Cleaning system, conveying device and separation device for insects or worms and corresponding procedures

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the processing or treatment of insect larvae. In particular, the present disclosure comprises a larval separation device for separating live insects, in particular live insect larvae, or live worms, and a method using such a separation device.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of obtaining nutrients, feed and food from insects or worms.

[0003] In recent decades, interest in the use of insects and worms as food and feed sources has increased, particularly in light of global population growth and the increasing need for alternative and sustainable protein sources for the livestock industry. Because insects and worms are typically rich in protein and fat, they have a relatively high nutritional and caloric value, making them particularly well-suited for human nutrition and livestock production.

[0004] It is economically and ecologically desirable to be able to breed and process insects and worms on an industrial scale in order to produce standardized nutrients that can subsequently be used in the production of food or feed. Careful handling of the still-living insects and the production of safe end products are crucial during processing.

[0005] To obtain the cleanest larvae possible, free of adhering residues from the breeding process, a washing step with water is sometimes carried out in the processing chain. A disadvantage of existing processes and systems is that the sieving efficiency is often insufficient when separating insects from water. Furthermore, water consumption is often high, and gentle transport of the insects and efficient washing—i.e., sufficient removal of residues from the breeding process—are not always ensured. Furthermore, in conventional systems, live larvae or worms can crawl through the sieve openings. DE 20 2016 104502 U1 relates to a cleaning device for insect screens.This has a first conveyor device which feeds the insect screens to be cleaned to a cleaning unit, wherein the cleaning unit is equipped with nozzles for supplying and distributing cleaning fluid onto the insect screens to be cleaned, and the cleaning unit is equipped with a roller / roller arrangement in which at least one pair of rollers formed from counter-rotating cleaning rollers arranged on both sides of the insect screen comes into contact with the fabric of the insect screen.

[0006] DE 10 2016 115189 B3 is a patent specification of the same applicant and relates to a cleaning device for insect screens similar to D1.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a larval separation device for separating live insects or worms and a corresponding method that ensures gentle and stress-free treatment or processing of the live insects or worms and includes water reuse or recycling. Furthermore, the possibility of storing live insects or worms in water is intended to decouple the breeding of the insects from further processing, allowing both areas to be operated independently of one another and increasing the flexibility of the facility. When reference is made to "insects" or "larvae" in the following, this includes insects, larvae, or worms, even without explicit mention.

[0008] These objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments result from combinations with the features of the corresponding subclaims as well as from the explanations in the description and the figures.

[0009] The present invention relates to a larval separation device for separating living insects, in particular living insect larvae, or worms according to claim 1, and to the use thereof according to claim 6. The invention is defined in the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0010] A larval separation device for separating live insects, in particular live insect larvae, or live worms from water according to the present disclosure comprises a sieve drum with a shell portion having meshes with a mesh width of 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.3 mm to 2.0 mm, and with a transport screw within the sieve drum for transporting the insects or worms from an inlet end of the sieve drum to an outlet end of the sieve drum.

[0011] Various embodiments may further include the following features.

[0012] The shell section of the screening drum is preferably a wedge wire screen. The screening drum preferably has an inner diameter of 500 mm to 3000 mm, preferably 1000 mm to 1500 mm, particularly preferably 1100 mm to 1250 mm.

[0013] The transport screw preferably has a screw length that extends over the entire length of the screening drum. The transport screw preferably has a screw height of 5 mm to 300 mm, preferably 50 mm to 150 mm, particularly preferably 70 mm to 100 mm. The transport screw preferably has a pitch of 200 mm to 600 mm, preferably 300 mm to 400 mm, particularly preferably 330 mm to 375 mm.

[0014] Preferably, at least one spray bar is provided for spraying a liquid using preferably multiple nozzles. The at least one spray bar preferably has 5 to 40 nozzles, preferably 8 to 28 nozzles. The at least one spray bar is preferably arranged inside the screening drum and / or outside the screening drum.

[0015] Preferably, at least one cleaning element is provided for cleaning the casing section of the screening drum. Preferably, the at least one cleaning element is designed for cleaning the outside of the screening drum and / or is designed as a brush element.

[0016] The at least one cleaning element preferably extends over the entire length of the screening drum.

