U.S. patent application number 12/215410 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum.
This patent application is currently assigned to Republic of Korea (Management: Rural Development Administration). Invention is credited to Kwang Su Baek, Tai Young Hur, Seog Jin Kang, Hyeon Shup Kim, Jong Hwa Kim, Guk Hyun Suh.
Application Number | 20090056697 12/215410 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40152989 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090056697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kang; Seog Jin ; et
al. |
March 5, 2009 |
Direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum
Abstract
A direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum.
At least one piece of dead livestock infected with various diseases
such as infectious diseases is heated for complete sterilization
using high-pressure steam, and undergoes complete moisture removal
to become dry by means of the vacuum, thereby allowing the dead
livestock to be easily crushed. To this end, a carcass processing
drum is directly heated by a heating means instead of a
conventional steaming process, which provides steam from a boiler
to the dead stock, to reduce a processing time and cost due to
removal of the boiler. The vacuum can be converted into atmospheric
pressure using a pressure valve so that the processed dead
livestock can be discharged from the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Kang; Seog Jin;
(Chungcheognam-do, KR) ; Hur; Tai Young;
(Chungcheognam-do, KR) ; Suh; Guk Hyun;
(Chungcheognam-do, KR) ; Kim; Hyeon Shup;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Baek; Kwang Su; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; Kim; Jong Hwa; (Chungcheognam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Republic of Korea (Management:
Rural Development Administration)
Gyeonggi-do
KR
Tae Sung Co., Ltd.
Chungcheongnam-do
KR
|
Family ID: |
40152989 |
Appl. No.: |
12/215410 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 11/00 20130101;
F23G 2900/7009 20130101; F23G 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/344 |
International
Class: |
F24H 1/00 20060101
F24H001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 20, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0083386 |
Claims
1. A direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus comprising: a
carcass processing drum having an openable cover, through which a
carcass is loaded into the carcass processing drum; a water
storage, which stores water in the carcass processing drum; a drum
cover disposed outside the carcass processing drum to define a
heating space with the carcass processing drum; means for heating
the heating space; a pressure controller, which measures an
internal pressure of the carcass processing drum and controls
operation of the heating means according to the measured pressure;
a pressure valve, which regulates the internal pressure of the
carcass processing drum to atmospheric pressure; a timer, which
counts an operating time of the heating means; and a time
controller, which controls the operating time of the heating means
based on a signal received from the timer when the operating time
has lapsed so as to stop the operation of the heating means in a
state where the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum is
raised by the operation of the heating means, so that an internal
space of the carcass processing drum is vacuumized by temperature
drop, wherein the timer counts a time for which an operation signal
is sent to the pressure valve, and wherein the time controller
receives a signal generated from the timer when the time is passed,
and sends the operation signal to the pressure valve so as to
release the internal space of the carcass processing drum from the
vacuumized state.
2. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, further comprising a manual pressure valve, which is
disposed on the drum cover so as to manually regulate the internal
pressure of the carcass processing drum.
3. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, further comprising a drain valve, which drains water,
stored in the water storage, out of the carcass processing
drum.
4. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, further comprising a safety valve, which maintains the
internal pressure of the carcass processing drum at a preset
pressure or less.
5. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, further comprising a heat-insulating cover disposed
outside the drum cover so as to prevent direct touch with the drum
cover and to enable the drum cover to maintain heat.
6. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, further comprising a water storage cover disposed on a
top portion of the water storage to prevent impurities from
entering the water storage.
7. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor, which outputs
a detection signal by measuring an internal temperature of the
carcass processing drum, wherein the time controller controls the
operation of the heating means based on the detection signal
received from the temperature sensor, so that the internal
temperature of the carcass processing drum remains at a
predetermined value.
8. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according
to claim 1, wherein the pressure valve comprises a solenoid valve.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2007-0083386 filed on Aug. 20, 2007 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to relates, in general, to a
direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum and,
more particularly, to a direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus using vacuum, in which at least one piece of dead
livestock infected with various diseases such as infectious
diseases is heated for complete sterilization using high-pressure
steam, and undergoes complete moisture removal to become dry by
means of the vacuum, thereby allowing the dead livestock to be
easily crushed, in which a method of directly heating a carcass
processing drum though a heating means replaces a method of
supplying and heating a carcass processing drum with steam though a
boiler, thereby reducing a processing time and thus a processing
cost due to the removal of the boiler, and in which the vacuum is
converted into atmospheric pressure by a pressure valve so as to
release the vacuum, thereby discharging the processed dead
livestock.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, ranchers or farmers who breed livestock suffer
from massive economic loss due to the death of livestock, which is
infected by various diseases such as a contagious disease despite
of periodic vaccination.
[0006] The death of livestock causes the ranchers or the farmers to
suffer from not only a primary problem of the economic loss but
also a secondary problem associated with processing dead livestock
that still contains pathogenic agents such as a germ, a bacillus or
a virus.
[0007] In the prior art, there is no choice but to bury the carcass
since an optimal method or system for the treatment of the dead
livestock has not been promoted. This, however, still has a
potential risk of infecting other livestock or humans.
[0008] The carcass contaminates underground water when it is buried
without a preventive measure, so that the ranchers or the farmers
cannot use the contaminated underground water.
[0009] Particularly, foot-and-mouth disease of recent days is
highly contagious to infect and kill thousands to tens of thousand
of livestock. A large amount of time and effort and a large area of
land are required to bury a large number of dead livestock. The
area where the dead livestock is buried acts as a hotbed of disease
and is unsuitable for cultivation or for other purposes, for
example, of breeding other domestic animals because of the risk of
recurrence. This is another loss to the ranchers or the
farmers.
[0010] As an approach to overcome the above-mentioned problems,
Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0203183, "Apparatus for
Processing Dead Livestock," filed and decided to maintain the
registration.
[0011] In the prior art apparatus as disclosed in this document,
the carcass is loaded into a steam drum and high pressure steam
ranging from 140.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. is supplied to the
steam drum to completely destroy pathogenic agents. Here, the
process of the apparatus is performed to the extent that bones in
respective parts of the carcass are broken into pieces in order to
facilitate post treatment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The foregoing apparatus for processing dead livestock of the
prior art is a system that completely sterilizes pathogenic agents
by long term heating with steam produced from a boiler but does not
directly heats a steam drum (i.e., a carcass processing drum). This
apparatus requires a long processing time and continuous heating,
thereby consuming a great deal of fuel and thus increasing costs.
Further, the boiler has to be connected to the steam drum via a
pipe, which is vulnerable to rupture in winter.
[0013] Moreover, even after the dead livestock is processed by the
apparatus for processing dead livestock of the prior art, it still
contains moisture in respective parts and thus is not easily
crushed.
[0014] The present invention is directed to a direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus, which can reduce a processing time by
directly heating a carcass processing drum by a heating means,
achieve high thermal efficiency and cost reduction compared to the
use of the boiler of the prior art, and due to the omission of the
pipe, which connects the boiler to the carcass processing drum in
the prior art, fundamentally solve maintenance problems related
with the freezing of the pipe.
[0015] The present invention is also directed to a direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus, which can provide a water
storage in the carcass processing drum, thereby avoiding supplying
steam to the carcass processing drum from the outside to thereby
reduce manufacturing and construction costs by omitting associated
components, such as a condensed water outlet and a steam supply
line, and also preventing water and air pollution caused by the
drained condensed water.
[0016] The present invention is further directed to a
direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus, which can
maintain the interior of the carcass processing drum in vacuum to
dry the dead livestock so that the dried dead livestock can be more
easily crushed than in a wet state, and then convert the vacuum
into atmospheric pressure using a pressure valve so that the
processed dead livestock can be easily discharged from the
apparatus.
