MXPA00011608A - A method and equipment for the production of a gas mixture - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application concerns a method and equipment for producing and maintaining a gas mixture in one or more phases (1, 2, 3) together with the use of the equipment for stunning poultry. The phases can be represented by zones (2, 3, 4) in equipment such as a stunning tunnel (1) or other suitable equipment. The gas mixture includes carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and oxygen (O2) and possibly some air, and the concentration of oxygen is kept at a level equivalent to the concentration of oxygen in naturally occurring air or lower. Carbon dioxide gas is added as a function of the carbon dioxide concentration measured in the gas from the zone(s). Oxygen is added as a function of the quantity of carbon dioxide added, or added as a function of concentration measured in the gas from the zone(s).

Description

A METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A GASEOUS MIXTURE The present invention describes a method and equipment for the production and maintenance of a gaseous mixture in one or more chambers, mainly in relation to the treatment of animals, in particular for their use in relation to poultry.

More specifically, the present invention describes the treatment, such as the stunning or killing of poultry and can be conveniently used in connection with the application of the prior application patent.

PCT / NO 97/00331, which describes the use of a gaseous mixture containing mainly a naturally constant level of concentration of 02, so the concentration of C02 may vary according to an additional specified process during the treatment.

No. ref. 125321 Treatment can take place by varying the C02 concentration continuously or in stages. The treatment in stages can preferably take place in three phases, which is, furthermore, expressed using the examples in the application of the above patent.

Following is a brief description of how the gaseous treatment of poultry in all three phases takes place.

PHASE 1 This is an introductory phase where animals are accustomed to an atmosphere which is different from a normal atmosphere. The purpose is to expose the animals to a low concentration of C02 which does not cause discomfort because it nevertheless seems to have a certain tranquilizing effect. It has been observed in many tests that this phase is decisive for how the animals react to the next phase. They behave very calm in phase 2 if they have received the correct pretreatment, which is the purpose of phase 1. The residence time in phase 1 is 30-40 seconds. Phase 1 can have the following atmosphere: 18-20% C02 18-22% 02 58-64% air PHASE 2 The current stunning begins in this phase and the animals become completely relaxed and sleep. The atmosphere is also changed by the addition of more C02 • In this phase, oxygen plays a very important role. If the concentration of oxygen is very low, the animals begin to agitate with many spasms, while if the concentration is very high, it is more difficult to stun the animals. Our experience shows that the concentration of oxygen can be as close as that of the normal atmosphere. The residence time is 40-50 seconds. Phase 2 can have the following atmosphere: 33-35% C02 18-22% 02 43-49% air In this phase, the required CO 2 concentration can vary beyond the recommended levels, depending on the animal's time and the size of the animals. The conditions must be regulated to know the individual requirements.

PHASE 3 After phase 2, the animals are slightly stunned but will wake up again after a very short time. Phase 3 must therefore stun the animals more deeply so that they take longer to awaken. The atmosphere is changed by adding more C02. The residence time in phase 3 must be 30-40 s seconds. Phase 3 can have the following atmosphere: 54-60% C02 18-28% air The required CO 2 concentration can vary in this phase as well, depending on the type of animal or depending on whether the animals are deeply stunned or slaughtered.

Recently it has been found that the requirements for the amount of 02 in this phase can be reduced to 10% depending on the type of animal (for example a chicken) to be treated.

The present invention describes a method and equipment for supplying and regulating the composition of the gas in the different phases of the treatment. The present invention also ensures easy maintenance of the desired concentration in different areas of the stunning equipment in relation to the treatment of the stages and, on the other hand, maintain the concentration of the desired gas during the treatment by continuously changing the concentration of C02. In addition, the present invention contributes to the uniform mixing / concentration of the gas throughout the area (chamber to / section) where the animals are placed during the treatment. The above conditions are important parameters to achieve a uniform quality in the treatment of animals so that all animals are in the same state after treatment (stunned or slaughtered). The treatment method has been specially developed with a vision of an irreversible stunning, which means that there are strict requirements for good control in relation to the gas mixtures in question whether the animals will be returned to their original state.

