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GB2234664A - Controlled atmosphere container - Google Patents

Controlled atmosphere container Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2234664A
GB2234664A GB8912010A GB8912010A GB2234664A GB 2234664 A GB2234664 A GB 2234664A GB 8912010 A GB8912010 A GB 8912010A GB 8912010 A GB8912010 A GB 8912010A GB 2234664 A GB2234664 A GB 2234664A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
controlled atmosphere
container according
oxidation
container
interior
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8912010A
Other versions
GB8912010D0 (en
Inventor
R Alintor Fiorenzano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Clover Electronica Ltda
Original Assignee
Clover Electronica Ltda
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Clover Electronica Ltda filed Critical Clover Electronica Ltda
Publication of GB8912010D0 publication Critical patent/GB8912010D0/en
Publication of GB2234664A publication Critical patent/GB2234664A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00Large containers
    • B65D88/74Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
    • B65D88/745Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents blowing or injecting heating, cooling or other conditioning fluid inside the container
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23BPRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B2/00Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
    • A23B2/70Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals
    • A23B2/704Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A23B2/708Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2588/00Large container
    • B65D2588/74Large container having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
    • B65D2588/743Large container having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents blowing or injecting heating, cooling or other conditioning fluid inside the container
    • B65D2588/746Large container having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents blowing or injecting heating, cooling or other conditioning fluid inside the container with additional treatment function

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

A controlled atmosphere container wherein the interior atmosphere thereof has been processed to cause oxidation of any particles in suspension and neutralisation of the atmosphere. The sterilization system includes suction ducts 5 on floor a connected to the main duct 4 which is connected at 10 to the interior of the high pressure chamber 19 which communicates the ceramic block 15 and subsequently with the main duct 17 via the connecting duct and then to the ejection ducts 8. <IMAGE>

