 8 mm, most preferably between 2 and 7 mm, even most preferably between 4 and 5 mm.
  • said difference is obtained by changing the material of the planes defining the cassette; preferably changing the material of the cassette's cover.
  • the cassette cover can be made out of plastic, ferro and non-ferro metals.
  • said difference is obtained by changing the heat exchange area of the planes defining the cassette; preferably changing the heat exchange area of the cassette's cover.
  • Said heat exchange area is comprised between 5 and 100%, preferably between 10 and 90 %, more preferably between 20 and 80%, most preferably between 30 and 70% of the cassette cover.
  • said difference is obtained by changing the gas flow around the cassette.
  • the gas created during decompression of liquid CO 2 in the compartment 305 can be transferred to the gas outlet 307 without impairing the basic characteristics of the cassette 306.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates the basic mode of operation of the cassette.
  • the solid carbon dioxide deposited in the cassette 306 cools down the gas contained within the upper part 309 of the container.
  • the cold gas flows down along the walls of the container and contacts the goods 311 within the container.
  • the inner part of the container can be equipped with grooves 310, here shown only on the floor. As the gas warms from the walls and the goods, it flows into the upper part 309 of the container, where it is cooled down again.
  • an example of the electronic sender 315 position is also shown.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates one of the particular embodiments of means of increasing the heat transfer through the top of the cassette 306.
  • the top of the drawer 361 is grooved, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and intensifying the turbulence of the gas movement around it.
  • the front spacer 362 and the rear spacer 363 of the cassette 306 are shown.
  • the spacers are shown in more detail on fig. 16 and fig. 17 .
  • On fig. 16 there are examples of spacers 362 and 363 which are mounted in the front and in the back of the cassette 306.
  • On fig. 17 there are examples of spacers 365 which are mounted at the sides of the cassette 306.
  • the spacers 362, 363 and 365 are exchangeable parts that can be mounted on a cassette.
  • the shape of the spacers conforms to upper part 309 of the isothermal container. Thanks to that, the cassette can be mounted on any container and there is no need to design and produce additional sorts of cassettes for different types of containers.
  • connection 364 between the gas outlet 307 and the inlet for loading pistol 308 is presented on fig. 15 and fig. 16 .
  • the connection can be, for example, an electrical cord, which would signal, if both the loading pistol 301 and the suction head 314 are properly mounted.
  • the connection would also signal if either the loading pistol 301 or the suction head 314 is connected to the cassette. In such a way the safety of the operator is increased, as the system will not start, if it's not properly mounted in a safe way.
  • FIG. 18 On fig. 18 a schematic embodiment of connection of the snowgun with cassette 306 is presented.
  • the cassette 306 is equipped with magnet 351, in which a ring 352 is grooved.
  • An identical magnet 353 is mounted on the snowgun and in its grove an O-ring gasket 354 is placed. The strength of such connection is provided by the magnets 351 and 353, while the gasket 354 is meant to provide tightness.
  • Fig. 19 illustrates a schematic exemplary embodiment of the cassette 406 placed in the container 409.
  • the loading pistol 401 and the suction head 414 are also shown.
  • Fig. 19 illustrates also an exemplary placement of the inlet hole for liquid CO 2 408, of the gas removal hole 407 and of the metal plates 455 and 456.
  • Fig. 20 illustrates one of the features of the invention. There, at a view from above, the preferred placement of the gas collection chamber 451 in the cassette 406 is shown, relative to the cooling chambers 404 and 405.
  • Fig. 21 illustrates the placement of the separation plane 457.
  • the plane covers the cooling chambers 404 and 405, but does not cover the gas collection chamber 451.
  • the separation plane 457 consists of two metal grids 458, of which only the upper grid is shown in fig. 21 , and of the separation fabric 459.
  • the separation fabric can be made of any material resistant to low temperatures which is able to act like a sieve for solid CO 2 .
  • the gaseous CO 2 is evacuated through the separation plane 457 into the gas collection chamber 451 and further to the gas withdrawal hole 407.
  • the solid CO 2 which is meant to stay in the cooling chambers 404 and 405 is retained on the separation fabric 459.
  • the separation fabric may be made out of polyethylene, preferably woven polyethylene.
  • the grids can be made out of metal or any other material suitable to withstand low temperatures, such as a composite.
  • the two grids 458 are holding the separation fabric 459 in place.
  • the two grids are used in order to increase ruggedness of the cassette 406 and to eliminate the need to maintenance, which may appear, should the separation fabric 459 move and open a way for solid CO 2 to move from one of the cooling chambers 404 or 405.
