DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS OF CORPSES AND / OR CARCAVES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the alkaline hydrolysis—also known as saponification or aquamation—of corpses and carcasses. Alkaline hydrolysis can be used for the burial of the corpse or carcass. State of the art

[0002] In addition to burial and cremation, alkaline hydrolysis is another known burial method. In this method, organic material is hydrolyzed using a strong alkali, thus decomposing it. The organic material can be an animal carcass or a human corpse. A container is provided for this purpose, into which the organic material is placed. A base or alkali is then added to the container, and water is added. The base forms an alkali in the aqueous solution. The alkali and water are referred to as process water and are added to the organic material. Traditionally, the process water is heated, and the container is pressurized. The decomposition process can then take approximately 3 to 20 hours, depending on the weight of the organic material, the temperature and pressure, and the agitation described below.After decomposition, a liquid, referred to here as process wastewater, and solid bone remains remain. The process wastewater contains the brine, water, and the decomposed remains of the organic material. It is microbiologically sterile and no longer contains DNA. Finally, the process wastewater undergoes post-treatment. This involves neutralizing the brine, for example, by adding an acid, and cooling the process wastewater, typically by adding fresh water. Finally, the process wastewater can be disposed of.

[0003] The effectiveness of hydrolysis depends on agitation. For the purposes of this application, agitation refers to the movement of one or more components of a mixture or liquid to improve contact, in this case, contact with the corpse or carcass. In particular, this refers to stirring or otherwise agitating the liquid with regard to the associated effect of influencing or improving the effectiveness of contact.

[0004] US 2013 / 0053615 A1 discloses a method and device for the alkaline hydrolysis of tissue, such as corpses and / or carcasses, at low temperatures. The device comprises a horizontally positioned container with a lid in which the dissolving liquid is held. Loading baskets are provided for introducing the corpses into the container. The method is controlled by a control device. A pump, a wastewater connection, valves for hot / cold water, and a heater are also described. The process wastewater can optionally be neutralized using CO2.

[0005] WO 2011 / 137351 A2 also discloses a method and device for the alkaline hydrolysis of tissue, such as corpses and / or carcasses. A treatment vessel is provided into which the tissue, i.e., the corpse or carcass, is placed in a basket. The treatment vessel is filled with water and alkali, and the processing liquid remains in the container throughout the entire process. This creates the impression for relatives that the deceased is being "drowned." For the process, the treatment vessel is tilted vertically and placed at an angle of between 10 and 90°. As a result, the remains slide down to the lower end of the basket under gravity during the process, where they can be collected. Agitation is created by a stirrer on the underside of the treatment vessel.The increased agitation results in greater hydrolysis effectiveness than conventional devices where the tissue is simply inserted. However, the agitation effect is not evenly distributed throughout the treatment vessel and is greater at the bottom. As the door and seals are above the liquid level, these components are protected, eliminating the need for maintenance and servicing. The vessel can optionally be pressurized. However, in the context of burials, tilting or tipping the vessel is undesirable, as this violates the dignity of the deceased and is perceived by relatives as disrespectful. Reference is made to Section 7 of the Code of Ethics of the International Cremation Federation (ICF), which states that a body may not be touched or disturbed once it is in the facility.

[0006] US 2011 / 0130612 A1 discloses an alkaline hydrolysis unit and a method for its use in disposing of a corpse, the alkaline hydrolysis unit comprising: a chamber for receiving a corpse to be chemically decomposed, the chamber comprising a head-receiving portion adapted to receive the head of a corpse; a circulation pump fluidly connected to the chamber of the alkaline hydrolysis unit and adapted to circulate fluids within the chamber; head-retaining means disposeable in the chamber for retaining the head of the corpse in the head-receiving portion of the chamber; and at least one circulation nozzle fluidly connected to the circulation pump and positioned to direct fluid from the circulation pump to the head-receiving portion of the chamber.

[0007] It is the object of the present invention to provide a device and / or a method that achieves a higher and evenly distributed agitation in order to increase the effectiveness of hydrolysis, reduce resource consumption, rinsing effort and care effort, and at the same time preserve the dignity of the deceased and the piety towards the relatives. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved by a device for the alkaline hydrolysis of corpses and / or carcasses, which device has nozzles for distributing process water. The device has a process tank into which the corpse or carcass is placed. For this purpose, the corpse or carcass can be placed directly in the process tank and / or previously in a loading basket described below. In the process, foreign objects are removed wherever possible. In the case of corpses, for example, clothing, extras, packaging and the like are removed beforehand. A hood encloses the process tank during treatment. The hood can be closed off by a door on one side and have a closable opening on the other.

[0009] The device has a preparation tank in which the process water is prepared for alkaline hydrolysis. For this purpose, an alkali and / or a base which forms the alkali in aqueous solution is introduced into the treatment tank. As an example, a potassium hydroxide solution can be introduced as the alkali. The base can preferably be potassium hydroxide, which is introduced directly and forms potassium hydroxide in the tank in aqueous solution. Potassium hydroxide can be introduced into the tank as a solid, which is advantageous in terms of space requirements. Alternatively, sodium hydroxide solution or other alkalis or bases can be used. A dosing tank can be provided in which the alkali or base is stored. The dosing tank then doses the alkali or base in the exact quantity into the preparation tank. During operation, further alkali or base can be added via the dosing tank.Base is added to maintain the desired pH value, preferably above 12.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one fresh water inlet is provided on the preparation tank, through which a predeterminable amount of fresh water can be supplied to the preparation tank. The amount of fresh water supplied to the preparation tank is either the amount required to completely fill the preparation tank or the amount that is drained from the device and / or pumped into the conditioning tank, as described below. The at least one fresh water inlet can also be connected to other components of the device, allowing fresh water to be used to clean the respective component.

[0011] At least one nozzle is provided in the hood. Alternatively or additionally, at least one nozzle is provided in the process tank. During treatment, the at least one nozzle is connected to the preparation tank via lines. The process water is led from the preparation tank through the lines to the at least one nozzle and sprayed over the corpse or carcass in the process tank by means of the at least one nozzle. The process water is distributed over the corpse or carcass through the at least one nozzle and the alkali comes into direct contact with its surface. A nozzle in the hood sprays the corpse or carcass from above and, if appropriate, from the side. A nozzle in the process tank is preferably arranged so that it sprays the corpse or carcass from below and / or from the side. Generally, one nozzle either in the hood or in the process tank is sufficient to spray the corpse or carcass.Preferably, multiple nozzles are provided, allowing the process water to be distributed more precisely and thus accelerating decomposition. A combination of nozzles in the hood and nozzles in the process tank is best suited to spray the body or carcass from all directions.

