Apparatus and method for anaesthetising poultry to be slaughtered
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2022725796
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing poultry stunning devices experience inconsistent gas concentration gradients due to uncontrolled introduction of anesthetic gas from below, leading to unreliable stunning and compromised animal welfare, especially during longer downtimes.
A ventilation system within the stunning chamber circulates the anesthetic medium, creating a barrier between chamber sections with different gas concentrations, ensuring consistent exposure and adjustable gas concentrations to maintain optimal stunning conditions.
This approach ensures consistent and gentle stunning, improving animal welfare and meat quality by maintaining precise gas concentrations, reducing the risk of anesthetic gas settling and enhancing the calming effect on poultry.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Baader Food Systems Denmark A / S, Vestermollevej 9M, 8380 Trige, Denmark
[0002] Device and method for stunning poultry for slaughter
[0003] Description
[0004] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for stunning poultry for slaughter supplied in transport containers in a stunning chamber, comprising a stunning chamber, a transport device for introducing the transport containers into the stunning chamber, transporting the transport containers through the stunning chamber and removing the transport containers from the stunning chamber, wherein the stunning chamber has at least one vertically oriented stunning shaft and the transport device comprises at least one lifting device such that each transport container can be lowered from top to bottom into the stunning chamber on a first transport path, lifted transversely from the first transport path to a second transport path in the region of a floor of the stunning shaft and lifted from bottom to top on the second transport path,and a device arranged in the area of the floor of the stunning shaft for introducing anesthetic gas into the stunning shaft to form an anesthetic medium formed from ambient air and anesthetic gas within the stunning chamber.
[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for stunning poultry for slaughter, which are supplied to a stunning chamber in transport containers, in the stunning chamber, comprising the steps of: introducing the transport containers with the live and awake poultry for slaughter into the stunning chamber, lowering the transport containers in a vertically oriented stunning shaft of the stunning chamber along a first transport path from top to bottom, transporting the transport containers in the region of a floor of the stunning shaft transversely from the first transport path to a second transport path, lifting the transport containers with the stunned poultry for slaughter along the second transport path from bottom to top, and removing the transport containers, wherein in the region of the floor of the stunning shaft, anesthetic gas is introduced into the stunning shaft to form an anesthetic medium formed from ambient air and anesthetic gas within the stunning chamber,such that the transport containers with the poultry for slaughter therein pass along the first transport path first through a first, upper chamber section with a first gas concentration of the stunning gas and then through a second, lower chamber section with a second gas concentration of the stunning gas, wherein the second gas concentration is higher than the first gas concentration.
[0006] Such devices and methods are used in the poultry processing industry to stun slaughter poultry, particularly live and alert chickens, delivered in transport containers prior to the actual processing, i.e., slaughter and evisceration. For transport, several slaughter poultry are kept in one transport container. Within these transport containers, the slaughter poultry are fed to the stunning device, either in individual transport containers or in stacks of transport containers. The transport containers or stacks formed by two or more transport containers can be fed in one lane, two lanes, or multiple lanes. Stunning the slaughter poultry must be carried out very carefully in several steps, in keeping with animal welfare.According to existing animal welfare guidelines, poultry for slaughter must be placed in a pre-stunning or sleep state before the actual final stunning, which is performed with an anesthetic gas concentration (e.g., carbon dioxide (CO2)) in the stunning medium of 40% or more. To achieve this, the poultry for slaughter must be exposed to an anesthetic medium with an anesthetic gas concentration of approximately 20% before the actual and final stunning. In other words, the poultry for slaughter must undergo at least two stunning stages with different anesthetic gas concentrations in the stunning medium.
[0007] The stunning levels are created in the stunning device by different levels or layers of anesthetic medium within the stunning chamber. The anesthetic gas is introduced into the stunning chamber near the bottom of the stunning shaft, so that the anesthetic gas mixes with the ambient air to form the anesthetic medium. In the stunning chamber, into which the anesthetic gas, for example, CO2, is introduced near the bottom, different gas concentrations prevail due to the higher density of CO2 and other suitable and approved anesthetic gases compared to the ambient air. The concentration of the anesthetic gas increases from top to bottom.By means of the transport device, which comprises at least one lifting device, the transport containers are moved downwards along the first transport path, so that the slaughter poultry are initially exposed to the stunning medium with the lower concentration of the stunning gas in an upper chamber section. This causes the slaughter poultry to fall into a sleep-like state. The transport device then transports the pre-stunned / sleeping slaughter poultry further down towards the floor into the lower chamber section with the higher concentration of the stunning gas, so that they reach the final state of stunning. The transport containers can be transported all the way to the floor or – to achieve a shorter distance / a shorter residence time in the stunning chamber – towards the floor.The now finally stunned poultry slaughter animals are then transported transversely / sideways by means of the transport device - in the area of the floor or above it - in order to then be transported upwards along the second transport path by means of the transport device.
