chamber

Abstract

System for the treatment of cargo under vacuum comprehensive a) a chamber (1) for receiving a loaded container (9) having an external length (CLa), an external width (CBa) and an external height (CHa), wherein the chamber (1) i) two side walls (11, 12) and ii) a ceiling (14) arranged opposite a floor (13) and iii) has a rear wall (16) arranged opposite a front wall (15), and wherein the direction system XYZ is perpendicular and b) comprising a conveying element (2) comprising a platform (20) with a wheel or roller system (3) for parking and moving a container (9) relative to the chamber (1) from a first position (P1) outside the chamber (1) to a second position (P2) inside the chamber (1) and c) a drive device (8) is provided for moving the platform (20) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for treating cargo under vacuum, comprising a chamber for receiving the cargo.

[0002] A system for treating cargo under vacuum is already known from US Patent 1,672,326, in which cargo in the form of logs is loaded onto a transport cart to load a vacuum chamber, which is then pushed into the chamber. Furthermore, it is known from US Patent 7,908,791 B1 to connect a treatment chamber to an ISO container, with which wood in the container is chemically treated.

[0003] US patent 2,802,281 A1 describes a vacuum chamber that can be loaded using a transport cart on rails. Wood is stacked at intervals on the transport cart to ensure even circulation of the steam throughout the chamber.

[0004] According to WO 2011 / 053171 A1, a method for treating cargo in a container with a gas is described, in which the container is encased in a tent-like shell which allows for a corresponding concentration of the gas in the container.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of designing and arranging a system in such a way that quick and easy loading and unloading of the chamber is achieved for treatment under vacuum.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by the fact that the chamber for receiving a loaded container is designed with an outer length, an outer width, and an outer height, wherein the chamber has two side walls and a ceiling arranged opposite a floor, as well as a rear wall arranged opposite a front wall. Furthermore, the system comprises a conveying element, a platform with a wheel or roller system for placing and moving a container relative to the chamber from a first position outside the chamber to a second position inside the chamber, and a drive device for moving the platform between the first position and the second position.

[0007] This ensures that, for treating cargo contained in a container under negative pressure, the cargo does not need to be transferred from the container to a transport device. Instead, the cargo, along with the opened container, can be placed directly into the chamber. A further advantage is that the container is treated simultaneously with the cargo, so that the container, and especially its wooden base, is sterile and / or germ-free, allowing the cargo to be transported further under optimal conditions. Recontamination of the cargo through reloading is thus avoided.

[0008] Within the scope of this invention, the term "container" refers to so-called ISO containers or flat track containers, which are standardized large-capacity containers (shipping containers) made of steel that enable the simple and quick loading, transport, storage, and unloading of goods. Containers vary in length, width, and height. They are generally distinguished by external lengths of approximately 6 meters (20 feet), 12 meters (40 feet), 13 meters (45 feet), and 16 meters (53 feet), and external heights of approximately 2.6 meters (8' 6") and 2.9 meters (9' 66"). The term "container" also encompasses all stationary devices and equipment on and in which general cargo can be stored.Within the scope of the invention, the dimensions of the respective container are only relevant insofar as the chamber has sufficiently large internal dimensions for the respective container and the drive device is suitable for moving the respective container.

[0009] Preferably, the chamber has two side walls arranged parallel to each other and at right angles to a Y direction, a ceiling arranged parallel to a floor with each orientation at right angles to a Z direction, and a rear wall arranged parallel to a front wall with each orientation at right angles to an X direction, wherein the direction system XYZ is perpendicular.

[0010] The drive mechanism is used to move the platform between the first and second positions. The platform simultaneously provides a means of working on the container to prepare for treatment; specifically, opening and securing the container doors, laying hoses inside the container, and placing sensors in the cargo. The platform allows work to be carried out both inside and outside the chamber.