[0012] Spraying with process water initiates alkaline hydrolysis, in which the body or carcass is decomposed by the alkali. The spraying of the nozzles ensures a better and continuous distribution of the process water over the entire surface of the body or carcass. This results in a uniformly high level of agitation. If a bath is to be created in the process tank for a specific process step, the nozzles cause the bath to be thoroughly mixed due to the water flow, which is comparable to a stirring function, which also leads to increased agitation. Furthermore, the device is not tilted or inclined, but remains level and horizontal. If a treatment tank is tilted, as is common with other devices, this creates the problematic impression for an observer that the body or carcass is being "drowned."The device according to the invention is not tilted or inclined, so the body or carcass remains horizontal. Furthermore, the device operates at atmospheric pressure. If, as is common with other devices, high pressure is applied to operate the process water at temperatures above 100°C, this creates the problematic impression for an observer that the body or carcass is being boiled. The device according to the invention operates at temperatures below 100°C. Overall, the device according to the invention preserves the dignity of the deceased and respects the relatives.

[0013] The decomposition process can take approximately 3 to 20 hours, depending on the weight of the body or carcass, the temperature and pressure, and the agitation. The decomposition process occurs at atmospheric pressure, so no overpressure is required.

[0014] Remains, such as bones, remain in the processing tank and can eventually be removed separately. Optionally, the bones may be crushed, especially ground, and then handed over to a funeral director, a relative, or, in the case of an animal, to its owner.

[0015] In addition, a wastewater drain is provided through which the process wastewater, which is preferably neutralized beforehand, is discharged into a sewage system.

[0016] Pipes and valves can be provided to transport the process water. Some of the valves can be designed as 3-way valves. For the purposes of this application, "switching" a valve means changing the position of the valve so that the liquid is directed through a different pipe. At least one pump is provided, which pumps the process water from the preparation container through the pipes to at least one nozzle. During treatment, the draining process water can be continuously recirculated to the nozzles by the pump and thus sprayed onto the corpse or carcass. This ensures that sufficient process water reaches the corpse or carcass.

[0017] A programmable logic controller (PLC) is provided to control the device. Additionally, process steps and actions to be performed can be displayed to the user via an interface. Furthermore, the user can respond to controller queries and enter values ​​and / or parameters via the same interface or via a separate interface.

[0018] A collecting trough is arranged beneath the process trough, which collects the process water from the process trough and the process water that is sprayed out by the at least one nozzle and has come into contact with the corpse or carcass. The process trough therefore does not have to be completely leak-proof, since the process water is collected by the collecting trough. The process trough preferably has an outlet through which the process water is drained into the collecting trough. The outlet is preferably designed as a slide valve that can be opened and closed from the outside. The process trough, into which the corpse or carcass is placed, and the collecting trough, which collects the process water, are designed separately from one another. The collecting trough is connected to the preparation container so that the process water from the collecting trough is returned to the preparation container and from there can be fed back to the nozzles.The collecting tray can have at least one drain through which the process water can be drained. Optionally, the collecting tray is connected to a conditioning tank, described in more detail below, which the device advantageously includes.

[0019] The process tank is mounted so as to be movable, in particular displaceable, relative to the collecting tank, for example by rollers on the underside of the process tank. The process tank can be pushed into a treatment position in which the process tank is arranged above a treatment section of the collecting tank. The treatment section of the collecting tank can have an outlet that is connected to the preparation tank via lines. Thus, during treatment, the process water can be guided from the collecting tank via the outlet in the treatment section to the preparation tank and from there continuously fed back to the at least one nozzle. Advantageously, the outlet is connected to the conditioning tank via further lines. With at least one valve in the lines, the connection of the treatment section to the preparation tank or to the conditioning tank can be selected.Once the decomposition process is complete, at least one valve can be switched, and the process wastewater and / or water generated during cleaning can be directed from the collection tank to the conditioning tank, preferably via the same outlet in the treatment section. In principle, several outlets can also be provided in the treatment section of the collection tank, which are connected to the preparation tank or the conditioning tank and are opened and closed accordingly instead of the valve.

[0020] Furthermore, the process tank can be pushed into a cleaning position in which the process tank is arranged above a cleaning section of the collecting tank. The cleaning section of the collecting tank can have an outlet that is connected to the wastewater drain via lines, wherein post-treatment is preferably interposed in the conditioning container described below. Preferably, the hood does not move into the cleaning position. In the cleaning position of the process tank, the process tank and the remains therein, such as bones, can be rinsed with fresh water. Furthermore, the hood, which is separated from the process tank, is easier to access for cleaning. At least part of the cleaning can also be carried out in the treatment position of the process tank. For example, the at least one nozzle and the lines can be rinsed in the treatment position of the process tank.The remains can be easily removed in the cleaning position. Furthermore, the remains can be removed spatially separate from the position in which the body or cadaver is placed. This allows respect for relatives who are not present during the removal process to be maintained. This is especially true if the hood remains in the treatment position and a visual barrier, such as a wall, is provided outside the device.

[0021] The aforementioned conditioning tank serves as a neutralization component for the process wastewater. The conditioning tank is connected to the preparation tank via at least one line. The process wastewater is conveyed from the preparation tank to the conditioning tank via the at least one line. At least one pump can be used for this purpose. Water used during cleaning is also conveyed to the conditioning tank via the aforementioned lines.

[0022] The conditioning tank contains a device for neutralizing the alkali in the process wastewater. This neutralizes the alkali and thus the process wastewater in the conditioning tank during conditioning using a neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent is preferably an acid, especially citric acid. The conditioning tank is also connected to the wastewater outlet, through which the neutralized process wastewater can be discharged from the conditioning tank into a wastewater system.

[0023] The device for neutralizing the alkali is preferably a dosing device configured to introduce the liquid or solid acid into the conditioning tank. A liquid acid is preferably used to neutralize the alkali in the process wastewater. Citric acid is preferred, and 50% citric acid is particularly preferred. In this case, the device for neutralizing the alkali can be a dosing pump configured to introduce the liquid acid into the conditioning tank. This offers the advantage that the required amount of acid can be introduced precisely to neutralize the alkali.

[0024] With appropriate valve control, one pump in the device is sufficient to pump both the process water to the at least one nozzle and the process wastewater into the conditioning tank. The device preferably has two pumps. One pump is used to convey the process water from the preparation tank to the at least one nozzle. After spraying, the process water flows back into the preparation tank through appropriately controlled valves. The preparation tank and the corresponding lines are preferably arranged below the process trough, so that the process water flows back into the preparation tank by gravity. This pump also serves to convey the process wastewater from the preparation tank to the conditioning tank.Another pump is used for circulation around the conditioning tank during neutralization and for conveying the process wastewater into the wastewater drain. Thus, the circulation of the process water to the at least one nozzle and the circulation of the process wastewater around the conditioning tank can be carried out independently of each other.

[0025] Advantageously, there is a connection between the two piping systems that can be separated via a valve. During normal operation, the valve is closed and the connection is separated, allowing the pumps to supply the process water and discharge the process wastewater separately. If one of the pumps fails, the connection can be opened in emergency operation, and the other, functioning pump can handle both the pumping and circulating the process water from the preparation tank to at least one nozzle, as well as the pumping and circulating the process wastewater to the conditioning tank and to the wastewater drain.

[0026] Preferably, the hood is mounted so as to be movable, in particular displaceable, relative to the process tank, for example by means of rollers on the underside of the hood. The hood can be pushed into an insertion position in which the hood is removed from the process tank, thus allowing the process tank to be freely accessible from the outside. In this insertion position, the corpse or carcass can be easily placed into the process tank. Furthermore, the hood can be pushed into a treatment position in which the hood encloses the process tank. In this treatment position, alkaline hydrolysis takes place, and the process water is sprayed onto the corpse or carcass through the nozzles.

