WO2023094618A1

WO2023094618A1 - Diffusion systems for the diffusion of at least one active principle in a livestock rearing enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2023094618A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/083335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Vincent BIORET
Original assignee: Group Elastoteck
Priority date: 2021-11-26
Filing date: 2022-11-25
Publication date: 2023-06-01
Also published as: FR3129566A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a diffusion system for the diffusion of at least one active principle in a livestock rearing enclosure (E). The diffusion system (1) comprises at least one fan device (2) which comprises: - a fan module (3) intended for generating an air flow (F); - a supply module (4) located in the air flow (F) generated by said fan module (3) and provided to supply said air flow (F) with at least one active principle intended for being diffused in said livestock rearing enclosure (E); and - a deflector module (5) located downstream of said fan module (3) and suitable for orienting said air flow (F).

Description

Diffusion systems, for the diffusion of at least one active ingredient in a rearing enclosure

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical field of animal husbandry.

It relates in particular to the field of diffusion systems, for the diffusion of at least one active ingredient in a rearing enclosure.

State of the art

The health of the animals is a determining parameter in the performance of a farm.

To contribute to this good health, a traditional approach consisted in particular in trying to contain the presence of microorganisms in the breeding enclosure, in particular by the use of disinfectants, antiseptics, antibiotics, etc.

However, this traditional practice raises various health and regulatory problems.

A new approach then consists in diffusing active ingredients in the rearing enclosure, in particular to direct/promote positive microbial ecosystems.

This is the case, for example, when the enclosure is seeded with “favorable” or “positive” bacteria, which are intended to reduce the pressure of pathogenic bacteria causing various health problems.

But, in practice, the diffusion of these active ingredients in the rearing enclosure is generally neither efficient nor homogeneous.

The effectiveness of these active ingredients is therefore not optimal.

Presentation of the invention

In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a diffusion system, for the diffusion of at least one active principle in a breeding enclosure.

The diffusion system according to the invention comprises at least one fan device which comprises:

- a fan module, intended to generate an air flow,

- a supply module, installed in the air flow generated by said fan module and provided to supply said air flow with at least one active principle intended to be diffused in said rearing enclosure, and

- a deflector module, located downstream of said fan module and suitable for directing said air flow.

The air flow is thus charged with the active principle during its passage at the level of the fan device. This air flow is also oriented in the rearing enclosure so as to ensure effective and homogeneous diffusion of this active ingredient in the rearing enclosure.

Such a system is thus adapted, in a simple and inexpensive manner, to diffuse an active principle in the enclosure.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product in accordance with the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

- the power supply module is located upstream of the deflector module, advantageously upstream of said fan module,

- the supply module comprises a distribution member intended to deliver said at least one active principle into the air flow and supply means, to bring said at least one active principle to said distribution member; according to one embodiment, the dispensing member consists of a container comprising an internal volume, adapted to contain said at least one active principle, which comprises at least one opening adapted to the entrainment of said at least one active principle by said flow of air, and the supply means consist of supply means for supplying said at least one active principle into said container; preferably, the container consists of a cup provided with an opening facing upwards; according to another embodiment, the dispensing member consists of at least one nozzle intended to deliver the active principle into the air flow and the supply means consist of supply means for supplying said at least one nozzle with said at least one active ingredient;

- the fan module consists of an axial or helical fan module, advantageously with a vertical axis of rotation, and the distribution member is advantageously installed coaxially with said vertical axis of rotation;

- the deflector module comprises a frustoconical deflecting surface, or several profiles each comprising at least one deflecting surface;

- the active principle is chosen from positive microorganisms or essential oils;

- the power supply module comprises control means provided for controlling the release of the active principle.

The present invention also relates to an enclosure, for example for breeding animals, for example for dairy cows.

This enclosure comprises a diffusion system according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a method for the diffusion of at least one active ingredient in an enclosure according to the invention.