[0008] In known devices for stunning poultry, there is a common, barrier-free stunning chamber into which the stunning gas is introduced or pumped from below. This results in an inconsistent gas concentration gradient within the stunning chamber. It can happen that the area of higher stunning gas concentration of 40% or more extends from the lower chamber section to the upper chamber section, so that the still-awake poultry for slaughter are directly exposed to the stunning medium with the high gas concentration for the final stunning.On the other hand, the higher density can lead to the stunning gas dropping uncontrollably, resulting in a stunning medium in the upper section of the stunning chamber with a stunning gas concentration below 20%, so that the slaughter poultry reach the lower section of the stunning chamber in a conscious state with a stunning gas concentration of 40% or more. In all cases, pumping the stunning gas from below into the barrier-free stunning chamber leads to an uncontrolled and uncontrolled change in the composition of the stunning medium in the chamber sections of the stunning chamber, resulting in unreliable stunning of the slaughter poultry that impairs animal welfare.Furthermore, particularly during extended downtimes of the device, a drop in the stunning gas level within the stunning chamber can lead to an undesirable / uncontrolled adjustment of the composition of the stunning medium. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to create a simple and reliable device for the controlled and gentle stunning of poultry for slaughter. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to propose a corresponding method.
[0009] This object is achieved by a device with the features mentioned at the outset in that a ventilation system is arranged within the stunning shaft of the stunning chamber, which ventilation system is designed and configured to circulate at least parts of the stunning medium at least in an upper region of the stunning chamber. The ventilation system is arranged within the stunning shaft, which can be, for example, a pit sunk into the ground, and is designed and configured in such a way that an air flow formed from the stunning medium circulates in the upper region, i.e. the upper chamber section. The circulation, i.e. the suction and return of the stunning medium, creates an (invisible) air / flow curtain which divides the at least two chamber sections with different gas concentrations, into the upper chamber section with the lower gas concentration (approx.20%) of the stunning gas and the lower chamber section with a higher gas concentration (approx. 40%) of the stunning gas. The circulation of the stunning medium at least in the upper chamber section creates a type of barrier between the chamber sections, which at least partially prevents free mixing of the stunning medium between the chamber sections. In particular, the circulation also reduces the risk of the stunning gas, which has a higher density than the ambient air, settling from the upper chamber section into the lower chamber section. By creating constant stunning conditions in the respective chamber sections with the respective gas concentrations of the stunning gas in the stunning medium, the slaughter poultry are calmer during stunning and are exposed to greater animal welfare, which is also reflected in the higher quality of the meat harvested from the slaughter poultry.
[0010] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the ventilation system comprises means for changing the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium. The means can be designed and configured to increase the gas concentration or to reduce it, at least in the upper chamber section. This ensures a targeted and local adjustment of the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas within the anesthetic medium, at least in the upper chamber section. As a result, the distribution of the necessary and desired gas concentrations of the anesthetic gas in the stunning chamber can be maintained more easily and precisely, and in particular, can also be monitored and adjusted, which leads to better and more gentle tranquilization of the slaughtered poultry, improved animal welfare, and thus to improved quality of the meat to be harvested from the slaughtered poultry.Before the final stunning in the lower chamber section, the poultry for slaughter are first safely, reliably and gently put into a sleep-like state in the upper chamber section, which complies with the guidelines for stunning poultry for slaughter.
[0011] Advantageously, the ventilation system comprises at least one first line circuit, which is arranged at least partially within the stunning shaft, wherein the first line circuit is designed and configured to draw in anesthetic medium from a first, upper chamber section of the stunning chamber, which is located at the upper end of the stunning chamber, and to return the drawn-in anesthetic medium to the first, upper chamber section. The line circuit is designed and arranged such that the drawing in and return of the anesthetic medium preferably takes place at the upper end of the first, upper chamber section. The line circuit is preferably arranged entirely within the stunning shaft, although parts of the line circuit can also be routed outside the stunning shaft.With the or each of the circuits, circulation to form an air curtain can be implemented in a simple and compact manner. The circuit also allows for the easy positioning or definition of the transition between the two chamber sections, dividing the stunning chamber into several sections / stages, which the poultry for slaughter can then pass through using the transport system.
[0012] A particularly preferred development of the device is characterized in that the ventilation system comprises at least one second line circuit, which is arranged at least partially within the stunning shaft, wherein the second line circuit is designed and configured to suck in anesthetic medium from a second, lower chamber section of the stunning chamber, which is located below the first, upper chamber section of the stunning chamber, and to return the sucked in anesthetic medium to the second, lower chamber section. The second line circuit is designed and arranged such that the sucking in and return of the anesthetic medium preferably takes place at the upper end of the second, lower chamber section. The second line circuit is preferably arranged entirely within the stunning shaft, although parts of the line circuit can also be routed outside the stunning shaft.For a compact and space-saving design, the second circuit preferably runs parallel to or follows the first circuit. By providing two separate circuits, an even sharper separation of the two chamber sections can be achieved, allowing the desired and necessary anesthetic gas concentrations in the respective chamber sections to be reliably and consistently maintained.
