WO2018029146A1

WO2018029146A1 - A device for collection and removal of slurry, a sty with such a device and a method for installing such a device

Info

Publication number: WO2018029146A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/069951
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jørgen Mikael BERTH; Niels Christian BERTH
Original assignee: Space Systems Aps
Priority date: 2016-08-08
Filing date: 2017-08-07
Publication date: 2018-02-15

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for collection and removal of slurry or similar and to a sty for keeping animals comprising a device for collection and removal of slurry or similar from the sty, wherein the device is installed under the floor level of the sty and the device comprises a plurality of funnels wherein each funnel comprises at least one upper opening having an upper horizontal area enclosed by an upper edge, and a lower opening having a lower horizontal area enclosed by a lower edge, wherein the upper horizontal area is larger than the lower horizontal area, and the inside of the funnel is thus extending from the upper opening to the lower opening of the funnel, the device further comprises at least one outlet pipe having a plurality of outlet openings in the surface thereof, wherein the outlet openings are substantially abutting the lower openings of the funnels such that a sealed pathway for slurry is provided from the funnels to the outlet pipe(s), the device moreover comprises one or more encapsulation elements, enclosing the funnels and outlet pipe(s), such that a ventilation space is defined between the one or more encapsulation elements and the funnels and the outlet pipe(s), moreover for each funnel two opposite parts of the upper edge are enclosed by the one or more encapsulation elements, the device further comprises one or more ventilation gaps arranged near the two opposite parts of the upper edge of each funnel and covered by the one or more encapsulation elements, such that air can flow between the inside of the funnels and the ventilation space and so that the one or more encapsulation elements prevents slurry from entering the one or more ventilation gaps, and at least one floor having a plurality of through holes and placed over the upper opening of at least one funnel.

Description

A DEVICE FOR COLLECTION AND REMOVAL OF SLURRY, A STY WITH SUCH A DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR INSTALLING SUCH A DEVICE

The present invention relates to a device for collection and removal of slurry or similar from a sty, a sty with such a device and to the use thereof. It furthermore relates to a method of installing the device in a sty.

BACKGROUND

In this disclosure slurry is defined as all kinds of animal waste such as excrements, faeces, urine, manure and left over litter, animal feed, water etc. It is generally preferred that slurry is at least partially removed, from the sty in order to maintain a reasonable level of hygiene and to reduce the concentration of polluting element in the air in particularly of evaporated ammonia.

Within animal production, especially within pig farming, it is desired to produce a system which effectively removes slurry from the sty, improves the air quality within the sty and which at the same time is cheap to produce, easy to install and environmental friendly.

Traditional devices used for collection and removal of slurry mainly comprise openings such as pits under the floor level of the sty, wherein the slurry is collected and led away. The slurry may be located in these pits for a long period of time and these open pits provide a large surface area and usually result in a high level of slurry evaporation, causing high level ammonia in the air. Furthermore the reduced amount of nitrogen in the slurry causes it to have reduced fertilizing properties. The pits are usually covered by grid floor, making it difficult to provide the sty with straw, whereby the wellbeing of the pigs is decreased. Presently, it is therefore required that at least some of the floor in a pig sty is a solid floor and only 1/3 of the sty area comprises a grid floor. The system described in the document DK 176179 Bl seek to improve the air quality within the sty. The document describes a system comprising a number of funnels. The pyramid shape of the funnel reduces the surface area of the slurry when located in the funnel compared to using a traditional slurry pit. The pyramid shape also promotes a faster transportation of the slurry to a pipe system in the floor of the pit. Furthermore the funnel is made of HDPE plastic, providing a low friction force on the slurry, further promoting a faster removal of the slurry. The funnels are connected to the pipe system through protruding pipe sections in the floor of the pit. The device is therefore assembled in the pit. Two rows of funnels are usually installed together, with a space between them which is used as a ventilation space. For that purpose, an opening in one side of the funnel is provided, through which air can flow. The funnels are supported by using support legs and by resting the funnel up against one of the side walls of the pit.

One object of the invention is to provide a device and a sty with the device which comprises means for optimum and effective collection and discharge of slurry from the sty, especially from 1/3 of a sty area. A second object of the invention is to improve the air quality within the sty and reduce the amount of ammonia evaporated into the air. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and a sty with a device which has a more compact and simplistic design, which reduces the material, fabrication and installation costs. A further object is to provide a device and a sty with the device which can be prefabricated and installed as ready-made device, thereby minimizing the amount of elements which needs assembling upon installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The first aspect of the invention relates to a sty for keeping animals comprising a device for collection and removal of slurry or similar, wherein the device is installed under the floor level of the sty and the device comprises a plurality of funnels wherein each funnel comprises at least one upper opening having an upper horizontal area enclosed by an upper edge, and a lower opening having a lower horizontal area enclosed by a lower edge, wherein the upper horizontal area is larger than the lower horizontal area, and the inside of the funnel is thus extending from the upper opening to the lower opening of the funnel, the device further comprises at least one outlet pipe having a plurality of outlet openings in the surface thereof, wherein the outlet openings are substantially abutting the lower openings of the funnels such that a sealed pathway for slurry is provided from the funnels to the outlet pipe(s), the device moreover comprises one or more encapsulation elements, enclosing the funnels and outlet pipe(s), such that a ventilation space is defined between the one or more encapsulation elements and the funnels and the outlet pipe(s), moreover for each funnel two opposite parts of the upper edge are enclosed by the one or more encapsulation elements, the device further comprises one or more ventilation gaps arranged near the two opposite parts of the upper edge of each funnel and covered by the one or more encapsulation elements, such that air can flow between the inside of the funnels and the ventilation space and so that the one or more encapsulation elements prevents slurry from entering the one or more ventilation gaps, and at least one floor (12) having a plurality of through holes (12') and placed over the upper opening (3a) of at least one funnel (3).

In one embodiment of the present invention the device is configured to be covered by a floor, wherein the floor comprises a plurality of holes. The holes in the floor can be of a plurality of shapes and sizes and arranged to let slurry pass through the holes into the funnel, while at the same time be able to function as a floor for the animals in the sty.

The device may preferably be installed in an opening at the sty, under the floor level of the sty, with one or more floors comprising a plurality of through holes placed over the funnels of the device. The floor is configured to let slurry and animal waste pass through the holes, while functioning as a floor for the animals. The weight and the load on the floor may preferably be transferred to the floor of the housing, such as a concrete floor, or to the bottom or sides of the opening at the sty.

Several parts of the device can be pre-fabricated, such that the labour required for installation of the device is minimized along with the installation cost. The prefabrication of the device furthermore makes it possible to fabricate the device to a high standard since it is possible to quality check the device, such as making sure that the funnel is water proof and that the device is generally free of any fabrication errors, prior to installation. All parts of the device may be pre-fabricated, such that no parts of the device are fabricated on site and the device may be fabricated to a level such that a minimum amount of the parts needs to be assembled on site.

One of the advantages of using a funnel is that the funnel comprises surfaces which have an inclination toward the lower opening. By the term funnel is hereby understood, that the horizontal cross-sectional surface area of the funnel is continuously decreasing from the upper opening to the lower opening of the funnel. This means that as the slurry is moving towards the lower opening, the surface area of the slurry in the funnel will decrease. The inclination of the walls of the funnel also promotes a faster transportation of the slurry. A decrease in surface area of the slurry and a decrease in the time spent in the funnel will in turn decrease the amount of ammonia evaporated. The funnel may be abutting and directly connected to the outlet opening of the outlet pipe, such that no additional pipe sections are necessary in between, thereby reducing the overall height and material use providing a further reduction in installation and fabrication cost. The outlet openings may preferably be provided by cutting a hole in the surface of the outlet pipe, which is preferably close to the horizontal extent of the lower opening of the funnel, such that it is easy to connect the two openings together using any suitable connection methods, preferably by welding. The outlet pipe(s) may be any size suitable for efficiently transporting the slurry, without a high risk of clogging, preferably between 200- 300 mm in diameter. The outlet pipes are substiantially horizontal, but may also be arranged at a small inclination in relation to horizontal. The outlet pipe may preferably be suitable for connection to an outlet, whereby the slurry may be transported to a treatment facility or be deposited in a container for storage.

Several funnels may be connected to the same outlet pipe such that the slurry discharged through a first outlet opening may push on the slurry discharged through further outlet openings. This setup may prevent possible clogging and promote a faster transportation of the slurry towards the outlet, which in turn reduces the evaporation and improves the odour in the sty. Furthermore, sharing the same outlet pipe results in an equal level of slurry in the funnels, this is desired in order to prevent overfilling one of the funnels with slurry. Moreover, all funnels may be emptied simultaneously when needed.

