WO2014203232A1 - A safety apparatus - Google Patents

A safety apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014203232A1
WO2014203232A1 PCT/IE2014/000012 IE2014000012W WO2014203232A1 WO 2014203232 A1 WO2014203232 A1 WO 2014203232A1 IE 2014000012 W IE2014000012 W IE 2014000012W WO 2014203232 A1 WO2014203232 A1 WO 2014203232A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
slurry
slurry mixer
gas disperser
fan
power source
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IE2014/000012
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Gerard MCENTEE
Original Assignee
Mcentee Thomas Gerard
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 Mcentee Thomas Gerard filed Critical Mcentee Thomas Gerard
Priority to EP14744200.8A priority Critical patent/EP3010325A1/en
Publication of WO2014203232A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014203232A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/01—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C3/00—Treating manure; Manuring
    • A01C3/02—Storage places for manure, e.g. cisterns for liquid manure; Installations for fermenting manure
    • A01C3/026—Storage places for manure, e.g. cisterns for liquid manure; Installations for fermenting manure with mixing or agitating devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/181—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters
    • B01F35/189—Venting, degassing or ventilating of gases, fumes or toxic vapours during mixing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
    • B01F2101/005—Mixing or agitating manure, dung
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/20—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from animal husbandry
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/02—Odour removal or prevention of malodour
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/28—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture specially adapted for farming

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a safety apparatus and in particular to an agricultural safety apparatus for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing.
  • the invention also extends to a slurry mixer comprising such an apparatus and to a method for safely mixing animal slurry.
  • Animal slurry is a by-product of the agriculture industry where animals such as cattle and pigs are reared, whether temporarily or permanently, in slatted houses. Waste from the animals, in the form of a slurry made up of solid and liquid matter, is deposited and stored in slurry tanks located beneath the slatted house. The stored slurry is then spread on land as a fertiliser.
  • slurry is usually agitated or mixed intermittently or prior to spreading by farmers to break up any crust, mix the solid and liquid matter and create an homogenous material for spreading.
  • Common slurry mixer types are agitation pumps, propeller agitators and combined pump/propeller mixers. The mixers are inserted into the slurry tank at a manhole and are generally powered by the PTO shaft of a tractor and can be trailer mounted or mounted on the three-point hitch of a tractor.
  • Slurry mixers are operated by an operator and settled solids are re-suspended by the force of moving liquid generated by the slurry mixer.
  • Slurry mixers have a limited vertical and horizontal agitation range within a slurry tank (typically a maximum of 15 metres) so that the operator may be required to re-position the slurry mixer from time to time to thoroughly break up crusted solids in the slurry tank.
  • H 2 S is particularly toxic and can prove fatal to animals and humans in seconds. Moreover, at higher concentrations H 2 S exhibits no smell and may not be detected by an operator. Levels of H 2 S above 500ppm, which can cause nausea,
  • an apparatus for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing with a slurry mixer comprising a gas disperser locatable adjacent a slurry mixer to direct slurry gas away from operatives and/or animals.
  • the apparatus comprises attachment means for attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer.
  • the attachment means comprises removable attachment means for removably mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
  • the attachment means comprises permanent mounting means for permanently mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
  • the attachment means comprises a connecting frame connectable between the gas disperser and the slurry mixer and, more preferably, the connecting frame comprises a three-point connecting frame.
  • the three-point connecting frame is connectable to a slurry mixer support frame.
  • the gas disperser is powered by an external power source and, more preferably, the external power source comprises a farm vehicle.
  • the farm vehicle comprises a tractor and the external power source comprises the tractor PTO shaft.
  • the external power source comprises a PTO stub shaft between the PTO shaft and the gas disperser.
  • the external power source comprises the tractor hydraulic system.
  • the gas disperser comprises an air flow apparatus.
  • the air flow apparatus comprises a fan.
  • the fan comprises a multi-directional fan.
  • the fan comprises a bi-directional fan.
  • the air flow apparatus comprises a blower or a suction device.
  • the invention also relates to a slurry mixer comprising an apparatus for dispersing gases as hereinbefore defined.
  • the slurry mixer comprises a mounting for mounting the apparatus for dispersing gases on the slurry mixer and, more preferably, the mounting for mounting the apparatus for dispersing gases on the slurry mixer is located on a slurry mixer support frame.
