STEAM TREATING OF FODDER

Abstract

An apparatus for and method of steam treatment of fodder, for example animal fodder which is typically in baled form. The purpose of steam treating is to kill mesophilic and thermophilic mould spores that are either attached to the fodder or detach when disturbed and become airborne. These airborne particles are associated with respiratory problems, infections and allergies to livestock as well as humans. The apparatus for steam treating fodder comprises at least one steam distribution manifold, which has a plurality of lances adapted to penetrate a bale of fodder so that steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. An apparatus for steam treating fodder in baled form, comprising: a steam manifold, having an upper surface, one or more side surfaces, and a bottom surface; the steam manifold having a plurality of bale penetrating lances projecting from an upper surface of the steam manifold, each bale penetrating lance being pointed on top to facilitate penetration into the fodder and having an aperture to facilitate steam flowing through the lances and into the fodder; the steam manifold further configured to be connected to, and receive steam from, a source of steam; and the steam manifold having a steam inlet and one or more steam passages connected to the bale penetrating lances, allowing steam to enter the steam manifold from the source of steam and flow through the steam passages, through the bale penetrating lances and into the interior volume of the fodder, wherein the steam is capable of heating the fodder to a temperature sufficient to kill microorganisms contained in the fodder.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the steam manifold comprises one or more feet projecting from the bottom of the steam manifold, and wherein the feet are positioned directly opposite the bale penetrating lances.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured such that the weight of the fodder assists with the penetration of the bale penetrating lances into the bulk of the fodder.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured in an arrangement that enhances even distribution of steam throughout the fodder.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the steam manifold is formed from a synthetic plastic material or metal that is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Centigrade.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the source of steam comprises an immersion heater and a thermostat cut-off switch.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bale penetrating lances are removable from the steam manifold.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the steam manifold is generally square shaped.

23. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the steam is injected into a central portion of the fodder and percolates through the fodder from the center outwards.

24. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pointed end of each bale penetrating lance has a conical-shaped end.

25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus reduces nutrient leaching from the fodder relative to soaking the fodder.

26. An apparatus for steam fodder in baled form, comprising: a generally square shaped steam manifold, having an upper surface, one or more side surfaces, and a bottom surface; a plurality of bale penetrating lances projecting from an upper surface of the steam manifold at each corner of said steam manifold and being pointed on top with apertures, wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured to penetrate the fodder and release steam into an interior of the fodder; and a source of steam connected to the steam manifold and configured to allow steam to flow through the bale penetrating lances through the apertures and into the fodder, wherein the steam is capable of heating the fodder to a temperature sufficient to kill microorganisms contained in the fodder.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the steam manifold comprises one or more feet projecting from the bottom of the steam manifold, and wherein the feet are positioned directly opposite the bale penetrating lances.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured such that the weight of the fodder assists with the penetration of the bale penetrating lances into the bulk of the fodder.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured in an arrangement that enhances even distribution of steam throughout the fodder.

30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the steam manifold is formed from a synthetic plastic material or metal that is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Centigrade.

31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the source of steam comprises an immersion heater and a thermostat cut-off switch.

32. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the bale penetrating lances are removable from the steam manifold.

33. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the pointed end of each bale penetrating lance has a conical-shaped end.

34. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the apparatus reduces nutrient leaching from the fodder relative to soaking the fodder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an overall diagrammatical view of one embodiment of the invention and illustrates the principle of operation; and

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an overall view of an example of a manifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention an apparatus for steam treating fodder includes a steam manifold that is adapted to receive steam from a source, the manifold defines passages for distributing steam to a plurality of lances, said lances being adapted so that, in use, they penetrate a bale or receptacle of fodder, whereby steam is supplied to the interior volume of the bale or receptacle of fodder.

[0018] Ideally the steam manifold, in use, is arranged to impale a bale of fodder, by placing the bale thereon, thus the weight of the bale assists in the process of ensuring the lances penetrate into the bulk of the bale of fodder.

[0019] The manifold may be adapted to rest on the ground or floor of an area and a bale may be placed on it or the manifold may be driven into a bale. Whichever technique is used there is a single action involved in steam treating the fodder and once treated, any baler twine or other binding is cut and the fodder can be distributed. Therefore the process is quick to implement and a user is free to do other things whilst a bale of fodder is steam treated.

[0020] The apparatus is preferably formed from a strong and heat resistant material, such as stainless steel, other metals or synthetic plastics material which is able to withstand temperatures in excess of 110 degrees Centigrade.