[0027] Advantageously, the process tank and the hood are mounted so as to be movable, in particular displaceable, independently of one another, so that they can be moved, in particular shifted, relative to one another without hindrance. The treatment position of the process tank, in which the process tank is arranged above the treatment section of the collecting tank, and the treatment position of the hood, in which the hood is arranged above the process tank, preferably correspond, so that as a result the hood is located above the treatment section of the collecting tank during treatment and the process water is optimally collected in the treatment section of the collecting tank by the at least one nozzle in the hood. The hood can also be moved into the insertion position for cleaning. In particular, if the process tank has also been moved into the cleaning position, the treatment section of the collecting tank can be cleaned from the outside.The ability to move the process tank and / or the hood for cleaning makes cleaning easier. Furthermore, the device according to the invention does not need to be tilted or inclined for cleaning or removing the remains, as is the case with conventional devices. This preserves the dignity of the deceased and respects the relatives.

[0028] The connection between the at least one nozzle in the hood and / or in the process tank and the preparation container can preferably be designed to be detachable. For this purpose, at least one detachable plug-in coupling is preferably provided, via which the at least one nozzle in the hood and / or in the process tank is connected to the preparation container. This is particularly advantageous when moving, in particular shifting, the process tank and / or the hood, as described above. Thus, the line to the at least one nozzle in the hood can be disconnected in the insertion position, and in the treatment position the plug-in coupling can connect the line to the at least one nozzle in the hood. Likewise, the line to the at least one nozzle in the process tank can be disconnected in the cleaning position, and in the treatment position the plug-in coupling can connect the line to the at least one nozzle in the process tank.

[0029] Advantageously, a multi-stage filter is arranged in at least one outlet for the process water, which filter out tissue pieces and the smallest suspended particles from the process water. When using the collecting tray described above, the filter is preferably arranged in an outlet of the collecting tray, as this is where the process water collects. The multi-stage filter can in particular have three filter stages. The first filter stage stops larger particles and smaller bones. The second filter stage filters out smaller particles. The third filter stage is preferably a filter unit made of a natural material, such as cotton, which stops suspended particles and fine particles belonging to the corpse or carcass. The multi-stage filter is designed such that the filter unit of the third filter stage can be replaced. The filter unit of the third filter stage is preferably designed for single use and can be used for each corpse or carcass.Cadavers can be used separately. Furthermore, the filter unit can be identified by an identifier, such as a number, which allows the filter unit to be assigned to the corpse or carcass after hydrolysis. The filtered material and the filter unit of the third stage can be dried and ground together with the remains, and then handed over to a funeral director, a relative, or, in the case of an animal, to its owner. After the process water has passed through the multi-stage filter, it no longer contains any components of the body of the corpse or carcass. Consequently, there is no mixing of components from different corpses or carcasses.

[0030] Carcasses and corpses can sometimes be very heavy, which can make it difficult to place them in the treatment tank. This can be remedied by using a loading basket to hold the carcass or corpse. The carcass or corpse can be transported to the process tank using the loading basket. A transport device such as a transport trolley can be used for this purpose. The transport device should preferably be height-adjustable. The loading basket is then placed in the process tank. The transport device pushes the loading basket containing the corpse or corpse through the open door into the process tank and secures it there. This simplifies the introduction of the corpse or corpse. Furthermore, the loading basket is not completely closed, but is at least partially permeable to water.In particular, the feed basket has a permeable structure, such as a grid or rod, at least where the nozzles are located. The open feed basket ensures that the process water is distributed directly onto the surface of the body or carcass without being obstructed by the feed basket and thus losing its effectiveness.

[0031] For animal carcasses, multiple loading baskets can also be provided, with each loading basket accommodating, for example, a single carcass. Preferably, multiple loading baskets can be placed in the process tank, allowing multiple carcasses to be hydrolyzed simultaneously. The multiple loading baskets also offer the advantage that the solid remains remaining after decomposition, especially bones, can be removed from the loading basket separately, one carcass at a time. In principle, multiple carcasses can also be placed in one loading basket.

[0032] A heater can be installed in the piping system of the preparation tank to heat the process water during the decomposition process. Heating the process water and the lye it contains accelerates the decomposition process. A preferred temperature range for the process water during the decomposition process is approximately 92 °C to 98 °C.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, a heat exchanger can be provided to transport heat from the process wastewater from the conditioning tank to at least one preparation tank, where it is heated. The heat exchanger extracts heat from the process wastewater in the conditioning tank, allowing it to cool more quickly and thus be removed earlier, and transfers the heat directly to the process water in the at least one preparation tank, causing it to heat up. As described above, heating the process water accelerates the decomposition process. Furthermore, the heat exchanger reduces energy consumption.

[0034] The device preferably comprises at least one measuring device for one or more of the following parameters: Flow rate of the process water to the at least one nozzle; temperature of the process water; pH value of the process water; amount of base or lye supplied; amount of water supplied; temperature of the process wastewater; pH value of the process wastewater; conductivity of the process wastewater.

[0035] The temperature of the process water is measured in order to adjust it to the optimal temperature range for the decomposition process, which is preferably between 92°C and 98°C. The pH value of the process water is determined in order to dose additional lye or base from the dosing tank into the preparation tank if necessary. The amount of base or lye added and the amount of water are determined in order to adjust them to the specifications according to the mass of the corpse or carcass. The temperature and pH value of the process wastewater are measured to determine if and when the process wastewater can be released into the sewage system. Instead of directly measuring the pH value, the conductivity of the process wastewater can also be measured.

[0036] Optionally, one or more of the following safety devices can be provided: Safety pressure valve in the preparation tank and / or in at least one conditioning tank; safety temperature limiter in the preparation tank; leakage tray for leaked liquid, which is electronically monitored.

[0037] The preparation tank, hood, process tank, collection tank, and / or conditioning tank are preferably made of stainless steel or plastic, which are not degraded by alkaline hydrolysis. However, the choice of materials is not limited to these, and other materials with these properties can also be used. The preparation tank and / or conditioning tank can also be designed as sealed tanks.

[0038] The problem is further solved by a process for the alkaline hydrolysis of corpses and / or carcasses with the following steps.

[0039] A calculated amount of water is fed into the preparation tank through a fresh water inlet. The amount of fresh water fed into the preparation tank is either the amount needed to completely fill the preparation tank or the amount drained from the device and / or pumped into the conditioning tank, as described below.

[0040] A lye and / or a base, which forms the lye in aqueous solution, is then introduced into the preparation tank. The lye can be, for example, potassium hydroxide solution, and the base can be, for example, potassium hydroxide, which forms potassium hydroxide solution in aqueous solution. Potassium hydroxide can be introduced into the tank as a solid, which is advantageous in terms of space requirements. Alternatively, caustic soda or sodium hydroxide or other lyes or bases can be used. The amount of lye or base added depends on the pH value of the process water. The process water is preferably brought to a pH value above 12. The lye or base is stored upstream in a dosing tank and is dosed into the preparation tank in precise quantities.