  • the invention also extends to the use of a gas disperser in the mixing of animal slurry with a slurry mixer to direct slurry gas away from operatives and/or animals.
  • the apparatus comprises attachment means for attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer.
  • the attachment means comprises removable attachment means for removably mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
  • the attachment means comprises permanent mounting means for permanently mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
  • the attachment means comprises a connecting frame connectable between the gas disperser and the slurry mixer and, more preferably, the connecting frame comprises a three-point connecting frame.
  • the three-point connecting frame is connectable to a slurry mixer support frame.
  • the gas disperser is powered by an external power source and, more preferably, the external power source comprises a farm vehicle.
  • the farm vehicle comprises a tractor and the external power source comprises the tractor PTO shaft.
  • the external power source comprises a PTO stub shaft between the PTO shaft and the gas disperser.
  • the external power source comprises the tractor hydraulic system.
  • the gas disperser comprises an air flow apparatus. More preferably, the air flow apparatus comprises a fan.
  • the fan comprises a multi-directional fan.
  • the fan comprises a bi-directional fan.
  • the air flow apparatus comprises a blower or a suction device.
  • the invention therefore provides a gas disperser for use in directing toxic gases released during slurry mixing away from operatives and animals.
  • the gas disperser is integral or in combination with the slurry mixer to provide a unitary slurry mixer and gas disperser for safe mixing of slurry in enclosed spaces such as slatted houses.
  • the unitary mixer and gas disperser is mountable on a farm vehicle, typically a tractor, and powered via the farm vehicle (e.g. via the tractor PTO shaft or the tractor hydraulics).
  • the combined slurry mixer and gas disperser can be safely operated by a single operative as toxic gases can be drawn or directed away from the operative (and any animals) by the gas disperser during the slurry mixing operation.
  • the gas disperser of the invention also facilitates slurry mixing in all weather conditions - it is not necessary to avoid slurry mixing in calm conditions.
  • the gas disperser can be retrofitted to slurry mixers if desired by attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer e.g. at the slurry mixer frame.
  • the gas disperser can be incorporated into the slurry mixer during manufacture to create the combined slurry mixer and gas disperser apparatus.
  • the invention therefore also provides a method of safely mixing animal slurry in which toxic gases are dispersed or directed away from operatives and animals during mixing with the slurry mixer and gas disperser combination.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one side of gas disperser safety apparatus of the invention in the form of an air flow apparatus for increasing air flow mounted on a slurry mixer to disperse toxic gases with the slurry mixer in the operating position in a slurry tank and attached to a farm vehicle in the form of a tractor;
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view from above and the tractor side of the air flow apparatus of Figure 1 with the tractor removed for clarity
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the air flow apparatus with the slurry mixer removed for clarity to show the three-point connecting frame of the air flow apparatus for attaching the air flow apparatus to the slurry mixer.
  • an embodiment of a gas disperser safety apparatus in accordance with the invention in the form of an air flow apparatus such as an air fan attached to a slurry mixer for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1.
  • the air fan 1 is mounted on a slurry mixer 2 at a slurry mixer support frame 3 on which the slurry mixer 2 proper is mounted which is in turn connected to the three-point linkage 4 of a farm vehicle in the form of a tractor 5 in the usual manner.
  • the slurry mixer 2 is also connected to and powered by a PTO shaft 6 of the tractor 5 in the manner known in the art.
  • the slurry mixer 2 with air fan 1 attached is positioned over a slurry tank 7 at a slurry tank opening 8 (created by removing slats 10 in a slatted house) and the slurry mixer 2 can be safely operated by an operator 9 whilst the air fan 1 draws any toxic gases emitted from the slurry tank 7 away from the operator 9 in the direction indicated by the arrows.
  • the air fan 1 has an impeller 11 made up of a series of rotatable blades 12 contained within a housing 13.
  • the housing 13 has an annular frame 14 and a centrally located bore 15 in which the impeller 11 is rotatably mounted.
  • the impeller 11 is covered with a protective mesh 16 secured to the annular frame 14 to protect the operator 9 from injury and to protect the blades 12.
  • the air fan 1 is attached to the slurry mixer 2 by attachment means in the form of a three-point connecting frame 17 which projects rearwardly from the housing 13 towards the slurry mixer 2.
  • the two lower points of the three-point connecting frame 17 are made up of a lower rearwardly projecting first arm 18 and a lower rearwardly projecting second arm 19 mounted either side of the central bore 15 on the annular frame 14.