[0013] A preferred development of the device is characterized in that each line circuit comprises at least lines for conducting the anesthetic medium, at a first free end of the lines, means for sucking the anesthetic medium out of the respective chamber section, and at the opposite, second free end of the lines, means for returning the sucked-in anesthetic medium to the respective chamber section, means for transporting the anesthetic medium through the lines, and measuring means for measuring the gas concentration of the anesthetic medium sucked out of the respective chamber section. The means for sucking in and the means for returning the anesthetic medium are located in the region of the respective chamber section. The lines can be located within the respective chamber section or at least partially outside it. This embodiment ensures circulation of the anesthetic medium in a simple and compact manner.Each circuit is designed to be independent of the other circuit.
[0014] An advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that each line circuit is assigned means for supplying anesthetic gas and / or ambient air into the lines. This embodiment of the means for changing the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas enables a quasi-online adjustment and change of the gas concentration, specifically in a very precise and simple manner, by, for example, introducing pure anesthetic gas or pure ambient air, or a mixture thereof, directly and immediately into the circulating anesthetic medium of the respective line circuit. In particular, the respective line circuits can thus be adjusted separately and individually with regard to the respective gas concentration.
[0015] Advantageously, each line consists of at least three sections, namely at least one vertically downward-directed section, at least one vertically upward-directed section, and at least one horizontally directed section connecting the two vertically directed sections. The lines can also be designed as a single piece or in one piece. A design of more than three sections is also feasible. The multiple sections, particularly when the sections are detachably connected to one another, ensure individual adaptation to external conditions, such as the internal shape / contour of the stunning shaft, the design and construction of the transport device, in order to enable, for example, a collision-free arrangement of the ventilation system within the stunning shaft.The vertical sections can extend from the top of the stunning shaft to the bottom of the stunning shaft, or only over parts of it. The distance between the vertical sections of the lines corresponds to at least the width of a transport container; in the case of multi-lane filling of the stunning shaft, at least the width of the number of adjacent transport containers. Particularly preferably, the lines follow the shortest path principle to connect the suction and return means.
[0016] Preferably, each line is assigned at least one drive for sucking the anesthetic medium into the line and returning the anesthetic medium from the line. Ultimately, a pump, for example, can be used as the drive for each line circuit. Preferably, however, two pumps, motors, drives, or other devices designed and configured to generate a flow are assigned to each line circuit. Particularly preferably, each vertically directed section of the lines is assigned a separate drive in order to be able to specifically and individually control the suction on the one hand and the return on the other. The number and position of the drives can vary. The drives are preferably located near the means for suction and return.
[0017] A preferred development of the device is characterized in that the means for sucking in the anesthetic medium comprises at least one suction nozzle. The means can also comprise two or more suction nozzles, the shape, form, and number of which can vary and are particularly adapted to the dimensions of the respective chamber section.
[0018] Particularly advantageously, the or each suction nozzle is aligned transversely and / or parallel to the vertically directed sections of the lines. Particularly when the or each suction nozzle is elongated or designed as a suction nozzle strip, a horizontal alignment is preferred, such that the anesthetic medium can be sucked in across the entire width of the chamber section. For reasons of space or to avoid collisions of the transport containers with the or each suction nozzle, or for other reasons, this can then also be aligned vertically. In the event that more than one suction nozzle is provided, individual suction nozzles can be aligned horizontally and others vertically.
[0019] Advantageously, the measuring device for measuring the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the anesthetic medium drawn from the respective chamber section is assigned to the means for drawing in the anesthetic medium. This allows the actual gas concentration to be determined immediately during drawing in, with sufficient time to determine the deviation from the target value and, if necessary, to control the means for changing the gas concentration.
[0020] Conveniently, at least one sensor for detecting the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the sucked-in anesthetic medium is arranged within each suction nozzle. More than one sensor may also be provided. Other detection means, in particular for determining the gas concentration, but also for determining other parameters, such as the flow rate of the anesthetic medium, can be arranged in the area of the suction nozzle and / or within the lines up to the return means. Particularly preferably, all detected values or otherwise determined information are recorded and preferably forwarded to a control device for processing.
[0021] The means for returning the anesthetic medium preferably comprises at least one return nozzle. The means can also comprise two or more return nozzles, the shape, form, and number of which can vary and are particularly adapted to the dimensions of the respective chamber section. Advantageously, the or each return nozzle is aligned transversely and / or parallel with respect to the vertically directed sections of the lines. In particular, if the or each return nozzle is elongated or designed as a return nozzle strip, a horizontal alignment is preferred such that the anesthetic medium can be returned across the entire width of the chamber section. For reasons of space or to avoid collisions between the transport containers and the or each return nozzle, or for other reasons, this can then also be aligned vertically.In case more than one return nozzle is provided, individual return nozzles can be aligned horizontally and other return nozzles vertically.