[0041] The body or carcass is placed in the processing tank. For this purpose, the processing tank is preferably in the treatment position, but in principle, it can also be placed in another position suitable for insertion. The hood is preferably in the insertion position so that the processing tank is freely accessible from the outside. Before insertion, foreign objects are removed, where possible. In the case of bodies, for example, clothing, accessories, packaging, and the like are sorted out in advance.

[0042] To load the carcass or corpse, it can be placed in a loading basket, which can then be inserted into the process tank. In the case of animal carcasses, multiple loading baskets can also be provided. The transport device described above can be used for loading.

[0043] After the body or carcass has been placed in the process tank, the hood - if it is not already there - is moved to a treatment position in which the hood is above the process tank.

[0044] Preferably, the process water is prepared at the beginning of the preparation process in the preparation tank, as described above. However, it can also be planned to prepare the process water only after the body or carcass has been placed in the preparation tank or after the hood has been moved into the treatment position.

[0045] The process water is then guided from the preparation container to the at least one nozzle in the hood and / or in the process tank and sprayed onto the corpse or carcass. This initiates the decomposition process. The process water that has come into contact with the corpse or carcass is returned to the preparation tank, preferably using gravity. Preferably, the process water is first collected in a collecting tank. The process water is then repeatedly pumped to the at least one nozzle. Spraying continues for a predetermined process time, which lasts approximately 3 to 20 hours, depending on the mass of the corpse or carcass, the temperature and pressure, and the agitation. If a bath is to be created in the process tank for a specific process step, more process water is sprayed through the nozzles than is simultaneously returned to the preparation tank.The process water is also heated. The heater and / or heat exchanger described above can be used for this purpose.

[0046] After decomposition has ended, and preferably even during decomposition, process wastewater can be transferred from the preparation tank to the conditioning tank and neutralized there. Only a portion of the liquid, for example, one-third of the total liquid in the preparation tank, is removed from the preparation tank. To treat the process wastewater, a quantity of a neutralizing agent, in particular an acid, is added to the conditioning tank until the pH of the process wastewater falls below a pH threshold. The pH of the process wastewater is preferably measured continuously. The pH threshold is chosen so that the process wastewater can be safely discharged into the sewage system via the wastewater outlet; for example, it is 9.5. If the pH falls below the threshold, the addition of the neutralizing agent is stopped.

[0047] Optionally, you can wait until the process wastewater has cooled below a temperature threshold. The temperature of the process wastewater is preferably also measured continuously. The temperature threshold is selected so that the process wastewater can be safely discharged through the wastewater outlet into the sewage system; for example, it is 40°C.

[0048] Finally, the process wastewater is pumped out through the wastewater drain and discharged into the sewage system.

[0049] After the decomposition process is complete, the process tank can be moved to a cleaning position. The process tank and the hood, as well as the collecting tank if necessary, are then cleaned. This can be done manually, for example, by a user using fresh water from a fresh water inlet. Since the hood and the process tank are independently movable, especially movable, cleaning can be easily performed horizontally. Finally, the wastewater is drained away.

[0050] It may also be provided to completely clean the preparation tank and, if applicable, the conditioning tank. For this purpose, the preparation tank, the conditioning tank, if applicable, and the connected lines can be rinsed with fresh water from the fresh water supply. The nozzles can be rinsed before or at the time of cleaning the process tank or the collecting tank. At least one pump can also be used to pump the rinse water. Finally, the rinse water from the aforementioned components is drained into the conditioning tank. The conditioning tank can also be rinsed during the rinsing process.

[0051] The wastewater / rinse water generated during cleaning can be fed into the conditioning tank and neutralized there. After post-treatment, it can be pumped out through the wastewater drain along with the process wastewater. Alternatively, it can be pumped out through the wastewater drain at a later time, particularly after the process wastewater.

[0052] The method described above is preferably carried out by the above-mentioned programmable logic controller.

[0053] As a result, the water quantity in the device is kept constant by regularly adding fresh water, and the pH value is kept above a desired value, for example, 12, by regularly adding lye or base during the process. This ensures that only the required amount of lye or base is used. The process water is continuously recycled without having to drain the entire process water at the end of each process. This offers the advantage that less water, less lye or base, and less heat or energy are required overall. Since cooling and neutralization take place during the process, the overall process duration is also reduced. Short description of the drawings

[0054] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Figure 1 shows an external view of the device according to the invention for the alkaline hydrolysis of corpses and / or carcasses. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of the method according to the invention for the alkaline hydrolysis of corpses and / or carcasses. Figures 4 to 12 show the device from Figure 2 in different stages of alkaline hydrolysis with the respective piping systems used. Figure 13 shows the device from Figure 2 during emergency operation. Embodiments of the invention

[0055] Figure 1 shows an external view of the device according to the invention with a housing 1, which is shown open here. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the device from Figure 1. The housing 1 is closed at the top by a collecting tray 2. A process tray 6 is arranged on the collecting tray 2, which is mounted on rollers so that the process tray 6 can be moved on the collecting tray 2. As shown in Figure 2As shown, the process tank is shorter than the collecting tank 2 and here is approximately half the length of the collecting tank 2. In addition, a hood 5 is provided which is arranged around the collecting tank 2. The hood 5 is designed such that it also encloses the process tank 6 when the hood 5 and the collecting tank 6 are arranged one above the other. The hood 5 is mounted on rollers so that the hood 5 can be moved on the collecting tank 2. The process tank 6 and the hood 5 can be moved towards each other without hindering each other. For this purpose, the hood 5 has a closable opening 81 on one side through which the process tank 6 can be pushed. In addition, the hood 5 can have a viewing window not shown here. The hood 5 is also shorter than the collecting tank 2 and here is also half the length of the collecting tank 2.The process tank 6 is positioned in a treatment position and the hood 5 is positioned in a loading position. On the side of the loading position, a door 4 is provided, which is shown in the open state. This allows the process tank 6 to be freely accessible from the outside and a corpse or carcass in a loading basket 7 can be placed into the process tank 6 from the side of the door 4 or alternatively from above. The loading basket 7 with the corpse or carcass can be moved to the door 4 using a transport trolley (not shown), positioned using a height-adjustable device on the transport trolley and then pushed into the process tank 6 through the open door. The loading basket 7 is locked to the process tank 6 during operation. To close, the door 4 is folded upwards.If the hood 5 is in the treatment position above the process tank 6, it closes the process tank 6 to the outside with the door 4 folded upwards.

[0056] The housing 1 is placed horizontally on the floor with adjustable feet 8. A leakage tray 9 is also provided at the floor to collect leakage fluid, which is monitored by a sensor (not shown).

[0057] The device is controlled via a programmable logic controller running on an electronic control unit 79. The control unit 79 is located in an electrical control cabinet 10 on the device. The electronic control unit 79 is connected to an operating display 3, which serves as an interface to the user. The operating display 3 shows the user the status of the process and receives inputs from the user. In addition, queries are displayed to the user via the operating display 3, and the user can enter or select values ​​or parameters directly via the operating display 3. Additional signaling devices are provided, for example a signal light 18, which consists of three lights and indicates the status of the device through different colors and / or flashing / continuous light, or a horn 19, which generates an acoustic signal, particularly in the event of a fault.Safety switches 77 are provided on movable components in the device. These switches prevent the components from being moved, opened, or similarly manipulated if doing so would pose a danger to the user, for example, by leaking caustic soda. If safe access by the user is possible, the safety switches 77 release the components. The safety switches 77 can be controlled by the user via the operating display 3.