  • the first and second arms 18,19 are each provided with respective first and second collars 20, 21 at their free ends for mounting and supporting the air fan 1 on the slurry mixer support frame 3 at mountings in the form of complimentary first and second uprights 22,23 respectively.
  • the upper point of the three-point connecting frame 17 is made up of a centrally located upper strut 24 mounted above the central bore 15 which extends rearwardly from the housing 13 towards the slurry mixer support frame 3 from a strut mounting 25 on the annular frame 14 .
  • the upper strut 24 is secured to the slurry mixer support frame 3 at a releasable connector 26.
  • the attachment means can take the form of a single king post on the slurry mixer support frame 3 on which the gas disperser 1 is pivotably mounted to pivot or swivel and direct emitted gases as required.
  • the air fan 1 is operated by a hydraulic motor 27 mounted on the housing 13.
  • the hydraulic motor 27 is powered by the hydraulic system of the tractor 5 via hydraulic cables 28.
  • the air fan 1 can be powered by the PTO shaft 6 if desired (e.g. via a PTO stub shaft and associated gearbox), by a V-belt or by other means such as a standalone powered fan, battery or other methods.
  • the air fan 1 is attached to the slurry mixer 2 as hereinbefore described and the slurry mixer 2 inserted in a slurry tank 7 in the usual manner.
  • the slurry mixer 2 is powered by the PTO shaft 6 of the tractor 5 while the air fan 1 is powered by the hydraulic motor 27 attached to the tractor hydraulics via the hydraulic cables 28. Whilst agitating the slurry, the air fan 1 is operated so that any toxic gases emitted from the slurry tank 7 during mixing are drawn or extracted away from the tractor 5/slurry mixer 2 operator 9 so that the operator 9 can work in a safe environment.
  • the air fan 1 can be a bi-directional fan of any suitable size although a fan 1 having a diameter of about 75cm and a capacity ranging from 12 to 18,000 m 3 /hour is suitable for use with most slurry mixers.
  • the air fan 1 should operate at from about lOOOrpm to about 1300rpm to ensure effective removal and dispersion of gases although other fan speeds can be used if desired.
  • a flow meter can be provided in the tractor for controlling fan speeds if desired.
  • the air fan 1 of the invention is suitable for use with all slurry mixer types and can be retro-fitted to existing slurry mixers to enhance safety or incorporated into the slurry mixer during manufacture.
  • slurry mixers can be manufactured with integral air fans 1 i.e. an air fan 1 can form an integral and permanent component of the slurry mixer.
  • Suitable slurry mixers are available from manufacturers such Redrock (Trade Mark) and Newrock (Trade Mark).
  • gas disperser safety apparatus can be employed in place of a fan without departing from the scope of the invention e.g. bladeless fans, blowers, suction devices and the like.
  • gas dispersers can be retrofitted to existing slurry mixers or incorporated into slurry mixers during manufacture.
  • gas dispersers of the invention can be mounted on and/or powered by other farm vehicles such as teleporters and the like.
  • the gas dispersers 1 can also be adapted to oscillate or be multi-directional if desired to further enhance gas dispersion and direct dispersion of gases as required.
  • the air flow safety apparatus 1 of the invention facilitates the safe mixing of slurry and enables an operator 9 to safely operate slurry mixers 2 in a safe environment by ensuring the safe dispersal of toxic gases such as H 2 S, C02, ammonia and methane.
  • the operator 9 can safely perform slurry mixing and manoeuvre the mixer when alone, is not required to take gas readings and is not dependent on windy weather to ensure dispersal of any gases released from the slurry tank.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

A gas disperser (1) for use in directing toxic gases released from slurry tanks (7) during slurry mixing with a slurry mixer (2) away from operatives (9) and animals, the gas disperser (1) being adaptable to be integral or combined with the slurry mixer (2) to provide a unitary slurry mixer (2) and gas disperser (1) for safe mixing of slurry in enclosed spaces such the slurry tanks (7) of slatted houses..

Description

A Safety Apparatus Introduction This invention relates to a safety apparatus and in particular to an agricultural safety apparatus for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing. The invention also extends to a slurry mixer comprising such an apparatus and to a method for safely mixing animal slurry. Background of the Invention
Animal slurry is a by-product of the agriculture industry where animals such as cattle and pigs are reared, whether temporarily or permanently, in slatted houses. Waste from the animals, in the form of a slurry made up of solid and liquid matter, is deposited and stored in slurry tanks located beneath the slatted house. The stored slurry is then spread on land as a fertiliser.
