WO2001013963A1 - Pasteurization of organic particulate material - Google Patents

Pasteurization of organic particulate material Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001013963A1
WO2001013963A1 PCT/IL2000/000497 IL0000497W WO0113963A1 WO 2001013963 A1 WO2001013963 A1 WO 2001013963A1 IL 0000497 W IL0000497 W IL 0000497W WO 0113963 A1 WO0113963 A1 WO 0113963A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
particulate matter
vessel
pasteurization
organic particulate
steam
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2000/000497
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pessach Seidel
Original Assignee
Pessach Seidel
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pessach Seidel filed Critical Pessach Seidel
Priority to AU65916/00A priority Critical patent/AU6591600A/en
Publication of WO2001013963A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001013963A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/16—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating loose unpacked materials
    • A23L3/18—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating loose unpacked materials while they are progressively transported through the apparatus
    • A23L3/185—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating loose unpacked materials while they are progressively transported through the apparatus in solid state
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/16—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating loose unpacked materials
    • A23L3/165—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating loose unpacked materials in solid state
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • A61L2/07—Steam

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pasteurization processes in general and specifically to the pasteurization of organic particulate material, such as soil
  • Pasteu ⁇ zation of solid matter has long been known in the art Pasteurization of soil is performed in order to ensure freedom from bacterial and fungal infections
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved method, and systems for implementing the method, for killing fungi and bacteria in organic particulate matter by means of steam pasteurization, thereby overcoming disadvantages of known art
  • a method of pasteurizing organic particulate matter which includes feeding into a pasteurization vessel organic particulate matter to be pasteurized, exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam for a selected period of time, thereby to kill organisms unable to withstand the temperature of the steam, so as to pasteurize the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization, and discharging the pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel
  • the method also includes the step of mixing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel so as to cause entrainment of the steam throughout substantially the entire volume of organic particulate matter contained therein during the step of exposing
  • the step of exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam includes the step of exposing the organic material to a source of steam at a pressure above atmospheric pressure
  • the step of exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam includes the step of exposing the organic material to a source of steam at a pressure in the range 1 5 - 2 0 atmospheres
  • the method is a batch method
  • the step of feeding includes the step of feeding into the pasteurization vessel a batch of organic particulate material having no more than a predetermined volume, performing the steps of exposing and discharging, and thereafter repeating the step of feeding
  • the method is a continuous feed method
  • the step of feeding includes the step of continuously feeding organic particulate matter into the pasteurization vessel at a predetermined rate
  • the step of exposing includes exposing the continuously fed organic particulate matter to a source of steam while in the pasteurization vessel
  • the step of discharging includes continuously discharging pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel
  • the step of scanning a bed of particulate material to be pasteurized in a selected travel direction includes the step of feeding particulate material from a selected portion of the bed of particulate material to be pasteurized, and the step of continuously discharging includes the step of returning the pasteurized material to the bed of particulate material, wherein the steps of continuously feeding, exposing, and continuously discharging, are performed during scanning
  • three is provided a system for pasteurization of organic particulate matter, wherein the system includes a steam source, a pasteurization vessel, associated with the steam source, for containing organic particulate matter, and apparatus for selectably exposing organic particulate matter contained in the vessel, to the steam source, thereby to cause the organic particulate matter contained in the vessel to be exposed to steam so as to be heated to a predetermined pasteurization temperature
  • the system also includes apparatus for mixing the organic particulate matter in the vessel so as to expose substantially all of the organic particulate matter to steam entering the vessel
  • the pasteurization vessel is formed to contain a predetermined, discrete volume of material
  • the pasteurization vessel is operative to facilitate a continuous flow of organic particulate matter therethrough, and the system further includes a feeder, for feeding organic particulate matter to the pasteurization vessel, and apparatus for receiving pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Fig 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system for performing batch or continuous pasteurization of organic particulate material, in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig 2A is a schematic, partially cut away side view of a system for performing batch pasteurization of organic particulate material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 2B is a view of a portion of the system of Fig 2A, taken in the direction of arrow B therein,
