EP3478057A1

EP3478057A1 - Method and device for treating poultry eggs using electron beams to sterilise the calcareous shell

Info

Publication number: EP3478057A1
Application number: EP17734053.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sven Meissner; Björn Fischer
Original assignee: Comet AG
Current assignee: Skan Stein Ag
Priority date: 2016-07-01
Filing date: 2017-06-28
Publication date: 2019-05-08
Also published as: DE102016008291B3; RU2748497C2; MX2018016305A; CA3028861A1; US20190200579A1; BR112018077166A2; RU2019100081A3; BR112018077166B1; WO2018002112A1; JP2019527046A; CN109788745A; CA3028861C; CN109788745B; RU2019100081A; US11291191B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for treating poultry eggs using an electron beam to sterilise the calcareous shell, said method comprising the following steps: - moving at least one egg through the beam path of an electron beam source, - irradiating the eggs, wherein the calcareous shell is irradiated with a varying dose. The method is characterised by the following steps: - using the electron beam to comprehensively irradiate all regions of the calcareous shell of the egg, wherein an element is inserted into the path of the electron beam to distribute the irradiation over all regions of the calcareous shell, which is comprehensively irradiated due to the dose being set within a predefined target dose range, or - using the electron beam source to irradiate a rolling/rolled egg in the path of the electron beam, or - using the electron beam source to irradiate eggs in the path of the electron beam, the eggs being held so that one side is at a zero degree position , in a device arranged upstream of a turning device.

Description

Method and apparatus for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell

description

The invention relates to a method and a device for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell. Eggs from poultry can be eggs for consumption, industrial eggs and hatching eggs. For example, in industrial poultry production and in the production of SPF eggs for the vaccine industry (Specific Pathogen Free) in accordance with the pamphlets S. Cadirci: Desinfection of hatching eggs by formaldehyde funi- cation - a review, Arch. Geflügelk. 73 (2), p. 1 16.123, 2009, ISSB 0003-9098, Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart; Trenner, Profe: The Consistent Use of Steam Disinfection to Break Infection Chains, 21st Congress of the German Veterinary Society e.V., Bad Nauheim, 21 to 24 March 1995, Current Research, Part 2, pp. 461-465; TRGS 513: Fumigation with ethylene dioxide and formaldehyde in sterilization and disinfection systems, issue June 1996 (BArbBI Issue 6/1996, pp. 53-58) last amended and supplemented in February 2000 (BArbBI issue 2/2000, p. Hatching eggs are sterilized before the beginning of the breeding process in order to prevent uncontrolled germ multiplication during incubation, associated with loss of slippage and stress on the hatching chick.

Currently, the most widely used method of surface treatment of hatching eggs for germ reduction is fumigation with formaldehyde. Paraformaldehyde powder, for example, is heated in the so-called dry process. The resulting gas is distributed in the fumigation chamber in such a way that a concentration as homogeneous as possible per cubic meter of room air is established and the hatching eggs are applied for about 20 minutes. Following treatment, the chamber is vented to the outside to the outside. Due to its toxic and carcinogenic effects on the environment, the method is considered extremely critical. In addition, an overdose can lead to a significant impairment of the hatching success. Another major disadvantage of formaldehyde fumigation is the limitation to a purely superficial treatment. Germs that are located well within the microporous calcareous shell can not be killed.

Alternative approaches to Bruteidesinfektion, such as the treatment using peracetic acid or various fruit acids, have not been able to prevail. Effortless physical treatment methods such as ozone or plasma treatment have hitherto failed because of their practical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

The physical process of electron beam sterilization is currently used in the food industry mainly for the treatment of outer packaging, poultry meat or raw material. On the one hand, it involves the inactivation of poultry pathogens and the modification of certain food constituents (albumin). In order to achieve the greatest possible depth of action, relatively high acceleration voltages in the MeV range are used.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying methods and apparatus for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell, which are designed so that a reduction in the electron dose gradient caused by different distances between the hatching eggs and the electron beam source becomes possible. In addition, the electron irradiation of the egg should be uniform over the whole egg.

The object is solved by the features of claims 1 and 3, 6, 8.