As a further advantage of the invention, the device of the sty comprises an outside shell in form of one or more encapsulation elements. The device may therefore be installed in an opening in the floor of the sty, with no need for a prefabricated pit or advanced preparation of the opening. The encapsulation element(s) provide the outer side walls of the device and encloses the funnels and the outlet pipe(s), thereby defining a ventilation space therein between, around the funnels and the outlet pipe(s). The encapsulation element is therefore allowing for a more efficient and minimalistic design of the device. The encapsulation element may have a range of different shapes, providing a range of different shapes of the ventilation space.

An even further advantage of the invention is that the device further comprises one or more ventilations gaps, positioned near two opposite edges of each funnel and covered by a part of the encapsulation element(s), functioning as a cover plate for the ventilation gaps, wherein the encapsulation element(s) may extend a distance down the inside of the funnel. Alternatively one or more ventilation gaps may be distributed in more than two parts near the upper edge of the funnel, i.e. in for example near three parts of the upper edge, or near substantially the entire circumference of the upper edge, which is possible due to the ventilation space created between the encapsulation element and the funnel which may extend around substantially the entire outer surface of the funnel. The ventilation gaps provide pathways through which air can flow, preferably between the inside of the funnel and the ventilation space. The ventilation gaps may be of any suitable size and shape. The encapsulation element encloses the outlet pipe(s) as well as the funnels, thereby providing a ventilation space wherein air can flow around substantially the whole outer surface of both the outlet pipe(s) and the funnels.

The air within the funnel, which possibly includes ammonia evaporated from the slurry, may flow through the ventilation gap and into the ventilation space. The ventilation space may be suitable for connection to ventilation means and an air treatment facility, therefore the ventilation space together with the ventilation gaps make it possible to reduce the odour in the sty, which significantly improves the indoor environment.

The device is installed in an opening at the sty, under the floor level of the sty, with at least one floor comprising a plurality of through holes placed over the funnels of the device. The floor is configured to let slurry and animal waste pass through the holes, which can be of a plurality of shapes and sizes and arranged to let slurry pass through the holes into the funnel. Simoultaneously the floor is able to function as a floor for the animals in the sty. The weight and the load on the floor may preferably be transferred to the floor of the housing, such as a concrete floor, or to the bottom or sides of the opening at the sty.

In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more encapsulation elements are made of a sheet material. Sheet material is advantageous since the sheet may be formed into a range of different shapes, providing an encapsulation element which may be adapted to fit into openings of a range of different dimensions. Furthermore the sheet material may be very thin, such that the encapsulation element may provide a larger internal ventilation space while maintaining the overall size of the device. Moreover, the encapsulation element may be made of a plastic material, preferably comprising High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material. HDPE plastic is a high-strength, lightweight and environmentally friendly material, which therefore may provide a device which is easier to install due to its lower weight and which may be made using a minimum amount of material while still being stable enough to handle the slurry. The sheet material may preferably approximately 10 mm in width, measured from the inside surface to the outside surface. The HDPE material may additionally have hardness of 60 - 70 shore D.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the sty, for each of the funnels the encapsulation element extends from the inside of the funnel, above a first part of the upper edge of the funnel, underneath the funnel and the outlet pipe(s), above a second part of the upper edge of the funnel and to the inside of the funnel. A single encapsulation element is used for encapsulating at least one funnel within the device, such that the same encapsulation element covers both ventilation gaps, located at opposite upper edges of the funnels this is advantageous since a single encapsulation element may then define the outer boundaries of the device and provide higher stability and easier installation of the device in the sty. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the one or more ventilation gaps are defined between the one or more encapsulation elements and the enclosed upper edges of the funnels. The ventilation gaps may be of any suitable size, but preferably the ventilation gaps have a width between 30-70 mm and preferably between 40-60 mm, wherein the width is the distance measured from the inside surface of the encapsulation element to the funnel. A number of blocks may be positioned in the ventilation gaps, with a space between each block along the ventilation gaps, such that air may still enter through the ventilation gaps. The blocks help maintain the width of the ventilation gaps.

The device of the sty may additionally comprise a plurality of support straps, fixed to the one or more encapsulation element(s) and extending from a first side of the encapsulation element(s), beneath at least one of the funnels and to a second side of the encapsulation element(s), wherein the first side of the encapsulation element(s) is preferably opposing the second side of the encapsulation element(s). The support straps may be fixed to the inside and/or the outside surface of the encapsulation element. For example, each end of the support strap may be fixed to the outside of the device by casting each end in concrete, preferably the support strap extends to the outside of the encapsulation element through a hole in the encapsulation element. The support straps may additionally be arranged such that they may be used to adjust the vertical position of the funnel and the outlet pipes, and additionally also the angle of inclination from horizontal. The support straps may thereby also adjust the width of the ventilation gaps. The support straps may be between 2-15 cm wide, preferably between 3-8 cm wide.

The encapsulation element may be multifunctional providing a ventilation space, and an at least some outer boundaries of the device as well as providing support and stability for the funnel through the support straps, such that any additional support structures may not be needed within the device, making it easier and cheaper to produce and install. The plurality of support straps may be made from a material comprising para-aramid synthetic fibres, in particular comprising poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide fibres, such that the support strap is capable of withstanding the load of the funnel and the outlet pipe, particularly when filled with slurry.

In a further embodiment of the device the funnels may be fixed to one or more

encapsulation elements. The funnel may be connected to the encapsulation element by any suitable fastening means, preferably by gluing or welding, which provides sealed connection, especially needed for connections which may be in contact with slurry.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the funnels comprises a plurality of inner surfaces and wherein the angle of inclination from vertical of at least one inner surface of the plurality of inner surfaces of the funnel, is in the range of 30-60 degrees, and preferably in the range of 40-50 degrees. The angle is measured relative to vertical at lower edge of the funnel. The angle of inclination is large enough to promote the transportation of the slurry to the lower opening in a timely manner, and small enough to collect slurry from a large area of the sty, thereby limiting the amount of funnels needed in the sty. The funnel may be of any size in the horizontal and vertical direction, as long as the funnel provides the preferred angle of inclination.

Preferably the inner surfaces are plane surfaces, which are relatively easy to come by and the funnel may be fabricated using plane surfaces, such as planar plates, arranged in abutment at an angle side by side. Preferably four plates may be used, connected at the side edges of the plates, preferably by welding or gluing, producing horizontal cross-section of the funnel which is substantially quadratic. But it may also be substantially rectangular. A quadratic or rectangular opening is easy to fit to an outlet opening in the outlet pipe or to an opening in a floor in the sty. Preferably, the shape of the funnel may preferably be substantially shaped as a trapezoidal prism, produced by connecting planar surfaces.

Moreover it is preferred that the lower opening of the funnel is substantially centrally located.

In one embodiment of the invention the longitudinal extent of the at least one inside surface (LI) of the funnel is between 900-1200 mm, such as between 1000-1100 mm, preferably between 1035-1060 mm. The longitudinal extent is measured along the longest extent of the surface, from the upper edge of the inner surface to the lower edge of the inner surface. It may be possible that neighbouring sides of the funnel have slightly different dimension, whereby rectangular cross-section is produced.

The vertical extent of the funnel (Dl) may be within the range of 700-900 mm preferably in the range of 750-825 mm and most preferably 775-800 mm. The vertical extent is measured from the lower horizontal area of the funnel to the upper horizontal area of funnel in the vertical plane. The slurry is transported less than a meter to the outlet pipe(s), such that the evaporation may only occur in the first 70-90 cm below the floor level of the sty. Additionally, for trapezoidal prism shaped funnels, the upper horizontal extent of the funnel (Bl) is in the range of 1500-1700 mm, more preferably in the range of 1550-1650 mm and most preferably in the range of 1575-1625 mm. The extent is measured between two neighbouring corners of the funnel at the upper edge of the funnel. The relative small volume of the funnel means that several funnels can be arranged side by side, each connected to individual outlet openings in the same outlet pipe. This large number of discharge pathways in the sty, wherein the slurry can reach to the outlet pipe through a large number of outlet openings, may provide a more efficient discharge system wherein the slurry may be more rapidly discharged to the outlet pipe.