The present invention will be described below by means of the examples and figures where: Figure 1A shows a stunning tunnel with three treatment zones, Figure IB shows a cross section of the tunnel and details of a transport system, Figure 2A shows a longitudinal section of details of the tunnel shown in Figure 1A, Figure 2B shows a cross section of the tunnel shown in Figure 1A, Figure 2C shows details of a nozzle device, Figure 3A shows a longitudinal section of a part of the tunnel shown in Figure 1A, Figure 3B shows a top section of a part of the tunnel shown in Figure 1A, Figure 3C shows a cross-section of a part of the tunnel shown in Figure 1A, Figure 4A shows a section of a system for creating above three different gas mixtures in a chamber, Figure 4B shows a section of an axis with means for the production of gas mixtures at different vertical levels, Figure 5 shows a diagram of a device with regularization means for the production of one or more gas mixtures.

The stunning tunnel 1 in Figure 1A is as described in the application of the applicant's prior patent. The present application concerns a solution involving the equipment and a method to create and regulate the gas level in each individual zone 2, 3, 4. The equipment is designed to ensure easy maintenance of the desired concentration in each zone and that the Concentration is uniform throughout the area. The circulation that is described for the three zones 2, 3, 4 is also designed, together with the separation means or laminar curtains 6,6 'between the zones, to ensure the minimum leakage of gas between the zones.

In the first zone 2, it is rarely necessary to add C02 and 02 since the concentration must be low and there is a certain counterflow of the second zone 3. However, the means to produce and regulate the gas level must be ordered. This can be done using simply the following equipment: A device 'nozzle 7 is placed on the roof of the tunnel (Figure 2A) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tunnel. The nozzle device is designed so as to disperse the gas over the areas or cages where the animals are placed. The nozzle device 7 is shown in its cross section in Figure 2B. As an alternative option (not shown) the nozzle device can be ordered in the direction transverse to the tunnel.

The nozzle device 7, see Figure 2C, is simply fabricated from a pipe which is sealed at both ends. The holes 10 are perforated and arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle device and the gas can flow out of these orifices. The nozzle device 7 is connected to a gas supply 11 for C02 and a gas supply 12 for 02, which are supplied via the regulating unit. The regulation unit for the control and supply of the gas will be described later.

The nozzle 13 for the return gas / t rol (Figure 2B) for the regulating unit is located in the center of the section and the height of the head of the animals so that the gas can be sucked back to the analysis. The results of the analysis control the addition of more gas. The C02 and the 02 are added at the same time by means of the same nozzle device since a proportion between these gases must be given every time.

In the second zone 3 (Figure 1A), the actual stunning begins and it is important to maintain a uniform and accurate gas concentration throughout the area. It is also important to have as little gas leak as possible from zone 3 to zones 2 and 4.

The concentration and optimum distribution of the gas and the minimum propagation of the gas to other chambers is achieved as follows: A nozzle device 14, 15 (Figures 3A, 3B, 3C) is placed in each of the side walls of zone 3 in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel The nozzle device 14, 15 are designed in the same manner as in the first zone 2 and can be raised or lowered independently of one another so that the flow conditions of the gas can be changed (Figure 3C).

The nozzle devices 14, 15 are connected to each other via a pipe system 18 (Figure 3C) and a circulation pump 19 so that the gas can circulate. The gas is sucked into a nozzle device 14 and discharged via the other nozzle device 15. The purpose of such circulation is to obtain a more uniform gas distribution in zone 3. The circulation will also contribute to a lower leakage of the gas to other adjacent zones 2 and 4. They can be understood, however, as an alternative arrangement (not shown) that the gas flow may be forced in the longitudinal direction or in the vertical direction of the tunnel zones by appropriate means.

The outlet 20 for the return gas / with control to the regulation unit is located in the circulation system on the right side of the section opposite the nozzle device (Figure 3C). This control gas constitutes a very small amount of the circulation gas and is sucked into the regulation unit (mentioned below) for the analysis, the results of such control of the addition of the gas to the system.

The supply pipes 21, 22 for the C02 and 02 are connected to the circulation system on the discharge side just before the nozzle device 15 (Figure 3C). The addition of the gas is controlled by the regulation unit, which will be described later.

The C02 is added as a function of the concentration of C02 measured in the gas of zone 3, while the 02 is added as a function of the amount of C02 that is added. Alternatively, the 02 can be added as a function of the concentration of 02 measured in the gas in zone 3.

The third zone 4 is shown in Figure 1A.

This zone can be equipped in the same way as the first zone 2, but with the difference that the nozzle device is adapted to the curvature of the tunnel 1 (not shown).