[0022] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the means for changing the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas is associated with the means for returning the anesthetic medium. This ensures a targeted and precise adjustment of the gas concentration immediately before the anesthetic medium re-enters the anesthetic chamber.
[0023] To ensure continuous or gradual adjustment of the gas concentration in a simple and reliable manner, each return nozzle is assigned means for the external supply of ambient air and / or anesthetic gas. In this context, "external" means that the supplied / supplemented components of ambient air and / or anesthetic gas are fed into the circulation from outside in order to adjust / change the composition of the anesthetic medium. The means for supplying ambient air and / or anesthetic gas preferably comprise supply lines arranged in the area of each return nozzle and connected to it. The supply lines optionally connect a reservoir of anesthetic gas or ambient air, which ensures either a separate supply of the components or a joint, mixed supply of the components.
[0024] A particularly preferred development of the device is characterized in that the ventilation system is connected to a control device for adjusting the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the anesthetic medium. Optionally, individual or all components that can contribute to changing the circulation and / or the gas concentration, i.e., in particular, means for sucking in the anesthetic medium with the measuring device for measuring the gas concentration, means for returning the anesthetic medium with the means for externally supplying ambient air and / or anesthetic gas, and drives for transporting the anesthetic medium within the lines, are connected to the control device. Furthermore, the transport device can also be connected to the control device.
[0025] The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above, which is characterized in that the anesthetic medium is circulated at least in an upper region of the anesthetic chamber, i.e. at least in the first, upper chamber section, by at least partially sucking the anesthetic medium out of the first, upper chamber section and returning it to the first, upper chamber section. This achieves a permanent flow movement of parts of the anesthetic medium, namely the part located in the first, upper chamber section, through which a separation from the anesthetic medium in the second, lower chamber section is ultimately achieved. In other words, the circulation of the anesthetic medium in one chamber section forms a type of barrier between the chamber sections, which means that the respective gas concentrations in the respective chamber sections can be kept essentially constant.
[0026] Preferably, the anesthetic medium is additionally and separately circulated in a lower region of the anesthetic chamber, i.e., in the second, lower chamber section, by at least partially sucking the anesthetic medium from the second, lower chamber section and returning it to the second, lower chamber section. The effect achieved by the circulation in the first, upper chamber section is further enhanced by the circulation in the lower, second section. Furthermore, the anesthetic chamber can also be divided into more than two chamber sections, in which case the anesthetic medium can be circulated in each of the multiple chamber sections.
[0027] Preferably, the gas concentration of the stunning gas in the circulated stunning medium is adjusted for each chamber section. The adjustment can be made continuously or stepwise and serves to maintain the gas concentration in each chamber section at the desired and necessary level. In other words, the gas concentration is individually adjusted, preferably continuously, in separate circuits, so that the slaughter poultry in the first, upper chamber section are initially put to sleep with a stunning gas concentration of approximately 20%, and then finally stunned with a stunning gas concentration of approximately 40%.
[0028] For this purpose, the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is detected after it has been drawn from the respective chamber section. If the gas concentration in the circulated anesthetic medium deviates from a target value, the gas concentration is adjusted by adding anesthetic gas and / or ambient air to the circulated anesthetic medium as it is returned to the respective chamber section.
[0029] Advantageously, the circulation of the anesthetic medium and / or the adjustment of the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is controlled separately for each chamber section.
[0030] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 19.
[0031] Further advantages resulting from the individual process steps have already been described in connection with the device, which is why reference is made to the corresponding passages to avoid repetition.
[0032] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and the corresponding method are set forth in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:
[0033] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with a two-lane feed of transport containers and a single-lane discharge of the same in front view,
[0034] Fig. 2 the device according to Figure 1 in a perspective view obliquely from behind, and,
[0035] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a ventilation system. The device shown and according to the invention is used for stunning poultry for slaughter. The invention is described with reference to a device in which the transport containers are fed into the area of a stunning chamber sunk into the floor via two lanes. Naturally, the invention can also be used in devices in which the transport containers are fed into a vertically aligned stunning chamber in one or more lanes, which is designed and positioned above floor level. Ultimately, the ventilation system can be used in any device for stunning different animal species in which the stunning chamber is or is to be divided into two or more chamber sections.
[0036] The device 10 shown in the drawing is designed and configured for stunning poultry for slaughter supplied in transport containers 11 in a stunning chamber 12 and comprises a stunning chamber 12, a transport device 13 for introducing the transport containers 11 into the stunning chamber 12, transporting the transport containers 11 through the stunning chamber 12 and removing the transport containers 11 from the stunning chamber 12, wherein the stunning chamber 12 has at least one vertically oriented stunning shaft 14 and the transport device 13 comprises at least one lifting device 15 such that each transport container 11 can be lowered from top to bottom into the stunning chamber 12 on a first transport path, lifted transversely from the first transport path to a second transport path in the region of a floor 16 of the stunning shaft 14 and lifted from bottom to top on the second transport path.and a device 17 arranged in the area of the floor 16 of the stunning shaft 14 for introducing anesthetic gas into the stunning shaft 14 to form an anesthetic medium formed from ambient air and anesthetic gas within the stunning chamber 12.