The method for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell

has the following steps: Moving at least one egg through the beam path of an electron beam source,

- Irradiation of the eggs with an electron beam from the electron beam source, wherein the lime shell is irradiated with different dose.

wherein according to the characterizing part of patent claim 1

following steps are performed:

- Performing a comprehensive all areas of the calcareous shell of the egg irradiation by means of the electron beam, wherein in the beam path of the electron beam, an element for distributing the irradiation over all areas of the calcareous shell is used, wherein due to the dose set in a predetermined dose range, the calcareous shell is irradiated comprehensively,

or

- Carrying out an irradiation of a rolling egg by the electron beam source in the beam path of the electron beam, wherein as a result of each rolled by a predetermined angle of rotation egg lime shell is uniformly irradiated,

or

- carrying out an irradiation of the salved eggs in a zero-degree position of the one side in a device arranged upstream of a pivoting device, pivoting the salved eggs into an angle-degree position pivoted to the zero-degree position, eg into a 180-degree Position by the pivoting device and carrying out a repeated irradiation of the reached side of the egg by means of a device downstream of the pivoting device, which is constructed analogously to the upstream device, wherein due to the tilted egg the lime shell is irradiated comprehensively. Eggs of poultry to be treated with electron beams may optionally be used for eggs for consumption, industrial eggs and hatching eggs as well as eggs for other purposes and industrial sectors.

In the method, essentially the following method steps can be carried out for the treatment of eggs to be carried out with the electrons

- sampling A the height of the egg,

- entrance B into the screened area through a lock,

Treatment C with corresponding height correction unit,

- Exit D from a screened area through a lock and

- optional re-animation E of the eggs and transfer of the egg to subsequent process steps.

A first device for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell, using one of the aforementioned methods comprises at least

a transport system with at least one egg,

an electron beam source for emitting an electron beam, through the beam path of which the eggs are treated with electrons in a treatment space,

wherein according to the characterizing part of claim 3

an element for adjusting the dose of electrons incident on the calcareous shell is arranged in a dose target area between the electron beam source and the stored egg or eggs, so that in a predetermined dose target range, a reduced distribution of the dose of the electrons for irradiation of the calcareous shell comprising the egg the eggs is reached.

The dose setting element may be an electron aperture. The dose setting element may be a steel sheet, a rod, a rhombus, an aluminum circle or a lozenge with a gap.

The first device may comprise the following units and lines:

a central control unit,

an electron beam generator / source,

a shielding device around the treatment unit,

- the electron aperture,

a transport system with egg arresting position holders,

- a tunnel for supply and discharge or a system of shutters (closures),

several drive units for the shutters,

a height sensing device,

an egg height correction unit to compensate for different levels during egg irradiation, for irradiation with the same dose of electrons,

a high voltage power supply unit,

a cooling system for the electron beam generator,

an ozone extraction unit for the treatment room,

- optional re-animation unit of eggs,

the electron beam from the electron beam generator for irradiating the eggs in a treatment room,

the central control unit for signaling and for operating supply via lines to the drive units, via a line with the height scanning device, via a line to the transport system, via a line with the recontamination unit, via a line with the arrangements for further processes and is in communication with the altitude correction unit via a cable. A second device for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell, using one of said methods,

includes at least

a transport system with at least one egg,

an electron beam source for emitting an electron beam, through the beam path of which the eggs are treated with electrons in the treatment space,

wherein according to the characterizing part of patent claim 6

the transport system has distance-defined rollers on which the eggs are moved, wherein the eggs held by means of rollers are rolled through the beam path of the electron beam in such a way that the radiation is circumferentially carried out on all sides and largely uniformly. The second apparatus for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell may further comprise the following units and conduits:

a central control unit,

an electron beam generator / source,

a shielding device around the treatment unit / around the treatment room,

- a transport system with rollers,

- a tunnel for supply and discharge or a system with several shutters,

several drive units for the shutters,

a height sensing device,

a high voltage power supply unit,

a cooling system for the electron beam generator, an ozone extraction unit for the treatment room,

- optional re-animation unit of eggs,

the electron beam from the electron beam generator in the treatment room of the treatment unit,

the central control unit for signaling and service supply via the lines with the drive units, via the line with the height sensing device, via the line with the transport system, via the line with the recontamination unit, via the line with the arrangements for further processes and communicates with the height correction unit via the line.