The tunnel that is described in the previous application of the practitioner, has a conveyor zone 9 which transports the animals either freely or in transport boxes 8.

The tunnel can easily be modified with a simple transport arrangement which involves transport boxes 8 which are pulled through tunnel 1 in two fixed rails 5 (Figure IB). A chain with 6 dogs that pulls the box or cage along this through the three zones of the tunnel.

The tunnel can be equipped with a powerful extractor fan which starts automatically if someone opens the inspection or washing doors (not shown). In addition this can be controlled by the regulation unit.

The present invention can also be described in connection with another version of the stunning equipment, see Figure 4A.

The equipment comprises an axis 22 where a cage 8 containing the animals to be treated is lowered. The gas is added to the shaft in three phases as follows: The shaft is connected to the three separate gas tanks 23, 23 ', 23"each of which contains a gas mixture equivalent to the prescribed gas for each of the three phases of the treatment.

The gas is circulated between tank 23 and the axis to prescribe in order to carry out phase 1 of the stunning. The circulation is raised by a fan 24 which sucks the gas from the shaft and releases it into the tank 23. The gas in the tank 23 is then compressed back to the shaft via a nozzle device 25.

The gas then circulated between the tank 23 'and the axis 22, also according to the same principle.

Finally the gas is circulated between the tank 23 'and the axis 22 according to the same principle.

Each tank is equipped with valves 50, 50 ', 50"and 51, 51' 51" which can be opened / closed according to the type of gas mixture that will be driven on the shaft.

The concentration of each container 23, 23 ', 23"is controlled via a regulation unit which will be described later, C02 and 02 are added to each tank when the regulation unit indicates that there is a need for more gas.

When the circulation in phase 3 has been completed, some extra gas is sucked from the tank 23 so that the start concentration is not very high when the treatment of a new cage begins.

Another alternative is to construct a deep shaft 26, see Figure 4B. The cage 8 can be lowered and maintained several vertical levels according to the predefined pattern. The upper part of the well corresponds to phase 1 and the central part to phase 2 and the lower part to phase 3.

In the first gas circulation unit, a nozzle device 27 is connected to an opposite nozzle device 28 in a circulation system with a pump 29.

The gas supply 30, 30 'for C02 and 02 comes from the regulation unit, which will be described later, and is connected to the lateral circulation release part near the nozzle device 28.

The exit 34 of the return gas / with t rol is located on the side of the suction of the circulation.

The central gas circulation unit 32 and the lower gas circulation unit 33 work according to the same principle but the concentrations correspond to phases 2 and 3 respectively in the stunning process.

The stunning takes place when the cage 8 is lowered to the first gas circulation unit 31. After the residence time described, the box is lowered to the second gas circulation unit 32 and finally to the bottom, to the third circulation unit. of gas 33. Finally, the cage is quickly raised and the shaft is ready for the treatment of a new cage.

In the following, the regulation equipment will be described with reference to Figure 5. With respect to the type of technical arrangement (tunnel, well etc.) used in relation to the method, it is necessary to have an adequate system / equipment suitable for the gas regulation. The purpose of this equipment is to continually analyze the concentration of gas in the different sections and to regulate the addition of gas on the basis of the results of the analysis.

The regulation unit is designed to modify the stunning atmosphere on the basis of the desired parameters. C02 is the active gas in the process and its addition is controlled by measuring the concentration in each individual zone. 02 is a secondary gas and if it is necessary to strive to maintain a normal level for this gaseous component. The need to add 02 depends on the amount of C02 added and can thus be volumetrically controlled on the basis of its quantity. As an alternative, the O; it is controlled by measuring the concentration in each individual zone 1 and can be added automatically.

The regulation equipment is contained in a showcase 34. The display case is located as close to the areas as possible in order to limit the distance on the return gas / with the transported paper.

The showcase 34 consists of the following parts which have the following functions: 3 meters of C02 35, 35 ', 35", one for each zone The meters are each connected to their respective stunning zone via a hose 36, 36 '36' and are equipped with a pump 37, 37 ', 37"which sucks the gas from the section in the measuring unit.The gas can, for example, be sucked from the outlet 13 in Figure 2B, the outlet 20 in Figure 3C or the outlet 34 'in Figure 4B.

The C02 flows through the meters 35, ', 35"continuously and is continuously analyzed for each zone The results of the analysis are transferred directly to the regulator 38, 38', 38".