In recent years, farmers have been required to adhere to non-spread periods for slurry, typically from about October to January in countries such as Ireland and the United Kingdom, to minimise the risk of pollution. As a result, significant volumes of slurry must be stored in the slurry tanks for prolonged periods. During storage, the slurry can settle and crust with the result that the slurry can be difficult to handle for spreading. Accordingly, the slurry is usually agitated or mixed intermittently or prior to spreading by farmers to break up any crust, mix the solid and liquid matter and create an homogenous material for spreading. Common slurry mixer types are agitation pumps, propeller agitators and combined pump/propeller mixers. The mixers are inserted into the slurry tank at a manhole and are generally powered by the PTO shaft of a tractor and can be trailer mounted or mounted on the three-point hitch of a tractor.
Slurry mixers are operated by an operator and settled solids are re-suspended by the force of moving liquid generated by the slurry mixer. Slurry mixers have a limited vertical and horizontal agitation range within a slurry tank (typically a maximum of 15 metres) so that the operator may be required to re-position the slurry mixer from time to time to thoroughly break up crusted solids in the slurry tank.
However, significant dangers are associated with the storage and mixing of slurry. During storage, toxic gases such as H2S, CO2, ammonia and methane are produced by bacteria as a result of the decomposition of the slurry. Gas levels can build during storage and dispersal of the gases can be prevented by the crust on slurry with the result that fatal levels of accumulated gases can be released when the crust is agitated.
H2S is particularly toxic and can prove fatal to animals and humans in seconds. Moreover, at higher concentrations H2S exhibits no smell and may not be detected by an operator. Levels of H2S above 500ppm, which can cause nausea,
disorientation, collapse and ultimately death are common in slatted houses during mixing. Levels above 700ppm can be fatal in seconds. Filter-type facemasks do not offer any protection against the toxic gases. Accordingly, it is recommended that all personnel and animals be evacuated from a building prior to mixing, that the building is ventilated, that mixing be performed on a windy day if possible and that the mixing operation be performed by no less than two personnel. It is also recommended that the slurry mixer operator does not enter the building for one hour from commencement of mixing. However, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is not always possible to adhere to these recommendations - particularly where the operator must operate the tractor which provides the power to the slurry mixer or where the agitator must be moved or repositioned for effective mixing. Moreover, it can be prohibitively expensive to have at least two personnel present for the mixing operation.
Although hand held gas monitors are available to detect gas levels, such monitors are not always reliable while, at high levels of toxicity, the time delay required by the monitor to detect the gas levels can prove fatal - particularly at the commencement of mixing.
Accordingly, as result of the limitations associated with current slurry mixing techniques and equipment, fatalities and injuries continue to result annually from slurry mixing.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing with a slurry mixer comprising a gas disperser locatable adjacent a slurry mixer to direct slurry gas away from operatives and/or animals. Preferably, the apparatus comprises attachment means for attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer. In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises removable attachment means for removably mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment means comprises permanent mounting means for permanently mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
Preferably, the attachment means comprises a connecting frame connectable between the gas disperser and the slurry mixer and, more preferably, the connecting frame comprises a three-point connecting frame.
Suitably, the three-point connecting frame is connectable to a slurry mixer support frame.
Preferably, the gas disperser is powered by an external power source and, more preferably, the external power source comprises a farm vehicle.
Most preferably, the farm vehicle comprises a tractor and the external power source comprises the tractor PTO shaft.
Suitably, the external power source comprises a PTO stub shaft between the PTO shaft and the gas disperser. Alternatively, the external power source comprises the tractor hydraulic system. Preferably, the gas disperser comprises an air flow apparatus. More preferably, the air flow apparatus comprises a fan. Suitably, the fan comprises a multi-directional fan. Optionally, the fan comprises a bi-directional fan. Alternatively, the air flow apparatus comprises a blower or a suction device.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention also relates to a slurry mixer comprising an apparatus for dispersing gases as hereinbefore defined. Preferably, the slurry mixer comprises a mounting for mounting the apparatus for dispersing gases on the slurry mixer and, more preferably, the mounting for mounting the apparatus for dispersing gases on the slurry mixer is located on a slurry mixer support frame. The invention also extends to the use of a gas disperser in the mixing of animal slurry with a slurry mixer to direct slurry gas away from operatives and/or animals.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises attachment means for attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer. In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises removable attachment means for removably mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment means comprises permanent mounting means for permanently mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer. Preferably, the attachment means comprises a connecting frame connectable between the gas disperser and the slurry mixer and, more preferably, the connecting frame comprises a three-point connecting frame. Suitably, the three-point connecting frame is connectable to a slurry mixer support frame.
