Harmful animal repelling system and method using ozone

Abstract

The present invention provides: a system for repelling harmful animals such as rats from a space having a predetermined size, wherein the space is defined by a bottom surface, side surfaces, and a top surface, the system includes an ozone generator capable of introducing a gas containing ozone into the space, and a pipe 532 allowing the ozone-containing gas introduced from the ozone generator to pass therethrough, the pipe 532 is provided with one or more holes 550 of a predetermined size at predetermined intervals, the pipe 532 extends along the side surfaces in the vicinity of the bottom surface; and a harmful animal repelling method for repelling harmful animals from a space having a predetermined size, wherein the space is defined by a floor and / or the ground, side walls, and a top plate and / or a roof, and an ozone barrier band containing a predetermined concentration of ozone is formed over the floor and / or the ground along the inner sides of the side walls.

Description

Pest Repellent System and Method Using Ozone

[0001] The present invention relates to a pest repellent system and method using ozone.

[0002] Ozone gas is widely used for sterilization and deodorization. For sterilization, a high-concentration and long-duration ozone atmosphere is required, and it is also harmful to the human body. However, in some cases, it may be sufficient to repel rats with an extremely small amount of ozone gas rather than killing them. Ozone has a molecular weight of 48, is heavier than air, and has a unique odor, and that odor is perceived by humans at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.02 ppm. Rats are known to exhibit avoidance behavior at even lower concentrations, but as far as the inventor knows, the details are not known. It is considered harmless to humans at 0.1 ppm or less.

[0003] Utilizing this, it has been proposed to continuously release ozone at a concentration that is harmless to the human body and higher than the concentration at which rats avoid it, and lower than the concentration at which the equipment and wires inside the electrical equipment enclosure corrode, or to provide ozone concentration control means for controlling ozone generation so that the concentration does not exceed a predetermined concentration to adjust the ozone concentration (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-49222

[0005] However, no measures have been taken according to the specific behavior of rats, and it cannot be said that rat repellency has been sufficiently achieved. Also, since it is intended for repelling rats in a narrow space, it cannot be applied to a wide space.

[0006] Therefore, by investigating the behavior of mice towards ozone, we found a system and method for repelling mice and other rodents that would repel them as intended. Figure 10 schematically shows a barn as a single storage space 902, in which bags of brown rice 110 placed on pallets 111 are stored using a commercially available ozone generator 114. The storage space 902 is equipped with an opening 903 through which mice 106a and other rodents can move. In this state, the entire storage space 902 has a single ozone concentration (uniform or non-uniform), so some degree of mouse repellent behavior can be expected. However, if the concentration is uniform, if it is too low, the repellent effect will be insufficient, and if it is too high, it may harm people entering the barn, and any mice that happen to enter may quickly become sluggish and die, potentially harming the barn environment. Therefore, in this invention, by experimentally investigating the ecology of such mice and understanding various conditions such as ozone concentration and its distribution, we were able to complete the repellent system.

[0007] Ozone gas is harmful to mammals depending on its concentration, and even small amounts of ozone are thought to have a repellent effect on small animals. For example, the following can generally be said about the effects of ozone on the human body: At 0.01 to 0.02 ppm of ozone, there is a slight odor, but one eventually becomes accustomed to it. At approximately 0.1 ppm, there is a distinct odor and irritation to the nose and throat. The occupational health permissible concentration is considered to be 0.1 ppm or less. At 0.2 to 0.5 ppm, vision deteriorates after 3 to 6 hours of exposure. At approximately 0.5 ppm, irritation to the upper respiratory tract is clearly felt. At 1 to 2 ppm, headache, chest pain, dryness of the upper respiratory tract, and cough occur after 2 hours of exposure, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic poisoning. At 5 to 10 ppm, increased pulse rate, body aches, and anesthetic symptoms appear, and continued exposure may lead to pulmonary edema. At concentrations of 15-20 ppm, small animals are highly likely to die within two weeks. At approximately 50 ppm, humans may face life-threatening conditions within one hour. The impact on rodents and other small animals is thought to be greater than that on humans.