The central control unit is also at least one line

the high voltage power supply unit,

- The cooling system for the electron beam generator and

- The ozone extraction unit for the treatment room

in connection.

A third device for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell, using one of said methods,

includes at least

at least one transport system with at least one egg,

at least one electron beam source for emitting an electron beam bundle, through whose beam path the eggs are treated with electrons in a treatment space,

wherein according to the characterizing part of claim 8

a combined third device comprising two identically constructed first devices is provided, wherein between the two first devices a pivoting device is arranged which communicate with the connecting transport system, wherein in the pivoting device the first device arranged upstream of the pivoting device is in zero position. Held in a degree position Eggs are pivoted in an angular-degree position, for example in a 180-degree position, so that in each case the opposite side of the egg after the first irradiation with electrons and after passing through the pivoting device in the angle-degree position, eg 180-degree position pivoted receives a second irradiation by means of the pivoting device downstream first device.

Said electron aperture serves for local electron dose reduction in the electron beam treatment of hatching eggs. Further developments of the invention and further embodiments are set forth in further subclaims.

The invention will be explained by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the first device according to the invention for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for sterilization of the calcareous shell with eggs firmly positioned eggs in the form of hatching eggs on a transport system for performing a sterilization of the lime shells of hatching eggs in zero-degree position with a optional final recontamination unit for treated hatching eggs,

2 shows a schematic representation of an egg which is treated with electron beams standing in a vertical pole position with a predetermined direction of movement, FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an egg-jet treating egg in a horizontal pole position for a given direction of movement, FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of a section through the lime shell, in particular pores with disease-causing germs contained therein, 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a section through the lime shell according to FIG. 4 with electrons and secondary electrons and the formation of the ionization of oxygen to ozone within the lime shell, FIG.

6 shows a schematic representation of the irradiation of a hatching egg with a dose strip surrounding the egg for checking the distribution of the electron dose around the hatching egg,

FIG. 7 shows a location / dose curve on a dose strip wound around the brooder egg after a brood egg irradiated with electrons, FIG.

Fig. 8 shows a location / dose curve on a dose-wound strip wound around the egg as shown in Fig. 7 after an electron-irradiated brooder egg of increased dose rate, e.g. from 30 kGy to 45 kGy, so that the opposite side of the egg is in the dose target range,

9 shows a location / dose curve on a dose strip of an electron-irradiated filter element for the electron dose reduction in the local irradiation area of the hatching egg,

FIG. 10 shows a dose / dose curve of a dose strip wound around the incubation using an electron-irradiated filter element and a hatching egg underneath,

1 1 is a schematic representation of a second device according to the invention for treating eggs of poultry with electron beams for a

Sterilization of the calcareous shell by rolling eggs, e.g. Hatching eggs on a roll-equipped transport system with an optional final recontamination unit for the treated hatching eggs,

12 shows a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the two poles of the hatching animal for rotation representation,

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal section horizontally in the direction of the axis of the two poles of Bruteies for point representation

and Fig. 14 is a schematic black-box view of a third device according to the invention with held hatching eggs in zero-degree position and in an angular-degree position, eg pivoted 180-degree position on a transport system with a pivoting device.

The disclosure is to be performed on an embodiment with eggs in the form of hatching eggs 42, 43.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first device 20, 201 (according to FIG. 14) for treating eggs in the form of hatching eggs 42 with electron beams for sterilizing the calcareous shell 22 of the hatching eggs 42, wherein a first device 20, 201 at least includes:

a transport system 5 with at least one hatching egg 42,

an electron beam source 2 for emitting an electron beam 14, through the beam path of which in the treatment space 53 the hatching eggs 42 are treated with electrons 31.

According to the invention, an element 4 for adjusting the dose 21 (according to FIG. 10) of electrons 31 impinging on the calcareous shell 22 is arranged in a dose target area 18 between the electron beam source 2 and the stored incubator (s) 42, so that in a predetermined Dose target area 18, a brute egg 42 comprehensive, reduced distribution of the dose 21 of the electron 31 for irradiation of the calcareous shell 22 of the hatching eggs 42 is achieved.

The dose setting element 4 may be an electron shutter.