[0017] A method for separating live insects, in particular live insect larvae, or live worms from water by means of a larval separation device as described above, according to the present disclosure comprises the steps: Feeding a mixture of insects, in particular insect larvae, or worms and water, wherein the mixture has a temperature of 5 °C to 30 °C, preferably of 8 °C to 15 °C or 20 °C to 26 °C, wherein the feeding is preferably carried out continuously, rotating the sieve drum, whereby the mixture is dewatered and the insects or worms are transported to the outlet opening.

[0018] Various embodiments may further include the following features.

[0019] The screening drum preferably has a speed of 2 to 60 revolutions per minute, preferably 5 to 20 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably a speed in the range of 10 to 15 revolutions per minute.

[0020] Preferably, the live insects or the live worms are sprayed with water from the at least one spray bar, preferably from at least one spray bar arranged on the inside of the sieve drum, during transport in the sieve drum, wherein the spraying preferably takes place continuously and / or with a water pressure of 2 bar to 10 bar, preferably from 3 bar to 7 bar. To clean the sieve drum, it is preferably sprayed with a liquid using the at least one spray bar, preferably with a spray bar arranged on the outside of the sieve drum, while the sieve drum rotates. Preferably, to clean the sieve drum, it is contacted by the at least one cleaning element during the rotation of the sieve drum.

[0021] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings. Figur 1a : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning system with a cleaning step; Figur 1b : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning system with a cleaning step and the storage of insects or worms; Figur 2a : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning system with two cleaning steps; Figur 2b : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning system with two cleaning steps and the storage of insects or worms; Figur 2c : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning system with two cleaning steps and the storage of insects or worms with ratio or concentration control in the storage tank; Figur 3 : a conveyor device in a sectional view; and Figuren 4a) und 4b ): schematic representations of a larval separation device according to the invention.

[0022] In the following, identical elements, even if they bear different reference symbols, are similar or identical in structure unless otherwise specified. The same applies to reference symbols. All embodiments are equally applicable to insects, especially insect larvae, and worms.

[0023] Fig. 1a shows an exemplary system according to the present disclosure. In particular, a system for treating live insects, in particular live larvae, or live worms, with a cleaning step is shown. The system can also be referred to as a cleaning system. Within the system, live insects or worms are treated with a closed water circuit consisting of an insect washing device or insect separation system 120, a cleaning device or filter device for wastewater 142, and a water temperature control device 145. The water serves both for transporting and cleaning the insects and can also be used to clean certain elements of the system, for example, the boxes. Instead of water, another suitable liquid can also be used, which allows the insects to be moved together with the liquid within the system.A control system is provided to monitor and adjust the treatment of the larvae and, for example, the ratios between water and larvae in the system.

[0024] The insects, in particular live insects, larvae or worms, come from the breeding facility 110 onto a weighing device 111. The weighing device 111 can be provided separately or integrated into a means of transport such as a conveyor belt or transport belt. Boxes in which the insects are bred can also be weighed in their entirety. In the weighing device 111, the harvested insects are weighed (directly or indirectly together with the box) and it is determined how much water needs to be added to achieve a desired weight ratio of larvae to water, for example of approximately 1:10. For this purpose, the insects are brought to a collecting device 112, to which fresh water is added by means of a pump until the desired weight ratio is reached. Alternatively or additionally, the weighing device 111 can also be provided integrated into the collecting device 112 or the collecting device 112 can be mounted on a weighing device 111, e.g.a load cell. The ratio of 1:10 is given here only as an example, and a different amount of water can be added depending on the insect species and / or system specifications. Mixing ratios of 1:1 to 1:10 between larvae and water have proven advantageous. The water can be tempered beforehand using a heat exchanger 145. Chilled water makes it possible to cool the insects or worms and put them into diapause or dormancy. This metabolically deactivates the insects and makes them easier to store. This is achieved at temperatures below 15 °C, preferably 8 °C to 15 °C. Warmer water, i.e. heated water or water at ambient temperature of, for example, 20 °C to 30 °C, preferably up to 26 °C, can lead to better cleaning results, depending on the level of contamination. Furthermore, energy consumption is reduced because the water does not have to be cooled or heated.However, the insects or worms can be stored for a shorter period of time because they are not put into diapause. The mixture of insects, larvae, or worms with water is then pumped by means of a first conveying device 113 to a larval separation device 120. This separates water from larvae in order to change the ratio of larvae to water as desired and will be described in more detail later by way of example. This process can also be referred to as dewatering. Furthermore, the insects are washed during this process, and excrement and food residues can be removed. The larval separation device 120 can also be referred to as a cleaning device. The wastewater is fed to a substrate filter 142, which filters solids from the water, and pumped into a water tank 144 by means of a pump 143. A centrifuge can also be used instead of a filter 142.