  • metal plates 455 and 456 are also presented, with their placement in the cassette 406.
  • the plates fulfil two goals at once. First, they are the elements to which the loading pistol and the suction head, respectively, are magnetically attached during the CO 2 injection process. Second, thanks to the presence of the metal plates 455 and 456, the system controls, at the beginning of the loading process, whether the loading pistol and the suction head are present and properly connected.
  • Fig.22 illustrates the placement of the gas guiding lines and of the separation rib 453.
  • the guiding lines are placed above the separation plane 457.
  • the gas guiding lines are created by providing corrugated channels 452 in the cassette lid.
  • the gaseous CO 2 from decompression, which is leaving the cooling chambers 404 and 405 through the separation plane 457 enters the guiding lines and is being transferred into the gas collection chamber 451. From the gas collection chamber 451 the gas is evacuated through the gas withdrawal hole 407.
  • the corrugated channels 452 are preferably longitudinal, parallel to each other and cover at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 80%, most preferably 100% of the cassette length.
  • the number of corrugated channels 452 is comprised between 1 and 25, preferably between 2 and 20, more preferably between 3 and 15, most preferably between 4 and 10.
  • the corrugated channels 452, in cross sectional view can be of any shape such as circular, rectangular, triangular, conical, inverted conical, inverted frusto-conical or frusto-conical shape as presented in fig. 22 .
  • the height ( H ) of the corrugated channels 452 from the upper metal grid, as presented in fig. 22 a, is comprised between 0.5 and 15 cm, preferably between 0.8 and 13 cm, more preferably between 1 and 10 cm, most preferably between 1.2 and 8 cm, even most preferably between 1.4 and 6 cm.
  • the width W1 of the lower side of the frusto conical shaped corrugated channels is comprised between 0.5 and 8 cm, preferably between 0.6 and 6 cm, more preferably between 0.8 and 5 cm, most preferably between 1 and 4 cm.
  • the width W2 of the upper side of the frusto-conical shaped corrugated channels is comprised between 1 and 6 cm, preferably between 1.2 and 5 cm, more preferably between 1.4 and 4.5 cm, most preferably between 1.6 and 4 cm.
  • the angle ⁇ , shown on fig. 22 a is comprised between 10 and 170°, preferably between 30 and 160°, more preferably between 50 and 150°, most preferably between 70 and 140°, even most preferably between 90 and 130°.
  • corrugated channels 452 their shape and size provides a freedom and a possibility to optimize the injection speed and/or the volume of gaseous CO 2 that can be created during said injection.
  • the separation rib 453 is created by a deepened groove in the lid 461. Such design allows for achieving separation of cooling chambers 404 and 405 from each other without additional elements.
  • the separation rib 453 is pressing the separation plane 457, additionally increasing the mechanical stability of the separation plane 457. It also presses the separation plane 457 to the chamber separation element 454, thereby preventing any transfer of solid CO 2 from one chamber to another.
  • the separation element (454) is provided with a construction suitable to direct a simultaneous, separate or subsequent injection of liquid CO 2 in the cooling chambers (404, 405) of the cassette (406).
  • the separation element has a construction allowing for the introduction of the loading pistol (401) outlet.
  • the separation element might comprise a tunnel through which the pistol is introduced.
  • the loading pistol is, as detailed above, provided with an outlet (312) containing separate piping (323, 333) and outlet holes (302, 303) for deposition of solid CO 2 in the cooling chambers.
  • the separation element 454 is provided with at least two openings for fluid connection between the cooling chambers (404, 405) and the loading pistol (401). It will be obvious to the person skilled in the art that the openings are positioned on sides of the separation element such as to ensure said fluid connection. It will be also obvious that the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol should correspond with the opening of the separation element for a successful introduction of the cooling medium.
  • the openings of the separation element can be of any shape; circular, oval, preferably rectangular.
  • the size of the openings of the separation element is at least twice the size of the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol.
  • the longitudinal size of the openings of the separation element is at least twice the size of the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol.
  • the openings of the separation element have a rectangular shape and the outlet holes are circles of 1 cm diameter.
  • the length of the rectangular opening will be at least 2 cm, while the width will be at least 1 cm. It is to be understood that the opening width should not allow solid CO 2 to leave the chambers under any circumstance.
  • the separation element is made of metal.
  • the separation element is made out of plastic that can withstand very low temperatures, preferably lower than -80°C.