Preferably, the gas disperser is powered by an external power source and, more preferably, the external power source comprises a farm vehicle.
Most preferably, the farm vehicle comprises a tractor and the external power source comprises the tractor PTO shaft.
Suitably, the external power source comprises a PTO stub shaft between the PTO shaft and the gas disperser.
Alternatively, the external power source comprises the tractor hydraulic system.
Preferably, the gas disperser comprises an air flow apparatus. More preferably, the air flow apparatus comprises a fan. Suitably, the fan comprises a multi-directional fan. Optionally, the fan comprises a bi-directional fan. Alternatively, the air flow apparatus comprises a blower or a suction device.
The invention therefore provides a gas disperser for use in directing toxic gases released during slurry mixing away from operatives and animals. In a preferred embodiment, the gas disperser is integral or in combination with the slurry mixer to provide a unitary slurry mixer and gas disperser for safe mixing of slurry in enclosed spaces such as slatted houses. The unitary mixer and gas disperser is mountable on a farm vehicle, typically a tractor, and powered via the farm vehicle (e.g. via the tractor PTO shaft or the tractor hydraulics). The combined slurry mixer and gas disperser can be safely operated by a single operative as toxic gases can be drawn or directed away from the operative (and any animals) by the gas disperser during the slurry mixing operation.
The gas disperser of the invention also facilitates slurry mixing in all weather conditions - it is not necessary to avoid slurry mixing in calm conditions.
The gas disperser can be retrofitted to slurry mixers if desired by attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer e.g. at the slurry mixer frame. Alternatively, the gas disperser can be incorporated into the slurry mixer during manufacture to create the combined slurry mixer and gas disperser apparatus.
The invention therefore also provides a method of safely mixing animal slurry in which toxic gases are dispersed or directed away from operatives and animals during mixing with the slurry mixer and gas disperser combination. Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one side of gas disperser safety apparatus of the invention in the form of an air flow apparatus for increasing air flow mounted on a slurry mixer to disperse toxic gases with the slurry mixer in the operating position in a slurry tank and attached to a farm vehicle in the form of a tractor;
Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view from above and the tractor side of the air flow apparatus of Figure 1 with the tractor removed for clarity, and Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the air flow apparatus with the slurry mixer removed for clarity to show the three-point connecting frame of the air flow apparatus for attaching the air flow apparatus to the slurry mixer. Detailed Description of the Invention
As shown in the drawings, an embodiment of a gas disperser safety apparatus in accordance with the invention in the form of an air flow apparatus such as an air fan attached to a slurry mixer for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1. The air fan 1 is mounted on a slurry mixer 2 at a slurry mixer support frame 3 on which the slurry mixer 2 proper is mounted which is in turn connected to the three-point linkage 4 of a farm vehicle in the form of a tractor 5 in the usual manner. The slurry mixer 2 is also connected to and powered by a PTO shaft 6 of the tractor 5 in the manner known in the art. As shown in Figure 1 , the slurry mixer 2 with air fan 1 attached is positioned over a slurry tank 7 at a slurry tank opening 8 (created by removing slats 10 in a slatted house) and the slurry mixer 2 can be safely operated by an operator 9 whilst the air fan 1 draws any toxic gases emitted from the slurry tank 7 away from the operator 9 in the direction indicated by the arrows.
The air fan 1 has an impeller 11 made up of a series of rotatable blades 12 contained within a housing 13. The housing 13 has an annular frame 14 and a centrally located bore 15 in which the impeller 11 is rotatably mounted. The impeller 11 is covered with a protective mesh 16 secured to the annular frame 14 to protect the operator 9 from injury and to protect the blades 12.