  • Figs 3A-3C are schematic representations of different systems for performing continuous pasteurization of organic particulate material, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention
  • a system for pasteurizing organic particulate material such as soil
  • the system is based on feeding material to be pasteurized, from an organic, particulate matter source, referenced 10, to a pasteurization station 12, thereafter conveying the pasteurized matter 14 to a desired destination
  • the present invention may be a batch system and method, shown and described below in conjunction with Figs 2A and 2B, or a continuous system and method, shown and described below in conjunction with Figs 3A-3B
  • the present invention is based on exposing the organic material to be pasteurized by steam from any suitable steam source 16, the precise nature of which is beyond the scope of the present invention
  • the material to be pasteurized is exposed to the steam for a time period and pressure sufficient to cause entrainment of the steam throughout the volume of material contained in or passing through the pasteurization station 12, so that the temperature of the material is raised to a temperature at which contaminant organisms die, typically, approximately 100°C
  • the steam is supplied at a pressure which may be varied depending on the precise mechanical structure of the system used, on the type of particulate material sought to be pasteurized, and various conditions thereof, such as, moisture content, degree of cohesion, and temperature
  • the steam be supplied at a pressure in the range 1 5 - 2 0 atmospheres, and it normally takes no more than about 5 - 60 seconds to achieve pasteurization, provided that the volumetric supply rate of the steam, is sufficient
  • a batch method of the invention may be implemented by provision of station 12 as a pasteurization vessel 112 and support therefor, which, in the present example, have an overall structure generally similar to that of a small, on-site concrete mixer Accordingly, it is seen that vessel 112 has a generally upward-facing opening 113, and is supported by a circumferential support ring 120 and a cradle like member 122, for pivoting about a generally horizontal axis 124, in a base structure 126
  • the vessel 112 is pivotable horizontally, as by means of a suitable, manually operable tipping wheel 128
  • drive apparatus which, by way of non-limiting example only, may include a drive motor 130, suitably mounted onto base structure 126, which is operative, by means of a suitable drive belt 132 and drive wheel 134, arranged to mesh with a toothed underside 136 of support ring 120, so as to drive vessel 112 about a generally vertical axis
  • conduit 142 is preferably flexible along at least a portion of its length, referenced 143, so as to facilitate generally unimpeded pivoting of vessel 112 about horizontal axis 124 Pasteurization of soil, or any other organic, particulate
  • a continuous method of the invention may be implemented by provision of a mobile system, referenced generally 200, which may be used to scan a bed 204 of particulate material in a selected travel direction 206 Typically, the system 200 is carried on a flat bed or trailer (not shown)
  • station 12 (Fig 1 )
  • a particular advantage of the present embodiment is that the top layer of a horticultural growing bed, for example, is pasteurized in situ, obviating the need for expensive transportation away from the growing site and return thereto
  • the soil is scooped up from the bed 204, fed to pasteurizing apparatus 212, and immediately replaced, as the apparatus 200 travels in the direction of arrow 206
  • pasteurization apparatus 212 is exemplified as a housing 258 at least partially containing a continuous belt 260 via which steam is supplied - through appropriate openings therein - to soil carried thereby, from steam source 16, via a manifold 262 or equivalent
  • An additional feed belt or ramp member 264 may also be provided so as to ensure proper supply of the scooped up soil, to the pasteurization apparatus
  • FIGs 3B and 3C there are provided different continuous feed systems, respectively referenced 300 and 400, constructed in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention
  • Systems 300 and 400 are generally similar to system 200, shown and described above in conjunction with Fig 3A, and are thus described herein only with respect to differences therewith
  • all portions of Figs 3B and 3C having counterpart portions in Fig 3A are identified by similar reference numerals, but having a prefix "3" or "4 "
  • the pasteurization apparatus 312 is exemplified as a worm device 360 contained in a housing 358 Steam is supplied from steam source 16 to the interior of housing 358 via a floor 359 of housing 358, for example An additional feed belt (not shown) may also be provided so as to ensure a proper supply of the scooped up soil, to the pasteurization apparatus
  • the pasteurization apparatus 412 is exemplified as an open ended, generally cylindrical vessel 460, preferably rotatable, which is supported at a suitable angle ⁇ so as to facilitate gravitational discharge of pasteurized soil therefrom Steam is supplied from steam source 16 to the interior of housing vessel 460, as shown An additional feed belt (not shown) may also be provided so as to ensure a proper supply of the scooped up soil, to the pasteurization apparatus