The first device 20, 201 (the latter according to FIG. 14) for treating eggs 42 of poultry with electron beams 31 for sterilizing the calcareous shell 22 thus contains the following units and lines in FIG. 1:

a central control unit 1, an electron beam generator / source 2,

a shielding device 3 around the treatment unit 53,

the electron aperture 4,

a transport system 5 with egg 42 arresting position holders 51, 52,

a tunnel 6 for supply and discharge or a system of shutters,

several drive units 7 for the shutters,

a height-sensing device 8,

a height correction unit 9,

a high voltage supply unit 10,

a cooling system 1 1 for the electron beam generator 2,

an ozone extraction unit 12 for the treatment room,

a re-animation unit 13 of the eggs 42, 43,

- An electron beam 14 from the electron beam generator 2, wherein the central control unit 1 in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 1 1 via the lines 36 to the drive units 7, via the line 37 with the Hohenabtasteinrichtung 8, via the line 38 to the transport system. 5 , via the line 39 with the recontamination unit 13, via the line 40 with the arrangements for further processes and via the line 41 with the height correction unit 9 is in communication.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 1 1 the following process steps are indicated for the treatment:

Sampling A the height of the hatching egg 42, 43,

Entry B into the shielded area through lock 45,

Treatment C with corresponding height correction unit 9,

- Exit D from a screened area through lock 46 and

optional re-animation E of the hatching eggs 42, 43 and transfer of the hatching eggs 42, 43 to subsequent process steps. In Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the inventive device 20, 201 (of FIG. 14) with fixed hatching eggs 42 on a transport system 5 for performing a sterilization of the calcareous shells 22 of hatching eggs 42 in zero-degree position with an optional final recontamination unit 13 for the calcareous sterilized treated hatching eggs 42.

As the practice shows, the number of viable microorganisms on or in the calcareous shell 22 of hatching eggs 42, 43 can be reduced to zero by means of the described devices 20, 201 and 30 for treatment with accelerating electrons 31. Since this may result in a disadvantage for the later hatching chick, a targeted and controlled recontamination of the calcareous shell 22 with microorganisms known type and amount, such. done with lactic acid bacteria. This is with a recontamination unit 13, e.g. in the form of a spray arrangement, as shown in Figs. 1 and 1 1, possible.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a brooding egg 42 treated with an electron beam bundle 14 standing in a vertical pole position with a predetermined direction of movement 44.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a brooding egg 43 which is treated with an electron beam 14 and which is indicated horizontally in a horizontal pole position at a predetermined direction of movement 44.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of a section through the calcareous shell 22; in particular, possible cavities are indicated as pores 23 with disease-causing germs located therein.

The following elements essentially belong to a calcareous shell 22:

- pores 23, - the cuticle 24,

a palladium layer 25,

a mamillary layer 26,

an outer shell membrane 27,

an inner shell membrane 28 and

- a movie 29.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a section through the calcareous shell 22 according to FIG. 4 with irradiating electrons 31 and secondary electrons 33 generated by scattering effects 32 and a formation of the ionization 35 of oxygen to germicidal ozone within the calcareous shell 22, wherein the secondary electrons 33 be held by absorption 34 in the calcareous shell 22.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of the irradiation of a hatching egg 42, 43 with a dose strip 17 surrounding the hatching egg 42, 43 for testing the distribution of the electron dose 19, 20 around the hatching egg 42, 43.

For examination, FIG. 7 shows a location / dose curve on a dose strip 17 wound around the brooding egg 42, 43 after the irradiation with electrons 31.

Fig. 8 shows a location / dose curve on a dose-wound strip wound around the egg as shown in Fig. 7 after an electron-irradiated hatching egg with increased dose rate, e.g. from 30 kGy to 45 kGy, so that the opposite side of the egg is in the dose target range.

Essentially, it should be the task of the dose strips 17 to achieve an almost uniform irradiation of the calcareous shell 22 around the egg 42, 43. In this case, the dose target area 18 is located far above the dose 20 reduced on the opposite side. The dose target area 18 should be lowered by reducing the acceleration voltage and / or the electron current from the electron beam source. At the same time, the increased maximum dose on the facing side will be reduced with the element 4. The points 16 and 17 of the respective ends of the dose strip 17 then also indicate irradiation with electrons. Thus, a dose target range 18 is achieved, which reaches a nearly equal dose via the calcareous shell 22 and cuts off the original maximum dose.