[0058] A dosing tank 11 is provided, in which, for example, potassium hydroxide in the form of granules is stored as a base. A separating device prevents premature reaction of the potassium hydroxide. The dosing tank 11 also has a safety switch and a cover to protect the user. The dosing tank 11 is connected to a preparation tank 12 and doses the base into the preparation tank 12 according to the specifications. The added potassium hydroxide forms potassium hydroxide solution in fresh water supplied to the preparation tank 12, with which the alkaline hydrolysis takes place. A pH measuring probe 57, which is arranged in a line system connected to the preparation tank 12, monitors the pH of the process water. Several level sensors 82, 83, 84 in the preparation tank 12 monitor the level of the process water.

[0059] Several nozzles 17 are provided in the hood 5. The nozzles 17 and the associated lines can be arranged on a carriage in exemplary embodiments and can be moved out of the hood 5 for maintenance and cleaning. Figure 1 the nozzles 17 and the associated lines are shown extended from the hood 5 for better clarity. During operation, the nozzles 17 and the associated lines are located on the ceiling of the hood 5. When the hood 5 is in the treatment position, as shown in Figure 2, the nozzles 17 are connected to the preparation container 12 via a plug-in coupling 71. If the hood 5 is moved, the connection via the plug-in coupling 71 is released. When pushed back into the treatment position, the plug-in coupling 71 engages automatically and re-establishes the connection. In addition, the plug-in coupling 71 holds the hood 5 in the treatment position.

[0060] Additional nozzles 16 are arranged in the process tank 6, which spray the body or carcass from below and / or from the side. When the process tank 6 is in the Figure 2 As shown, in the treatment position, the nozzles 16 are also connected to the preparation container 12 via a plug-in coupling 70. If the process tank 6 is moved, the connection via the plug-in coupling 70 is released. When pushed back into the treatment position, the plug-in coupling 70 automatically engages and reestablishes the connection. Furthermore, the plug-in coupling 70 holds the process tank 6 in the treatment position.

[0061] The process tank 6 has a slide valve 80 on one side through which the process water can drain into the collecting tank 2. The slide valve 80 can be closed by the operator via the control element 3, so that the process water collects in the process tank 6 when a bath is to be created in a specific process step. The additional nozzles 16 ensure continuous circulation of the process water around the corpse or carcass when the slide valve 80 is closed.

[0062] The loading basket 7 has a water-permeable structure, such as a grid, at the locations where the nozzles 16, 17 are located when inserted, so that the process water comes into contact with the surface of the corpse or carcass without being obstructed by the loading basket 7.

[0063] The collection tank 2 is divided into a treatment section 20 and a cleaning section 21. The process tank 6 and the hood 5 are located in their treatment positions above the treatment section 20. Outlets 22 and 23 are arranged in the treatment section 20 and the cleaning section 21, respectively. A multi-stage filter 24 is arranged in the outlet 22 of the treatment section 20. This filter 24 filters tissue pieces and the smallest suspended particles from the process water using three filter stages. The first filter stage is a perforated plate through which larger particles and smaller bones are stopped. The second filter stage is a narrower perforated plate or sieve through which smaller particles are filtered out. The third filter stage forms a filter unit made of a natural material, such as cotton, which stops suspended particles and fine particles belonging to the corpse or carcass.The filter unit of the third filter stage is replaceable and designed for single use, and can be used separately for each corpse or carcass. The filter unit bears an identification mark, such as a number, which allows the filter unit to be assigned to the corpse or carcass after hydrolysis. The filtered material and the third-stage filter unit can be dried and ground together with the remains and finally handed over to a funeral director, a relative, or, in the case of an animal, to its owner. After the process water has passed through the multi-stage filter 24, it no longer contains any components of the corpse or body. A simple filter 25 is located in the outlet 23.

[0064] A conditioning tank 13 is provided in which the process wastewater is neutralized after treatment. For this purpose, acid is introduced into the conditioning tank 13 until the pH of the process wastewater falls below a target value. The preparation tank 12 is connected to the conditioning tank 13 via a line, and after the decomposition process is complete, at least a portion of the process wastewater is fed into the conditioning tank 13. A pH measuring probe 51, which is arranged in a line system connected to the conditioning tank 13, monitors the pH of the process wastewater. Several level sensors 85, 86 in the conditioning tank 13 monitor the level of the process wastewater.

[0065] The device has two centrifugal pumps 15 and 14, which pump the process water and the process wastewater, respectively, through the device's piping systems. A first pump 14 serves to circulate the process water around the preparation tank 12, to pump the process water from the preparation tank 12 to the nozzles 16, 17, and to pump the process water from the preparation tank 12 to the conditioning tank 13. A second pump 15 serves to circulate the process wastewater around the conditioning tank 13 and to pump the neutralized process wastewater via a wastewater outlet 44 into a wastewater system.

[0066] The preparation container 12 and the conditioning container 13 are arranged below the collecting tray 2, so that a liquid flows from there into the containers 12 and 13 respectively due to gravity alone.

[0067] The description of the other components is based on the Figures 4 to 13, in which the device according to the invention is shown in various stages of alkaline hydrolysis. For a better overview, only the piping systems used in this stage are shown. The following also describes the process according to the invention, a flow diagram of which is shown in Figure 3 shown, described.

[0068] In case there is no lye in the preparation container, it is prepared 101. For this purpose, as in Figure 4shown, fresh water is supplied 102 to the preparation tank 12 via a fresh water connection until a predetermined water quantity is reached. In this exemplary embodiment, a cold water connection 26 with a valve 32 and a hot water connection 27 with a valve 33 are provided. A check valve 34 prevents backflow from the connected pipe system. The water pressure of the fresh water is measured by a pressure gauge 28 in the pipe. The flow rate of the fresh water is measured by an electronic water meter 29 in the form of a flow meter. Additional solenoid valves 30, 35, 38, 39, 40 control the inflow of fresh water. When using a hot water connection 27, as provided in this exemplary embodiment, the valve 33 from the hot water connection 27 to the preparation tank 12 and the valve 39 are opened and the preparation tank 12 is filled with warm fresh water.Once the specified water quantity, which is monitored by the flow meter 29, is reached, the valves 33 and 39 close again. The fill level sensor 82 in the preparation container 12 signals when it is full, thus preventing overflow. At the same time, the base, which in this example is potassium hydroxide in granular form, is prepared. Alternatively, sodium hydroxide can also be used as the base. The user now fills 103 a sufficient amount of the base into the dosing container 11. The user is prompted to do this via the operating display 3. Upon confirmation, the safety switch 77 releases the dosing container 11, and the user can pull it out of the housing 1. The user then pours the potassium hydroxide into the dosing container 11 using a scoop and pushes it back into the housing 1.The dosing container 11 then doses 104 the potassium hydroxide, preferably during the subsequently described circulation 105, into the preparation container 12. There, the potassium hydroxide forms potassium hydroxide in the aqueous solution.