[0037] This device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that a ventilation system 18 is arranged within the stunning shaft 14 of the stunning chamber 12, which ventilation system is designed and configured to circulate at least parts of the stunning medium at least in an upper region of the stunning chamber 12.
[0038] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawing or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the device 10 described above.
[0039] The transport device 13 with the at least one lifting device 15 comprises a first lift 19 for transporting the transport containers 11 along the first transport path from top to bottom, a cross conveyor 20 for transporting the transport containers 11 from the first transport path to the second transport path, and a second lift 21 for transporting the transport containers 11 along the second transport path from bottom to top. In the embodiment shown, the first lift 19 is designed and configured to transport two transport containers 11 next to one another (or stacks formed from several transport containers lying next to one another). The second lift 21 is designed and configured to transport one transport container 11 (or a stack formed from several transport containers).A distance of at least the width of a transport container 11 is formed between the first lift 19 and the second lift 21, such that in the region of the cross conveyor 20, two adjacent transport containers 11 are transported from the first transport path transversely to the second transport path, with one of the transport containers 11 being fed directly to the second lift 21, while a second transport container 11 is temporarily stored in an intermediate storage area 22. The lifts 19, 21 have separate drives (not explicitly shown) by means of which the lifts 19, 21 can be driven synchronously or separately. The transport speed of the second lift 21 is preferably higher than that of the first lift 19.
[0040] The ventilation system 18 comprises means 23.1, 23.2 for varying the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulating anesthetic medium. The means 23.1, 23.2 may include supply lines and / or outlet lines, nozzles, reservoirs for storing anesthetic gas and / or ambient air and / or other additional components, drives or pumps for conveying the external components to be supplied to the anesthetic medium, as well as other components designed and configured to vary the gas concentration. A specific embodiment is described further below.
[0041] The ventilation system 18 (see in particular Figure 3) comprises at least a first line circuit 24, which is arranged at least partially within the stunning shaft 14, wherein the first line circuit 24 is designed and configured to suck in anesthetic medium from a first, upper chamber section 25 of the stunning chamber 12, which is located at the upper end of the stunning chamber 12, and to return the sucked in anesthetic medium to the first, upper chamber section 25.In addition, the ventilation system 18 comprises at least one second line circuit 26, which is arranged at least partially within the stunning shaft 14. The second line circuit 26 is designed and configured to draw anesthetic medium from a second, lower chamber section 27 of the stunning chamber 12, which is located below the first, upper chamber section 25 of the stunning chamber 12, and to return the drawn-in anesthetic medium to the second, lower chamber section 27. In further embodiments, three or more line circuits 24, 26 may also be provided.
[0042] Each line circuit 24, 26 comprises at least lines 28, 31 for conducting the anesthetic medium, at a first free end 29, 32 of the lines 28, 31 means 34, 35 for sucking the anesthetic medium out of the respective chamber section 25, 27 and at the opposite, second free end 30, 33 of the lines 28, 31 means 36, 37 for returning the sucked in anesthetic medium to the respective chamber section 25, 27, means 38, 39 for transporting the anesthetic medium through the lines 28, 31 and measuring means 40, 41 for measuring the gas concentration of the anesthetic medium sucked in from the respective chamber section 25, 27. Each line 28, 31 with the at the free ends 29, 30; 32, 33 arranged means 34, 35 for suction and means 36, 37 for return can be individually designed and arranged within the stunning shaft 14.In the illustrated embodiment, the means 34 for suction and the means 36 for returning the first line circuit 24 protrude into the first, upper chamber section 25 or face thereto, while the means 35 for suction and the means 37 for returning the second line circuit 26 protrude into the second, lower chamber section 27 or face thereto. The distance between the respective means 34, 36 of the first line circuit 24 on the one hand and the means 35, 37 of the second line circuit 26 on the other hand can vary. All means 34, 36; 35, 37 of both line circuits 24, 26 are located in the upper third of the stunning chamber 12 in the illustrated device 10. The means 35, 37 of the second line circuit 26 for the lower chamber section 27 can, for example, also be placed further down in the chamber section 27. Other arrangements and placements or positionings of the means 34, 36; 35, 37 are of course possible.Furthermore, each line circuit 24, 26 is assigned means 42, 43; 44, 45 for supplying anesthetic gas and / or ambient air into the lines 28, 31. The corresponding means 42 to 45 are only indicated schematically and can comprise, for example, injection nozzles, valves, or the like for the metered introduction of anesthetic gas and / or ambient air. The means 23.1, 23.2 for changing the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas is assigned to the means 36, 37 for returning the anesthetic medium. The means 23.1, 23.2 for changing the gas concentration comprises, in addition to the means 42 to 45 - in the case shown, supply lines - for supplying the anesthetic gas and / or the ambient air, also (not explicitly shown) reservoirs for storing the media to be supplied, pumps or other drives for actively introducing / transporting the media as well as valves by means of which the media can be introduced into the line circuits 24, 26 in a targeted manner.Each return nozzle is assigned at least one means 42 to 45 for the external supply of ambient air and / or anesthetic gas. For this purpose, the supply lines open / end in the return nozzles. The means 23.1, 23.2 can, of course, also be mounted in other positions. A single line that can be connected to different reservoirs via switching valves is also conceivable, such that the single line can optionally supply only anesthetic gas, only ambient air, or a mixture of anesthetic gas and ambient air into the line circuits 24, 26.