  • magnet elements could be positioned at and/or around the openings of the separation element and at and/or around the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol. This will ensure the correspondence of the openings and the outlet holes.
  • the material of the pistol outlet and the separation element itself should be selected as to resist the injection pressure and the temperature of the cooling medium but also as to not react to the presence of the magnets at the openings of the separation element and at the pistol the outlet holes (302, 303).
  • the separation element can be designed to pass through, under or at the side of the gas collection chamber 451 of the cassette.
  • the cassette of the present invention is a closed and gastight cassette. More in particular, the lid of the cassette is gastight.
  • the cassette ensures mechanical ruggedness and facilitates gas removal, without being a large and massive cassette.
  • the present invention provides a method for maintaining low temperature in an isothermal container comprising at least one cassette with at least two cooling chambers able to maintain different temperature ranges in the container, whereby the chambers are simultaneous, separate or subsequently filled with a predetermined amount of liquid CO 2 through one aperture in the cassette.
  • the method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a cassette, a loading pistol and a filling station according to the present invention; connecting the suction head to the cassette; connecting the loading pistol to the cassette; providing a determined quantity of liquid CO 2 to the cassette using the loading pistol; removing gaseous CO 2 from the cassette using a suction head.
  • the snowgun and the suction head are connectable to the cassette by means of magnetic force.
  • the snowgun and the suction head are connectable to the cassette by means of electromagnetic force.
  • the loading pistol and the suction head are separate and independently operable entities with regard to the control cabinet.
  • the present invention provides for the use of the system, devices and/or the method of the invention for keeping low temperatures in an isothermal container for goods transport, such as foodstuff.
  • the system, devices and method of the invention present several advantages.
  • the injection process is simplified due to the use of smaller and lighter equipment, additionally equipped with counterbalances.
  • the use of one inlet hole in the cassette for liquid CO 2 injection for different temperature ranges to be attained simplifies the filling operation.
  • the system, devices and method of the invention further provides the user with a choice for different magnetic strength between the cassette and the pistol and between the cassette and the suction head. Hence the connection strength can be optimized.
  • the cassette construction allows improving the quality of transported goods by protecting them from over freezing.
  • the cassette also provides a choice of temperature to be maintained in the container thanks to the presence and the construction of both chambers of the cassette.
  • the injection process is automated by relying on automatics process for the choice of the cassette zone to be loaded and temperature range to be attained in the container. Further, the cassette spacers make it possible to combine the cassettes with different container types.
  • the devices of the present invention can be used in combination with each other and/or separately in combination with other devices of the prior art and/or present on the market.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Kassette (406) zum Kühlen von Produkten, wie beispielsweise Lebensmitteln, in einem Behälter, dazu geeignet, ein CO2-Kühlmedium zu enthalten, wie beispielsweise flüssiges CO2, wobei die Kassette (406) einen Einlass (408) zum Einführen des CO2-Kühlmediums und einen Auslass (407) für das Absaugen von gasförmigem CO2 umfasst, das gebildet wird, während das CO2-Kühlmedium Umgebungsbedingungen ausgesetzt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einlass (408) und der Auslass (407) räumlich getrennt sind und beide mit räumlich getrennten magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51, 53) versehen sind, die es ermöglichen, dass eine CO2-Ladepistole (2) und ein Saugkopf (3) für gasförmiges CO2 getrennt mit der Kassette verbunden sind, wobei die Kassette mindestens zwei nebeneinanderliegende Kühlkammern (404, 405), die durch ein Trennelement (454) getrennt sind, und mindestens eine Sammelkammer (451) vor den Kühlkammern zum Sammeln von gasförmigem CO2 umfasst.
  2. Kassette nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Einlass (408) und der Auslass (407) zylinderförmige Kanäle durch eine Wand der Kassette (406) sind.
  3. Kassette (406) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei der Deckel (461) der Kassette gasdicht ist.
  4. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, wobei in dem Deckel (461) der Kassette längsgerichtete parallele Riffelungskanäle (452) bereitgestellt sind.
  5. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, wobei die Riffelungskanäle (452) in einer Querschnittsansicht eine kreisförmige, rechteckige, dreieckige, kegelförmige, umgekehrt kegelförmige oder umgekehrt kegelstumpfförmige Gestalt, vorzugsweise eine kegelstumpfförmige Gestalt aufweisen.