The vertical extent of the funnel connected to an outlet pipe may then be within the range of 960-1000 mm, preferably within the range of 965-985 mm, measured from the bottom surface of the outlet pipe to the horizontal plane comprising the upper edge of the funnel. The maximum amount of space occupied by the funnels and the outlet pipe(s) in the vertical direction may be below 1 m, allowing for a reduced height of the encapsulation element and a reduced hole depth required in the sty when the device is to be installed. In a particular preferred embodiment the funnel may be made of a plastic material, preferably comprising a high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. Plastics provide a low friction surface for the slurry to slide on, whereby accumulation of slurry on the surface may be prevented. The low friction surface may furthermore result in a substantially slurry-free system, as the slurry is rapidly reaching the outlet pipe. Even larger more dense materials may be effectively discharged and less aggregation of slurry reduces the bad odour. All parts of the device and especially both the funnels and the encapsulation elements may be made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. A larger percentage of the device being fabricated in HDPE, provides a device which has a relatively low weight making it easier to move and handle, especially advantageous upon installation. The funnels may be arranged side by side such that at least a part of the upper edge of the first funnel is neighbouring at least a part of the upper edge of the second funnel. The funnels collectively collect from a larger area of the sty and furthermore the ventilation space is further defined between the sides of the funnels. Preferably 6 funnels are arranged in a row, and encapsulated by an encapsulation element(s). Additionally, the neighbouring upper edges of the funnels may be covered by a cover plate attached to both funnels. The funnels may be connected by means of a cover plate, wherein the cover plate is substantially V-shaped and encloses the ventilation space by preventing slurry from entering between the neighbouring edges of the funnels. With the cover plate, any possible openings between the neighbouring edges of the funnels may be used as ventilation gaps. The cover plate may additionally be attached to the encapsulation, wherein the attachment provides at sealed connection, such that no slurry can enter the ventilation space between the encapsulation element and the cover plate.

Additionally or alternatively, the upper edges of the first and the second funnels are abutting and may be connected, preferably by welding, such that no material or air can enter the ventilation space in between the upper edges of the funnels.

In a another embodiment of the invention the outlet pipe has an inclination from horizontal of at least 0.1 %, preferably between 0.1-0.3 %, in the longitudinal direction arranged to promote a flow away from the outlet openings. The inclination is preferably arranged such that the slurry will move toward an outlet. The inclination promotes the transportation of the slurry and may reduce the risk of clogging.

In a further embodiment of the invention the device comprises 2-24 funnels, preferably 3-6 funnels, which preferably are arranged in a row, side by side.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a plurality of support elements arranged on two opposite sides of the funnels. The support elements may preferably be positioned on the sides of the funnels which are not facing neighbouring funnels within the device.

Each support element may be shaped so that a surface of the support elements abuts an outer surface of at least a part of the one or more encapsulation elements. E.g. the support elements may comprise a surface shape complementing the outer shape of at least a part of the encapsulation comprising one or more encapsulation elements. The encapsulation and the support element may be arranged such that any gaps between the support elements and the encapsulation are minimized.

In one or more embodiment, the one or more encapsulation elements may comprise the support elements, such that the support elements aid in defining the ventilation space. E.g. a part of the ventilation space may be defined between a part of the outer surface of at least some of the support elements and the funnels and at least one outlet pipe. Alternatively, the one or more encapsulation elements may only consist of support elements. The ventilation space may then be defined between the support elements and the funnels and the outlet pipe(s). Alternatively the encapsulation may be made by the bottom of the opening and the support elements.

The at least one floor may be supported by at least some of the support elements such that the weight of the floor and the load on the floor are transferred to the support elements. By placing the support elements on the bottom of the opening in the sty, where the device is to be installed, the weight and load of the floor are further transferred to the bottom of the opening. The support elements may be substantially the same height as the encapsulation or taller than the encapsulation comprising one or more encapsulation elements, such that when the support element is placed on the bottom of the opening, next to the

encapsulation, an upper surface of the support element may provide a support platform on which the floor may be placed, so that the floor extends across the upper opening of one or more funnel. The floor may be supported at one side by the sty floor and at the other end by one or more support elements. If possible, the floor may alternatively be supported by the sty floor at both ends of the floor. In one or more embodiment, the floor may be positioned such that at least two support elements supports the floor e.g. at least one support elements at two opposite ends of the floor.

Additionally or alternatively, the funnels and the outlet pipes may be at least partially supported by the support elements such that at least some of the weight of the funnels and the outlet pipes and the load on the funnels and the outlet pipes are transferred to the support elements. The funnels and the outlet pipes may be supported by the support element via the encapsulation and/or the support straps. In one or more embodiment the encapsulation may be V- or U-shaped or a combination of the two shape types, such that the width of a lower part of the encapsulation is smaller than the width of an upper part of the encapsulation. Accordingly the width of the lower part of the support structure may be larger than the width of the upper part of the support structure and the support structure may then be arranged to support the encapsulation.

In a further embodiment of the invention the support elements may be made of concrete. The support elements may have a solid shape, or made as a lattice structure or a hollow structure which additionally may be filled with a different material, such as sand or gravel. The support elements may alternatively be made of metal, such as a metal lattice construction. In one embodiment, the support elements are made of sheet material, preferably High density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. The plastic structure may be hollow and additionally filled with sand, gravel or a liquid in order to add stability to the structure. In a further embodiment the support elements may be made of a combination of different materials, such as metal and concrete.

The device may comprise ventilation means, wherein the ventilations means are arranged to control the flow of air, through the one or more ventilation gaps, between the ventilation space and the inside of the funnels, preferably from the inside of the funnels to the ventilation space. The system comprises means for driving the flow of air through the ventilation gaps and the ventilation space, such as a blower, so that the air from the sty is transported away and preferably treated after which it may be let out into the outside environment or reintroduced into the sty.

The sty may comprise a plurality of the device according to any of the previous

embodiments, arranged in a plurality of rows such that the sty comprises a plurality of ventilation spaces, wherein at least some of the ventilation spaces are separated from ventilation spaces of a neighbouring row by the plurality of support elements. The ventilation spaces within each row are preferably combined to create a ventilation channel. The ventilation channel of one row may be separated from the ventilations channels of other rows in the sty by a plurality of support elements. Preferably, the devices comprise a plurality of funnels which preferably are arranged in a row. Within the sty the devices are substantially arranged in parallel, such that the rows funnels within the sty are also arranged in parallel. The support elements may preferably be positioned between these rows of funnels within the sty. In one or more embodiment, at least some of the plurality of ventilation spaces is further separated from ventilations spaces of a neighbouring row by at least some of the one or more encapsulation elements. In one or more embodiment the ventilation spaces of two separate rows are completely separated by either the encapsulation elements or the support elements or both. In one or more embodiments, each row of devices comprises one or more outlet pipes, connected to form a one or more common outlet pipe comprising an inclination from horizontal of at least 0.1 %, preferably between 0.1-0.3 %, in the longitudinal direction arranged to promote a flow of slurry away from the outlet openings. The support straps may be arranged such that they may be used to adjust the vertical position of the funnel and the outlet pipes, and additionally also the angle of inclination from horizontal. The inclination promotes the transportation of the slurry and may reduce the risk of clogging. Each support straps may then be adjusted individually, prior or post installation in the opening, so that the funnel and the outlet unit is positioned at the desired an angle from horizontal. Preferably the funnels are made HDPE plastic, to promote the discharge of the slurry.

In one or more embodiment the at least one floor may be supported by the two or more support elements arranged on two opposite sides of a funnel. The upper width of the support elements may preferably be of a size for allowing a part of at least one floor to rest on the support element. Furthermore shape of the support element must provide the sufficient strength and stability for allowing the support elements to support at least one floor. In one or more embodiments, two separate floors may be supported at one end by the same support element. At least one support element may be shared by neighbouring devices. In one or more embodiment the support elements do not aid in defining a ventilation space, but merely acts as a support for at least one floor.

Additionally or alternatively, the common support element may be shaped such a first outer surface of the support element may be placed abutment with the encapsulation of a first device while simultaneously a second outer surface of the support element may be placed in abutment with the encapsulation of a second, neighbouring, device. Preferably, the first and second outer surfaces of the support element are shaped such that they are abutting at least a part of one side of the encapsulations along a distance from the bottom of the encapsulation to the top of the encapsulation. In one or more embodiment, the support elements may comprise width or at least an upper width of minimal size such that the distance between the upper openings of the funnels of separate devices is minimized.