[0025] A fresh water supply 122 is provided to adjust the weight ratio downstream of the larval separation device 120, to replace the water in which the insects or worms were stored, or to achieve a better cleaning result. The amount of fresh water supplied can be monitored by a flow meter (not shown). In particular, the amount of fresh water can be determined based on volume or weight. The water is recirculated by purifying it using the substrate filter 142 and pumping it into the water tank 144 by the pump 143. There, wastewater can be removed, and if necessary, fresh water can be added via a fresh water supply. The supply of fresh water and the removal of wastewater can also be useful at other points in the system.

[0026] As described above, the purified water from the water tank 144 is tempered by means of a heat exchanger 145 as described above and returned to the circuit by being pumped into the collection device 112 by a pump 147, where it is mixed with the insects or worms. A flow meter V can also be provided to measure the amount of water supplied. The amount of water added can also be controlled based on weight. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 145 can also be equipped with heating elements to temper the water. Furthermore, the collection device 112, the conveying device 113, 121, and / or the separation device 120 can also be tempered to enable the water temperature to be adjusted.

[0027] Fig. 1b shows an exemplary system according to the present disclosure. The system has, in addition to the Fig. 1a The embodiment shown also offers the possibility of storing insects or worms. Within the system, living insects or worms are treated with a closed water circuit consisting of at least one storage tank 130, 132, an insect washing device or insect separation system 120, a wastewater purification device 142, and a water temperature control device 145. The water serves both for transporting and cleaning the insects. Instead of water, another suitable liquid can be used, which allows the insects to be moved together with the liquid within the system. A control system is provided to monitor and adjust the treatment of the larvae and, for example, the ratios between water and larvae in the system.

[0028] The insects, in particular live insects, larvae or worms, come from the breeding facility 110 onto a weighing device 111. The weighing device 111 can be provided separately or integrated into a means of transport such as a conveyor belt or transport belt. Boxes in which the insects are bred can also be weighed in their entirety. In the weighing device 111, the harvested insects are weighed (directly or indirectly together with the box) and it is determined how much water needs to be added to achieve a desired weight ratio of larvae to water, for example of approximately 1:10. For this purpose, the insects are brought to a collecting device 112, to which fresh water is added by means of a pump until the desired weight ratio is reached. Alternatively or additionally, the weighing device 111 can also be provided in the collecting device 112 or the collecting device 112 can be on a weighing device 111, e.g.a load cell. The ratio of 1:10 is given here only as an example, and a different amount of water can be added depending on the insect species and / or system specifications. Mixing ratios of 1:1 to 1:10 between larvae and water have proven advantageous. The water is previously tempered using a heat exchanger 145. Chilled water makes it possible to cool the insects or worms and put them into diapause or dormancy. This metabolically deactivates the insects and makes them easier to store. This is achieved at temperatures below 15 °C, preferably 8 °C to 15 °C. Warmer water, i.e. heated water or water at ambient temperature of, for example, 20 °C to 30 °C, preferably up to 26 °C, can lead to better cleaning results, depending on the level of contamination. Furthermore, energy consumption is reduced because the water does not have to be cooled or heated.However, the insects or worms can be stored for a shorter period of time because they are not put into diapause. The mixture of insects and larvae or worms is then transported into the at least one storage tank 130, 132 by means of a first conveying device 113. The first conveying device 113 can be designed, in particular, as a contactless pump, for example, a peristaltic pump, so as not to injure or crush the insects. The metabolically deactivated insects, i.e., those in diapause, can be stored in the storage tanks 130, 132 until further processing.

[0029] The cleaned insects are pumped out of the one or more storage tanks 130, 132 by means of a second conveying device 121, which is also preferably designed as a contactless pump. The ratio of insects to water here is between 1:1 and 1:10, preferably 1:4.

[0030] The larval separation device 120, which is located downstream of the second conveyor device 121 and will be described in more detail later by way of example, separates water from the larvae in order to change the ratio of larvae to water as desired. This can also be referred to as dewatering. Furthermore, the insects are washed during this process, and excreta and food residues can be removed. The larval separation device 120 can also be referred to as a cleaning device. The wastewater is fed to a substrate filter 142, which filters solids from the water, and is pumped into a water tank 144 by a pump 143. A centrifuge can also be used instead of a filter 142.