[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using
vacuum. The apparatus includes a carcass processing drum having an
openable cover, through which a carcass is loaded into the carcass
processing drum; a water storage, which stores water in the carcass
processing drum; a drum cover disposed outside the carcass
processing drum to define a heating space with the carcass
processing drum; means for heating the heating space; a pressure
controller, which measures an internal pressure of the carcass
processing drum and controls operation of the heating means
according to the measured pressure; a pressure valve, which
regulates the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum to
atmospheric pressure; a timer, which counts an operating time of
the heating means; and a time controller, which controls the
operating time of the heating means based on a signal received from
the timer when the operating time has lapsed so as to stop the
operation of the heating means in the state in which the internal
pressure of the carcass processing drum is raised by the operation
of the heating means, so that an internal space of the carcass
processing drum is vacuumized by temperature drop.
[0018] In the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus
using vacuum of the present invention, the timer counts a time for
which an operation signal is sent to the pressure valve, and the
time controller receives a signal generated from the timer when the
time is passed, and sends the operation signal to the pressure
valve so as to release the internal space of the carcass processing
drum from the vacuumized state.
[0019] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using
vacuum according to the present invention has the following
effects:
[0020] Firstly, dead livestock infected with pathogenic agents is
loaded into the carcass processing drum and then is directly heated
by high pressure steam so as to reduce a processing time until the
pathogenic agents are completely destroyed. The processed dead
livestock can undergo great volume reduction, prevent the
recurrence of infection, be recycled as the raw material of a feed,
facilitate post treatment, and eliminate a need for a large burial
land for the dead livestock.
[0021] Secondly, excellent thermal efficiency and cost reduction
can be achieved due to the removal of the boiler, and the risk of
rupture of a pipe in winter can be fundamentally removed because
the pipe is not required to connect the boiler to the carcass
processing drum.
[0022] Thirdly, since water is previously stored in the carcass
processing drum, it is not necessary to supply water from the
outside or drain off condensed water. This also prevents water and
air pollution caused by the drained condensed water, thereby
preventing environmental pollution.
[0023] Fourthly, the inside of the carcass processing drum can be
maintained in vacuum to significantly reduce the moisture content
in the dead livestock so that the dried dead livestock can be
crushed into pieces such as powder.
[0024] Further, the heating and discharging can be controlled
automatically instead of being manually controlled to thereby
improve user convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a direct-heating
type apparatus for processing carcass using vacuum according to the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view illustrating the
direct-heating type apparatus for processing carcass using vacuum
according to the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the
direct-heating type apparatus for processing carcass using vacuum
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The present invention provide a direct-heating type carcass
processing apparatus using vacuum, which includes a carcass
processing drum into which a carcass is loaded; a water storage,
which stores water inside the carcass processing drum; a drum cover
disposed outside the carcass processing drum to define a heating
space with the carcass processing drum; means for heating the
heating space; a pressure controller, which measures an internal
pressure of the carcass processing drum and controls operation of
the heating means according to the measured pressure; a pressure
valve, which regulates the internal pressure of the carcass
processing drum to atmospheric pressure; a timer, which counts an
operating time of the heating means; and a time controller, which
controls the operating time of the heating means based on a signal
received from the timer when the operating time has lapsed. The
time controller stops the operation of the heating means in the
state in which the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum
is raised by the operation of the heating means, so that an
internal space of the carcass processing drum is vacuumized by
temperature drop.
[0030] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more
fully in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments thereof are shown, so that this disclosure
will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of
the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following
description, well-known functions or constructions by a man skilled
in the art are not described in detail when such unnecessary detail
would obscure the invention.
[0031] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are a perspective view, a front elevation
view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the
direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum
according to the present invention includes a carcass processing
drum 100 into which the dead livestock is loaded, a water storage
110 formed in the carcass processing drum 100, a drum cover 120
installed outside the carcass processing drum 100, a heating means
130 (see FIG. 3) heating a heating space between the carcass
processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120, a pressure controller
140 measuring pressure of the carcass processing drum 100 and
controlling operation of the heating means 130, a pressure valve
200 regulating pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to
atmospheric pressure, a timer counting an operating time of the
heating means, and a time controller 220 receiving a signal
occurring when the operating time of the heating means 130 has
lapsed and controlling the operating time of the heating means
130.
[0032] More specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the carcass
processing drum 100 is provided with a cover 30 for opening and
closing on one side thereof, so that the dead livestock is loaded
into the carcass processing drum 100 by opening the cover 30, and
the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 is airtightly
closed by shutting the cover 30.