The second aspect of the invention relates to a method for installation of a plurality of devices in an opening within a sty to achieve a sty according to any of the previous embodiments, for use in collection and removal of slurry or similar, wherein the installation comprises the following steps:

placing a plurality of support elements on the bottom of the opening, such that a distance between neighbouring support elements is provided, wherein the distance is large enough to accommodate the encapsulation comprising one or more encapsulation elements of a device,

placing each device or the remainder of each device on the bottom of the opening between the plurality of support elements, such that each support element is in abutment with one or more encapsulation elements,

- placing at least one floor having a plurality of through holes through which slurry can flow over the funnels and supported by at least some of the support elements, such that the weight of the at least one floor and the load on the at least one floor is transferred to the support elements. The support elements may be made of concrete. The support elements may have a solid structure, or made as a lattice structure or a hollow structure which additionally may be filled with a different material, such as sand or gravel. The support elements may alternatively be made of metal, such as a metal lattice construction. In one embodiment, the support elements are made of sheet material, preferably High density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. The plastic structure may be hollow and additionally filled with sand, gravel or a liquid in order to add stability to the structure. In a further embodiment the support elements may be made of a combination of different materials, such as metal and concrete. The support elements may be arranged in rows within the opening, with a suitable distance between the rows for accommodating the encapsulation. The support elements in each row may be placed in abutment or with a distance in between. The support elements provide the necessary support for the floors and additionally simplify the procedure of placing the remainder of the devices in the correct positions in the opening. By the remainder of the device it is meant the device without the support elements i.e. the funnels, outlet pipes, support straps etc.

The support elements may preferably divide the opening at the sty into sub-openings in which a row of encapsulations of the devices may be placed. The encapsulations of the devices arranged end-to-end may preferably share the same ventilation space or the ventilation space may be inter-connected to create a ventilation channel. Preferably the sub-openings are of a width which corresponds to the width of the encapsulation of a device, made of one or more encapsulation element, such that when the devices are installed the outer surfaces of the encapsulation of each device is in abutment with the neighbouring support elements. In a preferred embodiment, the support elements do not aid in defining the ventilation space of the devices.

Two neighbouring devices may share the same support element, i.e. the common support element may comprise an outer shape matching the outer shapes of each neighbouring encapsulations. It may not be necessary to attach the encapsulation to the support element, i.e. the encapsulation provides sufficient support for the remainder of the device e.g. the funnels and outlet pipes.

Advantageously the encapsulations and the support elements may comprise a planar bottom surface such that they may be readily placed on a planar surface, such as the bottom of the opening.

In one or more embodiment, the outlet pipes are connected to a slurry outlet to the outside of the housing. In a further embodiment the ventilation spaces or channels are connected to and air outlet to the outside of the atmosphere outside of the housing or to an air treatment facility.

In one or more embodiment, the support straps may be adjusted in order to provide the correct inclination from horizontal of the outlet pipe(s). In one or more embodiment, the at least one floor comprises a plurality of through holes and may be placed over the upper openings of the funnels and may be partially or entirely supported by the support elements. In one or more embodiments, the floors are supported by the support elements only. At the edge of the opening, the floor may be partially supported by the support elements and partially supported by the sty floor or the side of the opening.

The method may further comprise the step of attaching the one or more encapsulation elements to abutting support elements. The fixation of the encapsulation element, which is supporting the funnel and the outlet pipes, to the support elements, may provide additional support for the funnels and outlet pipes, such that some weight and load on the funnels and the outlet pipes are transferred to the support elements via one or more encapsulation elements.

In one or more embodiment the depth of the opening at the sty under floor level of the sty is between 90-130 cm, preferably 100-110 cm. The devices may be installed in relatively shallow openings, which in turn reduces the time required for providing the opening and reduces the overall cost of installation.

The third aspect of the invention relates to the use of the sty with the device according to any of the previous embodiments for removing slurry from the sty for keeping animals. The device is configured to be installed under the floor level of the sty, in an opening. The device may collect the slurry in the funnel, wherein the shape of the funnel will promote the discharge of the slurry to an outlet pipe, where from it may be further transported away from the sty and preferably to the outside of the animal housing in which the sty is located. Ventilation means may ventilate the space surrounding the animals in the sty and the funnels within the device, and transport the air through the ventilation space and away from the animals. Preferably the funnels are made HDPE plastic, such that when in use the amount of slurry adhering to the funnels will be limited and the slurry will instead be readily discharged.The fourth aspect of the invention relates to a device for use in collection and removal of slurry or similar, wherein the device comprises a plurality of funnels wherein each funnel comprises at least one upper opening having an upper horizontal area enclosed by an upper edge, and a lower opening having a lower horizontal area enclosed by a lower edge, wherein the upper horizontal area is larger than the lower horizontal area, and the inside of the funnel is thus extending from the upper opening to the lower opening of the funnel, the device further comprises at least one outlet pipe having a plurality of outlet openings in the surface thereof, wherein the outlet openings are substantially abutting the lower openings of the funnels such that a sealed pathway for slurry is provided from the funnels to the outlet pipe(s), the device moreover comprises one or more encapsulation elements, enclosing the funnels and outlet pipe(s), such that a ventilation space is defined between the one or more encapsulation elements and the funnels and the outlet pipe(s), moreover for each funnel two opposite parts of the upper edge are enclosed by the one or more encapsulation elements, the device further comprises one or more ventilation gaps arranged near the two opposite parts of the upper edge of each funnel and covered by the one or more encapsulation elements, such that air can flow between the inside of the funnels and the ventilation space and so that the one or more encapsulation elements prevents slurry from entering the one or more ventilation gaps.

The device may comprise one or more of the features previously described in relation to the device as comprised in the sty according to the first aspect, second aspect or third aspect of the invention. The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a sty for keeping animals comprising such a device according to the fourth aspect of the invention for collection and removal of slurry or the like. The device is configured to be installed in an opening in an animal housing such as a stable, stall, pen or any other types of animals housing but preferably a pig sty.The device may preferably be installed in an opening at the sty, under the floor level of the sty.

The sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the device according to one or more of the previous embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention for removing slurry from a sty for keeping animals. The seventh aspect of the invention relates to the use of the sty for keeping animals according to one or more embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention for removing slurry from the sty.

The device may be configured to be installed under the floor level of the sty, in an opening. The device may collect the slurry in the funnel, wherein the shape of the funnel will promote the discharge of the slurry to an outlet pipe, where from it may be further transported away from the sty and preferably to the outside of the animal housing in which the sty is located. Ventilation means may ventilate the space surrounding the animals in the sty and the funnels within the device, and transport the air through the ventilation space and away from the animals. Preferably the funnels are made HDPE plastic, such that when in use the amount of slurry adhering to the funnels will be limited and the slurry will instead be readily discharged.

In general, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be adapted in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in e.g. the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Aspects of the present invention will be described in the following with reference to the enclosed drawing. The figures of the drawing are as follows: Fig. 1 a shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention, where the funnel is enclosed by a box-shaped encapsulation,

Fig. lb shows a cross-sectional view of the funnel arranged in the device of Fig. la, Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of a device of Fig. la with a pipe unit connected to the outlet opening of the funnel,

Fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention with a pipe unit connected to the outlet of the funnel and being enclosed by a U-shaped encapsulation, Fig. 3 shows a top view of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 4 shows a section of a device as seen in perspective, which comprising two funnels with their lower openings connected through a common outlet pipe, and further comprising an encapsulation, Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal-sectional side view of the section of Fig 4. installed with a floor and an opening in a sty floor.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional front view of a system according to Fig. 2b installed in an opening in a sty floor.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional front view of two rows of devices installed with support elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description describes a device 1 , a sty with one or more devices and method for installing a device 1 by way of example and not by way of limitation. An exemplary embodiment of device 1 according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional side view in Fig. 1. The device 1 has a discharge section 2 comprising a funnel 3 having and upper 3a and lower opening 3b, wherein the upper opening 3a is used for receiving the slurry from above and the lower opening 3b is for discharging the slurry. The funnel 3 has an upper horizontal extent Bl which is larger than the lower horizontal extent B2. The upper horizontal extent Bl may be 1600 mm in both width and depth and the lower horizontal extent B2 may be between 200-300 mm, measured in the horizontal plane, when the device 1 is installed in an opening 16. The funnel 3 comprises an inside 3', defining the space enclosed by the funnel 3, and an outside 3", defining the space not enclosed by the funnel 3. The thickness of the sheet material of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) from which the sides 11 of the funnel 3 preferably is made from, i.e. the distance between the inside 3' and the outside 3" of the funnel 3 may be approximately 10 mm on average.