[0008] For example, in Figure 10, if the ozone generator 114 is used to fill the storage space 902 of the barn with ozone and adjusted to a maximum concentration of 0.1 ppm, it will be possible to repel rodents and other pests. For example, if an ozone generator 114 with a capacity of 1400 mg / hr is operated for one hour in a space of 10 m x 10 m x 4 m (ceiling height), the concentration will be calculated to be 1400 / 400 / 2.14 = 1.64 ppm. This assumes that the storage space 902 is a sealed space and that ozone does not self-decompose. In reality, the walls of the barn are not completely sealed, so considering leakage, the concentration can be considered to be about half of that. Also, since the air in the storage space 902 is not sufficiently agitated, it is natural that a concentration distribution will occur. In other words, the ozone concentration is higher near the ozone generator 114 and decreases as you move away from it. Also, since the walls separating the storage space 902 from the outside can allow outside air to enter and internal air to escape, it is expected that the concentration will decrease as you approach the walls. If the ozone generator 114 is at about 300 mg / hr, it is thought that even if operation is continued, in a storage space 902 of this size in a barn, leakage and self-decomposition will balance the amount of ozone generated, and a steady state of about 0.1 ppm can be maintained in a space of about 1 m from the floor.

[0009] On the other hand, even when rice was stored for a week in air with an ozone concentration of about 1 ppm, no deterioration in quality was observed. Therefore, it is expected that grains such as rice can be stored well if an ozone barrier is constructed that stores rice in air with an ozone concentration that is clearly harmful to rodents, and surrounds it with air with an ozone concentration that rodents will avoid. In other words, if the barn itself, as shown in Figure 10, can be made to have a somewhat uniform and desirable ozone concentration as a storage space, then it can be used as a space to store rice, and an ozone concentration that rodents will avoid can be achieved in the opening 903, which rodents 106a can also move through. Furthermore, if an ozone concentration gradient is created that simply decreases toward the outside where the ozone concentration is almost zero, it is possible to encourage rodent avoidance behavior within the opening and make it difficult for rodents to enter the storage space. This is because rodents moving from the outside into the storage space 902 through the opening can sense the odor of ozone, stop further movement, and be able to move toward the outside where the ozone concentration is lower. Furthermore, as will be discussed later, it is preferable to gradually reduce the concentration and to ensure sufficient space for the mice to move around. More specifically, the following is provided.

[0010] (1) A system for deterring pests and the like from a space of a predetermined size, wherein the space is defined by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface, and includes an ozone generator capable of introducing an ozone-containing gas into the space, and a pipe through which the ozone-containing gas introduced from the ozone generator passes, wherein the pipe has at least one hole of a predetermined size at predetermined intervals, and the pipe extends along the side surface toward the vicinity of the bottom surface. (2) The system according to (1) above, wherein the bottom surface includes a floor and / or ground, the side surface includes a side wall, the top surface includes a top plate and / or roof, and the pipe extends along the inside of the side wall toward the floor and / or ground. (3) The system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the space is provided with a storage area for arranging grains, etc., and at least the floor and / or ground or the side wall has gaps through which pests can pass, the gaps forming a path that penetrates the floor and / or ground or the side wall, and the system has an inner opening that communicates with the space and an outer opening outside the space, and the ozone concentration at the inner opening is higher than the ozone concentration at the outer opening. (4) The system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the ozone generator is provided in the space, the floor and / or ground, the side wall, and the top plate and / or roof form an enclosure that can airtightly cover the space from the outside, the ozone concentration at the inner opening is 0.1 ppm or less, and the ozone concentration at the outer opening is 0.01 ppm or less. (5) The system according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the path comprises one or more path enclosures and passages through which each path enclosure can pass. (6) The system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the path is equipped with an obstructing member that makes it more difficult for pests to advance from the outside to the inside space than for them to advance from the inside space to the outside. (7) The system according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the one or more path enclosures are equipped with a blower. (8) The system according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the one or more path enclosures and / or the space are equipped with a sensor capable of measuring ozone concentration and a controller that can adjust the amount of ozone generated by an ozone generator according to the measured ozone concentration.(9) The system according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the obstructing member reduces the cross-sectional area through which objects pass in at least a portion of the path from the internal space toward the outside. (10) The system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the obstructing member forms a tapered shape with a split member in at least a portion of the path from the internal space toward the outside, and the cross-sectional area through which objects pass can be increased by the elasticity of the split member. (11) A method for deterring pests, etc., from a space of a predetermined size, wherein the space is defined by a bottom surface, a side surface and a top surface, the bottom surface includes a floor and / or ground, the side surface includes a side wall, the top surface includes a top plate and / or roof, and an ozone barrier zone is formed along the inside of the side wall on the floor and / or ground containing a predetermined concentration of ozone. (12) The pest repellent method according to (11), wherein the ozone barrier zone is provided by extending a tube along the inside of the side wall, having at least one hole of a predetermined size at predetermined intervals, and maintaining air containing ozone of a predetermined concentration in the tube at a predetermined pressure. (13) The pest repellent method according to (11) or (12), wherein a first shell covering a storage area for grains, etc., is provided inside the ozone barrier zone in the space, and the ozone concentration inside the first shell is 0.05 to 0.09 ppm. (14) The pest repellent method according to (11) to (13), wherein a second shell is provided inside the ozone barrier zone, covering the first shell, and the ozone concentration inside the second shell is 0.05 to 0.09 ppm.