FIG. 9 shows a location / dose curve on a dose strip 17 of an electron dose-reducing filter element 4 for electron dose reduction in the local irradiation area of the hatching egg 42, 43, wherein the dose profile of the element shows the excessive dose on the facing side the dose 21 is weakened. D

The dose setting element 4 may be a steel sheet, a rod, a rhombus, an aluminum circle. In Figure 8, the element 4 is a rhombus with a gap.

This leveling to dose 21 can be seen in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 shows the result of the two dose modifications, namely on the one hand the dose increase on the facing side and on the other hand the dose reduction according to FIG. 9 through the element 4, so that the dose profile 21 in FIG. 10 results, and one located in the dose target range 18 Local / dose curve 21 of a dose strip 17 wound around the Brutei 42 using a filter element / electron shield 4 irradiated with electrons 31 and a brooding egg 42 underneath.

11 shows a schematic representation of a second device 30 according to the invention with hatching eggs 43 held by rollers 47, 48 on a transport system 5 equipped with rollers 47, 48 with an optional final recontamination unit 13 for the treated hatching eggs 43. The second device 30 for treatment of hatching eggs of poultry with electron beams 31 for sterilization of the calcareous shell 22 thus contains according to FIG. 1 1 the following units and lines, which largely correspond to the elements of the first device 20:

a central control unit 1,

an electron beam generator / source 2,

a shielding device 3 around the treatment unit,

a transport system 5 with rollers 47, 48 or with a system of several roller pairs 47, 48,

a tunnel 6 for supply and discharge or a system with shutters (closures),

several drive units 7 for the shutters,

a height-sensing device 8,

a height correction unit 9 for different sized eggs 43,

a high voltage supply unit 10,

a cooling system 1 1 for the electron beam generator 2,

an ozone extraction unit 12 for the treatment room,

a re-animation unit 13 of the hatching eggs 43,

an electron beam 14 from the electron beam generator 2 for treating the eggs 43 in the treatment space 53,

wherein the central control unit 1 in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 1 1 via the lines 36 to the drive units 7, via the line 37 with the Hohenabtasteinrichtung 8, via the line 38 to the transport system 5, via the line 39 with the Rekontamina- tion unit 13, via the line 40 with the arrangements for further processes and via the line 41 with the height correction unit 9 is in communication.

The central control unit 1 is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1 1 also at least with a line 54 or with cable lines with

the high voltage supply unit 10,

- The cooling system 1 1 for the electron beam generator 2 and - The ozone extraction unit 12 for the treatment room 53rd

- in connection.

With the height-sensing device 8, the size / height of the eggs 42, 43 moved past is scanned, whereby the received and relayed signals are evaluated by the control unit 1 and sent to the height correction unit 9, which feeds the eggs 42, 43 temporarily arriving in the treatment space 53 leveled sets so that there are no dose problems for different sized eggs 43, but set equal irradiation doses 21. FIG. 12 shows a cross section perpendicular to the pole axis of the brooding egg 43 and FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal section horizontally in the direction of the polar axis of the brooder 43. In FIG. 12, a brooding round 43 in the form of a round body is guided through an electron beam 14 a uniform and all-round irradiation of the surface is achieved. In this case, a rotational movement is performed while the Brutei 43 is in the beam path 14. Rotation changes the speed of points on the surface of the hatching boat 43, depending on the distance of the surface point due to the rotation. This rate is used directly in formula (I):

D = k ^■ Istrahl / V (I), wherein

D = a resulting dose,

k = a constructional constant (includes the distance),

Istrahi = an electron beam current and

v = a speed of the considered point

are.