[0033] The water storage 110 provides a space so as to be able to
store water in the carcass processing drum 100, and is previously
supplied and stored with water before the dead livestock is
loaded.
[0034] The drum cover 120 is installed outside the carcass
processing drum 100, and thus the heating space is provided between
the carcass processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120.
[0035] The heating means 130 (FIG. 3) includes an oil burner, an
electric burner, a heater, or the like, is fixed to one side of the
drum cover 120, and heats the heating space between the carcass
processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120. Thereby, the heating
means 130 directly heats the carcass processing drum 100. At this
time, the heating means 130 heats the water stored in the water
storage 110, so that high-pressure steam sterilizes and decomposes
the dead livestock in the carcass processing drum 100.
[0036] Further, in order to discharge air burned by the heating
means 130 to the outside, the drum cover 120 is provided with a
flue 40 on an upper side thereof. Thus, the burned air is
discharged to the outside through the flue.
[0037] The pressure controller 140 measures pressure of the carcass
processing drum 100, and controls operation of the heating means
130 on the basis of the measured pressure. In other words, when the
carcass processing drum 100 is directly heated by the heating means
130, the pressure is raised. Thus, in order to maintain the
pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to a predetermined
level, the pressure controller 140 measures the pressure in the
carcass processing drum 100, and controls the operation of the
heating means 130.
[0038] Meanwhile, in order to display the pressure in the carcass
processing drum 100 to the outside, a pressure gauge 230 may be
installed outside the carcass processing drum 100.
[0039] The pressure valve 200 is installed on one side of the drum
cover 120, and regulates low pressure in the carcass processing
drum 100 to atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the pressure valve
200 employs a solenoid valve.
[0040] Meanwhile, the direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus using vacuum according to the present invention may
further include a manual pressure valve 210, which is installed on
one side of the drum cover 120 and manually regulates the pressure
in the carcass processing drum 100 to atmospheric pressure.
[0041] The manual pressure valve 210 is designed to be manually
operated when the pressure valve 200 for raising the low pressure
in the carcass processing drum 100 to the atmospheric pressure is
not normally operated.
[0042] The timer (not shown) counts an operating time of the
heating means 130 as well as a time for sending an operating signal
or a stop signal to the pressure valve 200 in order to
automatically operate the pressure valve 200 at a preset time.
[0043] Further, the timer can be adapted so that the operating time
of the heating means 130 or the sending time of the operating
signal or the stop signal to the pressure valve 200 is directly set
by a user, and that the count time is set or operated by the
control of the time controller 220. In this case, the time
controller 220 can set the count time of the timer according to the
pressure measured by the pressure controller 140.
[0044] The time controller 220 receives a signal, which occurs when
the operating time of the heating means 130 has lapsed, from the
timer, and thereby controls the operating time of the heating means
130. The time controller 220 stops the operation of the heating
means 130 in the state in which the pressure in the carcass
processing drum 100 is raised by the operation of the heating means
130, so that the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 enters
vacuum by means of temperature drop.
[0045] Further, the time controller 220 receives a signal, which
occurs when the sending time has lapsed, from the timer in order to
automatically operate the pressure valve 200 to automatically
release the vacuum of the carcass processing drum 100, and then
sends the operating signal or the stop signal to the pressure valve
200, so that the pressure valve 200 is operated by the operating
signal so as to release the vacuum of the carcass processing drum
100 or is stopped by the stop signal.
[0046] Thus, the timer counts the operating time of the heating
means 130 or the time for sending the operating signal or the stop
signal to the pressure valve 200 by the control of the time
controller 220. When the carcass processing drum 100 is raised at a
predetermined temperature through the heating means 130, the time
controller 220 receives a detection signal from a temperature
sensor, which measures the temperature in the carcass processing
drum 100 to output the detection signal, and then controls the
operation of the heating means 130 such that the temperature in the
carcass processing drum 100 is maintained at a preset temperature.