[0011] A space of a predetermined size may include, for example, a rectangular prism defined by length, width, and height. The length or width may be 0.5m or more, 1m or more, 2m or more, 4m or more, 8m or more, 10m or more, 15m or more, 20m or more, or 30m or more, respectively. There is no particular upper limit, but 100m or less is industrially preferable. The length and width may be any combination of the above values ​​(for example, 2m or more, 10m or more, etc.). The height may be 0.5m or more, 1m or more, 1.5m or more, 1.8m or more, 2m or more, 2.4m or more, 2.7m or more, 3m or more, 4m or more, or 5m or more. There is no particular upper limit, but 10m or less is industrially preferable. Examples of such spaces may include a 1m x 1m x 1m cube and a 10m x 10m x 4m rectangular prism. Furthermore, it does not need to be a rectangular prism; it may be a cylinder, and may have any shape when viewed from above. The sides may be not only vertical, but also slanted, bulging, or tapered in the middle. The bottom may be not only rectangular, but also circular, elliptical, polygonal, or any other shape. It may be horizontal, not horizontal, or sloped. Similarly, the top may be not only rectangular, but also circular, elliptical, polygonal, or any other shape. It may be horizontal, not horizontal, or sloped. The ozone generator may have any mechanism, including its principle of operation. The tube may be any type as long as it has a space through which gas can pass and is separated from the outside world by its walls. It may be a hollow cylindrical shape, or a rectangular tube with a polygonal cross-section. It may also include so-called ducts or tubes. It may be made of metal, or it may be made of a flexible material. It may also be made of an elastic material that can expand due to internal pressure. "Extending near the bottom surface" may include the state of simply being placed on the bottom surface. For example, for a cylindrical tube, the tube diameter (inner diameter) is preferably 10 mm or more, 50 mm or more, or 100 mm or more. The tube diameter (inner diameter) is preferably 800 mm or less, 500 mm or less, or 300 mm or less. This diameter does not have to change as it moves away from the ozone generator, or it may change as it moves away. For example, it may become thinner as it moves away.The holes provided in the tube may be circular, rectangular, or any other shape. For example, in the case of a circular hole, its diameter is preferably 1 mm or more, 3 mm or more, or 6 mm or more. Its diameter is preferably 50 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 10 mm or less. The diameter of this hole does not have to change as it moves away from the ozone generator, or it may change as it moves away. For example, it may become larger as it moves away. It can also be defined as a ratio to the tube diameter (inner diameter). For example, it may be 1 / 20 to 1 / 5 of the tube diameter, or 1 / 10. In the case of a cylindrical tube, these holes provided in the wall forming the tube may be provided on the same side of the circular cross-section, or they may be provided at different positions. In the longitudinal direction of the tube, these holes may be provided at equal intervals or at different intervals. Also, the size of all the holes may be the same or they may be different sizes. The configuration of such holes may be adjusted to preferably form an ozone barrier zone as described later.