It can be deduced from the fact that an axis-near point on the surface experiences a higher dose than an off-axis point. The indirect proportionality D ~ 1 / v can be influenced by a translatory movement of the brooding wire 43 orthogonal to the electron beam 14 and orthogonal to the axis of rotation. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate this. Here the representation of the three arrows shows the Direction of rotation that different center distances at the same angle of rotation different distances and thus different speeds entail. In Fig. 14 is a schematic black box representation of a combined, third inventive device 50 with held hatching eggs 42 in zero-degree position according to the pivoting device upstream first device 20 and in a pivoted, for example, 180-degree position according to one of Swivel device locally downstream first device 201 shown with the same structure as the device 20 on a transport system 5 with the pivoting device 49. After the first irradiation with electrons 31, the eggs lying in the pivoting device 49, the eggs lying in zero-degree position hatching eggs 42 are pivoted in an angular-degree position, for example, 180-degree position and then on the opposite 180 ° side is irradiated with electrons 31 by means of the downstream first device 201. Instead of the rotation of the eggs 42 through an angle of 180 °, the eggs 42 can be pivoted to another predetermined angle.

The method for treating hatching eggs 42, 43 with an electron beam bundle 14 for sterilizing the calcareous shells 22 of the hatching eggs 42, 43 comprises the following steps:

Moving at least one hatching egg 42, 43 through the beam path 14 of an electron beam source 2,

- Irradiation of the hatching eggs 42, 43 with an electron beam 14 from the electron beam source 42, wherein the calcareous shell 22 is irradiated with different dose.

According to the invention, the following steps can be carried out:

- Performing an all areas of the calcareous shell 22 of the Bruteies 42 comprehensive irradiation by means of the electron beam 14, wherein in the beam path of the electron beam 14, an element 4 for the distribution of radiation over all areas of the calcareous shell 22 is used, due to in a predetermined dose target range 18 set dose, the calcareous shell 22 is irradiated comprehensively,

or

- Carrying out an irradiation of a rolled or rolled on the transport system Bruteies 43 by means of the electron beam source 2 in the beam path 14 of the

Electron beam, wherein as a result of each rolled by a predetermined angle of rotation Bruteies 43, the calcareous shell 22 is irradiated comprehensively, or

- Carrying out an irradiation of the salved hatching eggs 42 in a zero-degree position of one side in a first device 20, pivoting the salaried

Hatching eggs 42 into an angular-degree attitude pivoted to the zero-degree attitude, e.g. 180-degree position by a pivoting device 49 and performing a repeated irradiation of the other side reached the Bruteies 42 by means of a second device 201, which is constructed analogously to the first device 20, whereby as a result of the tilted Bruteies 43 the Kalkschale 22 irradiated comprehensive becomes.

The eggs 42, 43 of poultry to be treated with electron beams 31 may be table eggs, industrial eggs and preferably hatching eggs.

The invention thus also relates to a method and a device for shadowing (according to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10) or for the local reduction of the electron dose in the treatment of hatching eggs 42, 43 by means of accelerated electrons 31 for the purpose of sterilization (killing or passivating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi). For this purpose, for example, the electron filter / the electron aperture 4 or a barrier element of adapted geometry and adapted material between the electron beam source 2 and the treated Brutei 42, 43 is positioned. With the aid of such an element 4, the local electron dose increase caused by the egg shape can be reduced at the areas of the treated ice 42, 43 located closest to the electron beam source 2 become. This allows an increase in the electron energy. The average range of the accelerated electrons 31 increases, so that even further away eiareles can be exposed to sufficiently high electron doses. As a result, this leads to a reduction in the dose gradient between the nearest and farthest calcareous shell areas 16-17 to the electron beam source 2.

In order to avoid damage to the hatching interior or the developing embryo, lower electron energies with lower resulting penetration depths are used for the sanitation of the calcareous shell 22 of hatching eggs 42, 43. In this case, the accelerated electrons 31 penetrate into the calcareous shell 22 as a function of their energy and are inelastically scattered by scattering effects 32. By this process, a part of the energy is deposited in the calcareous shell 22, which leads to a destruction or passivation of the microorganisms present in this place. In addition, secondary electrons 33 are generated, which can further penetrate into the calcareous shell 22 and in turn kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. In addition to the mentioned effects, oxygen atoms 35 present in the microporous calcareous shell 22 are ionized and thus generate ozone which, for example, penetrates into the nucleic acid core of viruses through the protein coat and damages the RNA thereof. This will make them inactive or dying.