Description

CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE CONTAINER DESCRIPTION
This Invention relates to localised oxidation in a chamber, sterilisation of the interior atmosphere thereof, and alteration of the ambient electrostatic equilibrium in the Interior of the container.
This type of container is basically a hermetic steel box of standard size, designed for the transportation and storage of cargo. The containers most commonly used nowadays are those of 6.05 meters (20 feet) in length and 30.20 cubic meters (106 cubic feet) internal volume; 9.13 meters (30 feet) in length and 45.50 cubic meters (1606 cubic feet) internal volume; and 12.19 meters (40 feet) in length and 62.90 cubic meters (2,208 cubic feet) internal volume.
These are the dimensions usually employed, but there are variations to suit a user's needs.
th iner Is basically a metall box whIch Lherefore, since.&.e contacan be exposed to the elements in yards and on vessels' decks, it undergoes the ravages of the outdoor atmosphere which causes water condensation and accelerates biological processes, whilst also the oxidation of products inside them. In the case of agricultural products, this effect results in a considerable increase in the proliferation of microorganisms (fungus, bacteria) in its interior. This occurs also in the case of leather, cotto artifacts and the like. Manufactured articles, such as optical equipment, ribbons containing a substratum of biodegradable chemicals, and all materials connected with electronic computation, are affected by these changes. Therefore, containers should not be used as stationary warehouses or for the long- term storage of materials susceptible to the action of microorganisms.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a controlled atmosphere container, wherein the interior atmosphere thereof has been processed to cause oxidation of any particles in suspension and neutralisation of the atmosphere.
The present invention proposes the complete sterilisation of the internal atmosphere by its localised oxidation, and also the alteration of the electrostatic equilibrium of the container's a 1 2 - internal volume. Sterilisation may be obtained by localised oxidation in a chamber where the container's internal ambient air is compressed, and the alteration of the electrostatic equilibrium can be achieved by thermolonic electron emission, accelerated by a sultabl, polarized anode. The container's internal atmospheric air may be circulated or otherwise moved by a suitably positioned propelling means.
The utilisation of the inventive container for storage of agricultural products is obviously advantageous when compared with warehousing procedures used or developed thus far. Briefly, the analysis is as follows.
The employment of controlled atmospheres is becoming known as the most highly technological alternative of warehousing techniques. Oxygen concentration, humidity and temperature are controlled and gases such as CO 2' N 2' etc. are frequently used for the purpose i:f reducing microorganism and insect infestation, thus employing fewer insecticides and germicides. These techniques are effective in some cases, since there are anaerobic microorganisms which survive in the absence of oxygen, and germs and insects adapt to the chemicals employed.
The inventive container is a significant improvement in controlled atmosphere warehousing procedures, since it introduces the novelty of complete sterilisation of the medium by localised oxidation in a processing chamber. The system of high-powered density in ceramic capillaries was employed in the prototypes, which causes the oxidation of the oxidising agents in the processing chamber, concomitantly with the alteration in electrostatic equilibrium. Sterilisation employed in this manner completely eliminates aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms without the need for chemicals. The alteration of electrostatic equilibrium of the medium, according to JJ. Thomson and G.P. Thomson, in the paper "Conduction of Electricity through Gases", pages 310, 394, DOVER PUB. INC. N.Y., USA, 1963, causes an alteration in the surface tension of the liquid media in this environment, it creates nuclei of condensation caused by the formation of dipoles in suspension, k h 3 - bringing about a substantial modification in steam pressure. These effects maintain the stored product at low humidity.
The elimination of microorganisms from the environment, associated with the effects described, causes substantial modifications in the ecosystem which enables various insects to survive, since the presence of some fungi is of singular importance as food for the larvae. This imbalance causes a drastic reduction In insect proliferation.
With regard to spoilage provoked by rodents, the controlled atmosphere container of the invention may be hermetically sealed and is therefore inaccessible to these animals.
Also, it constitutes a modular alternative to low-cost warehousing procedures, since it can be considered as an integrated storage and transport system. Rural producers can adapt their storage capacity to immediate necessities, and transport produce as "Cho need ar-1-Ses, thus reducing the losses inherent in such operations.
The utility of this invention is of incalculable extent since it permits the economical warehousing of small quantities of agricultural produce while reducing the cost of storing large quantities, as the system has modular characteristics and can be dimensioned as the user wishes.
From the economic viewpoint, this storage method's modularity and mobility revolutionises the process of calculating costs of Installing a warehousing system. The invention's low installation cost and negligible power consumption have been tested and it was found that 300 watts are sufficient for a 40-foot container when using the high-powered density system of ceramic capillary oxidation. However, any oxidiser can be employed and the determining factor is the method's cost or application.
The following are the findings upon testing some products under this type of controlled environment for one year: - Stored green coffee: No microorganisms or insects appeared, and no chemicals were used. There was a reduction in humidity of the product throughout the testing period.
0 - Unhusked rice: similar results were achieved. - Recently harvested soy- beans: similar results occurred. - Leather artifacts: no mould or fungi formed during the testing period, nor was there any odour.
This invention functions by collecting the air inside the container through tubes containing microperforations soldered to the main duct on the container's floor. This main duct Is connected at the low-pressure input of the propelling element. The propelling element's high-pressure output is connected in the oxidation and ionisation chamber. The sterilisation and neutralisation of the positive ions is carried out in this chamber, which is fitted with suitably polarized capillaries and accelerating anode. The propelling element is controlled by means of an electronic circuit which correlates the time during which the air stays in the chamber with its outflow into the ducts. The sterilisation and ionisation chamber's output is connected to the main duct in the top to which the microperforated tubes for ejection of the processed air are soldered.
A preferred embodiment of container in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example and with _reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an air suction system installed in the floor of the container shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an air ejection system installed in the top of the container; Figure 4 is an elevation of a sterilising system for the container; and Figure 5 shows the complete system installed in the container.
A controlled atmosphere container has end doors 1 and side walls 2 made of maximum strength pressed steel.
Figure 2 shows an air suction system installed in the floor 3 of the container. The suction system is protected by a grating. The main duct 4 is also in the floor 3.
X 1 o 1 1) is - Suction ducts 5, are connected to the main duct 1 and the end 6 of the main duct Is connected to a processing chamber, with microperforations in the suction, collecting ducts 5.
An air-ejection system is Installed in the top 2 of the container, with the main duct 7 being connected to ejection collecting ducts 8. The end 9 of the main duct 7 is connected to the processing chamber, with microperforations In the ejection collecting ducts 8.
Figure 4 shows the system for positive ion neutralising and particle oxidation of the interior atmosphere for the container. This system is attached to one of the container walls and connected to the collecting and air-ejection systems, connections 10, 11 to the main suction and ejection ducts 6, 9 respectively. A motor 12 which drives a propeller or fan 13 for air propulsion and an electronic control circuit 14 correlates the processing variables le- Lnes. 4--- and Lermi 4-he air o,4-4,1ow. A cerar,.--c block 15 contains = sterilising capillaries, and an anode 16 accelerates the thermoionic emission due to the high temperature of the capillaries if a thermal oxidiser is used. A high-tension polariser 18 and a highpressure chamber 19 are also shown.
Figure 5 shows the sterilisation system installed inside the container 1, with the suction ducts 5 on the floor 3 connected to the main duct 4 which, in turn, is connected at 10 to the interior of the high-pressure chamber 19. This chamber 19 communicates with the ceramic block 15 and, subsequently, with the main duct 17 via the connecting duct 11, and then to the ejection ducts 8.
The inventive container Is easy to manufacture and the system can be installed into existing containers. The application of the invention is particularly useful in the storage and transportation of perishable products or those subject to the action of microorganisms, as well as presenting an alternative for the warehousing of agricultural produce or as a modular silo. Further, it enables bulk grains, which formerly could not be warehoused economically, to be stored at low costs, thus catering to the needs of a large number of rural grain producers.
b is - 6