[0012] Here, we attempt an illustrative calculation. This is merely an attempt; in reality, the result is determined experimentally, and only the concept is shown here. Therefore, even if the calculation formula is incorrect, it will not affect the invention of this application in any way. Air of a predetermined concentration (e.g., D (ppm)) is released from an ozone generator at an airflow rate Q(0) (m ３ Assume the flow rate is √( / s). The duct is a pipe with a length of L (m), and small diameters rk (m) are opened at intervals of Δl (m) (here, N (integer) ≈ Δl / L). Assume the flow rate at the end L (m) of the duct is Q (L) (m). If the static pressure Pk (Pa) inside the duct is √(Q), then the amount of air qk ejected from the small diameter rk (m) is proportional to the square root of the static pressure Pk at that point, and also proportional to the square of the radius rk of the small diameter. Therefore, qk = Ck × rk ２ It can be considered as ×√Pk (where Ck is a constant). Therefore, it can be considered that Q(0) = Σqk (from k=1 to N) + Q(L). qk = Ck × rk ２Using ×√Pk, it can be assumed that Q(0) = q1 + q2 + q3 + ... + qN + Q(L). The static pressure Pk inside the duct is thought to decrease linearly along the length of the duct. Expressed mathematically, if the static pressure at the first small hole is P1 and the static pressure at the tip small hole N is PN, then it can be considered that Pk = P1 - (P1 - PN) × (k - 1) / (N - 1). The magnitude of each qk can be determined using this. This assumes that in a steady state where Q(0) is constant, air with an ozone concentration of D (ppm) is ejected per unit time and diffuses around the duct. At the maximum time, the air around the duct will be replaced with air of D (ppm), but this is not required here, so it can be determined to determine the specifications of the duct and ozone generator by assuming the required concentration D and the concentration gradient around the duct while confirming it through experiments, etc. In this way, it can be seen that the general design of the ozone generator and duct can be carried out. If this calculation is valid, the amount of air ejected from holes of constant diameter decreases as the distance from the blower increases. To compensate for this, the diameter rk of the small holes can be increased as the distance increases. Alternatively, it can be compensated for by shortening the spacing (or frequency) of the small holes as the distance increases. Or, a combination of these may be used. In practice, it is preferable to confirm this with several experiments. In this way, an air zone (layer) containing a relatively high concentration of ozone can be obtained around the duct. And a concentration gradient can be created. In other words, it may not be necessary to make the entire area the required concentration, and there may be no need to generate ozone unnecessarily. Also, since the overall amount of ozone can be kept low, it is safer. For example, in a warehouse with a floor of 30m x 40m and a ceiling height of 3m (3600m ３ For example, to achieve an ozone concentration of 0.1 ppm throughout the entire warehouse, 7.7 g of ozone would be needed. On the other hand, if only the area around the ductwork (for example, a 1 m x 1 m corridor) needs to be treated, then 140 m ３ Since only that is the target, it is sufficient to generate about 0.3g of ozone (about 4% of 7.7g), which is efficient.

[0013] An ozone barrier zone may include a zone (band) composed of a gas whose ozone concentration is higher than that of the surrounding gas (e.g., air). In particular, there may be no boundary defining the region. The ozone concentration may decrease continuously outward from the ozone barrier zone (in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the zone extends). The ozone barrier zone may extend in a long, band-like shape. Its cross-section may be circular, elliptical, or close to these. The ozone barrier zone may be defined by the ozone concentration it contains. For example, it may be a region with an ozone concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 ppm. Such a region may extend in the longitudinal direction. Forming an ozone barrier zone may include forming such a region along the inside of a side wall.