Instead of hatching eggs 42, 43, industrial eggs and table eggs can be treated by the same methods and in the same apparatus.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 central control unit

2 electron beam generator in the treatment unit

3 shielding device around the treatment unit

4 element / electron aperture

5 Transport system with position holders / transport system with rollers

6 tunnels for supply and discharge / system of shutters

7 drive units for the shutter

8 height sensing device

9 height correction unit

10 high voltage supply unit

1 1 Cooling system for electron beam generator

12 ozone extraction unit for treatment room

13 Re-animation unit of the eggs

14 electron beam

15 beginning of the dose strip

16 End of the dose strip

17 dose strips

18 dose target range

19 Increased dose on the side facing

20 First device with fixed eggs in zero-degree position 201 First device with firmly positioned eggs in angular-degree position

21 Measured dose at the dose target range

22 lime shell

23 pores

24 cuticle

25 Palladium layer

26 Mamillary layer

27 Outer shell membrane

28 Inner shell membrane 29 movie

30 Second device with set rolled eggs

31 primary electron

32 scattering effects

33 secondary electron

34 absorption

35 Ionization of oxygen and formation of ozone

36 First line

37 Second line

38 Third line

39 Fourth line

40 fifth line

41 Sixth lead

42 egg / hatching eggs

43 eggs / hatching eggs

44 direction of movement

45 lock

46 lock

47 First role

48 Second role

49 pivoting device

50 third device with pivoting device

51 First position holder

52 second position holder

53 Treatment room / treatment unit

54 Electric line

Claims

claims

A method of treating eggs (42, 43) of poultry with an electron beam (14) for sterilizing the calcareous shell (22),

with the following steps:

Moving at least one egg (42, 43) through the beam path (14) of an electron beam source (2),

Irradiating the eggs (42, 43) with an electron beam (14) from the electron beam source (2), wherein the calcareous shell (22) is irradiated with a different dose;

characterized by the following steps

- Carrying out of all areas of the calcareous shell (22) of the egg (42, 43) comprising irradiation by means of the electron beam (14), wherein in the beam path of the electron beam (14) an element (4) for distributing the irradiation over all areas of the Calcareous shell (22) is used, the calcareous shell (22) being irradiated comprehensively as a result of the dose set in a predetermined dose target area (18),

or

- Carrying out an irradiation of a rolling / rolled egg (43) by means of the electron beam source (2) in the beam path (14) of the electron beam, wherein as a result of the respective predetermined rotation angle rolled egg (43) comprising the calcareous shell (22) is uniformly irradiated,

or

- Carrying out an irradiation of salient eggs (42) by means of Eleon- ronenstrahlquelle (2) in the beam path (14) of the electron beam in a zero-degree position of one side in a pivoting device (49) upstream device (20), pivoting the held eggs (42) in an angle-degree position pivoted to the zero-degree position by the pivoting device (49) and carrying out a repeated irradiation from another reached side of the egg (42) by means of one of the pivoting device (49) downstream device (201), which is constructed analogously to the upstream device (20), wherein due to the tilted egg (43) the lime shell (22) is irradiated.

Method according to claim 1,

characterized by

in that the dose target range (20) is set by varying the acceleration voltage and / or the electron current (31) of the electron beam source (2) via a central control unit (1).

Method according to claim 1,

characterized by

that the following treatment steps are carried out:

- sampling A the height of the egg (42, 43),

Entry B into the shielded area through a lock (45),

Treatment C with corresponding height correction unit (8) for eggs of different sizes (42, 43),

- Exit D from a screened area through a lock (46) and

- Optional re-animation E of the eggs (42, 43) and passing the egg (42, 43) to subsequent process steps.

Method according to claim 1,

characterized by

that as eggs (42, 43) of poultry optionally be eaten eggs, industrial eggs and hatching eggs.

Apparatus (20) for treating eggs (42) with electron beams (14) for sterilizing the lime shell (22) of the eggs (42) using any of the methods of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the device (20) comprises at least: a transport system (5) with at least one egg (42),

- An electron beam source (2) for emitting an electron beam (14), through the beam path, the eggs (42) with electrons (31) are treated,

characterized by

in that an element (4) for adjusting the dose (21) of electrons (31) impinging on the calcareous shell (22) is arranged in a dose target area (18) between the electron beam source (2) and the stored egg (s) (42) in that a reduced distribution of the dose (21) of the electrons (31) for irradiation of the lime shell (22) of the eggs (42) is achieved in a predetermined dose target area (18).