This method consists in supplying the air flow with at least one active ingredient by implementing a diffusion system according to the invention. Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

Detailed description of the invention

In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

[Fig. 1] is a general view of a breeding enclosure equipped with the diffusion system according to the invention;

[Fig. 2] is an isolated view, and in detail, of a first embodiment of the broadcasting system according to the invention;

[Fig. 3] is an isolated view, and in detail, of a second embodiment of the broadcasting system according to the invention;

[Fig. 4] is an isolated view, and in detail, of a dispenser equipping the means of transport.

It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and/or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

The present invention therefore relates to a diffusion system 1, for the diffusion of at least one active ingredient in a rearing enclosure E.

The enclosure E according to the invention, shown partially and schematically in Figure 1, here consists of an enclosure for raising animals.

By "animals" is meant in particular cattle, in particular dairy cows, or even beef cattle.

The breeding enclosure E consists of a building delimited by a frame and adapted to the desired breeding (for example a barn in the case of cattle).

This rearing enclosure E advantageously comprises different zones, for example a feeding area, a circulation corridor and/or a rest area.

To ensure such diffusion, the diffusion system 1 according to the invention comprises at least one fan device 2 which comprises:

- a fan module 3, intended to generate an air flow F,

- a supply module 4, installed in the air flow F generated by the fan module 3 and provided to supply the air flow F with at least one active principle intended to be diffused in the rearing enclosure E , And

- a deflector module 5, located downstream of the fan module 3 and suitable for directing the flow of air F in the rearing enclosure E (downstream of the fan device 2 and the fan module 3).

In practice, a rearing enclosure E can comprise a single fan device 2 and, preferably, several fan devices 2 (suitably distributed). Preferably, the fan module 3 and the deflector module 5 are advantageously chosen from fans intended to cool the animals within an enclosure E, for example described in the documents EP3546845 or USD733,283.

The fan module 3 and the deflector module s, advantageously conventional in themselves, are advantageously equipped with the power supply module 4.

Fan module

In general, the airflow F advantageously comprises a direction of travel defined by the fan module 3. The "upstream" and "downstream" structural elements are oriented taking into account the direction of travel of the airflow F (from a entrance to an exit).

Preferably, the fan module 3 consists of an axial or helical fan module 3, whose axis of rotation 3' of the propeller is advantageously a vertical axis of rotation 3'.

The axis of rotation 3' advantageously defines a longitudinal axis 3' of the fan module 3 (designated by the same reference for the sake of simplicity).

In this case, the air flow F passes through the fan module 3 in an axial direction, coaxial with a longitudinal axis 3' (preferably vertical, or for example with an angle relative to the vertical ranging from 0 to 45°, when the fan module 3 is installed) and parallel to the axis of rotation 3' of the propeller (FIGS. 2 and 3).

The air flow F is advantageously axial at the inlet and at the outlet of this fan module 3.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis 3' of the fan module 3 and the axis of rotation 3' of the propeller (not shown) are coaxial.

Preferably again, the fan module 3 comprises a crown within which the propeller propelled by the motor is attached (advantageously forming a turbine).

The speed of the air flow, at the outlet of the fan module 3, is advantageously from 0.5 to 4 m/s.

Power module

A power supply module 4 is described below in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3.

In general, the power supply module 4 is advantageously installed upstream of the deflector module 5.

In other words, the power supply module 4 is advantageously installed:

- upstream of fan module 3 (figure 2), or

- between the fan module 3 and the deflector module 5 (figure 3), or even

- downstream of the deflector module 5.

In general, preferably, the power supply module 4 comprises:

- a distribution member 41 intended to deliver said at least one active principle into the air flow F, - supply means 42, for supplying/transporting said at least one active principle to said distribution member 41, and possibly

- control means 43, provided for controlling the supply of active principle (preferably by controlling the supply means 42).

According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the power supply module 4 is located upstream of the fan module 3.

Said at least one active principle is then sucked in by the air flow F, before passing through the fan module 3; the air flow F, loaded with at least one active principle, is thus pulsed downstream of the fan module 3 then oriented/dispersed by the deflector module 5.

According to this embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the power supply module 4 advantageously comprises:

- a dispensing member 41 in the form of a container 41 intended to contain said at least one active principle and to deliver the latter into the air flow F,

- supply means 42, to bring said at least one active ingredient into the container 41.