[0011] It can also be advantageous to have a module with a vacuum pump, a control and regulation system, and a piping system directly connected to the chamber, enabling the generation of a vacuum of up to 98% or an absolute pressure of less than 100 mbar within the chamber. An absolute pressure of, for example, 100 mbar is equivalent to a vacuum of 900 mbar, i.e., 900 mbar less pressure than ambient or standard pressure of approximately 1000 mbar, which corresponds to average atmospheric pressure. Such pressure conditions are not achievable within a container due to the design of typical containers.

[0012] It can also be advantageous if a steam generator is additionally provided, with which saturated steam can be generated in the chamber within a temperature range between 20 °C and 60 °C. Saturated steam between 20 degrees Celsius (°C) and 60 °C is achieved at an absolute pressure between approximately 25 mbar and approximately 200 mbar, which is why the container (9) itself is not mechanically suitable for carrying out such a process.

[0013] In engineering and natural science, water vapor is the term for water in its gaseous state. This is invisible, like air, but is not referred to as water gas, as this term has a different meaning. When water vapor flows into a colder environment, some of the gaseous water condenses into tiny droplets. Such a mixture of water vapor and droplets is called wet steam, which can be observed, for example, when boiling water. Superheated steam is water vapor with a temperature above its boiling point. Superheated steam is "dry" and contains no droplets and is also invisible. The boundary between wet and superheated steam is called "saturated steam," also known as dry saturated steam or simply "dry steam." Most tables relating to the states of water vapor refer to this.

[0014] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the chamber has an interior a) Length of at least 8.4 m or at least 27' 6" ft (feet), b) Width of at least 2.4 m or at least 8' 0" ft (feet), c) Height of at least 2.5 m or at least 8' 6" ft (feet) or d) Length of at least 6.0 m or at least 19' 10" ft (feet), e) Width of not more than 2.6 m or at least 8' 7" ft (feet), f) Height of at least 2.5 m or at least 8' 6" ft (feet) exhibits.

[0015] According to the invention, there are essentially two ways to insert an open container into the chamber. Either at least one or both container doors are pivoted backwards by approximately 270 degrees (°) from the closed position, or at least one or both container doors are opened by a maximum of 110° from the closed position. The first variant has the advantage that both the platform and the chamber can be made shorter by the width of a container door compared to the second variant, because the container door does not protrude longitudinally from the container. The second variant has the advantage over the first that the inner width of the chamber can be reduced to slightly more than the outer width of the container, because the container door is not positioned next to the container.In the first scenario, the container's width increases by the thickness of at least one door. If both doors are opened for treatment, the width increases by twice the thickness of the container doors.

[0016] Advantageously, the second position in the chamber defines a space for a container, with at least one port on at least one side wall in the X-direction, in front of and / or behind the space, for connecting at least one hose to convey air and steam. These hoses are laid inside the container among the cargo, ensuring that steam treatment can be distributed quickly and efficiently throughout the container.

[0017] Of particular importance to the present invention is the fact that the chamber has a front door and / or a rear door for loading and / or unloading a container. The simplest version of a chamber comprises only a front door. Such a system does not allow a second container to be prepared for treatment immediately in front of the chamber, because the space in front of the chamber is needed to move the first container out of the chamber after treatment. A chamber with two doors allows for two possible procedures. Either the containers are fed into the chamber from only one side and out of the opposite side according to a one-way system, or the containers are prepared on both sides of the chamber and alternately fed into and out of the chamber from one side and the other.

[0018] In connection with the design and arrangement according to the invention, it can be advantageous if the platform has an inclination angle α of at least 1.0° to 1.5°, at least in the second position. A first way to achieve this according to the invention is to design the bottom of the chamber with a corresponding slope of at least 1.0° to 1.5°. This makes it possible to direct the condensate accumulating in the container during treatment to flow out of the container in one direction, collect it at a specific point within the chamber, and discharge it from the chamber.