Device according to claim 5,

characterized by

the element (4) for setting the dose (21) represents an electron stop.

Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,

characterized by

the element (4) for adjusting the dose (21) is a steel sheet, a rod, a rhombus, an aluminum circle or a lozenge with a gap.

Device according to claims 5 to 7,

characterized by

that the following units and lines are at least present:

the central control unit (1),

an electron beam generator / electron beam source (2),

a shielding device (3) around the treatment unit (53),

- a transport system (5) at least with egg (42) arresting position holders (51, 52), a tunnel (6) for supply and discharge or a system of shutters,

several drive units (7) for the shutters,

a height-scanning device (8),

a height correction unit (9) for leveling eggs of different sizes (42),

a high voltage supply unit (10),

- A cooling system (1 1) for the electron beam generator (2),

an ozone extraction unit (12) for the treatment room (53),

optionally a re-animation unit (13) of the eggs (42),

- The electron beam (14) from the electron beam generator (2), wherein the central control unit (1) for signaling and optionally to the operating supply via the lines (36) to the drive units (7), via the line (37) with the high-scanning device (8 ), via the line (38) to the transport system (5), via the line (39) to the recontamination unit (13), via the line (40) to the arrangements for further processes and via the line (41) to the height correction unit (9) communicates.

Device (30) for treating eggs (43) with electron beams (31) for sterilizing the lime shell (22) of the eggs (43), using one of the methods according to claims 1 to 4,

wherein the device (30) comprises at least:

a transport system (5) with at least one egg (43),

- An electron beam source (2) for emitting an electron beam (14) through the beam path, the eggs (43) with electrons (31) are treated,

characterized by

in that the transport system (5) has distance-defined rollers (47, 48) or pairs of rollers (47, 48) on which the eggs (43) are moved, wherein the eggs (43) held by rollers (47, 48) pass through the Beam path (14) of the electric Ronenstrahlenbündels be rolled so that eiumfangsgemäß the irradiation with electrons (31) takes place on all sides.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9,

characterized by

that the following units and lines are at least present:

a central control unit (1),

an electron beam generator / electron beam source (2),

a shielding device (3) around the treatment unit (53),

- A transport system (5) with rollers (47, 48) or a system of roles

(47.48)

a tunnel (6) for supply and discharge or a system with several shutters,

several drive units (7) for the shutters,

a height-scanning device (8),

a height correction unit (9) for leveling eggs of different sizes (43),

a high voltage supply unit (10),

- A cooling system (1 1) for the electron beam generator (2),

an ozone extraction unit (12) for the treatment room (53),

optionally a re-animation unit (13) of the eggs (42, 43),

- The electron beam (14) from the electron beam generator (2), wherein the central control unit (1) for signaling and optionally to the operating supply via the lines (36) with the drive units (7), via the line (37) with the high-scanning device (8 ), via the line (38) to the transport system (5), via the line (39) to the recontamination unit (13), via the line (40) to the arrangements for further processes and via the line (41) to the height correction unit (9) communicates.

A device (50) for treating eggs (42) with electron beams (31) for sterilizing the calcareous shell (22), using one of the methods according to claims 1 to 4,

wherein the device (50) comprises at least:

at least one transport system (5) with at least one egg (42),

at least one electron beam source (2) for emission of an electron beam bundle (14), through whose beam path the eggs (42) are treated with electrons (31),

characterized by

in that a combined device (50), which comprises two identically constructed first devices (20, 201) and is arranged upstream of a pivoting device (49), is provided, wherein a pivoting device (49) is arranged between the two first devices (20, 201) the connecting transport system (5) is in communication with each other, wherein in the pivoting device (49) held in the upstream device (20) in zero-degree position eggs

(42) are pivoted in an angular-degree position, so that in each case the other side of the egg reached (42) after the first irradiation with electrons (31) and after passing through the pivoting device (49) into the angle degree Position pivots a second irradiation with electrons (31) by means of the downstream first device (201) receives.

12. Device according to claims 5 to 1 1,

characterized by

that the treated eggs (42, 43) of poultry are optionally table eggs, industrial eggs and also hatching eggs.