[0031] A fresh water supply 122 is provided to adjust the weight ratio downstream of the larval separation device 120, to replace the water in which the insects or worms were stored, or to achieve a better cleaning result. The amount of fresh water supplied can be monitored by a flow meter (not shown). In particular, the amount of fresh water can be determined based on volume or weight. The water is recirculated by cleaning it using the substrate filter 142 and pumping it into the water tank 144 by the pump 143. Wastewater can be removed there, and fresh water can be added if necessary via a fresh water supply. The supply of fresh water and the removal of wastewater can also be useful at other points in the system.

[0032] As described above, the purified water from the water tank 144 is tempered by means of a heat exchanger 145 as described above and returned to the circuit by being pumped into the collection container 112 by a pump 147, where it is mixed with the insects or worms. A flow meter V can also be provided to measure the amount of water supplied. The amount of water added can also be controlled based on weight. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 145 can also be equipped with heating elements to temper the water. Furthermore, the collection device 112, the conveying device 113, 121, and / or the separation device 120 can also be tempered to enable the water temperature to be adjusted.

[0033] This ensures an efficient water cycle that gently transports, washes and stores insects while reducing the amount of wastewater generated.

[0034] Fig. 2a shows an example of a further embodiment of a cleaning system according to the present disclosure with two cleaning steps. Unless otherwise indicated, elements of the same name correspond to the elements of the example from Fig. 1a and 1b and can be used in both embodiments.

[0035] The living insects, in particular living larvae or living worms, coming from the breeding facility 210 are weighed in the weighing device 211 and transported to the collecting container 212, where they are mixed with water, which is pumped from the water tank 244 by means of the pump 247 and tempered by means of the heat exchanger 246. The water temperatures can be adjusted as in connection with Fig. 1a and 1bThe weighing can also be performed in the collection container or collection device 212, or the collection device can be positioned on a load cell. The heat exchanger 246 can cool the water or be equipped with heating elements to control the water temperature. It may also be expedient to use water at ambient temperature.

[0036] Here, too, the weight ratio of insects to water is preferably 1:10, but other weight ratios may also be appropriate. The mixture is pumped by a pump 213, preferably a contactless pump such as a peristaltic pump, to the first larval separation device 220. There, the insects are separated from the water to a desired weight ratio—in other words, dewatered—with the excess water flowing into the substrate filter 242, being purified, and pumped by the pump 243 into the water tank 244 and stored there. The purified insects or worms, or the purified mixture of water and insects or worms, is transported from the larval separation device 220 to a further collection device 223.The weight ratio of insects or worms to water in the collection device 223 can be between 1:1 and 1:10, preferably 1:4, and can be adjusted by the fresh water supply 222. Here, too, a flow meter V or a weight-based sensor can be provided to measure the amount of fresh water.

[0037] The insect-water mixture is then conveyed by the second conveying device 221, which is also preferably designed as a contactless pump, to a second larval separation device 240, where the insects or worms and water are partially or completely separated from each other, optionally with the addition of fresh water 241. The larval separation device 240 can be similar or identical to the larval separation device 220. The separated water from the second larval separation device 240 is cleaned in the substrate filter 242 and pumped by the pump 243 into the water tank 244. There, depending on the condition of the water, wastewater 248 can be pumped out and fresh water 245 can be added.

[0038] As already described above and as in the example according to Fig. 1 As stated, the water from the water tank 244 is recirculated and mixed with insects in the collection container 212.

[0039] Fig. 2b shows an example of another embodiment of a cleaning system according to the present disclosure with two cleaning steps and the possibility of storing the insects or worms. Unless otherwise indicated, elements of the same name correspond to the elements of the example from Fig. 1a and 1b and 2 a and can be used in both embodiments.

[0040] The embodiment corresponds up to the first larvae separation device 220 of the Fig. 2a shown. In the first larval separation device 220, the insects are separated from the water to a desired weight ratio, in other words, dewatered, with the excess water flowing into the substrate filter 242, being cleaned, and pumped by the pump 243 into the water tank 244 and stored there. As described above, the weight ratio of insects to water after the first larval separation device 220 can be between 1:1 and 1:10, preferably 1:4, and can be adjusted by the fresh water supply 222. Here, too, a flow meter V or a weight-based sensor can be provided to measure the amount of fresh water.