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

A method of pasteurizing organic particulate matter (10) which includes feeding into a pasteurization vessel organic particulate matter to be pasteurized; exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel (12) to a source of steam (16) for a selected period of time, thereby to kill organisms unable to withstand the temperature of the steam, so as to pasteurize the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel; and discharging the pasteurized organic matter (14) from the pasteurization vessel.

Description

PASTEURIZATION OF ORGANIC PARTICULATE MATERIAL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pasteurization processes in general and specifically to the pasteurization of organic particulate material, such as soil
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pasteuπzation of solid matter has long been known in the art Pasteurization of soil is performed in order to ensure freedom from bacterial and fungal infections These problems need to be addressed by farmers, florists, and those involved with forestry industries, to name a few However, a method of pasteurization that can be easily carried out at any chosen field site, and the handling of large amounts of material has not been significantly addressed until now
In USP 4,098,019 to Strong, entitled "Soil Pasteurizing Apparatus," there is described the insertion of soil into canisters and exposed to solar radiation for pasteurization
The use of chemicals for their fungicidal and bactericidal properties has also been exploited This has the drawback of introducing poisonous and other hazardous substances into the soil
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved method, and systems for implementing the method, for killing fungi and bacteria in organic particulate matter by means of steam pasteurization, thereby overcoming disadvantages of known art
There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of pasteurizing organic particulate matter which includes feeding into a pasteurization vessel organic particulate matter to be pasteurized, exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam for a selected period of time, thereby to kill organisms unable to withstand the temperature of the steam, so as to pasteurize the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization, and discharging the pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel
Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the step of mixing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel so as to cause entrainment of the steam throughout substantially the entire volume of organic particulate matter contained therein during the step of exposing
Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the step of exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam includes the step of exposing the organic material to a source of steam at a pressure above atmospheric pressure
Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the step of exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam includes the step of exposing the organic material to a source of steam at a pressure in the range 1 5 - 2 0 atmospheres
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the method is a batch method, and the step of feeding includes the step of feeding into the pasteurization vessel a batch of organic particulate material having no more than a predetermined volume, performing the steps of exposing and discharging, and thereafter repeating the step of feeding
Alternatively, however, the method is a continuous feed method, and the step of feeding includes the step of continuously feeding organic particulate matter into the pasteurization vessel at a predetermined rate, the step of exposing includes exposing the continuously fed organic particulate matter to a source of steam while in the pasteurization vessel, and the step of discharging includes continuously discharging pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel
In accordance with the continuous method of the invention, there is also provided the step of scanning a bed of particulate material to be pasteurized in a selected travel direction, and the step of continuously feeding includes the step of feeding particulate material from a selected portion of the bed of particulate material to be pasteurized, and the step of continuously discharging includes the step of returning the pasteurized material to the bed of particulate material, wherein the steps of continuously feeding, exposing, and continuously discharging, are performed during scanning
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, three is provided a system for pasteurization of organic particulate matter, wherein the system includes a steam source, a pasteurization vessel, associated with the steam source, for containing organic particulate matter, and apparatus for selectably exposing organic particulate matter contained in the vessel, to the steam source, thereby to cause the organic particulate matter contained in the vessel to be exposed to steam so as to be heated to a predetermined pasteurization temperature
Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system also includes apparatus for mixing the organic particulate matter in the vessel so as to expose substantially all of the organic particulate matter to steam entering the vessel
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, which facilitates a batch process, the pasteurization vessel is formed to contain a predetermined, discrete volume of material
Alternatively, however, in accordance with a further embodiment, which facilitates a continuous process, the pasteurization vessel is operative to facilitate a continuous flow of organic particulate matter therethrough, and the system further includes a feeder, for feeding organic particulate matter to the pasteurization vessel, and apparatus for receiving pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which
Fig 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system for performing batch or continuous pasteurization of organic particulate material, in accordance with the present invention,
Fig 2A is a schematic, partially cut away side view of a system for performing batch pasteurization of organic particulate material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Fig 2B is a view of a portion of the system of Fig 2A, taken in the direction of arrow B therein,
Figs 3A-3C are schematic representations of different systems for performing continuous pasteurization of organic particulate material, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to Fig 1 , there is seen a system for pasteurizing organic particulate material, such as soil, in accordance with the present invention The system is based on feeding material to be pasteurized, from an organic, particulate matter source, referenced 10, to a pasteurization station 12, thereafter conveying the pasteurized matter 14 to a desired destination The present invention may be a batch system and method, shown and described below in conjunction with Figs 2A and 2B, or a continuous system and method, shown and described below in conjunction with Figs 3A-3B
The present invention is based on exposing the organic material to be pasteurized by steam from any suitable steam source 16, the precise nature of which is beyond the scope of the present invention The material to be pasteurized is exposed to the steam for a time period and pressure sufficient to cause entrainment of the steam throughout the volume of material contained in or passing through the pasteurization station 12, so that the temperature of the material is raised to a temperature at which contaminant organisms die, typically, approximately 100°C The steam is supplied at a pressure which may be varied depending on the precise mechanical structure of the system used, on the type of particulate material sought to be pasteurized, and various conditions thereof, such as, moisture content, degree of cohesion, and temperature Typically, the steam be supplied at a pressure in the range 1 5 - 2 0 atmospheres, and it normally takes no more than about 5 - 60 seconds to achieve pasteurization, provided that the volumetric supply rate of the steam, is sufficient
Referring now to Figs 2A and 2B, it is seen that a batch method of the invention may be implemented by provision of station 12 as a pasteurization vessel 112 and support therefor, which, in the present example, have an overall structure generally similar to that of a small, on-site concrete mixer Accordingly, it is seen that vessel 112 has a generally upward-facing opening 113, and is supported by a circumferential support ring 120 and a cradle like member 122, for pivoting about a generally horizontal axis 124, in a base structure 126 The vessel 112 is pivotable horizontally, as by means of a suitable, manually operable tipping wheel 128 There is also provided drive apparatus which, by way of non-limiting example only, may include a drive motor 130, suitably mounted onto base structure 126, which is operative, by means of a suitable drive belt 132 and drive wheel 134, arranged to mesh with a toothed underside 136 of support ring 120, so as to drive vessel 112 about a generally vertical axis 138 Vessel 112 also has formed therein one or more vanes 140, the purpose of which will be appreciated from the description of operation of the system, below
As seen, steam is supplied from steam source 16 via any suitable conduit 142, having an outlet end 144 connected to a steam inlet 146 of vessel 112, via a suitable rotational bearing connection 147, mounted onto cradle-like member 122 A suitable valve 148 is provided in conduit 142, so as to permit a selectable supply of steam to vessel 112 Preferably, a cover 150 is provided over steam inlet 146 so as to prevent blockage thereof by particulate material, while permitting exit of steam into vessel 112, such as via side openings 152 Preferably, a gas permeable cover member 154 is also provided, and is mounted over vessel opening 113, so as to prevent undesired ejection of particles from the vessel 112 during the entry of pressurized steam into the vessel 112, during pasteurization It is also seen that conduit 142 