Claims (11)

1. A controlled atmosphere container wherein the interior atmosphere thereof has been processed to cause the oxidation of any particles in suspension and neutralisation of the atmosphere.
2. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 1, wherein an oxidising element in the Interior of an oxidation system Is activatable thermally to effect such oxidation.
3. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 2, wherein the oxidation system comprises a chamber with capillaries in a refractory ceramic block.
4. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the interior atmosphere thereof Is transferable to the oxidation system through tubes with small orifices.
5. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 4, wherein the small orifice tubes are located at the top of the contal-ner a:r-,a-4r, duct along the -intersection of a vertical wall and the container top, the dimensions of the duct having defined in accordance with volume of interior atmospheric air to be processed in unit time.
6. A controlled atmosphere container according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the interior atmospheric air thereof can be aspirated by propelling means with a high pressure output connected to the oxidation system by capillaries with neutralisation of positive ions being effected by thermo-lonic electron immision.
7. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 6, wherein said propelling means comprises an axial ventilator having its low pressure input connected to the main duct.
8. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said propel-ling means is controllable by an electronic circuit which is arranged to correlate variables in the oxidation system in such a manner that oxidation is optimised.
9. A controlled atmosphere container according to claim 2 or any of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the oxidation system, said propelling means and the electronic control Q A 9 7 - circuit are powered by photo-voltaic panels located at or adjacent the container.
10. A controlled atmosphere container according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the oxidation system Is located in the interior of the container and is housed In an adiabatic chamber, for preventing the container from heating and for optimising the oxidation process.
11. A controlled atmosphere container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Published 1991 at 7be Patent Office. State House. 66/71 High Holborn, London WCIR 47?. Further copies may be obtained from -1-A. %A-1#-1Pv trhnioues lid. St Marv Cray. Kent.
--A U.. %A-111-1v tprhnioues lid. St Marv Crav. Kent.
GB8912010A 1988-10-04 1989-05-25 Controlled atmosphere container Withdrawn GB2234664A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR8805095A BR8805095A (en) 1988-10-04 1988-10-04 STERILE CONTAINER