[0041] The insect-water mixture is then pumped into a storage tank 230 by means of the second conveying device 221, which is also preferably designed as a contactless pump. Additional fresh water can be added there as needed.

[0042] When the insects are to be sent for further processing 250, they are transported from the storage tank 230 to a second larval separation device 240 by means of a third conveyor device 231, where the insects and water are partially or completely separated from each other, optionally with the addition of fresh water 241. The larval separation device 240 is similar or identical to the larval separation device 220. The separated water from the second larval separation device 240 is cleaned in the substrate filter 242 and pumped by the pump 243 into the water tank 244. Depending on the condition of the water, wastewater 248 can be pumped out and fresh water 245 can be added.

[0043] As already described above and as in the example according to Fig. 1a and 1b and 2 a, the water from the water tank 244 is recirculated and mixed with insects in the collection container 212.

[0044] Fig. 2c shows an example of another embodiment of a purification system according to the present disclosure. This embodiment offers the possibility of adjusting the ratio of water to larvae or worms in the tank and thus flexibly designing the quantity of larvae or worms in the storage tank. The embodiment is largely identical to the one in Fig. 2b In contrast to the one shown in Fig. 2b In the example shown, a water pump 232 with a downstream flow meter V or a weight-based sensor is provided, which can pump out water and thereby control the weight ratio between insects and water in the storage tank 230. Preferably, a sieve or a retaining device is installed that prevents insects from being pumped out with the water by the pump 232.

[0045] The system presented with reference to the figures described above separates the breeding and further processing of the insects, thus achieving greater flexibility in production. Furthermore, the insects can be transported, washed, and stored without harming them.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a conveyor device 113, 121, 213, 221, 231 suitable for conveying a mixture of insects and water as described above. In Fig. 3 A situation is depicted in which insects are mixed through a larvae feed 500 with water supplied from a water supply 501, and the mixture is conveyed to an outlet 502 by a conveying device, in particular a contactless pump or peristaltic pump. Instead of water, another suitable non-viscous liquid can be used, allowing the mixture of insects and liquid to be pumped. The proposed peristaltic pump is a type of contactless pump in which the rotor blades do not directly contact the liquid to be pumped.

[0047] Alternatively, in all embodiments of the present disclosure, other gentle conveying devices such as screw pumps, rotary lobe pumps, rotary lobe pumps, piston pumps, eccentric screw pumps or slow-running centrifugal pumps may be used.

[0048] The weight ratio of insects to liquid is preferably between 1:10 and 1:1. The pumping capacity can be between 5 and 100 m³ / h. The size of the insects to be pumped is preferably less than 35 mm.

[0049] The conveyor system can be used in particular in a system such as Fig. 1 and 2 This allows live insects to be transported safely and efficiently without harming them. Furthermore, no unnecessary stress is exerted on the animals. Stress reduction can also be achieved by cooling the liquid to temperatures below 15 °C, preferably 8 °C to 15 °C, which puts the insects into diapause.

[0050] The Figuren 4a und 4b show an exemplary larval separation device 120, 220, 240, which differ only by the additional spray bar(s) 400. The larval separation device 120, 220, 240 can be designed in particular as a sieve drum and preferably as a wedge wire sieve. The larval separation device 120, 220, 240 is driven by a drive 310, in particular set in rotation. Furthermore, a transport screw 300 is arranged inside the drum. The larval separation device 120, 220, 240 has an inlet side and an outlet side (marked by the arrows in the Figuren 4a und 4b ), wherein the insects are gently transported from the inlet to the outlet side by means of the transport screw 300 mounted inside. The transport screw extends over the entire length of the sieve drum and has a screw height of 5 mm to 300 mm, preferably 50 mm to 150 mm, particularly preferably 70 mm to 100 mm. The pitch is between 200 mm and 600 mm, preferably 300 mm and 400 mm, particularly preferably 330 mm and 375 mm. This allows, on the one hand, excess water or a desired proportion of water to be removed, and on the other hand, the insects can be washed without injuring them or exerting great stress on them.

[0051] In addition, as in Fig. 4b Spray bars 400 can be provided as shown, which spray water from a plurality of nozzles inside the larvae separation device 120, 220, 240 and / or outside the larvae separation device 120, 220, 240. The additional water supply inside the larvae separation device 120, 220, 240 can improve the washing process, while the water supply from outside can clean the sieve drum. A liquid other than water or a mixture of water and another liquid can also be sprayed. Each of the spray bars 400 has 5 to 40 nozzles, preferably 8 to 28 nozzles for the spray bar 400 inside and 5 to 40 nozzles for the spray bar 400 outside the sieve drum. The water pressure can be between 2 bar and 10 bar, preferably between 3 bar and 7 bar.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, a cleaning element can be provided on the outside of the screening drum, which is designed, for example, as a brush.