The discharge section 2 of the device 1 is enclosed by an encapsulation 4, such that a ventilation space 5 is defined between the discharge section 2 and the encapsulation element 4. The encapsulation element 4 may be attached to the discharge section 2 through a cover plate 10, such that the upper edge of the funnel 3a' is covered. The cover plate 10 may be a part of the encapsulation element 4 as shown in figs. 1 and 2a. The encapsulation element 4 may comprise several parts which are arranged to function as a cover plate 10. The cover plate 10 may be attached to the inside surface 11 ' of the funnel 3, above the ventilation apertures 6 in the upper wall of the funnel 2, and such that a distance is created between the cover plate 10 and the inside surface 11 ' of the funnel 3. This distance may be 5 cm wide and allow for air from the inside 3 ' of the funnel 3 to reach and enter through the ventilation apertures 6. Hereby, the ammonia that evaporates from the upper surface of the slurry in the funnel 3 will be removed from the sty via the ventilation space 5, which is connected to a ventilation arrangement (not shown) with an air treatment system to remove the content of ammonia. In an alternative embodiment, the upper edge 2a' of the funnel 3 is arranged with a distance to the cover plate 10 so that a ventilation gap 6 is defined which connects the ventilation space 5 with the inside 3 Of the funnel 3. As the encapsulation element 4 comprising the cover plates 10 extends from the outside 3" of the funnel 3, over the edge 3a', to the inside 3' of the funnel 3, where it is attached to the inside surface 11 ', it thereby covers the edge 3a' of the funnel 3 such that slurry is prevented from entering the ventilation apertures 6 from above.

The encapsulation element 4 may have a range of different shapes, providing a range of different shapes of the ventilation space 5. In one embodiment, as shown in Figs, la and 2a, the encapsulation element 4 may comprise at least one bottom 4c and one or more side walls 4a and/or end walls 4b, such that the encapsulation 4 is substantially U-shaped. Additionally, at least one of the side walls 4a or the end walls 4b may comprise a ventilation opening such that the air retrieved from the inside 3' of the funnel 3, through the ventilation apertures 6 or through a ventilation gap 6, may flow through the ventilation space 5 and the ventilation opening out to the outside of the device 1 , and preferably to the outside of the sty.

The discharge section 2 comprises a set of ventilation apertures 6, which are arranged in the upper part 2' of the discharge section 2, and near the upper edge 3a' of the funnel 3 as shown in Figs. la-3. Preferably the ventilation apertures 6 may be arranged such that each side 11 of the funnel 3 comprises at least one ventilation aperture 6, and more preferably such that the ventilation apertures 6 are evenly distributed with a suitable distance in between. The encapsulation element 4 encloses the discharge section 2 such that air primarily flows through the ventilation apertures 6, the ventilation space 5 and to an outlet.

The discharge section 2 and the encapsulation element 4 may advantageously be made of plastic, such as HDPE, providing a device 1 which is lightweight, sturdy and

environmentally friendly. Furthermore the plastic provides a low friction surface for the slurry to easily slide on and HDPE is very resistant to the environment of the sty, including a high content of ammonia. The device 1 is manufactured in prefabricated parts such that it can be directly installed in an opening 16 and has the lower opening of the funnel 3b and the ventilation space 5 connected to suitable outlet means.

Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional side view of the device 1 of Fig. la, having a discharge section 2 which further comprises a pipe unit with an outlet pipe 8. Here the outlet pipes 8 are oriented such that they are substantially parallel to the sides 4a of the encapsulation 4. The encapsulation element 4 shown has no walls at the ends 4b such that it can be connected to a further encapsulation element 4 and thereby extend the ventilations space 5, and the pipe unit may be connected to a further outlet pipe 8 or to an outlet for the slurry, and such that the slurry and the ventilation air may be led away from the device 1.

Alternatively end walls may be provided, covering at least some of the ends 4b of the encapsulation 4, while still allowing the ventilation space 5 and the pipe unit to be connected to the outside of the device 1.

The outlet pipe 8 is suitable for connection to other outlet pipes 8 or outlets to the outside of the housing, such that the slurry can be transported to a container or similar, where it may be treated or stored. The outlet pipe 8 may be of any suitable material and

approximately 250 mm in diameter, with at least one surface opening 9 arranged along the length of the outlet pipe 8, which has been connected to the lower opening 3b of the funnel 3. The connection is made by gluing or welding and provides a sealed pathway for the slurry such that no slurry can enter the ventilation space 5. In one embodiment of the present invention, each funnel 3 is equipped with an outlet pipe 8 prior to installation in the sty and the outlet pipes 8 of adjacent funnels 3 are connected upon installation in the sty. In an alternative embodiment, the funnels 3 are installed and connected with an outlet pipe 8 having a plurality of surface openings 9 for connecting to a plurality of funnels 3. As soon as the slurry enters the pipe unit, the evaporation of ammonia is significantly reduced due a smaller surface area of slurry in contact with the air. It is therefore an object to allow the slurry to enter the pipe unit as fast as possible to reduce the overall evaporation of ammonia. The funnel 3 may therefore be made of HDPE, which provides a low friction surface on which the slurry can slide. The funnel 3 may additionally comprise an inside angle inclination Al from the horizontal plane of about 45 degrees. The angle is preferably large enough to provide a fast transportation of the slurry, due to the force of gravity, towards the pipe unit. At the same time the angle is small enough to maintain a relatively small extent of the funnel 3.

The funnel 3 may be made of a number of planar surfaces, which may preferably be approximately 1 m long, measured along the longitudinal axis of the planar surface. This present embodiment of the device 1 allows for a discharge section 2 which has a vertical extent D2 of approximately only 97 cm and 79 cm, with and without the pipe unit connected to the funnel 3.

As mentioned previously the encapsulation element 4 may comprise a range of different shapes. For example the encapsulation element 4 may be formed by means of planar sides and bottom floor as shown in Figs. 1 a and 2a, or it may be of a U or V-form as shown in Fig. 2b. The encapsulation element 4 may preferably be prefabricated so that the device 1 occupies a minimum amount of space, while still maintaining its advantageous properties. For example, as shown in Fig. 2b, the encapsulation element 4 could be of similar cross- sectional shape as the discharge section comprising a funnel 3 and a pipe unit. That is, it could be made of a length of a cylindrical pipe, for example with a diameter of 600 mm, of which a section of 120 degrees is cut in the longitudinal direction and attached to two plates connected to each side of the pipe section such that a ventilation space 5 is obtained when the encapsulation element encloses the discharge section 2. This shape may provide a greater geometrical strength while reducing the material use. Additionally, at least a part of the uppermost parts of each of the two plates may be substantially vertical, creating a vertical distance. The upper edge 3a' of the funnel 3 may then be positioned adjacent to any point along this vertical distance while maintaining a constant gap width between the upper edge 3a' of the funnel 3 and the encapsulation element 4. The vertical distance is preferably approximately 150 mm. The encapsulation element 4 may also be formed such that it fits into a pre-existing opening in a floor.

The device 1 may additionally comprise a plurality of support straps 7 for supporting at least the funnels and the outlet pipe(s) especially when in use. The support straps may be fixed to the one or more encapsulation element(s) 4 and extending at least from a first side 4a of the encapsulation element(s) 4, beneath at least one of the funnels 3 and to a second side 4a of the encapsulation element(s) 4, wherein the first side 4a of the encapsulation element(s) 4 is preferably opposing the second side 4a of the encapsulation element(s) 4as can be seen in fig. 2b.

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the device 1 as shown in either Fig 1 or Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the cover plate 10', which may not be a part of the encapsulation 4 and which may be substantially shaped as a V, comprising two sides, with one edge of each side abutting and connected. The cover plate 10' is arranged over abutting edges of neighbouring funnels 3.