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8912010D0 GB8912010D0 (en) 1989-07-12
GB2234664A true GB2234664A (en) 1991-02-13

Family

ID=4045711

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8912010A Withdrawn GB2234664A (en) 1988-10-04 1989-05-25 Controlled atmosphere container

Country Status (11)

Country Link
CN (1) CN1041573A (en)
AU (1) AU4248689A (en)
BR (1) BR8805095A (en)
DE (1) DE3932755A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2015488A6 (en)
FR (1) FR2638434A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2234664A (en)
IT (1) IT1232248B (en)
MX (1) MX173365B (en)
PT (1) PT91894A (en)
ZA (1) ZA896794B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6615908B1 (en) 1994-02-17 2003-09-09 Transphere Systems Limited Method of transporting or storing perishable produce

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19741485C2 (en) * 1997-09-19 2001-10-04 Jan Rewny Device for creating a protected atmosphere in storage and transport containers
CN103386141B (en) * 2013-08-09 2015-04-15 杨欣蕾 Quarantine and disinfection device and method of import and export goods
EP3258193B1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2021-04-28 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Refrigeration apparatus for containers
CN112173459A (en) * 2020-04-01 2021-01-05 沈阿华 Intelligent universal container with disinfection and sterilization functions

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB735448A (en) * 1951-09-24 1955-08-24 Torsten Wilhelm Lindewald Means and method for storing oxidizable organic products in a gastight storage chamber having an inert gas atmosphere therein
GB999467A (en) * 1962-07-02 1965-07-28 Whirlpool Co Improvements in the storage of perishable animal and vegetable materials and apparatus therefor
GB1094234A (en) * 1964-08-28 1967-12-06 Atlantic Res Corp Preserving of animal and/or plant matter

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE721946A (en) * 1967-10-25 1969-03-14
FR2271842A1 (en) * 1974-05-22 1975-12-19 Equip Climatique Ste Europ Biological air purification - by electrostatic high tension generator with electrodes failing each other across a treatment chamber
BE862487A (en) * 1977-12-30 1978-04-14 Worms Louis BIN FOR STORING A LIQUID TO BE COOLED
CH648700A5 (en) * 1982-04-21 1985-03-29 Walter Spengler DEVICE FOR IONIZING A FLUID.
FR2558141B1 (en) * 1984-01-13 1986-11-21 Fillod Const IMPROVEMENTS ON SEALED CONTAINERS
DE3528590A1 (en) * 1985-08-09 1987-02-19 Till Keesmann AIR CONDITIONER WITH A FAN
DE3618403A1 (en) * 1986-05-31 1987-12-03 Oliver Sieke DEVICE FOR PURIFYING GAS, IN PARTICULAR AIR

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB735448A (en) * 1951-09-24 1955-08-24 Torsten Wilhelm Lindewald Means and method for storing oxidizable organic products in a gastight storage chamber having an inert gas atmosphere therein
GB999467A (en) * 1962-07-02 1965-07-28 Whirlpool Co Improvements in the storage of perishable animal and vegetable materials and apparatus therefor
GB1094234A (en) * 1964-08-28 1967-12-06 Atlantic Res Corp Preserving of animal and/or plant matter

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6615908B1 (en) 1994-02-17 2003-09-09 Transphere Systems Limited Method of transporting or storing perishable produce

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA896794B (en) 1991-11-27
ES2015488A6 (en) 1990-08-16
DE3932755A1 (en) 1990-04-26
IT1232248B (en) 1992-01-28
CN1041573A (en) 1990-04-25
AU4248689A (en) 1990-04-12
MX173365B (en) 1994-02-23
BR8805095A (en) 1990-05-22
IT8948420A0 (en) 1989-09-29
PT91894A (en) 1990-04-30
GB8912010D0 (en) 1989-07-12
FR2638434A1 (en) 1990-05-04

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)