The air flow F advantageously picks up said at least one active principle at the level of the container 41, during its passage.

The container 41 advantageously comprises an internal volume 411, adapted to contain said at least one active principle.

The internal volume 411 further comprises an opening 412, which emerges, suitable for the removal/entrainment of said at least one active principle by the circulation of the air flow F.

Preferably again, the container 41 consists of a cup 41 provided with an opening 412 facing upwards.

When the fan module s consists of an axial or helical fan module 3 with a vertical axis of rotation 3', the cup 41 is advantageously installed coaxially with the vertical axis of rotation 3'.

When the power supply module 4 is located upstream of the deflector module 5, the cup 41 advantageously comprises an opening 412 facing upwards, opposite the fan module 3. Preferably, the withdrawal of active principle is obtained by a vortex effect.

The container 41 is advantageously secured to the fan module 3 and/or the deflector module 5.

According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the power supply module 4 is located between the fan module 3 and the deflector module 5.

Said at least one active ingredient is then driven by the air flow F generated by the fan module 3; the air flow F, loaded with at least one active principle, is oriented/dispersed by the deflector module 5. According to this embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the power supply module 4 comprises:

- a distribution member 41 in the form of at least one nozzle 41 intended to deliver the active principle into the air flow F, and

- Supply means 42, for supplying said at least one nozzle with said at least one active ingredient.

The air flow F advantageously causes said at least one active principle at the level of said at least one nozzle 41, during its passage.

Said at least one nozzle 41 consists for example of an annular nozzle 41 comprising an annular outlet 415.

When the fan module s consists of an axial or helical fan module 3 with a vertical axis of rotation 3', the annular outlet 415 is advantageously installed coaxially with the vertical axis of rotation 3'.

This combination advantageously ensures a 360° supply (homogeneous) of the air flow F.

In this case, said at least one nozzle 41 advantageously comprises a deflecting surface 416 (advantageously tapered) to direct the supply of active ingredient towards the annular outlet 415.

According to yet another embodiment not shown, said at least one nozzle 41 advantageously consists of an ultrasonic spray nozzle to obtain nebulization of the active ingredient.

According to yet another variant embodiment, not shown, said at least one nozzle 41 could be installed upstream of the fan module 3 (replacing, or instead of, the container 41).

Furthermore, the input means 42 consist for example of automated input means 42, advantageously comprising a programmable automaton.

In the case of an active principle in the form of a powder, the supply means 42 consist for example of means of transport by compressed air.

These means of contribution 42 include for example:

- a compressor (or blower) 421,

- a 422 dispenser,

- a pneumatic transport conduit 423, for example a flexible sheath, located between the compressor 421 and the distribution member 41 (opening out for example facing the opening 412 in the case of a container 41 or facing the deflecting surface 416 in the case of a nozzle 41).

As shown schematically in Figure 4, the metering device 422 may consist of:

- a filling bowl 4221, intended to contain said at least one active ingredient, and - A suction duct 4222, interposed on the pneumatic transport duct 423 and intended to suck said at least one active principle (advantageously by a venturi effect) from the filling bowl 4221 thanks to a flow of blown air.

For this, the outlet of the filling bowl 4221 opens into the suction duct 4222. And this suction duct 4222 advantageously comprises a narrowed flow section at the level of this outlet of the filling bowl 4221.

The supply means 42 can also consist of supply means 42 suitable for active principles in liquid form (aqueous or oily products for example).

The supply means 42 may also comprise a distributor, in the case of a diffusion system comprising several fan devices 2 in series.

The control means 43 (for example in the form of a programmable automaton) are provided to control the supply of active principle, advantageously according to regular supply cycles (for example from 5 to 20 minutes per day).

Preferably, the speed of the air flow is increased during the feeding of the active principle in order to optimize the diffusion of this active principle in the rearing enclosure E.

Preferably, this “increased” speed is maintained for several minutes after a feeding cycle, for example for 10 to 30 minutes, here again to optimize the diffusion of this active ingredient in this rearing enclosure E.

Deflector module

The deflector module 5 comprises at least one deflecting surface 51 intended to direct the flow of air F generated by the fan module 3 (advantageously in a divergent manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 3').