[0019] Alternatively, it can be advantageous to provide means on the platform to raise it at one end and / or to raise a container at one or both ends. This alternative to a sloping chamber floor also offers the possibility of adjusting the container's incline to the condensate flow rate. It also allows the incline to be adjusted to the side where the container is open.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if at least one side wall of the chamber has an access opening that can be closed with a door or a flap. Particularly in chambers that can accommodate two or more containers for treatment, such separate flaps allow access between the containers. For the treatment of logs in particular, the invention provides for the steam to be fed into the containers via several hoses within the chamber. This is especially relevant when the containers are only open on one side for treatment. In the system according to the invention, the corresponding connections for the hoses are provided in the areas between the containers on the side walls of the chamber.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the platform is at least as long as the container by the width of the container door, thus providing a work area for one person. In the second variant described above, where the container door is only opened to a maximum of 110°, this allows work to be carried out directly on the open container, such as laying hoses or installing sensors inside. This is possible regardless of the platform's position and therefore independent of the container's position. The work area includes a work surface that is at least partially accessible.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to have a device for securing container doors on the platform. This allows for a defined position of the container door in the second variant described above, where the container door is only opened to a maximum of 110°. Such a device is also provided for the variant where the container doors are fully open.

[0023] It can also be advantageous if the inner surface of the base is at least partially inclined and / or if the base has channels, allowing condensate to collect at least one central point within the chamber. This allows the condensate flowing out of the container to be collected centrally within the chamber and drained away. Solid particles generated during treatment can also be collected centrally in this way. Furthermore, during cleaning, all the rinse water and the resulting solid particles can be collected centrally and drained away.

[0024] Finally, it can be advantageous to have a suction device for extracting condensate and / or collecting solid particles. This further simplifies cleaning the chamber.

[0025] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in the claims and the description and illustrated in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective side view of a chamber and container open on one side on a platform in a first position; Fig. 2 a representation according to Fig. 1 in an intermediate position; Fig. 3 a representation according to Fig. 1 in a second position of the container; Fig. 4 a perspective side view of a container on a platform with a work area and a chamber open on one side; Fig. 5 a perspective side view of a two-sided open chamber for two containers; Fig. 6 a perspective top view of a chamber open on one side with a container open on one side and container doors fixed in a work area; Fig. 7 a perspective side view of a container inclined relative to the platform; Fig. 8 a perspective side view of a platform inclined relative to the floor of the chamber; Fig. 9 a perspective side view of a chamber with a sloping floor; Fig. 10 a schematic diagram of a drive device; Fig. 11a a schematic diagram of the process for condensate; Fig. 11b a schematic diagram of the flow of wastewater during or after cleaning.

[0026] The described embodiments use an ISO container. The described system would also be suitable for any other container with similar dimensions, provided they are technically feasible.

[0027] In the Fig. Figures 1-9 represent the basic elements of a system for handling cargo stored in an ISO container. The system comprises a chamber 1 for accommodating a loaded ISO container 9 with an external length CLa, an external width CBa, and an external height CHa. The chamber 1 itself has two side walls 11, 12, a ceiling 14 opposite a floor 13, and a rear wall 16 opposite a front wall 15. The chamber 1 is hermetically sealable and designed to create a vacuum down to below 100 mbar absolute internal pressure. The internal dimensions of the chamber 1, namely its internal length KLi, its internal height KHi, and its internal width KBi, are dimensioned to accommodate a corresponding ISO container.

[0028] In these embodiments, the side walls 11, 12 are arranged parallel to each other and at right angles to a Y-direction. The floor 13 is arranged parallel to the ceiling 14, each oriented at right angles to a Z-direction, and the front wall 15 is arranged parallel to the rear wall 16, each oriented at right angles to an X-direction, wherein the XYZ direction system is perpendicular.

[0029] Furthermore, the system comprises a conveying element 2 for placing and moving a container 9 relative to the chamber 1 from a first position P1 outside the chamber 1 to a second position P2 inside the chamber 1 and a drive device 8 for moving the container 9 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0030] In this specific embodiment, the conveying element 2 comprises a platform 20 on which the container 9 is placed, and a roller system 3 by means of which the platform 20 can be moved essentially horizontally in the X direction. Before the handling of the cargo (not shown) contained within the container 9, the container is placed on the platform 20 in front of chamber 1, and at least one container door 93 is opened. Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6). According to Fig. 2. Container 9 is in an intermediate position and is moved into chamber 1 by means of the drive device 8. A platform 51 is provided in front of chamber 1, which has essentially the same height as the floor 13 in chamber 1, so that the transport is essentially horizontal. According to the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and 7 to 9, container 9 is placed in position P2 in chamber 1.