The air fan 1 is attached to the slurry mixer 2 by attachment means in the form of a three-point connecting frame 17 which projects rearwardly from the housing 13 towards the slurry mixer 2. The two lower points of the three-point connecting frame 17 are made up of a lower rearwardly projecting first arm 18 and a lower rearwardly projecting second arm 19 mounted either side of the central bore 15 on the annular frame 14. The first and second arms 18,19 are each provided with respective first and second collars 20, 21 at their free ends for mounting and supporting the air fan 1 on the slurry mixer support frame 3 at mountings in the form of complimentary first and second uprights 22,23 respectively. The upper point of the three-point connecting frame 17 is made up of a centrally located upper strut 24 mounted above the central bore 15 which extends rearwardly from the housing 13 towards the slurry mixer support frame 3 from a strut mounting 25 on the annular frame 14 . The upper strut 24 is secured to the slurry mixer support frame 3 at a releasable connector 26.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the attachment means can take the form of a single king post on the slurry mixer support frame 3 on which the gas disperser 1 is pivotably mounted to pivot or swivel and direct emitted gases as required.
In the present embodiment of the invention, the air fan 1 is operated by a hydraulic motor 27 mounted on the housing 13. The hydraulic motor 27 is powered by the hydraulic system of the tractor 5 via hydraulic cables 28. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the air fan 1 can be powered by the PTO shaft 6 if desired (e.g. via a PTO stub shaft and associated gearbox), by a V-belt or by other means such as a standalone powered fan, battery or other methods.
In use, the air fan 1 is attached to the slurry mixer 2 as hereinbefore described and the slurry mixer 2 inserted in a slurry tank 7 in the usual manner. The slurry mixer 2 is powered by the PTO shaft 6 of the tractor 5 while the air fan 1 is powered by the hydraulic motor 27 attached to the tractor hydraulics via the hydraulic cables 28. Whilst agitating the slurry, the air fan 1 is operated so that any toxic gases emitted from the slurry tank 7 during mixing are drawn or extracted away from the tractor 5/slurry mixer 2 operator 9 so that the operator 9 can work in a safe environment. In one embodiment of the invention, the air fan 1 can be a bi-directional fan of any suitable size although a fan 1 having a diameter of about 75cm and a capacity ranging from 12 to 18,000 m3/hour is suitable for use with most slurry mixers. The air fan 1 should operate at from about lOOOrpm to about 1300rpm to ensure effective removal and dispersion of gases although other fan speeds can be used if desired. In another embodiment of the invention, a flow meter can be provided in the tractor for controlling fan speeds if desired.
The air fan 1 of the invention is suitable for use with all slurry mixer types and can be retro-fitted to existing slurry mixers to enhance safety or incorporated into the slurry mixer during manufacture. Alternatively, slurry mixers can be manufactured with integral air fans 1 i.e. an air fan 1 can form an integral and permanent component of the slurry mixer. Suitable slurry mixers are available from manufacturers such Redrock (Trade Mark) and Newrock (Trade Mark).
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other types of gas disperser safety apparatus can be employed in place of a fan without departing from the scope of the invention e.g. bladeless fans, blowers, suction devices and the like. Such gas dispersers can be retrofitted to existing slurry mixers or incorporated into slurry mixers during manufacture.
If desired, gas dispersers of the invention can be mounted on and/or powered by other farm vehicles such as teleporters and the like. The gas dispersers 1 can also be adapted to oscillate or be multi-directional if desired to further enhance gas dispersion and direct dispersion of gases as required.
The air flow safety apparatus 1 of the invention facilitates the safe mixing of slurry and enables an operator 9 to safely operate slurry mixers 2 in a safe environment by ensuring the safe dispersal of toxic gases such as H2S, C02, ammonia and methane. The operator 9 can safely perform slurry mixing and manoeuvre the mixer when alone, is not required to take gas readings and is not dependent on windy weather to ensure dispersal of any gases released from the slurry tank.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein described which may be varied in construction and detail without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims
1. An apparatus for dispersing gases during animal slurry mixing with a slurry mixer comprising:
a gas disperser beatable adjacent a slurry mixer to direct slurry gas away from operatives and/or animals.
2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises attachment means for attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer.
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises removable attachment means for removably mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises permanent mounting means for permanently mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the attachment means comprises a connecting frame connectable between the gas disperser and the slurry mixer.
6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the connecting frame comprises a three-point connecting frame.
7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the three-point connecting frame is connectable to a slurry mixer support frame.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the gas disperser is powered by an external power source.
9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the external power source comprises a farm vehicle.