  6. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-5, wobei das Trennelement (454) zumindest teilweise hohl und an einem Ende mit dem Einlass (408) der Kassette verbunden ist.
  7. Kassette nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Trennelement (454) mit mindestens zwei Öffnungen versehen ist, wobei jede Öffnung in Fluidverbindung mit jeder Kühlkammer (404, 405) der Kassette (406) steht.
  8. Kassette (406) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7, einen Trennfilter (457) umfassend, der die Kühlkammern (404, 405) der Kassette (406) abdeckt und unter dem Deckel (461) der Kassette positioniert ist, wobei die Trennebene (457) für gasförmiges CO2 durchlässig ist.
  9. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-8, wobei eine festgelegte Menge an flüssigem CO2, die ausreicht, um mindestens eine Kühlkammer (404, 405) zu füllen, geeignet ist, in die Kassette (406) injiziert zu werden.
  10. Füllstation für das Einführen eines CO2-Kühlmediums, wie beispielsweise flüssiges CO2, und dazu geeignet, mit einer Kassette verwendet zu werden, wie sie in einem der Ansprüche 1-9 beschrieben ist, wobei die Füllstation einen Steuerkasten (1) umfasst, der mit mindestens einer Ladepistole (2) zum Injizieren des CO2-Kühlmediums in die Kassette und mindestens einem Saugkopf (3) für das Entfernen von gasförmigem CO2 aus der Kassette versehen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ladepistole (2, 301) und der Saugkopf (3) getrennte und unabhängig betreibbare Einheiten sind und beide mit räumlich getrennten magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51, 53) versehen sind, und wobei die Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einem Auslass versehen ist, der getrennte Rohrleitungen (323, 333) und Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) umfasst.
  11. Ladepistole, geeignet für das Einführen eines CO2-Kühlmediums in eine Kassette, wie sie in einem der Ansprüche 1-9 beschrieben ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einem Auslass (312) versehen ist, der separate Rohrleitungen (323, 333) und Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) enthält, wobei die Ladepistole (2, 301) dazu geeignet ist, durch den Einlass in das Trennelement der Kassette eingeführt zu werden, und magnetische Kopplungsmittel umfasst.
  12. System, eine Kassette, wie sie in einem der Ansprüche 1-9 beschrieben ist, eine Füllstation, wie sie in Anspruch 10 beschrieben ist, und eine Ladepistole, wie sie in Anspruch 11 beschrieben ist, umfassend, um Produkte, wie beispielsweise Lebensmittel, in einem Behälter zu kühlen.
  13. Verfahren zum Aufrechterhalten einer niedrigen Temperatur in einem isothermen Behälter, die Schritte des Verbindens einer Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einer Kassette (406) für das Einführen eines CO2-Kühlmediums und das Verbinden eines Saugkopfes (3) mit der Kassette (406) zum Absaugen von gasförmigem CO2, das gebildet wird, während das CO2-Kühlmedium Umgebungsbedingungen ausgesetzt ist, umfassend, wobei die Kassette (406) mit magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51, 53) versehen ist und wobei die Ladepistole und der Saugkopf räumlich getrennt sind und beide mit räumlich getrennten magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln versehen sind, wobei der Saugkopf (3) und die Ladepistole (2, 301) getrennt mit der Kassette (406) verbunden sind und mittels der magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51, 53) mit der Kassette verbunden sind, wobei die Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einem Auslass versehen ist, der getrennte Rohrleitungen (323, 333) und Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) umfasst, wobei die Kassette (406) mindestens zwei nebeneinanderliegende Kühlkammern (404, 405), die durch ein Trennelement (454) getrennt sind, und mindestens eine Sammelkammer (451) vor den Kühlkammern (404, 405) zum Sammeln von gasförmigem CO2 umfasst, und wobei die trennenden Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) für eine Fluidverbindung zwischen den getrennten Kühlkammern ausgerichtet sind, und einen Schritt des Einführens der Ladepistole (2, 301) zumindest in das Trennelement (454) umfassend.
  14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Absaugen von gasförmigem CO2 und das Einführen des CO2-Kühlmediums, getrennt, gleichzeitig und/oder nacheinander durchgeführt werden.
EP12705238.9A 2011-02-09 2012-02-09 System zur einführung eines kühlmediums in einen behälter Active EP2673575B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL393898A PL219359B1 (pl) 2011-02-09 2011-02-09 Urządzenie i sposób utrzymywania niskich temperatur w izotermicznych kontenerach do przewozu towarów
PL394550A PL220648B1 (pl) 2011-04-13 2011-04-13 System uzyskiwania niskich temperatur w izotermicznych kontenerach do przewozu towarów żywnościowych
PL395828A PL395828A1 (pl) 2011-08-01 2011-08-01 Szuflada chlodnicza do kontenerów izotermicznych
PCT/EP2012/052208 WO2012107518A2 (en) 2011-02-09 2012-02-09 System for cooling medium introduction into a container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2673575A2 EP2673575A2 (de) 2013-12-18
EP2673575B1 true EP2673575B1 (de) 2020-08-19