In other words, when the temperature value received from the
temperature sensor is higher than a preset temperature value, the
time controller 220 sends the stop signal to the heating means 130,
thereby stopping the operation of the heating means 130. In
contrast, when the temperature value received from the temperature
sensor is lower than a preset temperature value, the time
controller 220 sends the operating signal to the heating means 130,
thereby operating the heating means 130.
[0047] Further, the operating time of the heating means 130 can be
set. When the operating time of the heating means 130 is counted
and ended by the timer such that the heating means 130 can be
operated for a preset time, the timer sends an end signal to the
time controller 220, and then the time controller 220 controls the
heating means 130 to stop heating. Thus, the pressure drop is
caused by the temperature drop, so that the interior of the carcass
processing drum 100 undergoes the vacuum.
[0048] This vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 gets rid of
moisture from the sterilized dead livestock to dry the dead
livestock, so that the dried dead livestock can be easily crushed
like powder.
[0049] At this time, when the timer outputs a lapse signal after
counting a predetermined time, the time controller 220 sends the
end signal to the pressure valve 200 such that the pressure valve
200 is operated. Thereby, the vacuum in the carcass processing drum
100 is rapidly released, so that the cover 30 can be easily
opened.
[0050] The time controller 220 is provided on one side of the
carcass processing drum 100, and is electrically connected with the
heating means 130, the pressure valve 200, and the timer for
overall control. In other words, the time controller 220 sets the
operating time based on the count of the timer, thereby
automatically controlling the operation of the heating means 130
without a worker needing to separately check the operating
time.
[0051] Meanwhile, the direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus using vacuum may further include a drain valve 160, which
drains the water stored in the water storage 110 from the carcass
processing drum 100 to the outside along a drain line 240. The
drain valve 160 drains the water remaining in the carcass
processing drum 100 to the outside when the carcass processing work
is completed.
[0052] Further, the direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus using vacuum may further include a safety valve 170,
which maintains the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 at
a preset pressure or less. The safety valve 170 stops the operation
of the heating means 130 through the pressure controller 140, for
instance, when the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is
abruptly raised by high-pressure steam, and simultaneously
discharges the pressure to the outside when the pressure value set
by the worker exceeds a predetermined value of, for instance, 5
kg/cm.sup.2, thereby constantly maintains the pressure in the
carcass processing drum 100.
[0053] Meanwhile, the direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus using vacuum may further include a heat-insulating cover
180 (see FIG. 3), which prevents a human body from being damaged by
contact with the drum cover 120 heated by the continuous heating of
the heating means 130 and is provided outside the drum cover 120 so
as to insulate the heat. In detail, the drum cover 120 is heated
over time by heat conduction during the heating of the heating
means 130. At this time, when the worker touches the drum cover
120, he/she can be easily burned. Thus, the heat-insulating cover
180 not only prevents the human body from being damaged by contact
with the drum cover 120 under high temperature, but also improves
heat insulation of the drum cover 120.
[0054] Further, the direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus using vacuum may further include a punched water-storage
cover 190, which is installed above the water storage 110 and
prevents impurities from being introduced into the water storage
110. The punched water-storage cover 190 is for preventing various
impurities separated from the dead livestock from falling into the
water stored in the water storage 110 when the dead livestock is
loaded into the carcass processing drum 100. Thus, only the clean
water is heated so as to be able to further reduce a heating
time.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view illustrating a
direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In
the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus as
illustrated, the carcass processing drum 100 is provided with
support brackets 12 on opposite sides of the inner circumference
thereof. Guide rails 13 having the cross section of a triangle are
installed on the respective support brackets 12. The carcass
processing drum 100 is provided with an opening 14 on one side
thereof so as to be able to take the dead livestock in or out.
[0056] The carcass processing drum 100 is provided with a rotary
support 21 on the outer circumference thereof near the opening 14.
The rotary support 21 is provided with a pivoting rod 20 having an
"L" shape. The pivoting rod 20 is coupled with the cover 30 by a
coupler 36 so as to close the opening 14 to maintain the interior
of the carcass processing drum 100 in an airtight state. Thereby,
the cover 30 can be opened and closed by the pivoting of the
pivoting rod 20.