The deflector module 5 can advantageously have various shapes:

- a tapered deflecting surface (figures 2 and 3), or

- Several profiles each comprising at least one deflecting surface (not shown).

In the "frustoconical" mode, the frustoconical deflecting surface is advantageously coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis 3' of the fan module 3.

In this case, the frustoconical deflecting surface is divergent from the longitudinal axis 3', taking into account the direction of the air flow F.

Such a deflector module 5 is for example described in the document EP3546845.

Alternatively, in the “sections” mode, the sections advantageously each comprise a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3′ of the fan module s.

Such a deflector module is for example described in the document USD733,283.

Active ingredient

The active principle is for example chosen from:

- positive or favorable microorganisms, or

- essential oils. “Positive” or “favorable” microorganisms advantageously include microorganisms which are intended to reduce the pressure of pathogenic bacteria which are the cause of various health problems in breeding.

These "positive" or "favorable" microorganisms are advantageously in a freeze-dried form.

Similarly, essential oils advantageously include essential oils used in aromatherapy in breeding.

Diffusion process

The present invention also relates to a method for the diffusion of at least one active ingredient in the enclosure.

This method consists for this in supplying the air flow F with at least one active principle by the implementation of a diffusion system 1 according to the invention.

In general, said at least one active principle is mixed with the air flow F generated by the fan module 3.

Said at least one active principle is then transported (still said to be dispersed or diffused) in the rearing enclosure E by this flow of air F.

Said at least one active principle is thus suitably distributed, advantageously in a simple, effective and homogeneous manner, within the enclosure E.

Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] Diffusion system, for the diffusion of at least one active ingredient in a rearing enclosure (E), characterized in that said diffusion system (1) comprises at least one fan device

(2) which includes:

- a fan module (3), intended to generate an air flow (F),

- a power supply module (4), located in the air flow (F) generated by said fan module

(3) and designed to supply said air flow (F) with at least one active principle intended to be diffused in said rearing enclosure (E), and

- a deflector module (5), located downstream of said fan module (3) and suitable for directing said air flow (F).

[Claim 2] Diffusion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply module (4) is located upstream of the deflector module (5).

[Claim 3] Distribution system, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the power supply module (4) comprises:

- a distribution member (41) intended to deliver said at least one active principle into the air flow (F),

- supply means (42), for supplying said at least one active principle to said distribution member (41).

[Claim 4] Diffusion system, according to claim 3, characterized in that the dispensing member (41) consists of a container (41) comprising an internal volume (411), adapted to contain the said at least one active principle, which comprises at least one opening (412) suitable for driving said at least one active principle by said air flow (F), and in that the supply means (42) consist of supply means ( 42) to bring said at least one active principle into said container (41).

[Claim 5] Diffusion system, according to claim 3, characterized in that the distribution member (41) consists of at least one nozzle (41) intended to deliver the active principle into the air flow (F) and in that the supply means (42) consist of supply means (42) for supplying said at least one nozzle (41) with said at least one active principle.

[Claim 6] Diffusion system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fan module (3) consists of an axial or helical fan module (3).

[Claim 7] Diffusion system, according to claim 6, characterized in that the fan module (3) consists of a fan module (3) with a vertical axis of rotation (3').

[Claim 8] Diffusion system, according to any one of Claims 6 or 7, in combination with Claim 3, characterized in that the distribution member (41) is installed coaxially with the said vertical axis of rotation (3'). .

[Claim 9] Diffusion system, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the deflector module (5) comprises:

- a frustoconical deflecting surface (51), or

- Several profiles each comprising at least one deflecting surface.

[Claim 10] Diffusion system, according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the active principle is chosen from positive microorganisms or essential oils.

[Claim 11] Diffusion system, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supply module (4) comprises control means (43) provided for controlling the supply of active principle.

[Claim 12] Enclosure, for example for raising animals, preferably for dairy cows, which enclosure comprises a diffusion system (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11.

[Claim 13] Process for the diffusion of at least one active principle in an enclosure according to claim 12, characterized in that it consists in supplying the flow of air (F) with at least one active principle by placing work of a broadcasting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.