[0053] Preferably, the geometry of the larval separation device 120, 220, 240 or the sieve drum is adapted to the transport and washing of insects. This prevents insect injuries, stress, and clogging of the sieve, and simplifies cleaning the sieve of residues from the breeding process.

[0054] The larvae separation device 120, 220, 240 preferably has a sieve drum with a shell surface 320 having meshes with a mesh width of 1.0 to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.3 to 2.0 mm. In particular, the shell surface 320 of the sieve can have a mesh size of 20 to 70%, preferably 30 to 50%, of the larvae diameter, assuming a larvae size of 3 to 5 mm in diameter and 12 to 20 mm in length. Such meshes represent holes or openings in the shell surface of the sieve drum. Fig. 4a is exemplary for the Figuren 4a und 4b a detailed view of the lateral surface 320 and the meshes described above is shown.

[0055] The screening drum, for example, has an inner diameter of 500 mm to 3000 mm, preferably 1000 mm to 1500 mm, preferably 1100 mm to 1250 mm. The screening drum is usually cylindrical, but can also be tapered in either direction.

[0056] The rotational speed can be 2 to 60 revolutions / min, preferably 5 to 20 revolutions / min, particularly preferably 10 to 15 revolutions / min.

[0057] The larval separation device according to Fig. 4a oder 4b can, also in combination with the conveyor system according to Fig. 3 , in a system or cleaning plant according to Fig. 1 or 2 be used.

[0058] The collection devices according to the examples described above can also be used to mix insects or larvae with a liquid, such as water. Furthermore, the collection device can also be used for storing the insects. Furthermore, the collection device can also be used for temperature control or weighing.

[0059] Since the degree of contamination of the water can vary if multiple separation systems are provided, several independent or interconnected water circuits can be provided. This includes, in particular, several filter systems and / or several water tanks. The water can also be reused for washing the crates in the system.

[0060] If practical and possible, one or more of the conveying devices can be replaced by a gradient. This means that the insects or worms are not actively conveyed, but are instead transported to the next process step by gravity.

[0061] Furthermore, a screw conveyor can be provided as a combined conveying and collecting device. This can include options for temperature control and fresh water supply.

[0062] By cooling the water to below 15°C, preferably 8°C to 15°C, the insects or worms can be stunned during transport or the cleaning process. Using water at ambient temperature, e.g., 15°C to 30°C, especially 20°C to 26°C, can achieve better cleaning results depending on the contamination and is more energy-efficient, as refrigeration is eliminated. However, this may also be associated with increased stress for the animals, as they are not or only partially stunned during processing. Furthermore, the animals' storage time is shortened, as they are not put into diapause.

[0063] A cleaning system with one washing step, a cleaning system with one washing step and storage, a cleaning system with two washing steps, a cleaning system with two washing steps and storage, and a cleaning system with two washing steps and storage with ratio or concentration control in the storage tank were described above. However, more than two washing or separation steps or additional intermediate storage steps may also be provided.

[0064] The disclosure also includes a method for cleaning live insects or worms, preferably with a cleaning system as described above.

[0065] Furthermore, the disclosure includes a conveying device for conveying live insects or worms, which gently pumps the insects or worms together with a carrier liquid without injuring the insects or exerting stress on them.

[0066] Furthermore, a larval separation device for separating live insects or worms from water and a corresponding process are provided, whereby live insects can be transported and washed gently and the weight ratio of insects to water can be adjusted.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, a cleaning system for cleaning live insects or worms and a corresponding method for cleaning live insects or worms are provided, ensuring gentle and stress-free handling and processing of the insects or worms. The liquid used for transporting and cleaning the insects or worms acts as a buffer, reducing mechanical forces on the insects. Crushing of the insects is also prevented. They can thus be transported with less stress, and consistent quality can be ensured. Therefore, the ratio of insects or worms to transport liquid is important for process control. The transport liquid is cleaned and recirculated completely or in large part, creating a closed water cycle. This leads to significantly lower water consumption.Furthermore, the insects are metabolically deactivated by cooling liquid and put into diapause, allowing them to be stored in a storage tank. The system presented here separates breeding from cleaning and storage, allowing both areas to be operated independently and increasing the flexibility of the facility.