[0043] In the embodiment shown, each of the lines 28, 31 is formed from at least three sections 28.1, 28.2, 28.3; 29.1, 29.2, 29.3, namely at least one vertically downward section 28.1, 29.1, at least one vertically upward section 28.3, 29.3 and at least one horizontally directed section 28.2, 29.2 connecting the two vertically directed sections 28.1, 28.3; 29.1, 29.3. The three sections 28.1, 28.2, 28.3; 29.1, 29.2, 29.3 each form a U-shape. The vertical sections 28.1, 28.3; 29.1, 29.3 from the upper edge of the stunning shaft 14 to the area of the floor 16 of the stunning shaft 14. In order to connect the respective means 34, 36; 35, 37 by the shortest route, the vertical sections 28.1, 28.3; 29.1, 29.3 can also be shorter and have different courses.
[0044] Each line 28, 31 is assigned at least one drive for sucking the anesthetic medium into the line 28, 31 and returning the anesthetic medium from the line 28, 31. Preferably, two motors 46, 47; 48, 49, pumps, or the like are assigned to each line 28, 31. One motor 46, 48 is preferably arranged directly behind the suction means 34, 35, i.e., in the transition area between the means 34, 35 and the vertical section 28.1, 29.1. Another motor 47, 49 is preferably arranged directly upstream of the return means 36, 37, i.e., in the transition area between the means 36, 37 and the vertical section 28.3, 29.3. The number and position of the motors 46 to 49 can vary.
[0045] The means 34, 35 for sucking in the anesthetic medium comprises at least one suction nozzle. Each suction nozzle is preferably elongated to form a suction bar. The suction opening of each suction nozzle / suction bar is directed into the respective chamber section 25, 27 in order to be able to suck in anesthetic medium across the entire width of the chamber section 25, 27. In principle, the suction nozzles are aligned horizontally, i.e. transversely to the vertical sections 28.1, 29.1. This also applies to the suction nozzle of the first line circuit 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the suction nozzle of the second line circuit 26 is aligned vertically, i.e. parallel to the vertical sections 28.1, 29.1. Ultimately, the alignment can vary depending, among other things, on the structural conditions and the transport paths of the transport containers 11.
[0046] The measuring means 40, 41 for measuring the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the anesthetic medium drawn from the respective chamber section 25, 27 is assigned to the means 34, 35 for drawing in the anesthetic medium. Preferably, at least one sensor for detecting the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the drawn-in anesthetic medium is arranged within each suction nozzle. The sensor or any other measuring means 40, 41 suitable for determining the gas concentration can also be arranged at another location on the lines 28, 31.
[0047] The means 36, 37 for returning the anesthetic medium comprises at least one return nozzle. Each return nozzle is preferably elongated to form a return bar. The return opening of each return nozzle / return bar is directed into the respective chamber section 25, 27 in order to be able to return anesthetic medium across the entire width of the chamber section 25, 27. In principle, the return nozzles are aligned horizontally, i.e., transversely to the vertical sections 28.3, 29.3. The return nozzles of both line circuits 24, 26 are aligned accordingly. Ultimately, the alignment can vary depending, among other things, on the structural conditions and the transport paths of the transport containers 11. In particular, the return nozzles can also be aligned vertically, i.e., parallel to the vertical sections 28.3, 29.3.
[0048] The ventilation system 18 is connected to a control device 50 for adjusting the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the anesthetic medium. In addition to a processor for processing the detected data and information, the control device 50 can also comprise storage media, for example, for storing data records. However, the control device 50 can, in particular, control the means 23.1, 23.2 for adjusting the gas concentration in the anesthetic medium in order to keep the composition of the anesthetic medium constant at the desired and necessary concentration.
[0049] The method according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.