Family

ID=46547504

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12705238.9A Active EP2673575B1 (de) 2011-02-09 2012-02-09 System zur einführung eines kühlmediums in einen behälter

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2673575B1 (de)
BE (1) BE1020015A5 (de)
DE (1) DE102012002403A1 (de)
ES (1) ES2829553T3 (de)
FR (1) FR2971330B1 (de)
NL (1) NL1039372C2 (de)
PL (1) PL398058A1 (de)
PT (1) PT2673575T (de)
WO (1) WO2012107518A2 (de)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013111813B4 (de) * 2013-07-05 2016-07-28 Hupfer Metallwerke Gmbh & Co. Kg Transportabler Kühlraum
EP2873937A1 (de) * 2013-11-13 2015-05-20 ACP Belgium N.V. Lagersystem für Produktlagerung und Transport bei niedrigen Temperaturen
WO2015149876A2 (en) 2014-04-04 2015-10-08 Acp Belgium Nv System and devices for the introduction of a cooling medium into a container
DE102015009645B4 (de) * 2015-07-24 2020-01-16 Messer France S.A.S Füllvorrichtung zum Befüllen eines einem Kühlbehälter zugeordneten Kältemittel-Aufnahmefachs mit einem kryogenen Kältemittel
DE102015009647B3 (de) * 2015-07-24 2016-10-06 Messer France S.A.S Füllvorrichtung zum Befüllen eines einem Kühlbehälter zugeordneten Kältemittel-Aufnahmefachs mit einem kryogenen Kältemittel