[0031] In the special in the Fig. In the cases shown in Figures 1-9, chamber 1 has an internal length KLi that corresponds to the external length CLa of container 9 plus the width TB of container door 93. Therefore, the internal width of chamber 1 does not need to be significantly wider than the external width CBa of container 9, because the container doors 93 are not located between container 9 and the side wall 11, 12 of chamber 1.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the 19 positions that container 9 occupies in position P1 in front of chamber 1 and in position P2 inside chamber 1. Position P2 inside chamber 1 is essential for the further preparations for handling the cargo in container 9. For handling the cargo, air is drawn out of chamber 1 via nozzle 120, thereby creating a vacuum, and air, and especially water vapor, is introduced into chamber 1. For handling the cargo, hoses 420 are connected to nozzle 120 and laid inside container 9. Fig. 7).

[0033] In Fig. Figure 5 illustrates that chamber 1 can accommodate several containers 9 simultaneously. It is now shown that chamber 1 has a front door 17 and a rear door 18. This allows chamber 1 to be loaded and unloaded with containers 9 from both sides. Sufficient space is available at least in front of each container 9 and between two containers 9 to work on the containers 9. Since the inner width KBi of chamber 1 in this embodiment corresponds almost exactly to the outer width CBa of the container 9, there is no possibility for the operating personnel to walk and work between the containers 9 and the side walls 11, 12 of chamber 1. Access between the containers 9 is achieved through a separate access opening 6 in the side walls 11, 12 of chamber 1, which can be closed by a door 61.

[0034] To generate the vacuum and the necessary steam, chamber 1 has a module 4, which includes a vacuum pump 40, a steam generator 41, a control system 42, and corresponding pipes 450. The ports 120, through which the hoses 420 are connected inside chamber 1, also serve outside chamber 1 to connect the module 4 to the corresponding supply via ports 430.

[0035] The exemplary implementations according to the Fig. 1-3 differ from the embodiments according to the Fig. 4-6 through a platform of varying length 20. After the Fig. 4-6, platform 20 is approximately 1.5 meters longer than container 9, so that a work area 24 is available in front of container 9 on platform 20, in which personnel can work to a limited extent. At the same time, devices 23 for securing one or both container doors 93 are provided on platform 20 in this extended area.

[0036] To insert the container 9 into chamber 1, the doors 17 of chamber 1 are fully opened. The floor 13 of chamber 1 has 130 channels 132 on its upper surface, as well as a central point 131, through which the condensate and solid particles generated during the handling of the cargo can be collected and discharged from chamber 1. A suction device 7, connected to the channel system, is provided for this purpose. The storage space 19 in position P2 in chamber 1 allows for a certain amount of clearance between the container 9 and the rear wall 16 of chamber 1.

[0037] To ensure the targeted removal of condensate and solids from container 9, container 9 is to be positioned at an angle within chamber 1. For this purpose, the following are to be carried out: Fig. Figures 7-9 show three examples of tilting container 9 by an angle α. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 7-9, the container 9 is tilted by an angle α. Fig. 7 a means 5 is provided on the conveying element 2 to lift the container 9 at one of its two ends 91, 92 to such an extent that the container 9 has an inclination between 1.5° and 2°. According to Fig. 8 A means 5 is provided on the conveying element 2, which is supported downwards on the upper surface 130 of the base 13 of the chamber 1 and thus raises the conveying element 2 with the container 9 at one end 22 by a corresponding amount. The in Fig. Solution 9 shows a special floor 13 in chamber 1 with a top surface 130, which has a corresponding slope.