[0068] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and this detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0069] The invention may also include individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above.

[0070] Furthermore, the term "comprising" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims may be fulfilled by a single unit. List of reference symbols

[0071] 110Harvesting 111Weighing device 112Collection container / Collection device 113First conveyor device 120First larval separation device 121Second conveyor device 122Fresh water supply 130Storage tank 132Storage tank 141Fresh water supply 142Filter device / Substrate filter / Solids filter 143Water pump 144Water tank 145Heat exchanger 147Water pump 148Waste water 150Processing 210Harvesting 211Weighing device 212Collection container / Collection device 213First conveyor device 220First larval separation device 221Second conveyor device 222Fresh water supply 223Collection container / Collection device 230Storage tank 231Third conveyor device 232Water pump 240Second Larval separation device 241 Fresh water supply 242 Filter device / Substrate filter / Solids filter 243 Water pump 244 Water tank 245 Fresh water supply 246 Heat exchanger 247 Water pump 248 Waste water 250 Processing 300 Transport screw 310 Drive 320 Shell surface 400 Spray bar 500 Larval supply 501 Water supply 502 OutletVDurchflussmesser

Claims

1. A larvae separating device (120, 220, 240) for separating live insects, in particular live insect larvae, or live worms from water, comprising a screening drum having a shell portion comprising meshes with a mesh width of from 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably from 1.3 mm to 2.0 mm, and having a transport screw (300) within the screening drum for transporting the insects or the worms from an inlet end of the screening drum to an outlet end of the screening drum.

2. The larvae separating device according to claim 1, wherein the shell portion of the screening drum is a wedge wire screen, and wherein the screening drum preferably has an inner diameter of 500 mm to 3000 mm, preferably 1000 mm to 1500 mm, particularly preferably 1100 mm to 1250 mm, and / or wherein the transport screw (300) has a screw length that extends along the entire length of the screening drum, and / or wherein the transport screw (300) has a screw height of from 5 mm to 300 mm, preferably from 50 mm to 150 mm, particularly preferably from 70 mm to 100 mm, and / or wherein the transport screw (300) has a pitch of from 200 mm to 600 mm, preferably from 300 mm to 400 mm, particularly preferably from 330 mm to 375 mm.

3. The larvae separating device according to any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one spray bar (400) is provided for for spraying a liquid by means of preferably several nozzles, wherein the at least one spray bar (400) has 5 to 40 nozzles, preferably 8 to 28 nozzles, wherein preferably the at least one spray bar (400) is arranged inside the screening drum and / or the at least one spray bar is arranged outside the screening drum.

4. The larvae separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one cleaning element is provided for cleaning the shell portion of the screening drum, wherein the at least one cleaning element is preferably configured for cleaning the outside of the screening drum and / or wherein the at least one cleaning element is configured as a brush element, wherein the at least one cleaning element preferably extends along the entire length of the screening drum.

5. The larvae separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the meshes have a mesh size of 20 to 70 %, preferably 30 to 50 % of the larvae diameter.

6. A method for separating live insects, in particular live insect larvae, or live worms from water by means of a larvae separating device (120, 220, 240) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the steps of: - supplying a mixture of insects, in particular insect larvae, or worms and water, wherein the mixture has a temperature of from 5° C to 30° C, preferably from 8° C to 15° C or 20 °C to 26 °C, wherein the supplying preferably takes place continuously, - rotating the screening drum, whereby the mixture is dehydrated and the insects or the worms are transported to the outlet opening.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the screening drum has a rotational speed of 2 to 60 revolutions per minute, preferably 5 to 20 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably a rotational speed of 10 to 15 revolutions per minute, and / or wherein the live insects or the live worms are sprayed with water from the at least one spray bar (400), preferably from at least one spray bar (400) arranged on the inside of the screening drum, during the transport in the screening drum, wherein the spraying preferably takes place continuously and / or takes place with a water pressure of 2 bar to 10 bar, preferably of 3 bar to 7 bar, and / or wherein, for cleaning the screening drum, the latter is sprayed with a liquid during the rotation of the screening drum by means of the at least one spray bar (400), preferably by means of a spray bar (400) arranged on the outside of the screening drum, and / or wherein, for cleaning the screening drum, the latter is contacted by the at least one cleaning element during the rotation of the screening drum.