[0050] The method is used to stun slaughter poultry, which are fed into a stunning chamber 12 in transport containers 11, in the stunning chamber 12 and is designed accordingly. The slaughter poultry are usually already filled into the transport containers 11 in the area of a rearing farm, with preferably several slaughter poultry being located in one transport container 11. The or each transport container 11 with the live and awake slaughter poultry is introduced into the stunning chamber 12 for stunning. In the stunning chamber 12, the transport containers 11 are transported along a predetermined path. For this purpose, each transport container 11 is first lowered from top to bottom into a vertically aligned stunning shaft 14 of the stunning chamber 12 along a first transport path.The transport container 11 is then transported transversely from the first transport path to a second transport path in the area of a floor 16 (or, for shorter transport routes, above the floor) of the stunning shaft 14. The transport container 11, containing the stunned poultry for slaughter, is then lifted from bottom to top along the second transport path. Finally, the transport container 11 is removed from the stunning chamber 12. In the area of the floor 16 of the stunning shaft 14, stunning gas is introduced into the stunning shaft 14 to form a stunning medium composed of ambient air and stunning gas within the stunning chamber 12.
[0051] Because the stunning gas is introduced in the area of the floor 16 and the density of the stunning gas is higher than that of the ambient air, layers with different stunning gas concentrations form within the stunning chamber 12, with the stunning gas concentration increasing from top to bottom. As a result, the transport containers 11 with the poultry for slaughter therein pass along the first transport path, first through a first, upper chamber section 25 with a first stunning gas concentration and then through a second, lower chamber section 27 with a second stunning gas concentration, the second gas concentration being higher than the first gas concentration.
[0052] This method is characterized according to the invention in that the anesthetic medium is circulated at least in an upper region of the anesthetic chamber 12, i.e. at least in the first, upper chamber section 25, by at least partially sucking the anesthetic medium out of the first, upper chamber section 25 and returning it to the first, upper chamber section 25.
[0053] Preferably, the anesthetic medium is additionally and separately circulated in a lower region of the anesthetic chamber 12, i.e., in the second, lower chamber section 27, by at least partially sucking the anesthetic medium out of the second, lower chamber section 27 and returning it to the second, lower chamber section 27. The mere circulation of at least portions of the anesthetic medium in each chamber section 25, 27 results in the different layers of the anesthetic medium with different gas concentrations of the anesthetic gas remaining at least partially "separated," thus preventing or at least impeding a free exchange, in particular of the anesthetic gas, between the two chamber sections 25, 27.
[0054] In addition, the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium can be adjusted for each chamber section 25, 27. The adjustment can be made continuously or - depending on the deviation based on a target / actual comparison - step by step. For this purpose, the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium can be detected after suction from the respective chamber section 25, 27. If there is a deviation from a target value of the gas concentration - e.g. 20% in the upper chamber section and e.g. 40% in the lower chamber section - the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is adjusted by adding anesthetic gas and / or ambient air to the circulated anesthetic medium as it is returned to the respective chamber section 25, 27. The anesthetic gas and / or ambient air can be supplied externally - e.g. from separate reservoirs.Optionally, anesthetic medium containing (excess) anesthetic gas could also be extracted from the anesthetic chamber 12, preferably from the second, lower chamber section 27, and supplied, for example, to the first, upper chamber section 25. Preferably, the circulation of the anesthetic medium and / or the adjustment of the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium are controlled separately for each chamber section 25, 27. Particularly preferably, the method is carried out using a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 19.
Claims
Device (10), designed and configured for stunning poultry supplied in transport containers (11) in a stunning chamber (12), comprising a stunning chamber (12), a transport device (13) for introducing the transport containers (11) into the stunning chamber (12), transporting the transport containers (11) through the stunning chamber (12) and removing the transport containers (11) from the stunning chamber (12), wherein the stunning chamber (12) has at least one vertically oriented stunning shaft (14) and the transport device (13) comprises at least one lifting device (15) such that each transport container (11) can be lowered into the stunning chamber (12) on a first transport path from top to bottom, lifted in the area of a floor (16) of the stunning shaft (14) transversely from the first transport path to a second transport path and lifted from bottom to top on the second transport path,and a device (17) arranged in the area of the bottom (16) of the stunning chamber (14) for introducing anesthetic gas into the stunning chamber (14) to form an anesthetic medium composed of ambient air and anesthetic gas within the stunning chamber (12), thereby indicating that a ventilation system (18) is arranged within the stunning chamber (14) of the stunning chamber (12), which is designed and configured to circulate at least parts of the anesthetic medium at least in an upper region of the stunning chamber (12). Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation system (18) comprises means (23) for changing the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ventilation system (18) comprises at least one first duct circuit (24),which is at least partially located within the anesthesia chamber (14), wherein the first circuit (24) is for drawing anesthetic medium from a first, upper chamber section (25) of the anesthesia chamber (12), which is located at the upper end of the anesthesia chamber (12), and, The device (10) according to claim 3 is characterized in that the ventilation system (18) comprises at least one second piping circuit (26) which is arranged at least partially within the anesthesia shaft (14), wherein the second piping circuit (26) is designed and configured for drawing anesthetic medium from a second, lower chamber section (27) of the anesthesia chamber (12), which is located below the first, upper chamber section (25) of the anesthesia chamber (12), and for returning the drawn-in anesthetic medium to the second, lower chamber section (27).Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each circuit (24, 26) comprises at least lines (28, 31) for conveying the anesthetic medium, means (34, 35) for drawing the anesthetic medium from the respective chamber section (25, 27) at a first free end (29, 32) of the lines (28, 31) and means (36, 37) for returning the drawn-up anesthetic medium to the respective chamber section (25, 27) at the opposite, second free end (30, 33) of the lines (28, 31), means (38, 39) for transporting the anesthetic medium through the lines (28, 31) and measuring means (40, 41) for measuring the gas concentration of the anesthetic medium drawn from the respective chamber section (25, 27). Device (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each line circuit (24, 26) is assigned means (42, 43; 44, 45) for supplying anesthetic gas and / or ambient air into the lines (28, 31).Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each line (28, 31) consists of at least three sections (28.1 , 28.2, 28.3; 29.1 , 29.2, 29.3), namely at least one vertically downward directed section (28.1 , 29.1 ), at least one vertically upward directed section (28.3, 29.3 ) and at least one connecting the two vertically directed sections. The horizontally oriented section (28.2, 29.2) connecting the (28.1, 28.2; 29.1, 29.2). Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each line (28, 31) is assigned at least one drive for drawing the anesthetic medium into the line (28, 31) and returning the anesthetic medium from the line (28, 31). Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the means (34, 35) for drawing in the anesthetic medium comprises at least one suction nozzle. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction nozzle or each suction nozzle is oriented transversely and / or parallel with respect to the vertically directed sections (28.1 , 28.2; 29.1 , 29.2) of the lines (28, 31).Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the lines (28, 31) connect the suction means (34, 35) and the return means (36, 37) to each other via the shortest possible path. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the measuring means (40, 41) for measuring the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the anesthetic medium drawn from the respective chamber section (25, 27) is associated with the means (34, 35) for drawing in the anesthetic medium. Device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one sensor for detecting the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the drawn-in anesthetic medium is arranged within each suction nozzle. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the means (36, 37) for returning the anesthetic medium comprises at least one return nozzle.
15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the or each return nozzle is oriented transversely and / or parallel with respect to the vertically directed sections (28.1 , 28.2; 29.1 , 29.2) of the lines (28, 31).
16. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the means (23) for changing the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas is associated with the means (36, 37) for returning the anesthetic medium.
17. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that each return nozzle is assigned means (42, 43; 44, 45) for the external supply of ambient air and / or anesthetic gas.
18. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that at least one supply line for supplying ambient air and / or anesthetic gas to the return nozzle is arranged in the area of each return nozzle.
19. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the ventilation system (18) is connected to a control device (50) for adjusting the gas concentration of the stunning gas in the stunning medium.
0. Method for stunning slaughter poultry supplied in transport containers (11) from a stunning chamber (12) in the stunning chamber (12), comprising the steps: - Introducing the transport containers (11) containing the live and awake poultry for slaughter into the stunning chamber (12), - Lowering the transport containers (11) into a vertically oriented anesthesia shaft (14) of the anesthesia chamber (12) along a first transport path from top to bottom, - Transporting the transport containers (11) in the area of a floor (16) of the stunning shaft (14) across from the first transport path to a second transport path, - Lifting the transport containers (11) containing the stunned slaughter poultry along the second transport path from bottom to top, and - Execution of the transport containers (11), wherein - in the area of the floor (16) of the stunning chamber (14) anesthetic gas is introduced into the stunning chamber (14) to form an anesthetic medium formed from ambient air and anesthetic gas within the stunning chamber (12), in such a way, - that the transport containers (11) containing the slaughtered poultry pass along the first transport path first through a first, upper chamber section (25) with a first gas concentration of the stunning gas and then through a second, lower chamber section (27) with a second gas concentration of the stunning gas, wherein the second gas concentration in the lower chamber section (27) is higher than the first gas concentration, d ad u rch ge kenn ze i ch n et , that the stunning medium is circulated at least in an upper region of the stunning chamber (12), i.e. at least in the first, upper chamber section (25), by drawing the stunning medium at least partially from the first, upper chamber section (25) and returning it to the first, upper chamber section (25).A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the anesthetic medium is additionally and separately circulated in a lower region of the anesthetic chamber (12), i.e., in the second, lower chamber section (27), by drawing the anesthetic medium at least partially from the second, lower chamber section (27) and returning it to the second, lower chamber section (27). A method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is adjusted for each chamber section (25, 27). A method according to one or more of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is detected after being drawn from the respective chamber section (25, 27). A method according to one or more of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is adjusted when it deviates from a setpoint by supplying anesthetic gas and / or ambient air to the circulated anesthetic medium when it is returned to the respective chamber section (25, 27). A method according to one or more of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the circulation of the anesthetic medium and / or the adjustment of the gas concentration of the anesthetic gas in the circulated anesthetic medium is controlled separately for each chamber section (25, 27). A method according to one or more of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that it is implemented with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 19.