[0057] The cover 30 is engaged with a flange 16, which extends from
the opening 14 in an outward direction. The cover 30 and the flange
16 are provided with a plurality of fixing slots 17 in a radial
direction so as to be aligned with each other. The flange 16 is
formed with hinge brackets (not shown) in the rear thereof. Fixing
bolts are pivotably installed on the respective hinge brackets.
[0058] The fixing bolts are fitted into the fixing slots 17, and
then are fastened by nuts, so that the interior of the carcass
processing drum 100 can be maintained airtight. Meanwhile, although
not shown, a carcass loading means may be designed in a manner so
that rollers are installed thereunder so as to move into the
carcass processing drum along the guide rails 13 installed on the
carcass processing drum, and that an upper surface thereof is
formed in a mesh shape such that water can be easily drained off,
as disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0203183,
entitled "Apparatus for Processing Dead Livestock."
[0059] Further, as disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0511444,
entitled "Carcass Treater of Animal," the carcass loading means may
be designed in a manner so that rails are installed on a base frame
supporting the carcass processing drum 100, and that dead livestock
is loaded into the carcass processing drum 100 while moving along
the rails in integration with the cover.
[0060] According to the present invention, the dead livestock is
heated in the carcass processing drum 100 with high-pressure steam
ranging from about 140.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C., so that
the pathogenic agents are completely made free from the dead
livestock. Further, the sterilized dead livestock is crushed at a
touch, and is downsized in the state in which even various bones
thereof including a skull are reduced to pulp.
[0061] As described above, the dead livestock, which has sterilized
and downsized, is transferred to a crusher through a transferring
means such as a transfer screw, and then is crushed and converted
into feeds for other livestock. Thereby, the dead livestock, which
has caused huge damage to a livestock farmer, can be changed into a
source of economical wealth
[0062] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a
direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated, a space is formed between the carcass processing drum
100 and the drum cover 120, and is heated by the heating means 130.
This structure provides an advantage in that it takes less time to
process the dead livestock due to the direct heating of water,
compared to the related art having a problem in that it takes much
time to process the dead livestock due to indirect supply of steam
generated by a boiler.
[0063] Further, since no boiler is required, pipes connecting the
boiler and the carcass processing drum are not required. Thus, it
is possible to entirely avoid rupturing the pipes in winter. Since
the water storage 110 is formed in the carcass processing drum 100,
it is not necessary to supply the steam from the outside, so that
an outlet for condensed water is not required.
[0064] Thus, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus
using vacuum according to the present invention can reduce the
processing time and cost of the dead livestock.
[0065] Now, the main components of the present invention will be
described in detail. The pressure controller 140 measures the
pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
For example, the heating means 130 heats air between the carcass
processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120, so that the water of
the water storage 110 in the carcass processing drum 100 is heated.
Thus, when the water reaches at least 100.degree. C., steam is
generated to increase the pressure in the carcass processing drum
100.
[0066] When the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 reaches
a preset pressure upper limit, the pressure controller 140 stops
the operation of the heating means 130 such as a burner, thereby
preventing the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 from
being raised beyond the pressure upper limit. For example, if the
pressure upper limit is set to 4 kg/cm.sup.2, the operation of the
heating means 130 is stopped when the measured value of the
pressure controller 140 reaches 4 kg/cm.sup.2.
[0067] The pressure controller 140 is electrically connected with
the heating means 130. The heating means 130 is controlled by the
pressure controller 140 as well as the time controller 220, and may
be controlled by the timer as needed.
[0068] Meanwhile, although the operation of the heating means 130
is stopped, the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 may be
further raised by the heat generated previously. In this case, the
safety valve 170 is operated so as to be opened (see FIGS. 1 and
2), so that the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is
reduced.
[0069] When the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 reaches
a pressure lower limit, the pressure controller 140 operates the
heating means 130 again such that the carcass processing drum 100
is heated. For example, if the pressure lower limit is set to 2
kg/cm.sup.2, the heating means 130 is operated when the pressure in
the carcass processing drum 100 reaches 2 kg/cm.sup.2.