[0069] Both in the case that the lye was newly prepared as described above and in the case that process water was still present in the preparation tank 12, a circulation 105 of the process water in the preparation tank 12 takes place. A mechanical shut-off valve 52 is provided at the outlet at the lower end of the preparation tank 12. The mechanical shut-off valve 52 and the 3-way valve 53 are opened, and the first pump 14, at a capacity of 50%, draws the process water through the filter 54 and finally back into the preparation tank 12. A flow meter 56, the pH measuring probe 57, and a pressure gauge 76 in the line record the corresponding values ​​of the process water. In this embodiment, the process water is also heated so that it is pumped through a flow heater 66. For this purpose, the valves 58, 59, 60, and 63 are switched accordingly.The 3-way valve 72 then directs the process water back to the preparation tank 12. The current temperature is measured by an upstream temperature sensor 62 and a downstream temperature sensor 67. The current temperature is compared with a predefined temperature. If the predefined temperature—for example, 98°C—is reached, the process water is no longer pumped through the flow heater 66, either by switching the valve 63 (a check valve 65 prevents the return flow to the flow heater 66) or by switching the 3-way valve 60 toward the preparation tank 12. If process water was still present in the preparation tank 12, the circulation 105 can also initially take place without heating, and the process water can be returned directly to the preparation tank 12 via the 3-way valve 60. The circulation 105 ensures that the base orThe lye is evenly distributed in the process water. When the pH measuring probe 57 measures a pH value at a setpoint—for example, 12—106, the lye is prepared and the process water is ready for use. This is indicated on the operating display 3.

[0070] If the pH measuring probes 57 measure a pH value of the process water during operation that is below a target pH value—for example, 12—the current feed is interrupted and a message is output via the operating display 3. The dosing tank 11 doses another amount of base into the preparation tank 12, and the process water is circulated again 105. If the target pH value is reached again, the process continues at the previous state.

[0071] For the process of placing the body or carcass, as described in Figure 5As shown, the hood 5 is pushed 107 into the insertion position over the cleaning section 21 of the collecting tray 2 and the door 4 is opened 108. For this purpose, the safety switches 77 are released after confirming a corresponding request on the operating display 3. The corpse or carcass is inserted 109 into the now exposed process tray 6. A loading basket 7 (or, in the case of animal carcasses, several loading baskets) can be loaded with the carcass or corpse, and the loading basket 7 is inserted 109 into the process tray 6 and locked to it. Only the clean body may be inserted into the device. A coffin, clothing, extras, packaging, etc. are removed beforehand. Aids such as the transport trolley can be used during insertion 109.

[0072] The door 4 is then closed 110 and the hood 5 is pushed back into the treatment position 111. The quick-release couplings 70 and 71, on the one hand, connect the pipes between the preparation container 12 and the nozzles 16 and 17, and on the other hand, lock the hood 5 and the door 4. The safety switches 77 on the hood 5 and on the door 4 are activated and prevent accidental opening, which serves to protect the user. Should opening become necessary during operation, this can be initiated via the operating display 3. The ongoing process is then interrupted and the nozzles 16, 17 are rinsed with fresh water, as described later, and after a predetermined time for dripping, the door 4 and the hood 5 are released.

[0073] In general, the preparation of the process water according to steps 101 to 106 and the insertion of the corpse or carcass according to steps 107 to 111 can also take place simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0074] Figure 6shows the stage in which alkaline hydrolysis is carried out. After confirming a query 112 as to whether the door 4 and the hood 5 are closed, Aquamation can be started on the operating display 3. The circulation 105 of the process water is stopped and the process water is pumped 113 to the nozzles 16 and 17. For this purpose, the shut-off valve 52 is opened and the 3-way valves 58, 59, 60 and 63 are switched towards the flow heater 66. The first pump 14 is operated at full power and the process water is fed through the flow heater 66. Here, too, the flow meter 56, the pH measuring probe 57 and the pressure gauge 76 in the line record the corresponding values ​​of the process water. The temperature sensors 62 and 67 in turn measure the current temperature. If the specified temperature - for example 98 °C - cannot be reached, the circulation 105 is carried out again via the flow heater 66 into the preparation container 12.Once the specified temperature has been reached, valve 63 is switched so that the process water does not flow to the flow heater 66, with the check valve 65 preventing backflow into the flow heater 66. Furthermore, the 3-way valve 72 is switched so that the process water is continuously fed to the connected quick-release couplings 70, 71. The process water is fed, on the one hand, via the quick-release coupling 71 to the nozzles 17 in the hood 5 and, on the other hand, via the quick-release coupling 70 to the nozzles 16 in the process tank 6, where it is sprayed 114 onto the corpse or carcass in the process tank 6. The decomposition process begins, during which the potassium hydroxide solution decomposes the corpse or carcass.

[0075] The slide valve 80 is opened 115 - if this is not already the case - so that the process water can flow into the collecting tray 2. The process water with which the corpse or carcass is sprayed collects in the treatment section 20 of the collecting tray 2 and, due to the inclined plane of the collecting tray 2, runs to the drain 22. From there, the process water is discharged into the preparation container 12. Due to gravity, the process water flows through the drain 22 in the treatment section 20, through the multi-stage filter 24 and via the open valve 61 into the preparation container 12. The multi-stage filter 24 filters the remaining components of the corpse or carcass from the process water. The process water is then continuously pumped 113 back to the nozzles 16, 17 as described above. A temperature sensor 78 in the hood 5 continuously monitors the temperature.The data can serve as proof of a constant temperature to external sources. In addition, the fill level in the preparation tank 12 is continuously monitored by the fill level sensors 82, 83, 84. If the fill level falls below a threshold value monitored by the fill level sensor 83, a message is shown on the operating display 3 and the power of the first pump 14 is throttled so that its flow is reduced and less process water is withdrawn. After a definable time, which depends on the progress of the decomposition process, the slide valve 80 is closed 116 so that the process water collects in the process tank 6 and creates a bath. Process water continues to flow back to the preparation tank 13 via the collecting tank 2. The nozzles 16 in the process tank 6 now ensure constant circulation of the process water in the bath.

[0076] The system now waits for the calculated process time 117. The process time depends on the weight of the corpse or carcass, the temperature and pressure, as well as the agitation, and is normally between 3 and 20 hours. Optionally, the remaining process time can be displayed on the operating display 3. The decomposition process can be monitored by the user via the viewing window in the hood 5 (not shown). If the calculated process time is insufficient, the user can extend it via the operating display 3. If the user confirms the query 118 as to whether aquamation is complete, the slide valve 80 is opened 119 so that the process wastewater drains completely into the collecting tray 2. In addition, the valve 60 is switched so that the process wastewater circulates 120 into the preparation container 12.

[0077] During operation, the process data, such as measured temperatures, measured pH values, measured pressures, and / or the process time, are stored in the control unit 79 and can also be displayed on the operating display 3. If the pH value falls below a threshold value, for example, 10.5, an alarm message can be issued, in particular as an acoustic signal, e.g., via the horn 19, and / or as a visual signal, e.g., via the signal light 18, so that the user can intervene accordingly and the error can be rectified.