10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the farm vehicle comprises a tractor.
11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the external power source comprises the tractor PTO shaft.
12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the external power source comprises a PTO stub shaft between the PTO shaft and the gas disperser.
13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the external power source comprises the tractor hydraulic system.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the gas disperser comprises an air flow apparatus.
15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the air flow apparatus comprises a fan.
16. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the fan comprises a multi- directional fan.
17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16 wherein the fan comprises a bi-directional fan.
18. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the air flow apparatus comprises a blower.
19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the air flow apparatus comprises a suction device.
20. A slurry mixer comprising an apparatus for dispersing gases as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19.
21. A slurry mixer as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the slurry mixer comprises a mounting for mounting the apparatus for dispersing gases on the slurry mixer.
22. A slurry mixer as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the mounting for mounting the apparatus for dispersing gases on the slurry mixer is located on a slurry mixer support frame.
23. Use of a gas disperser in the mixing of animal slurry with a slurry mixer to direct slurry gas away from operatives and/or animals.
24. Use as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the gas disperser comprises attachment means for attaching the gas disperser to the slurry mixer.
25. Use as claimed 24 wherein the attachment means comprises removable attachment means for removably mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
26. Use as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the attachment means comprises permanent mounting means for permanently mounting the gas disperser on the slurry mixer.
27. Use as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 26 wherein the attachment means comprises a connecting frame connectable between the gas disperser and the slurry mixer.
28. Use as claimed in Claim 27 wherein the connecting frame comprises a three- point connecting frame.
29. Use as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the three-point connecting frame is connectable to a slurry mixer support frame.
30. Use as claimed in any of claims 23 to 29 wherein the gas disperser is powered by an external power source.
31. Use as claimed in Claim 30 wherein the external power source comprises a farm vehicle.
32. Use as claimed in Claim 31 wherein the farm vehicle comprises a tractor.
33. Use as claimed in Claim 32 wherein the external power source comprises the tractor PTO shaft.
34. Use as claimed in Claim 33 wherein the external power source comprises a PTO stub shaft between the PTO shaft and the gas disperser.
35. Use as claimed in Claim 34 wherein the external power source comprises the tractor hydraulic system.
36. Use as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 35 wherein the gas disperser comprises an air flow apparatus.
36. Use as claimed in Claim 36 wherein the air flow apparatus comprises a fan.
37. Use as claimed in Claim 36 wherein the fan comprises a multi-directional fan.
38. Use as claimed in Claim 36 or Claim 37 wherein the fan comprises a bidirectional fan.
39. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 36 wherein the air flow apparatus comprises a blower.
40. Use as claimed in Claim 36 wherein the air flow apparatus comprises a suction device.
PCT/IE2014/000012 2013-06-21 2014-06-19 A safety apparatus WO2014203232A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14744200.8A EP3010325A1 (en) 2013-06-21 2014-06-19 A safety apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IES2013/0199 2013-06-21
IES20130199 2013-06-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014203232A1 true WO2014203232A1 (en) 2014-12-24

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IE2014/000012 WO2014203232A1 (en) 2013-06-21 2014-06-19 A safety apparatus

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EP (1) EP3010325A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014203232A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2917423A1 (en) * 1979-04-28 1980-11-06 Anton Reck Liquid manure prepn. plant - includes transportable gas take=off chimney with air injector orifice
DE2933784A1 (en) * 1979-08-21 1981-03-26 Suma Sulzberger Maschinenbau G Sewage stirring mechanism - has stationary air outlet close to path followed by propeller blades
DE102005028285A1 (en) * 2005-06-18 2007-02-08 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Engine powered vehicle, especially agricultural tractor, has suction connector of fan arranged in such way that air for protective air screen is inducted in region which is as dirt free and dust free as possible

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2917423A1 (en) * 1979-04-28 1980-11-06 Anton Reck Liquid manure prepn. plant - includes transportable gas take=off chimney with air injector orifice
DE2933784A1 (en) * 1979-08-21 1981-03-26 Suma Sulzberger Maschinenbau G Sewage stirring mechanism - has stationary air outlet close to path followed by propeller blades
DE102005028285A1 (en) * 2005-06-18 2007-02-08 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Engine powered vehicle, especially agricultural tractor, has suction connector of fan arranged in such way that air for protective air screen is inducted in region which is as dirt free and dust free as possible

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