[0070] The pressure upper and lower limits of the pressure
controller 140 can be set when the pressure controller 140 is
manufactured or be reset to arbitrary values by manipulation after
the pressure controller 140 is manufactured. This is well known in
the related field, and so a detailed description thereof will be
omitted.
[0071] The operating time of the heating means 130 is determined by
the timer, a time of which is set to process the dead livestock by
the user.
[0072] As described above, if the heating means 130 is not operated
in the state in which the pressure in the carcass processing drum
100 is raised, the temperature in the carcass processing drum 100
is lowered, and thus vapor pressure is reduced. Accordingly, the
pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is reduced, and thus
leads to the vacuum.
[0073] The vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 gets rid of
the moisture from the dead livestock to dry the dead livestock.
Thus, the dried dead livestock can be easily crushed. At this time,
since the vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 make it
difficult to open the cover 30, such vacuum must be released in
order to open the cover 30. To this end, the pressure valve 200
(FIGS. 1 and 2) is operated to convert the low pressure in the
carcass processing drum 100 into atmospheric pressure.
[0074] Next, the processing performance of the direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to the present
invention will be described on the basis of the test results.
Embodiment 1
One Head of Frozen-Stored Dead Dairy Cattle
[0075] This test was carried out in order to check the processing
performance of the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus
using vacuum, high temperature and high pressure according to a
breed and a stored state. The direct-heating type carcass
processing apparatus was automatically set to two hours for a
heating time and 4 kg/cm.sup.2 for a maximum internal pressure
value. An amount of water supplied to the direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus was 110 liters. The weight of the dead
dairy cattle was 100 kg.
[0076] The test results were shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Change in performance of direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal
External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum
(h) (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 4.9 220 270
3 4.2 165 215 4 3.8 160 120 5 2.4 140 60 24 -- 60 0 -220
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 43 Kg 10 L 7 Kg 12 L
[0077] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 50 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2, and the pressure controller was operated. After the
test was completed, it could be found that the weight of the dead
livestock was reduced by 57%, and that the interior of the
direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was maintained
under vacuum.
Embodiment 2
One Frozen-Stored Dead Pig
[0078] The same test as in Embodiment 1 was carried out on the dead
pig. The weight of the dead pig was 100 kg.
[0079] The test results were shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Change in performance of direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal
External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum
(h) (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 4.9 230 255
3 4.2 185 195 4 3.6 165 100 5 2.4 142 50 24 -- 52 0 -210
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 35 Kg 11 L 10 Kg 11 L
[0080] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 54 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2, and the pressure controller was operated. After the
test was completed, it could be found from the residual amount of
the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was
reduced by 65%, and that the amount of oils and fats was increased
compared to the dead dairy cattle of Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 3
One Head of Cold-Stored Dead Dairy Cattle
[0081] The same test as in Embodiment 1 was carried out on the dead
dairy cattle. The weight of the dead dairy cattle was 100 kg.
[0082] The test results were shown in Tables 5 and 6 below.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Change in performance of direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal
External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum
(h) (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 4.5 240 250
3 3.9 205 185 4 3.2 185 110 5 2.1 145 50 24 -- 48 -- -200
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 52 Kg 9 L 6 Kg 10 L
[0083] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 38 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2. It could be found from the residual amount of the dead
livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 48%,
that the residual amount of the dead livestock was more than that
of the frozen-stored dead livestock of Embodiment 1, and that the
amount of consumed fuel was decreased compared to the dead dairy
cattle of Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 4
One Cold-Stored Dead Pig
[0084] The same test as in Embodiment 1 was carried out on the dead
pig. The weight of the dead pig was 100 kg.
[0085] The test results were shown in Tables 7 and 8 below.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Change in performance of direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal
External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum
(h) (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 4.5 220 265
3 4.0 165 195 4 3.1 160 100 5 2.0 140 55 24 -- 50 -- -210
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 41 Kg 9 L 11 Kg 10 L
[0086] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 45 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2. It could be found from the residual amount of the dead
livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by
59%.