[0078] The following describes the post-treatment and cleaning of the device. Already during operation or after the aquamation process has been completed, a query 121 is made as to whether the process wastewater should be pumped from the preparation tank 12 to the conditioning tank 13. If this is confirmed, a portion of the process wastewater—approximately one-third of the process wastewater in the preparation tank 12—is pumped 122 into the conditioning tank 13 by the first pump 14, as shown in Figure 7shown. The 3-way valve 58 is switched so that the process wastewater is removed from the preparation tank 12 via the open shut-off valve 52 and pumped into the conditioning tank 13 via the correspondingly switched valves 47 and 46. The flow meter 56 measures the amount of process wastewater, and once the desired amount is reached, the connection between the preparation tank 12 and the conditioning tank is severed by closing the valves 58 and 47. The 3-way valve 58 is set so that the circulation 120 continues. The amount of process water remaining in the preparation tank 12 can be used for a new alkaline hydrolysis of another corpse or carcass. For the renewed preparation 101 of the lye, in this case, an amount of fresh water is added that corresponds to the amount of process wastewater removed. The further steps 102 to 106 are carried out in the same way.

[0079] In Figure 8 The process wastewater from the preparation tank 12 is stored in the conditioning tank 13. The conditioning 123 of the process wastewater takes place. For this purpose, an acid dosing pump 43 connected to an acid inlet 42 is switched on and supplies acid, in particular 50% citric acid, to the conditioning tank 13. The acid dosing pump 43 is designed for a flow rate of 110 liters per hour. The acid neutralizes the alkali in the process wastewater, so that the pH value drops. The pH value is continuously measured using the measuring probe 51. The acid is added until the pH value of the process wastewater falls below a threshold value for the pH value. The pH value is therefore subject to a control process in which the acid dosing pump 43 serves as the control system and the measuring probe 51 as the measuring system.

[0080] In addition, a circulation 124 of the process wastewater takes place continuously through the conditioning tank 13 and the associated pipe system, as also shown in Figure 8shown. A mechanical shut-off valve 68 is provided at the outlet at the lower end of the conditioning tank 13. The mechanical shut-off valve 68 and the 3-way valve 49 are opened. The second pump 15 is started and runs at reduced power, for example at 50%. The second pump 15 pumps the process wastewater from the outlet at the lower end of the conditioning tank 13, conveys it via the appropriately switched valves 48, 47, 46 to the cooler 37, and from there back into the upper end of the conditioning tank 13. This mixes the process wastewater and brings it into contact with the acid. The cooler 37 cools the temperature of the process wastewater. The waste heat can, for example, be used to heat the process water in the preparation tank 12. The current temperature is monitored by a temperature sensor 50. The current temperature is compared with a temperature threshold value.If the temperature falls below the threshold value - for example 40 °C - the process water is no longer pumped through the cooler 37 by switching the valve 46 (a check valve 75 prevents the return flow into the cooler 37).

[0081] If a comparison 125 shows that the measured pH value has fallen below the target pH value—for example, 9.5—the acid dosing pump 43 is shut off 126. Following this, the acid inlet piping system is rinsed 127, cleaning the pipes with fresh water. For this purpose, valve 32 of the cold water connection 26 and valve 35 are opened, allowing cold water to be introduced into the piping system. A check valve 36 prevents backflow into the fresh water system. The rinse water is drained into the conditioning tank 13, where it also contributes to cooling the process wastewater.

[0082] In a further query 128, it is checked whether the nozzles 16, 17 should be flushed. After confirmation by the user, the nozzles 16, 17 and the associated pipe system are flushed 129, as in Figure 9shown. For this purpose, valve 32 of the cold water connection 26 and valve 40 are opened so that cold water can be introduced into the piping system. In addition, valves 59, 63, and 72 are opened so that the cold water is directed to nozzles 16, 17. To rinse the flow heater 66, valve 63 can be switched. The slide valve 80 on the process tank 6 remains open during cleaning. The rinse water expelled through the nozzles 16, 17 then collects in the treatment section 20 of the collecting tank 2 and, when the 3-way valve 61 opens in the direction of the conditioning tank 13, is discharged by gravity via the drain 22 to the conditioning tank 13. There it is fed to the circulation 124. After a predetermined amount of fresh water, which is measured by the flow meter 29, the flushing is stopped and the valve 40 closes.This step 129 can also be carried out if the hood 5 or the door 4 is to be opened during aquamation.

[0083] After the rinsing process, an operator can remove the residues from the process tank 6. For this purpose, the safety switches 77 release the hood 5 and the process tank 6. The operator opens the opening 81 of the hood 5 and pushes 130 the process tank 6, as shown in Figure 10shown, into the cleaning position so that it is located above the cleaning section 21 of the collecting tray 2. The fresh water system has plug-in couplings 31 to which a hand shower can be connected. The valves 30 on the plug-in couplings 31 can be opened and closed by pressing a button. For manual cleaning 131 of the residues, the user connects a hand shower to one of the plug-in couplings 31 and opens the corresponding valve 30. The valve 32 remains open so that cold water is supplied to the plug-in coupling 31. The user then carries out the manual cleaning 131 of the residues in the loading basket 7 with fresh water while the process tray 6 is in the cleaning position.The cleaning water collects in the cleaning section 21 of the collecting tray 2. Due to the inclined plane of the collecting tray 2, it flows to the drain 25 and, due to gravity, through the drain 25 and through the filter 26 into the conditioning container 13. There, it is also fed into the circulation system 124. After manual cleaning 131, the user removes 132 the remains from the loading basket 7. The removal 132 of the remains at the cleaning position thus takes place at a different position than where the corpse or carcass was placed in the treatment position. The two positions can be separated from each other by a screen outside the device so that relatives located on the side of the treatment position do not notice the cleaning 131 and the removal 132 of the remains, as well as further cleaning steps 133. The bones are ground 135 externally, as described below.

[0084] The user then uses the hand shower to manually clean 133 the process tank 6, the hood 5, and the collection tank 2 with fresh water. The hand shower can also be plugged onto the other plug-in couplings 31. To clean the collection tank 2, the hood 5 and the process tank 6 can be moved (not shown separately). The cleaning water that accrues during the manual cleaning 133 of the process tank 6, the hood 5, and the collection tank 2 is then drained by gravity through the drain 23 in the cleaning section 21 and / or through the drain 22 in the treatment section 20 into the conditioning tank 13. There it is also fed into the circulation 124. After cleaning the collection tank 2, the multi-stage filter 24 is removed. The replaceable filter unit of the third filter stage of the filter 24, together with the remains it contains, is added to the body or corpse via the indicator on the filter unit.Carcass 134. The filter unit and the remains are dried and ground externally together with the removed bones 135 and then handed over to a funeral director, a relative or, in the case of an animal, to its owner.