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4404818A (en) * 1982-09-14 1983-09-20 Franklin Jr Paul R CO2 Snow cooler with snow splitting bottom
FR2706990B1 (de) * 1993-06-23 1995-08-04 Carboxyque Francaise
FR2752049B1 (fr) 1996-07-30 1998-09-11 Olivo Conteneur isotherme avec reserve de frigories
DE19749055C2 (de) * 1997-11-06 2003-05-08 Messer France Sa Behälter zum Kühlen
DE19808267A1 (de) * 1998-02-27 1999-09-02 Messer France Sa Befüll- und Entnahmemodul für ein Kühlmodul und Verfahren zum Befüllen eines Kühlmoduls
FR2776056B1 (fr) * 1998-03-10 2000-05-26 Olivo Dispositif brise-jet pour compartiment cryogenique de conteneur isothermique
DE19919934A1 (de) * 1999-04-30 2000-11-02 Tv Kohlensaeure Technik & Vert Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Temperaturhaltung von Lebensmitteln
FR2829567B1 (fr) * 2001-09-07 2004-07-16 Olivo Dispositif d'alimentation automatique pour compartiment refrigerant d'un conteneur isotherme
DE20200157U1 (de) * 2002-01-07 2003-05-15 Staeubli Tec Systems Gmbh Conn Manuelles Multikupplungssystem für CO2-Befüllung
FR2839774B1 (fr) * 2002-05-17 2004-07-02 Olivo Reservoir cryogenique a diffusion adaptable pour conteneur isotherme
FR2891899B1 (fr) * 2005-10-12 2007-11-30 Air Liquide Systeme d'injection de neige carbonique dans des conteneurs isothermes et conteneurs associes

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE1020015A5 (nl) 2013-03-05
PT2673575T (pt) 2020-11-10
ES2829553T3 (es) 2021-06-01
WO2012107518A2 (en) 2012-08-16
EP2673575A2 (de) 2013-12-18
DE102012002403A1 (de) 2013-01-17
WO2012107518A3 (en) 2012-11-01
DE102012002403A9 (de) 2019-05-16
NL1039372C2 (nl) 2013-12-30
NL1039372A (nl) 2012-08-10
FR2971330B1 (fr) 2015-07-17
FR2971330A1 (fr) 2012-08-10
PL398058A1 (pl) 2012-10-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2673575B1 (de) System zur einführung eines kühlmediums in einen behälter
CN109751808B (zh) 风冷式制冷设备
KR101221132B1 (ko) 주유소용 스테이지1,2와 연계 가능한 유증기 회수장치
CN108700366B (zh) 冰箱及其制造方法
CN102388280A (zh) 冰箱
CN106839586B (zh) 冷藏冷冻装置
CN103216987A (zh) 一种分体式组合冰箱
KR20100102048A (ko) 냉장고
CN108266946A (zh) 冰箱
CZ302221B6 (cs) Zarízení pro chlazení produktu oxidem uhlicitým, zpusob plnení chladicího modulu a použití zarízení a zpusobu
EP2594871A1 (de) Kühlschrank
PT2336684E (pt) Dispositivo de enchimento para encher um compartimento de receção de meio refrigerante agregado a um contentor frigorifico com um meio refrigerante criogénico
CN102818417B (zh) 冰箱
CN109997005A (zh) 真空绝热体
CN201322488Y (zh) 矿用救生舱用蓄冰箱
CN106969575B (zh) 冷藏冷冻装置及其抽屉组件
CN102959350B (zh) 冷藏库
CN106524642A (zh) 冷藏冷冻装置
CN108195115B (zh) 底部通风式保温柜及制冷设备
DK1934537T3 (en) Tokammer-tørisbeholder til isoterme beholdere
US5077984A (en) Refrigerant handling unit
CN108317803B (zh) 制冷设备用分段柜体及制冷设备
CN206291585U (zh) 冷藏冷冻装置
GB2563426A (en) Cryostat precooler interface
KR102100747B1 (ko) Co₂ 냉매모듈, 이를 이용한 냉동 및 냉장용 컨테이너 및 탑차

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130909

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180503

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200320

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012071845

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1304388

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Ref document number: 2673575

Country of ref document: PT

Date of ref document: 20201110

Kind code of ref document: T

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20201103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SK

Ref legal event code: T3

Ref document number: E 35748

Country of ref document: SK

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201120

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201119

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1304388

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201219

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012071845

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2829553

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20210601

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210520

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602012071845

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210209

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210209

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210209

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210901

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120209

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230601

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20240306

Year of fee payment: 13

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200819

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20240118

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20240209

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: SK

Payment date: 20240115

Year of fee payment: 13