The top view shows how the lower opening 3b of the funnel 3 is preferably centrally placed, such that the inclination toward the lower opening 3b is substantially the same around the inner circumference of the funnel 3. The funnel 3 may comprise four planar surfaces 11 arranged such that the funnel may be shaped as a trapezoidal prism. The four neighbouring planar surfaces 11 may preferably be assembled into a funnel 3 by welding a longitudinal edge of a planar surface to a longitudinal edge of a neighbouring planar surface, for example at a 90 degree angle. Two neighbouring planar surfaces may not comprise the same longitudinal and horizontal extent, such that the cross section of the funnel 3 in the horizontal plane is substantially rectangular as shown in Fig. 3. Support straps 7 may be arranged such that they may be used to adjust the vertical position of the funnel 3 and the outlet pipes 8, and additionally also the angle of inclination from horizontal. For example a support strap 7 may approximately be located beneath the lower opening 3b of the funnel 3 while another support strap 7 may be located the beneath the connection between the funnel 3 and a neighbouring funnel 3 as can be seen in fig. 3 and 4. The individual support straps may then be adjusted individually so that the funnel and the outlet unit are positioned at an angle from horizontal.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention, where the lower openings 3b of each funnel 3 are interconnected by being connected to the same outlet pipe 8 or pipe unit. An encapsulation element 4 is installed with two funnels 3, and a plurality of such

encapsulation elements 4 and corresponding funnels 3 may be connected in a row, creating a device 1. The encapsulation element 4 shown in Fig. 4 is substantially U-shaped as arranged with open ends 4b such that a plurality of the encapsulation elements 4 may be connected by connecting the abutting edges of the encapsulations 4 to form a closed ventilation channel 5. The last encapsulation element 4 in the row may comprise a wall enclosing the end 4b of encapsulation 4 such that the ventilation channel 5 is further enclosed. The funnels 3 may be interconnected by using cover plates 10'.

Two funnels 3 arranged in abutment have a joint longitudinal extent B3, as indicated in Fig. 4, between 3100 and 3300 mm. An example of a device 1 is shown in Fig. 5 installed in an opening 16 in the sty floor. The dashed lines indicate that further part, i.e. encapsulation elements 4 and funnels 3 may be connected onto the device 1 shown. The device 1 comprises at least one pipe unit having at least one outlet pipe 8, which may preferably have a downwards inside angle of inclination A2 from horizontal of approx. 0.2 %, such that the slurry from the respective funnels 3 will tend to travel in the same direction.

A plurality of devices 1 may be installed in a row as a system 13. The assembled system 13 comprises a plurality of ventilations spaces 5, which forms a ventilation channel 5'. In connection to this ventilation channel 5', ventilation means (not shown), cleaning means 14, drainage means 15 and an air treatment system (not shown) may be installed. The ventilation means may comprise one or more blowers and may preferably be arranged such that the, when in use, air will be withdrawn from the funnels 3 and discharged at an outlet in the ventilation channel 5 ' . Here the air may be collected and treated such that contaminants within the air, in particular ammonia, can be removed. The system 13 may alternatively comprise an air treatment system (not shown), which can treat the air prior to the outlet. The air treatment system may comprise a vapour spray, which is arranged to spray a liquid containing sulfuric acid into the ventilation channel 5 ' . This spray is most efficient when arranged such that a large area of the ventilation channel 5 ' is treated. The sulfuric acid will capture the ammonia in the air in the liquid, which can then be discharged, for example by using drainage 15 and suction means. It is preferred that the air is sufficiently cleaned such that it may be released to the outside environment without further treatment. This air treatment system may be a part of the prefabricated parts from which the system 13 in constructed. The cleaning means 14 may comprise a hose 14' which is preferably installed near a distance corresponding to approximately halfway between a bottom and a top of the ventilation channel 5', such that a large area of the ventilation channel 5' may be cleaned, by having the hose 14' spray water down the inside surfaces enclosing the ventilation channel 5'. Preferably the cleaning means 14 are fixed to the encapsulation element 4. The encapsulation element 4 may additionally comprise drainage means 15 in the bottom 4c part of the encapsulation element 4, such that the liquid can be drained from the ventilation channel 5'. The cleaning 14, 14' and drainage means 15 may be installed in each device 1 , or in one of the device 1, prior to installation and assembling the devices 1 into a system 13.

The method of installation only requires a relative shallow opening 16 in the sty in order to fully contain the system 13, the preferred depth C of the opening 16 is between 1800-2000 mm. The opening 16 may be provided upon installation or it may be a pre-existing opening, for example a slurry pit. After installation of the device 1 or the system 13, the outside surface of the encapsulation element 4 is facing the neighbouring inside surface of the opening 16. If there is exists any gaps in between, they may be filled with any suitable material, such as gravel or sand which need not be shape stabile like concrete. Preferably there will be a vertical gap between the top of the device 1 and the level of the sty floor, so that when a grid floor 12 is placed on top, the top of the grid floor will be substantially level with the sty floor. Substantially level refers to within 0-2 cm, such that the animals in the sty are comfortable walking from a solid floor to a grid floor 12. The grid floor 12 comprises holes 12' large enough to let slurry through, such that it can reach the funnel 3, and at the same time maintain the animals within the sty. This method provides an installation method which is low in cost and easy to execute. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a device 1 as installed in an opening 16. The sides 4a and the bottom 4c of the encapsulation element 4 are abutting the walls and the floor of the opening 16, providing the outside boundaries for the device 1 while at the same time defining a ventilation space 5 and providing support for the device 1. Additionally, a bar may be positioned in tension between the sides 4a of the encapsulation element 4, such that the bar provides additional support for the device against the load from the walls of the opening 16 and the slurry.

In another aspect of the invention, the device may comprise one or more support elements 18 and additionally the support elements 18 may be a part of the encapsulation by being comprised by the encapsulation elements 4. In a present example the support elements 18 are positioned abutting the outer surface of the encapsulation and are as such not a part of the encapsulation elements enclosing the ventilation space 5. The support elements are abutting the sides 4a and the encapsulation. The support elements 18 may be used to support the grid floor 12, and may also facilitate a simplified method of installing the device 1. The support structures 18 are in the present example made of concrete and shaped with a planar bottom surface so that they may be readily placed on the bottom of the opening 16 upon installation.

The floor 12 comprising a plurality of through holes 12', through which the slurry can fall into the funnels 3, is placed over the upper opening of at least one funnel 3 and on two support elements 18, such that the support elements 18 support the weight and the load on the floor 12.

One or more rows of devices 1, i.e. such as one or more systems may be installed in an opening 16 of a sty.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a two rows of devices 1 installed in an opening 16 and separated within the opening 16 by a support element 18. Further devices 1 may be installed next to the shown devices 1 and separated by further support elements 18. In the present example each row comprises one or more devices 1 arranged end-to-end. Each device comprises a ventilation space such that each row comprises a ventilation channel 5 ' made up of the ventilations spaces within that row. The sty shown in Fig. 7 comprises two separate ventilations channels 5', each enclosed by the encapsulations within each row, where each encapsulation comprises one or more encapsulation elements 4. The encapsulation elements 4 may comprise the support elements 18, such that the support elements participate in defining the ventilation channel 5'. But in the present example, the support elements 18 are separated from the ventilation channel 5 ' by the encapsulation elements 4, made of HDPE plastic sheet material. In the present example, also the funnels 3 are made of HDPE plastic, providing a surface for the slurry on which it can readily glide towards the lower opening 3b. Furthermore using HDPE results in a lightweight solution, accommodating an easier and quicker installation of the device 1. In the present example, the support straps 7 are made of poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide fibres and attached to the encapsulation, and they support the outlet pipes 8 and the funnels 3 and transfer the weight and the loads on the outlet pipe 8 and the funnels 3 to the encapsulation. The support straps provide a simple adjustment of the inclination of the outlet pipes 8 of the devices 1, which may be adjusted prior to installation or upon installation within the opening 16.

A floor 12 comprising a plurality of through holes 12', through which the slurry can pass into the funnels 3, is placed over the upper opening of at least one funnel 3 and on two support elements 18, such that the support elements 18 support the weight and the load on the floor 12. As shown in Fig. 7, the upper surface of the support elements 18 are wide enough to accommodate supporting more than one floor 12 simultaneously.

In the present example, the encapsulation is constructed such that the support element 18 may support the encapsulation. In Fig. 7 it is seen how the outer surface of the support element 18 is in abutment with the outer surface of the encapsulation. Furthermore the width of the encapsulation is decreasing towards the bottom, and correspondingly the width of the support elements 18 are increasing towards the bottom. Due to these described shapes of the support elements 18 and the encapsulation, the support element 18 may act as additional support for the encapsulation and thereby the funnels 3 and the outlet pipes 8 etc.