[0085] The process wastewater, rinsing water, and cleaning water are now collected in the conditioning tank 13. For simplicity, this mixture is referred to as process wastewater in the following description. If the fill level sensor 85 indicates that there is too much process wastewater in the conditioning tank 13, no more process water or wastewater is pumped into the conditioning tank 13. All process wastewater is conditioned 123 and circulated 124 as described above. The pH measuring probe 51 in the piping system of the conditioning tank 13 continuously monitors the pH value, and the temperature sensor 50 continuously monitors the temperature of the process wastewater.If a comparison 136 shows that the measured pH of the process wastewater is below a pH threshold, which in this example is 9.5, and a comparison 137 shows that the temperature of the process wastewater has fallen below a temperature threshold, which in this case is 40 °C, the conditioned process wastewater can be discharged. A query 138 checks whether the wastewater system is ready.

[0086] After confirmation, the conditioned process wastewater is treated as described in Figure 11shown, is pumped 139 from the conditioning tank 13 by means of the second pump 15 via the wastewater drain 44. For this purpose, the second pump 15 is operated at reduced power - for example, at 60% - and the 3-way valve 48 is switched so that the conditioned process wastewater is led from the outlet at the lower end of the conditioning tank 13 via the open shut-off valve 68 and the open valve 49 to the wastewater drain 44. A check valve 45 prevents backflow. If the fill level sensor 86 in the conditioning tank 13 signals that it has run dry, the second pump 15 is stopped and the valve 48 is switched back. The pumping 139 into the wastewater drain 44 is finally confirmed on the operating display 3.

[0087] It may be necessary to completely empty the device as described below and in Figure 12shown. A query 140 is made as to whether rinsing of the containers 12, 13 is ready. Alternatively, the containers 12, 13 can also be cleaned individually. Upon confirmation, the dosing container 11 and the preparation container 12 are emptied 141. The dosing container 11 can be emptied manually so that any remaining potassium hydroxide can be reused. The process water located in the preparation container 12 is completely pumped into the conditioning container 13, as described in step 122. Subsequently, a rinse 142 of the preparation container 12 with fresh water takes place. For this purpose, valves 32 and 39 open so that cold water flows into the preparation container 12. Once a predetermined amount of fresh water has flowed into the preparation container 12, valve 39 closes.The cleaning water is directed through the pipe system used for the process water circulation 120 by switching valves 53, 58, and 60 accordingly and using the first pump 14. Finally, valve 58 is switched, and the cleaning water is pumped 143 into the conditioning tank 13 as described in step 122. When the fill level sensor 84 indicates that the preparation tank 12 has run dry, the first pump 14 is stopped. Subsequently, the conditioning tank 13 is rinsed 144 with fresh water. In addition to valve 32, valve 38 opens, and cold water flows into the conditioning tank 13. Once a predetermined amount of fresh water has flowed into the conditioning tank 12, valves 32 and 38 close.The cleaning water is directed through the piping system used for the process wastewater circulation 124 by opening the shutoff valve 68, switching valves 49, 48, 47, and 46 accordingly, and using the second pump 15. To flush the cooler 37, the valve 46 can be switched. Finally, the valve 48 is switched, and the cleaning water is pumped out 145 via the wastewater drain 44, as described in step 139. When the level sensor 86 indicates that the conditioning tank 13 has run dry, the second pump 15 is stopped.

[0088] In Figure 13An emergency operation is shown for the Aquamation stage in which a pump, in this case the first pump 14, has failed. The valves 53, 49 and 48 are switched in such a way that the process water, with the shut-off valve 52 open, is led from the outlet at the lower end of the preparation tank 12 via the bypass line 69 to the second pump 15 and from there via the correspondingly switched valves 48, 47 and 58 back into the pipe system to the nozzles 16, 17. The valves 60, 59, 63 and 72 are switched as in Figure 6 described.

Claims

1. Apparatus for alkaline hydrolysis of corpses and / or cadavers, comprising: - a processing tray (6) into which the corpse or the cadaver can be introduced; - a hood (5) which encloses the processing tray (6); - a preparation tank (12); - at least one fresh water inlet (26, 27); - at least one nozzle (16, 17), connectable to the preparation tank (12), in the hood (5) and / or in the processing tray (6); - a wastewater outlet (44); - at least one pump (15, 14); and - a programmable logic controller (79) which controls the apparatus, characterised in that a collecting tray (2) is arranged underneath the processing tray and in that the processing tray (6) is mounted so as to be able to move relative to the collecting tray (2) between a treatment position, in which the processing tray (6) is arranged above a treatment section (20) of the collecting tray (2) that is connected to the preparation tank (12), and a cleaning position, in which the processing tray (6) is arranged above a cleaning section (21) of the collecting tray (2) that is connected to the wastewater outlet (44).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised by a conditioning tank (13) which with the preparation tank (12) by at least one pipe through which a process wastewater is led to the conditioning tank (13), wherein the conditioning tank (13) has a device for neutralising the lye in the process wastewater.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the device for neutralising the lye is a dosing device (42) for feeding liquid or solid acid into the conditioning tank (13).

4. Apparatus according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that a first pump (14) is provided for conveying via the preparation tank (12) and / or a second pump (15) is provided for conveying via the conditioning tank (13).

5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hood (5) for the processing tray (6) is mounted so as to be able to move between an inserting position, in which the processing tray (6) is freely accessible from the outside, and a treatment position, in which the hood (5) encloses the processing tray (6).

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a multistage filter (24) having a replaceable filter unit is arranged in a drain for the process water.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the replaceable filter unit is designed for single use and has an identifying mark to assign the corpse or cadaver.

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one loading basket (7) which is configured to receive the corpse and / or cadaver and to be inserted into the processing tray (6).

9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a heating unit (66) which is connected to the preparation tank (12).

10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one measuring device is provided for measuring one or more of the following parameters: - flow rate of the process water; - temperature of the process water; - pH of the process water; - amount of base or lye supplied; - amount of water supplied; - temperature of the process wastewater; - pH of the process wastewater; - conductivity of the process wastewater.

11. Method for alkaline hydrolysis of corpses and / or cadavers, consisting of the following steps: I) supplying (102) a calculated amount of water through the at least one fresh water inlet (42) into a preparation tank (12); II) introducing (105) lye and / or base into the preparation tank (12); III) inserting (109) the corpse or cadaver in a processing tray (6); IV) bringing (111) a hood (5) into a treatment position over the processing tray (6); V) spraying (114) the corpse or cadaver through at least one nozzle (16, 17) in the hood and / or in the process tray (6) with process water from the preparation tank (12); VI) draining off the process water; VII) after the specified processing time, moving (130) the processing tray (6) into a cleaning position; VIII) cleaning (134) the processing tray (6), the hood (5) and a collection tray (2); IX) draining off the cleaning water.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterised by the following steps: X) rinsing (142) the preparation tank (12) and the pipes connected thereto with fresh water; and XI) draining of the rinsing water.

13. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterised in that during step V) or after step VI), the process wastewater is pumped (122) from the preparation tank (12) into a conditioning tank (13), and / or in that in step IX) and / or in step XI), draining into the conditioning tank (13) takes place and in that a neutralising agent, in particular an acid, is supplied (121) into the conditioning tank until the pH of the wastewater has dropped below a pH threshold value, and then the wastewater is pumped out (145) through a wastewater outlet (44).