Embodiment 5
Multiple Head of Cold-Stored Dead Dairy Cattle
[0087] This test was carried out with different processing
capacity. The test was equal to that of Embodiment 1. The total
weight of the dead dairy cattle was 300 kg.
[0088] The test results were shown in Tables 9 and 10 below.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Change in performance of direct-heating type
carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal
External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum
(h) (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 2.2 180 265
2 3.6 190 200 3 2.4 160 140 5 2.2 150 50 24 -- 50 0 -200
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 165 Kg 11 L 28 Kg 15 L
[0089] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 100 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2, and the pressure controller was operated. It could be
found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the
weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 45%.
Embodiment 6
Multiple Cold-Stored Dead Pigs
[0090] This test was carried out with different processing
capacity. The test was equal to that of Embodiment 1. The total
weight of the dead pigs was 300 kg.
[0091] The test results were shown in Tables 11 and 12 below.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Change in performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time
Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal
Vacuum (h) (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 2.0
180 265 2 3.2 180 190 3 2.4 160 120 5 2.0 160 55 24 -- 45 0
-200
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 140 Kg 12 L 31 Kg 16 L
[0092] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 80 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2, and the pressure controller was operated. It could be
found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the
weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 54%.
Embodiment 7
Multiple Pieces of Cold-Stored Dead Poultry (e.g Cocks)
[0093] This test was carried out with different processing
capacity. The test was equal to that of Embodiment 1. The total
weight of the dead pigs was 200 kg.
[0094] The test results were shown in Tables 13 and 14 below.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Change in performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time
Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal
Vacuum (h). (kg/cm.sup.2) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (mmHg) 1 2.3
185 245 2 3.4 195 185 3 2.2 160 130 5 2.0 155 55 24 -- 45 0
-200
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Processing performance of direct-heating
type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual
Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel
Fats Water 160 Kg 10 L 5 Kg 12 L
[0095] The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was
heated for 90 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4
kg/cm.sup.2, and the pressure controller was operated. It could be
found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the
weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 20%.
[0096] It can be seen from Embodiments that the processing time,
which it takes to load at least one piece of dead livestock
infected with the pathogenic agents into the carcass processing
drum, to directly heat it with the high-pressure steam, and to make
it free from the pathogenic agents, is reduced, and that the volume
of the dead livestock is considerably reduced by the vacuum.
[0097] As set forth above, in the direct-heating type carcass
processing apparatus using vacuum of the present invention, the
dead livestock infected with the pathogenic agents is loaded into
the carcass processing drum and then is directly heated by the
high-pressure steam so as to reduce the processing time until the
pathogenic agents are completely destroyed. The processed dead
livestock can undergo great volume reduction, prevent the
recurrence of infection, be recycled as the raw material of a feed,
facilitate post treatment, and eliminate a need for a large burial
land for the dead livestock.
[0098] Further, since no boiler is required, the processing cost
can be reduced, and the pipes connecting the boiler and the carcass
processing drum are not required, which completely prevents the
pipes from being ruptured in winter.
[0099] Conventionally, the condensed water collected in the carcass
processing drum must be discharged because the steam is supplied
from the outside. However, according to the present invention,
since the water is previously stored in the carcass processing
drum, it is not necessary to supply the water from the outside.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to discharge the condensed water,
and thus water pollution caused by the discharge of the condensed
water and air pollution cased by odor are prevented, which makes it
possible to cope with the environmental pollution.
[0100] Further, the direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus can maintain the vacuum, so that it can remarkably reduce
the content of moisture of the dead livestock. Further, the dead
livestock is kept dry, and thus is crushed like powder to undergo
volume reduction. The direct-heating type carcass processing
apparatus can automatically control the heating and draining
without manual manipulation, so that it can provide the user with
convenient management.
[0101] As set forth above, it is to be appreciated that those
skilled in the art can make substitutions, change or modify the
embodiments into various forms without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing
embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than
limiting.
[0102] The scope of the present invention is not defined by the
detailed description as set forth above but by the accompanying
claims of the invention. It should also be understood that all
alterations or modifications derived from the definitions and
scopes of the claims and their equivalents fall within the scope of
the invention.
* * * * *