Each meter 35, 35 ', 35"with a regulator 38, 38' 38" controls its own phase in the stunning process.

As shown, the three regulators 38, 38 ', 38"are located in the display case and each is connected to one side of its C02 meter, and in turn each regulator 38, 38', 38" is connected to its own establishment of the solenoid valves (2) 39, 139, 39 ', 139', 39", 139".

Each regulator can be placed at the desired level of concentration C02. If the concentration of C02 indicated by the meter 35 is lower than the set level, a signal is sent to the solenoid valves 39, 139 that are open. If the concentration of C02 is higher than or equal to the established level, the solenoid valves remain closed.

Each establishment of the solenoid valves 39, 139 (2) controls the supply of C02 and 02 for its own zone.

The C02 supplied via the pressure regulator 40 to the solenoid valve 39 and is conducted from the solenoid valve via a pipe 41 to the stunning zone, for example for the inlet 11 in Figure 2C, the inlet 22 in Figure 3C or the input 30 'in Figure 4B.

The 02 supplied via the volume regulator 42 to the solenoid valve 139 and is conducted from the solenoid valve to the stunning zone via a pipe 43 which can be connected to the inlet 12 in Figure 2C, the inlet 22 in the Figure 3C or the input 30 'in Figure 4B.

If the solenoid valves 39, 139 are open, both the C02 and the 02 are supplied. The quantity of 02 can be regulated according to the proportion of the desired mixture in relation to C02. This can be done by changing the 02 supplied via the volume regulator.

The regulation case 34 must also have a room for the supplementary and security equipment 44 which may comprise: The preparation of functions for emergency stop or door opening (washing / inspection of doors).

Operate emergency fans.

Control of extractor fans for free gases.

Emergency warning of high contents of C02 in the room.

It should be understood that if 02 is added in the alternative manner that is, as a function of the concentration of 02 measured, the control system for supplying this gaseous component will be similar to that of C02 in the aspects described above, comprising 02 meters. connected with the corresponding regulators that control the solenoid valves (not shown).

In addition, the gas analyzed and the mixing system can be introduced automatically to ensure that the desired concentrations of both gases are maintained above certain limits by means of a computerized system that analyzes and controls the addition of the gas.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, it is claimed as property - contained in the following claims:

Claims (9)

1. A method for producing and maintaining a gaseous mixture in one or more zones for the treatment of animals, where the gas mixture includes carbon dioxide gas (C02) and oxygen (02) and possibly some air, and the concentration of oxygen is maintained at a level equivalent to the naturally occurring or lower oxygen concentration in air, characterized in that the carbon dioxide gas is added as a function of the concentration of carbon dioxide measured in the gas of the zone (s), and Oxygen is added as a function of the amount of carbon dioxide added or added as a function of the concentration measured in the gas in the zone (s).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas mixture is added to one side of the zone and the gas is sucked through the other side of the zone, thus causing the gas mixture to flow through the zone. or throughout the area.

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the concentration of carbon dioxide is determined in the bases of the gas which is sucked out of the chamber through an outlet.

4. Equipment for producing and maintaining a gas mixture in one or more zones for the treatment of animals, where the gas mixture includes gas of carbon dioxide (C02) and oxygen (02) and possibly some air, and the concentration of oxygen is maintained at a level equivalent to the concentration of oxygen in air occurring naturally or below, characterized in that the concentration of carbon dioxide is measured in the gas of the zone (s) by a meter which provides a signal to a regulator which opens or closes a valve to supply the carbon dioxide gas from a warehouse. to the area and a valve for oxygen supply from a warehouse to the area, and that the regulator is designed so that oxygen is added as a function of the amount of carbon dioxide added to the area or added as a function of the concentration measured in the gas of the area (s

5. The equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that the gas is added so that it flows through the zone by means of a nozzle device placed on two opposite sides of the zone.

6. The equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that it is used in connection with a stunning tunnel 1, preferably comprising three zones.

7. The equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that it is used in relation to a stunning axis comprising a treatment zone which distributes to the appropriate tanks which are placed in contact with the treatment zone according to a predefined pattern and which contains a mixture of finida gas.

8. The equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that it is used in relation to a stunning axis comprising three treatment zones arranged at different vertical levels.

9. The use of the equipment as claimed in claims 4-8 for the stunning or killing of poultry.