[0038] In the Fig. 11a and Fig. Figure 11b illustrates the basic flow of condensate within container 9 and chamber 1. The two inclined planes demonstrate how the condensate is initially drained in one direction above the floor 13 of chamber 1, as indicated by the arrows, and then, after leaving container 9, flows in the other direction to the central point 131. Several flushing channels 133 are provided for cleaning and rinsing chamber 1. Fresh water and cleaning agents are introduced into chamber 1 through these channels and, together with the solid particles and the remaining condensate, are carried away via the [unclear text]. Fig. The 6 channels 132, shown in more detail, are also led to the central point 131.

[0039] In Fig.Figure 10 shows a simple principle of a drive device 8, by means of which the platform 20 with its roller system 3 can be transported from the pedestal 51 in a horizontal direction into chamber 1 or out of chamber 2. For this purpose, an anchor 83 is provided, which is positively connected to the platform 20 and which is driven in both horizontal directions by the motor 81 via a conveyor chain 82 and two drive rollers 84.

Claims

[1] System for handling cargo under vacuum comprising a) a chamber (1) for receiving a loaded container (9) having an external length (CLa), an external width (CBa) and an external height (CHa), wherein the chamber (1) i) two side walls (11, 12) and ii) a ceiling (14) arranged opposite a floor (13) and iii) has a rear wall (16) arranged opposite a front wall (15), and wherein the direction system XYZ is perpendicular and b) comprising a conveying element (2) comprising a platform (20) with a wheel or roller system (3) for parking and moving a container (9) relative to the chamber (1) from a first position (P1) outside the chamber (1) to a second position (P2) inside the chamber (1) and c) a drive device (8) is provided for moving the platform (20) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by , that immediately following chamber 1 a module (4) with a vacuum pump (40) as well as a control and regulation system (42) and pipes (450) are provided with which a vacuum of up to 98% or a pressure of less than 100 mbar absolute can be generated in the chamber (1). [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that additionally a steam generator (41) is provided, with which saturated steam can be generated in a temperature range between 20 °C and 60 °C in the chamber (1). [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chamber (1) inside a a) Length (KLi) of at least 8.4 m, b) Width (KBi) of at least 2.4 m, c) Height (KHi) of at least 2.5 m or d) Length (KLi) of at least 6.0 m, e) Width (KBi) of and at most 2.6 m, f) has a height (KHi) of at least 2.5 m. [5] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second position (P2) in the chamber (1) defines a parking space (19) for a container (9) in the chamber (1), wherein in the X-direction in front of and / or behind the parking space (19) at least one nozzle (120) is provided on at least one side wall (11, 12) for connecting at least one hose (420) for conveying air and steam. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chamber (1) has a front door (17) and / or a rear door (18) for loading and / or unloading a container (9). [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the platform (2) has at least in the second position (P2) an inclination angle α of at least 1.0 to 1.5 degrees. [8] System according to claim 7, characterized by, that means (5) are provided on the platform (2) to lift the platform (2) unilaterally at one end (22) of the platform (2) and / or to lift a container (9) unilaterally at one end (91) of the container (9) or at both ends (91, 92) of the container (9). [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least in one side wall (11, 12) an access opening (6) which can be closed with a door (61) or with a flap is provided in the chamber (1). [10] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the platform (2) is longer than the length (CLa) of the container (9) by at least the width (TB) of a container door (93) and thus provides a working area (24) for one person. [11] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a device (23) for securing doors (93) of a container (9) is arranged on the platform (2). [12] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the inner upper surface (130) of the bottom (13) is at least partially inclined and / or the bottom (13) has channels (132) such that condensate can collect at at least one central point (131) in the chamber (1). [13] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a suction device (7) is provided for the extraction of condensate and / or the collection of solid particles. [14] Use of a system for generating a vacuum and / or steam according to any of the preceding claims for treating logs, wherein the wood is stored in an ISO container (sea freight container, freight containers) with an external length (CLa) of at least 8.4 m and the wood is positioned together with the container (9) in the chamber (1). [15] Method for treating logs, wherein in a first process step the logs are stacked or stored in an ISO container (sea freight container, freight containers) with an external length (CLa) of at least 8.4 m and in a further process step directly or indirectly following this, they are treated together with the container (9) in a vacuum treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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