A plurality of devices 1 according to any of the previous embodiments may be installed in an opening 16 using the following method comprises the following steps:

placing a plurality of support elements 18 on the bottom of the opening 16, such that a distance between neighbouring support elements 18 is provided, wherein the distance is large enough to accommodate the encapsulation comprising one or more encapsulation elements 4 of a device 1 ,

placing the device or the remainder of each device on the bottom of the opening 16 between the plurality of support elements 18, such that each support element 18 is in abutment with one or more encapsulation elements 4,

- placing at least one floor 12 having a plurality of through holes 12' through which slurry can flow over the funnels 3 and supported by at least some of the support elements 18, such that the weight of the at least one floor 12 and the load on the at least one floor 12 is transferred to the support elements 18.

The bottom of the opening 16 may of sand or the like and sufficiently solid to

accommodate the placement of the device 1 with the support elements 18 on the bottom. The support elements 18 are placed on the bottom, thereafter the encapsulation and the support straps 7, ventilation gaps 6, ventilation space 5, funnel 3 and outlet pipe 8 enclosed by the encapsulation is placed between the support elements 18. The support elements 18 are placed in rows, so that when the encapsulation is also placed on the bottom between the rows of support elements 18, opposite sides 4a of the encapsulation is abutting one or more support elements 18 i.e. the encapsulation slots into the space created between the support elements 18. The support elements 18 and the encapsulations may not need to be attached to each other but merely placed side by side. The encapsulation made of HDPE provide the necessary support for the enclosing the ventilation space 5 or channel 5', funnels 3, the support straps 7 and the outlet pipes 8, such the encapsulation and the remainder of the device 1 may merely be placed on the bottom of the opening 16 upon installation.

Advantageously the described method of installation provides an easier assembly of the system in the opening 16. In the present example the floors 12 comprising a plurality of through holes 12 'are each placed over the upper openings of one or more funnels 3 and on at least two support elements 18, such that the support elements 18 support the weight and the load on the floors 12. The outlet pipes 8 are connected to outlets provided to the outside of the animal housing where the slurry and waste may be stored or treated. The ventilation spaces or channels 5, 5 ' are connected to one or more ventilation systems and the air can be transferred from the ventilation spaces or channels 5, 5' to the outside of the housing through one or more ventilation openings or to an air treatment facility. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Device

2 Discharge section

2' Upper part of the discharge section 2" Lower part of the discharge section

3 Funnel

3 ' Inside of the funnel

3 ' ' Outside of the funnel

3a Upper opening of the funnel

3a' Upper edge of the funnel

3b Lower opening of the funnel

4 Encapsulation element

4a Side of the encapsulation element 4b End of the encapsulation element

4c Bottom of the encapsulation element

5 Ventilation space

5 ' Ventilation channel

6 Ventilation apertures/gaps

7 Support strap

8 Outlet pipe

9 Outlet opening

10, 10' Cover plate

11 Sides of the funnel

1 1 ' Inside surface of the sides of the funnel

12 Floor

12' Holes within the floor

13 System

14 Cleaning means

14' Hose

15 Drainage means

16 Opening at the sty 16a Upper section of the opening

16b Lower section of the opening

17 Concrete floor

18 Support element

Al Inside angle of inclination of inside surface from horizontal A2 Inside angle of inclination of the pipe unit

Bl Upper horizontal extent of the funnel

B2 Lower horizontal extent of the funnel

B3 Horizontal extent of the device comprising two funnels C Depth of the opening

Dl Vertical extent of the funnel

D2 Vertical extent of the discharge section

LI Longitudinal extent of the inside surface

Claims

1. A sty for keeping animals comprising a device (1) for collection and removal of slurry or similar, wherein the device (1) is installed under the floor level of the sty and the device (1) comprises a plurality of funnels (3) wherein each funnel comprises at least one upper opening (3a) having an upper horizontal area enclosed by an upper edge (3a'), and a lower opening (3b) having a lower horizontal area enclosed by a lower edge (3b'), wherein the upper horizontal area is larger than the lower horizontal area, and the inside (3') of the funnel (3) is thus extending from the upper opening (3a) to the lower opening (3b) of the funnel (3), the device (1) further comprises at least one outlet pipe (8) having a plurality of outlet openings (9) in the surface thereof, wherein the outlet openings (9) are substantially abutting the lower openings

(3b) of the funnels (3) such that a sealed pathway for slurry is provided from the funnels (3) to the outlet pipe(s) (8), the device (1) moreover comprises one or more encapsulation elements (4), enclosing the funnels (3) and outlet pipe(s) (8), such that a ventilation space (5) is defined between the one or more

encapsulation elements (4) and the funnels (3) and the outlet pipe(s) (8), moreover for each funnel (3) two opposite parts of the upper edge (3a') are enclosed by the one or more encapsulation elements (4), the device further comprises one or more ventilation gaps (6) arranged near the two opposite parts of the upper edge (3a') of each funnel (3) and covered by the one or more encapsulation elements (4), such that air can flow between the inside (3') of the funnels (3) and the ventilation space (5) and so that the one or more encapsulation elements (4) prevents slurry from entering the one or more ventilation gaps (6), and at least one floor (12) having a plurality of through holes (12') and placed over the upper opening (3a) of at least one funnel (3).

2. A sty according to claim 1, wherein the one or more encapsulation elements (4) is made of a sheet material.

3. A sty according to claim 2, wherein the one or more encapsulation elements (4) is made of a plastic material, preferably comprising High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material.

4. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for each of the funnels (3) the encapsulation element (4) extends from the inside (3') of the funnels (3), above a first part of the upper edge (2a') of the funnels, underneath the funnels (3) and the outlet pipe(s) (8), above a second part of the upper edge (3 a') of the funnels and to the inside (3') of the funnel (3).

5. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more ventilation gaps (6) are defined between the one or more encapsulation elements (4) and the enclosed upper edges (3a') of the funnels (3).

6. A sty according any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of support straps (7), fixed to the one or more encapsulation elements (4) and extending from a first side of the encapsulation element (4), beneath at least one of the funnels (3) and to a second side of the encapsulation element (4), wherein the first side of the encapsulation element (4) is preferably opposing the second side of the encapsulation element (4).

7. A sty according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of support straps (7) are made from a material comprising para-aramid synthetic fibers, in particular comprising poly- paraphenylene terephthalamide fibers.

8. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) are fixed to one or more encapsulation element (4).

9. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) comprises a plurality of inner surfaces (11 ') and wherein the angle of inclination from vertical (Al) of at least one inner surface (11 ') of the plurality of inner surfaces (11 ') of the funnel (3), is in the range of 30-60 degrees, and preferably in the range of 40-50 degrees.

10. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.

11. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) are arranged side by side such that at least a part of the upper edge (3 a') of the first funnel (2) is neighbouring at least a part of the upper edge (3a') of the second funnel (3).

12. A sty according to claim 11, wherein the neighbouring upper edges (3a') of the funnels (3) are covered by a cover plate (10') attached to both funnels (3).

13. A sty according to any of the claims 11-12, wherein the upper edges (3a') of the first and the second funnels (3) are connected, preferably by welding, such that no material can enter the ventilation space (5) in between the upper edges (3a') of the funnels (3).

14. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet pipe (8) has an inclination (A2) from horizontal of at least 0.1%, preferably between 0.1-0.5 %, in the longitudinal direction arranged to promote a flow away from the outlet openings (9).

15. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises 2-24 funnels (3), preferably 3-6 funnels (3).

16. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a plurality of support elements (18) arranged on two opposite sides (11) of the funnels (3).

17. A sty according to claim 16, wherein each support element (18) is shaped so that a surface of the support elements (18) abuts an outer surface of at least a part of the one or more encapsulation elements (4).

18. A sty according to claim 16, wherein the one or more encapsulation elements (4) comprises the support elements (18), such that the support elements (18) aid in defining the ventilation space (5).

19. A sty according to any of the claims 16-18, wherein the at least one floor (12) is supported by at least some of the support elements (18) such that the weight of the floor (12) and the load on the floor (12) are transferred to the support elements (18).

20. A sty according to any of the claims 16-19, wherein the funnels (3) and the outlet pipes (8) are at least partially supported by the support elements (18) such that at least some of the weight of the funnels (3) and the outlet pipes (8) and the load on the funnels (3) and the outlet pipes (8) are transferred to the support elements (18).

21. A sty according to any of the claims 16-20, wherein the support elements (18) are made of concrete.

22. A sty according to any of the claims 16-20, wherein the support elements (18) are made of sheet material, preferably High density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.

23. A sty according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sty comprises a plurality of the device (1), arranged in a plurality of rows such that the sty comprises a plurality of ventilation spaces (5), wherein at least some of the ventilation spaces (5) are separated from ventilation spaces (5) of a neighbouring row by the plurality of support elements (18).