is preferably flexible along at least a portion of its length, referenced 143, so as to facilitate generally unimpeded pivoting of vessel 112 about horizontal axis 124 Pasteurization of soil, or any other organic, particulate material is achieved, using the present embodiment of the invention, by initially positioning the vessel 112 generally vertically An appropriate volume of soil, for example, is loaded into the vessel 112, and gas permeable cover member 154 is placed over vessel opening 113 Valve 148 is then opened, so as to permit ingress of steam into the vessel 112, in throughflow contact with the soil to be pasteurized In order to facilitate entrainment of the steam through the entire volume of soil in vessel 112, drive motor 130 is operated so as to rotate vessel 112 and its contents about vertical axis 138 So as to further ensure that all of the soil is contacted by the steam and suitably heated, the vessel 112 is preferably tilted by use of tipping wheel 128, typically by an angle of about 2-10°, relative to the vertical axis 138, so as to cause the soil in vessel 112 to flow therewithin and thus mix It will be appreciated that vanes 140, which may be flat or curved, and positioned at any suitable angle with vessel 112, create a sort of turbulence in the flow of the soil within the vessel, thereby aiding in the mixing process After completion of pasteurization, which may take as little as 10-20 seconds, depending on various soil and equipment parameters, the vessel 112 may be tipped to the position seen in phantom lines in Fig 2B, as by use of tipping wheel 128, thereby to discharge the pasteurized contents of vessel 112, therefrom Subsequently, the vessel is positioned once again in a generally upright position, and a further batch of soil may be may be fed into vessel 112, for pasteurization
Referring now to Fig 3A, it is seen that a continuous method of the invention may be implemented by provision of a mobile system, referenced generally 200, which may be used to scan a bed 204 of particulate material in a selected travel direction 206 Typically, the system 200 is carried on a flat bed or trailer (not shown) In the present embodiment, station 12 (Fig 1 ), is exemplified as feed through pasteurization apparatus 212, having an inlet I into which the material to be pasteurized is fed from a feeder 202, which may be any suitable type of mechanical digger or scoop, and an outlet O through which the material, after pasteurization, exits the pasteurization apparatus
It will be appreciated that, a particular advantage of the present embodiment, is that the top layer of a horticultural growing bed, for example, is pasteurized in situ, obviating the need for expensive transportation away from the growing site and return thereto In the present embodiment, the soil is scooped up from the bed 204, fed to pasteurizing apparatus 212, and immediately replaced, as the apparatus 200 travels in the direction of arrow 206
In the present embodiment, pasteurization apparatus 212 is exemplified as a housing 258 at least partially containing a continuous belt 260 via which steam is supplied - through appropriate openings therein - to soil carried thereby, from steam source 16, via a manifold 262 or equivalent An additional feed belt or ramp member 264 may also be provided so as to ensure proper supply of the scooped up soil, to the pasteurization apparatus
Referring now to Figs 3B and 3C, there are provided different continuous feed systems, respectively referenced 300 and 400, constructed in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention Systems 300 and 400 are generally similar to system 200, shown and described above in conjunction with Fig 3A, and are thus described herein only with respect to differences therewith Furthermore, all portions of Figs 3B and 3C having counterpart portions in Fig 3A, are identified by similar reference numerals, but having a prefix "3" or "4 "
Referring now specifically to Fig 3B, it is seen that the pasteurization apparatus 312 is exemplified as a worm device 360 contained in a housing 358 Steam is supplied from steam source 16 to the interior of housing 358 via a floor 359 of housing 358, for example An additional feed belt (not shown) may also be provided so as to ensure a proper supply of the scooped up soil, to the pasteurization apparatus
Referring now specifically to Fig 3C, it is seen that the pasteurization apparatus 412 is exemplified as an open ended, generally cylindrical vessel 460, preferably rotatable, which is supported at a suitable angle α so as to facilitate gravitational discharge of pasteurized soil therefrom Steam is supplied from steam source 16 to the interior of housing vessel 460, as shown An additional feed belt (not shown) may also be provided so as to ensure a proper supply of the scooped up soil, to the pasteurization apparatus
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that the present invention is not limited by what has been shown and described hereinabove merely by way of illustrative example Rather, the scope of the present invention, is limited solely by the claims, which follow