[0021] The manifold ideally includes a plurality of lances, which may be in the form of prongs or spikes, each being adapted to impale a bale so that they penetrate deep into the bale, thereby enabling steam to pass into the bulk of the bale and percolate from the centre outwards. This ensures deep and thorough heatingand thus steam treatmentof the fodder.

[0022] There may be two, but ideally there are three, four, five or more lances arranged in an array so that the lances are in a form that enhances even distribution of steam throughout the bale. Again ensuring deep and thorough heatingand thus steam treatmentof the fodder.

[0023] Ideally the apparatus includes a heater which has an immersion element and is adapted for use with either 240 Volts or 110 Volts. The heater generates steam in the well known manner.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an overall diagrammatical view of one embodiment of the invention and illustrates the principle of operation.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for steam treatment of fodder.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown in general a steam treatment of fodder comprising a water reservoir 20 in which is located a heating element 22. The water reservoir can also be a sealed vessel and thus capable of heating water to more than its normal boiling point. A high pressure flexible hose 24, which is ideally insulated, conducts steam from the reservoir to a manifold, ideally via a flexible or universal joints 25 and 26. The manifold 1 is what distributes the steam into a bale 10.

[0027] The apparatus is connected by means of pipe work to a steam generator in reservoir and optionally includes conventional safety equipment such as thermostatic settings, boil dry warning and residual current detectors (RCD) for use in damp and outdoor environments.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a manifold, which is in the form of a generally square frame and has passages 20 formed therein for distribution of steam The manifold 1 is fitted with a number of substantially vertical lances 2, which are in communication with the passages 20. Each lance 2 has a pointed end 3 for ease of penetration into a compacted bale or receptacles of fodder 10. Lances 2 have apertures 4, extending a proportion of their length, for the release and distribution of steam and condensed steam into the centre of the fodder. The supply of steam may be switched on or off by way of a trigger or other valve or switch (not shown).

[0029] Apertures 4 may be vertically disposed or they may be in the form of slits or slots, extending lengthwise or helically about circular lances 2. Alternatively the apertures may take the form of holes formed in the lances so that the steam and condensed steam permeate outwards to the extremities of the fodder ensuring full effectiveness and contact of the steam throughout the fodder. It has been found that with use of the manifold the temperature of a bale may exceed 100 degrees Centigrade.

[0030] As a result of the lances 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, steam is introduced into the centre of the bale or receptacle of the fodder by placing the bale or receptacle 10 onto the manifold 1. Alternatively the manifold 1 can be forced into a bale 10 from the side or above. In whichever orientation the lances penetrate so as ensure steam reaches all of the bale. If the manifold is arranged to rest on the ground during operation, an optional foot or feet 7 may be provided or formed on the manifold to prevent damage to it, for example by shock loading that may occur when a bale is dropped onto the lances.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment one or more steam distribution manifolds 1 of various lengths (to accommodate different size bales and receptacles to ensure effective central penetration) is provided. Lances 2 may be of different lengths and optionally these may be removable and fitted onto a common manifold. Thus for example in the event of damage to a lance, it may be removed and replaced with a similar lance. Alternatively, where the manifold is required for use with larger bales, longer lances may be fitted to the manifold.

[0032] Steam and condensed steam permeate through the fodder increasing the temperature of the fodder to between 70 and at least 100 degrees Centigrade (depending upon ambient temperature) killing thermophilic and mesophilic mould spores and other living organisms as mentioned above and effectively steam treating the fodder as well as dampening dust spores thus restricting their ability to become airborne.

[0033] The steam is distributed from the reservoir, via the hose and through the lances and where the steam condenses the water content is absorbed, in the majority, by the fodder leaving it damp. As the moisture content within the fodder increases, the temperature rises exponentially due to the increased efficiency of water as a heat conducting medium within the fodder, compared to air in the fodder's dry state.

[0034] The fodder is exposed to continuous steam from the apparatus, typically for a period in excess of 30 minutes, typically approximately 40 minutes and the temperature rises within the bale exponentially during this period of time.

[0035] The aforementioned apparatus can be used either in open space or within an enclosed environment, such as horse box, stable or barn; in a designated closed container or in a moulded preform, for use with any of the aforesaid.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment a conveyor (or other form of delivery system) may be used to present a bale of hay/straw to a position, whereat the manifold is forced to impale the bale and introduce steam into the bale. The manifold may be operated by a hydraulic actuator or drive, a manual actuator or drive, a sprung-loaded actuator or drive; or a combination of these.

[0037] The invention has been described by way of embodiments only with modifications and alternatives, but having read and understood this description, further embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. By way of example the manifold could be formed from aluminum, which may be cast, or a metal alloy.

[0038] While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments of the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.