24. A sty according to claim 23, wherein at least one support element (18) is shared by neighbouring devices (1).

25. A sty according to any of the claims 23-24, wherein at least some of the plurality of ventilation spaces (5) are further separated from ventilation spaces (5) of a neighbouring row by at least some of the one or more encapsulation elements (4).

26. A method for installation of a plurality of devices (1) in an opening (16) within a sty to achieve a sty according to any of the claims 1-25, for use in collection and removal of slurry or similar, wherein the installation comprises the following steps:

placing a plurality of support elements (18) on the bottom of the opening (16), such that a distance between neighbouring support elements (18) is provided, wherein the distance is large enough to accommodate the encapsulation comprising one or more encapsulation elements (4) of a device (1)

placing each device (1) or the remainder of each device (1) on the bottom of the opening (16) between the plurality of support elements (18), such that each support element (18) is in abutment with one or more encapsulation elements (4),

placing the at least one floor (12) having a plurality of through holes (12') through which slurry can flow over the funnels (3) and supported by at least some of the support elements (18), such that the weight of the at least one floor (12) and the load on the at least one floor (12) is transferred to the support elements (18).

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the method further comprises the step of attaching the one or more encapsulation elements (4) to abutting support elements (18).

28. A method according to claim 26, wherein the depth of the opening (16) at the sty under floor level of the sty is between 90-130 cm, preferably 100-110 cm.

29. Use of the sty according to any of the claims 1-25 for keeping animals and for removing slurry.

30. A device (1) for use in collection and removal of slurry or similar from a sty, wherein the device (1) comprises a plurality of funnels (3) wherein each funnel comprises at least one upper opening (3a) having an upper horizontal area enclosed by an upper edge (3a'), and a lower opening (3b) having a lower horizontal area enclosed by a lower edge (3b'), wherein the upper horizontal area is larger than the lower horizontal area, and the inside (3') of the funnel (3) is thus extending from the upper opening (3a) to the lower opening (3b) of the funnel (3), the device (1) further comprises at least one outlet pipe (8) having a plurality of outlet openings (9) in the surface thereof, wherein the outlet openings (9) are substantially abutting the lower openings (3b) of the funnels (3) such that a sealed pathway for slurry is provided from the funnels (3) to the outlet pipe(s) (8), the device (1) moreover comprises one or more encapsulation elements (4), enclosing the funnels (3) and outlet pipe(s)

(8), such that a ventilation space (5) is defined between the one or more encapsulation elements (4) and the funnels (3) and the outlet pipe(s) (8), moreover for each funnel (3) two opposite parts of the upper edge (3a') are enclosed by the one or more encapsulation elements (4), the device further comprises one or more ventilation gaps (6) arranged near the two opposite parts of the upper edge (3a') of each funnel (3) and covered by the one or more encapsulation elements (4), such that air can flow between the inside (3') of the funnels (3) and the ventilation space (5) and so that the one or more encapsulation elements (4) prevents slurry from entering the one or more ventilation gaps (6).

31. A device (1) according to claim 30, wherein the one or more encapsulation elements (4) is made of a sheet material.

32. A device (1) according to claim 31, wherein the one or more encapsulation elements (4) is made of a plastic material, preferably comprising High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material.

33. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for each of the funnels the encapsulation element (4) extends from the inside (3') of the funnels (3), above a first part of the upper edge (2a') of the funnels, underneath the funnels (3) and the outlet pipe(s) (8), above a second part of the upper edge (3a') of the funnels and to the inside (3') of the funnel (3).

34. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more ventilation gaps (6) are defined between the one or more encapsulation elements (4) and the enclosed upper edges (3a') of the funnels (3).

35. A device (1) according any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of support straps (7), fixed to the one or more encapsulation elements (4) and extending from a first side of the encapsulation element (4), beneath at least one of the funnels (3) and to a second side of the encapsulation element (4), wherein the first side of the encapsulation element (4) is preferably opposing the second side of the encapsulation element (4).

36. A device according to claim 35, wherein the plurality of support straps (7) are made from a material comprising para-aramid synthetic fibers, in particular comprising poly- paraphenylene terephthalamide fibers.

37. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) are fixed to one or more encapsulation element (4).

38. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) comprises a plurality of inner surfaces (11 ') and wherein the angle of inclination from vertical (Al) of at least one inner surface (11 ') of the plurality of inner surfaces (11 ') of the funnel (3), is in the range of 30-60 degrees, and preferably in the range of 40-50 degrees.

39. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.

40. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the funnels (3) are arranged side by side such that at least a part of the upper edge (3 a') of the first funnel (2) is neighbouring at least a part of the upper edge (3a') of the second funnel (3).

41. A device (1) according to claim 40, wherein the neighbouring upper edges (3a') of the funnels (3) are covered by a cover plate (10') attached to both funnels (3).

42. A device (1) according to any of the claims 40-41, wherein the upper edges (3a') of the first and the second funnels (3) are connected, preferably by welding, such that no material can enter the ventilation space (5) in between the upper edges (3a') of the funnels (3).

43. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet pipe (8) has an inclination (A2) from horizontal of at least 0.1%, preferably between 0.1 -0.5 %, in the longitudinal direction arranged to promote a flow away from the outlet openings (9).

44. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising 2-24 funnels (3), preferably 3-6 funnels (3).

45. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a plurality of support elements (18) arranged on two opposite sides (11) of the funnels (3).

46. A device (1) according to claim 45, wherein each support element (18) is shaped so that a surface of the support elements (18) abuts an outer surface of at least a part of the one or more encapsulation elements (4).

47. A device (1) according to claim 45, wherein the one or more encapsulation elements (4) comprises the support elements (18), such that the support elements (18) aid in defining the ventilation space (5).

48. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one floor (12) having a plurality of through holes (12') and placed over the upper opening (3 a) of at least one funnel (3).

49. A device (1) according to claim 48 and any of the claims 45-47, wherein the at least one floor (12) is supported by at least some of the support elements (18) such that the weight of the floor (12) and the load on the floor (12) are transferred to the support elements (18).

50. A device (1) according to any of the claims 45-49, wherein the funnels (3) and the outlet pipes (8) are at least partially supported by the support elements (18) such that at least some of the weight of the funnels (3) and the outlet pipes (8) and the load on the funnels (3) and the outlet pipes (8) are transferred to the support elements (18).

51. A device (1) according to any of the claims 45-50, wherein the support elements (18) are made of concrete.

52. A device (1) according to any of the claims 45-50, wherein the support elements (18) are made of sheet material, preferably High density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.

53. Use of a device (1) according to any of the claims 30-52 for removing slurry from a sty for keeping animals.

54. A sty for keeping animals comprising a device (1) for collection and removal of slurry or the like according to any of the claims 30-52.

55. A sty according to claim 54, wherein the sty comprises a plurality of the device (1) according to claim 30-52, arranged in a plurality of rows such that the sty comprises a plurality of ventilation spaces (5), wherein at least some of the ventilation spaces (5) are separated from ventilation spaces (5) of a neighbouring row by the plurality of support elements (18).

56. A sty according to claim 55, wherein at least one support element (18) is shared by neighbouring devices (1).

57. A sty according to any of the claims 55-56, wherein at least some of the plurality of ventilation spaces (5) are further separated from ventilation spaces (5) of a neighbouring row by at least some of the one or more encapsulation elements (4).

58. A sty according to any of the claims 55-57, wherein the sty comprises one or more floors (12), each comprising a plurality of through holes (12'), wherein the floors (12) are placed over the upper openings (3a) of the funnels (3).

59. A method for installation of a plurality of devices (1) according to any of the claims 30-52 in an opening (16) within a sty, for use in collection and removal of slurry or similar, wherein the installation comprises the following steps:

placing each device or the remainder of each device on the bottom of the opening (16) between the plurality of support elements (18), such that each support element (18) is in abutment with one or more encapsulation elements (4),

placing at least one floor (12) having a plurality of through holes (12') through which slurry can flow over the funnels (3) and supported by at least some of the support elements (18), such that the weight of the at least one floor (12) and the load on the at least one floor (12) is transferred to the support elements (18).

60. A method according to claim 59, wherein the method further comprises the step of attaching the one or more encapsulation elements (4) to abutting support elements (18).

61. A method according to claim 59, wherein the depth of the opening (16) at the sty under floor level of the sty is between 90-130 cm, preferably 100-110 cm.