Claims

1 A method of pasteurizing organic particulate matter which includes feeding into a pasteurization vessel organic particulate matter to be pasteurized, exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam for a selected period of time, thereby to kill organisms unable to withstand the temperature of the steam, so as to pasteurize the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization, and discharging the pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel
2 A method according to claim 1 , also including the step of mixing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel so as to cause entrainment of the steam throughout substantially the entire volume of organic particulate matter contained therein during said step of exposing
3 A method according to claim 1 , wherein said step of exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam includes the step of exposing the organic material to a source of steam at a pressure above atmospheric pressure
4 A method according to claim 3, wherein said step of exposing the organic particulate matter in the pasteurization vessel to a source of steam includes the step of exposing the organic material to a source of steam at a pressure in the range 1 5 - 2 0 atmospheres
5 A method according to claim 1 , wherein said step of feeding includes the step of feeding into the pasteurization vessel a batch of organic particulate material having no more than a predetermined volume, performing said steps of exposing and discharging, and thereafter repeating said step of feeding
6 A method according to claim 1 , wherein said step of feeding includes the step of continuously feeding organic particulate matter into the pasteurization vessel at a predetermined rate, said step of exposing includes exposing the continuously fed organic particulate matter to a source of steam while in the pasteurization vessel, and said step of discharging includes continuously discharging pasteurized organic particulate matter from the pasteurization vessel
7 A method according to claim 6, and also including the step of scanning a bed of particulate material to be pasteurized in a selected travel direction, and said step of continuously feeding includes the step of feeding particulate material from a selected portion of the bed of particulate material to be pasteurized, and said step of continuously discharging includes the step of returning the pasteurized material to the bed of particulate material, and wherein said steps of continuously feeding, exposing, and continuously discharging, are performed during said step of scanning
8 A system for pasteurization of organic particulate matter including a steam source, a pasteurization vessel, associated with said steam source, for containing organic particulate matter, and apparatus for selectably exposing organic particulate matter contained in said vessel, to said steam source, thereby to cause the organic particulate matter contained in said vessel to be exposed to steam so as to be heated to a predetermined pasteurization temperature
9 A system according to claim 8, and also including apparatus for mixing the organic particulate matter in said vessel so as to expose substantially all of the organic particulate matter to steam entering said vessel
10 A system according to claim 8, wherein said pasteurization vessel is formed to contain a predetermined, discrete volume of material 11 A system according to claim 8, wherein said pasteuπzation vessel is operative to facilitate a continuous flow of organic particulate matter therethrough, and said system further includes a feeder, for feeding organic particulate matter to said pasteurization vessel, and apparatus for receiving pasteurized organic particulate matter from said pasteurization vessel
12 A system according to claim 11 , wherein said system is selectably movable along a bed of particulate material to be pasteurized
13 A method according to any of claims 1 -7, substantially as shown and described heremabove in conjunction with any of Figs 1-3C
14 A system according to any of claims 8-12, substantially as shown and described heremabove in conjunction with any of Figs 1-3C
15 A system according to any of claims 7-10, substantially as shown in any of
PCT/IL2000/000497 1999-08-19 2000-08-17 Pasteurization of organic particulate material WO2001013963A1 (en)

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IL13151099A IL131510A0 (en) 1999-08-19 1999-08-19 Pasteurization of organic particulate material
IL131510 1999-08-19

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5217688A (en) * 1991-01-25 1993-06-08 Lersner Wolf A Process for the disposal of medical waste
US5556445A (en) * 1991-04-08 1996-09-17 Mark K. Quinn Steam treatment of municipal solid waste
US6071474A (en) * 1996-08-23 2000-06-06 Atlas-Stord Denmark A/S Method, apparatus and processing plant for sterilizing and/or heat treating particulate products

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5217688A (en) * 1991-01-25 1993-06-08 Lersner Wolf A Process for the disposal of medical waste
US5556445A (en) * 1991-04-08 1996-09-17 Mark K. Quinn Steam treatment of municipal solid waste
US6071474A (en) * 1996-08-23 2000-06-06 Atlas-Stord Denmark A/S Method, apparatus and processing plant for sterilizing and/or heat treating particulate products

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AU6591600A (en) 2001-03-19

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