[0014] A pest repellent system for storing grains and the like, comprising: a storage area for storing grains and the like; an ozone generator placed in or near the storage area; an internal space containing the storage area and the ozone generator; an enclosure capable of airtightly covering the internal space from the outside; and a path leading from the internal space formed by the enclosure to the outside, through which pests can pass, wherein in the path, the ozone concentration on the internal space side is 0.1 ppm or less, the ozone concentration on the external side is 0.01 ppm or less, and the ozone concentration decreases from the internal space side to the external side. Here, the space described above may include the internal space. The bottom, side, and top surfaces defining the space described above may also define the enclosure. The pest repellent system described above is characterized in that the path comprises one or more path enclosures and passages through which each path enclosure can pass. Any of the above-described pest repellent systems, characterized in that the passage is equipped with an obstructing member that makes it more difficult for pests to move from the outside to the inside space than for them to move from the inside space to the outside. Any of the above-described pest repellent systems, characterized in that it is equipped with a blower to make the ozone concentration in the inside space uniform. Any of the above-described pest repellent systems, equipped with a sensor capable of measuring the ozone concentration in the inside space and / or the passage, and a controller that can adjust the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator according to the measured ozone concentration. The aforementioned path comprises a first path enclosure capable of airtightly covering the opening outside the passage leading from the internal space to the outside and the internal space, and a first passage through which the first path enclosure can be passed, and further comprises a second path enclosure capable of airtightly covering the first path enclosure, the first passage and the opening outside thereof, and a second passage through which the second path enclosure can be passed, characterized in that the opening outside the second passage leads to the outside.Any of the above-described pest repellent systems, characterized in that the ozone concentration on the internal space side is 0.1 ppm or less, the ozone concentration outside the internal space within the first path enclosure is 0.05 to 0.09 ppm, and the ozone concentration outside the first path enclosure within the second path enclosure is 0.01 to 0.04 ppm. Any of the above-described pest repellent systems, characterized in that the obstructing member reduces the cross-sectional area through which the obstruction member passes in at least a part of the path from the internal space toward the outside. Any of the above-described pest repellent systems, characterized in that the obstructing member forms a tapered shape with a split member in at least a part of the path from the internal space toward the outside, and the cross-sectional area through which the obstruction member passes can be expanded due to the elasticity of the split member. A method for repelling pests in the storage of grains, etc., characterized in that the ozone concentration in the storage area where the grains, etc. are placed is 0.1 ppm or less, the ozone concentration in a first shell outside the storage area is 0.05 to 0.09 ppm, and the ozone concentration in a second shell outside the first shell is 0.01 to 0.04 ppm. A method for repelling pests in the storage of grains, etc., characterized in that the storage area where the grains, etc. are placed is airtightly covered with an enclosure, and in a path that leads from the inside to the outside of the enclosure and through which pests can pass, the ozone concentration on the inside is 0.1 ppm or less, and the ozone concentration is continuously reduced toward the outside, as described above.

[0015] Here, grains may include rice, wheat, other grains, and even storable foodstuffs. Pests may include animals such as rats and insects such as cockroaches. Typically, these are placed in barns or similar sheds in bags or on pallets to protect them from floor moisture and to facilitate subsequent transport. "Nearby" simply means close proximity and can be anywhere within the internal space. Any commercially available ozone generator can be used. "Airtightly covering from the outside" may include covering or wrapping in a way that substantially prevents air from entering from the outside. If the floor is made of tiles or similar materials, it does not allow air to pass through, so if it can be airtightly fixed to the floor, it can be said to be airtightly covered. Alternatively, the entire enclosure, including the bottom, may be enclosed. The material of the enclosure is not particularly limited as long as it is airtight. It may be made of plastic. The ozone concentration in the internal space may be 0.05 ppm to 0.1 ppm. There is no particular upper limit, but 0.1 ppm or less is preferred. The ozone concentration on the outside may be 0.01 ppm or less, or substantially 0 ppm. The decrease in ozone concentration from the internal space to the outside may include a simple decrease. It is not desirable for the ozone concentration to increase and create a peak along the way. The uniformity of the ozone concentration is preferably as uniform as possible in the cross-sectional area as it moves outward along the path, but some unevenness is acceptable. The path enclosure may have substantially the same configuration and structure as the enclosure described above. The passages through which each path enclosure can pass are included in the paths described above, but the configuration of the paths may be the same as or similar to the configuration of the passages.

[0016] The obstructing member may include a member that forms a tunnel-like structure whose diameter decreases from the internal space side to the external space side or from the inside to the outside. In this way, it is easier for mice and the like to enter through the wider opening on the inside than through the narrow opening on the outside. Also, once inside, they can move along the walls and continue even when the space narrows. Any commercially available fan can be used as the blower. Any commercially available sensor capable of measuring ozone concentration can be used. The controller that can adjust the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator may include one that turns a commercially available ozone generator on and off. If the first path enclosure and the second path enclosure are further used, the ozone concentration on the internal space side may be set to 0.1 ppm or less. The ozone concentration outside the internal space within the first path enclosure may be set to 0.05 to 0.09 ppm, respectively. The ozone concentration inside the second circuit enclosure, outside the first circuit enclosure, may be set to 0.01 to 0.04 ppm.

[0017] A method for repelling pests in the storage of grains, etc., wherein the ozone concentration in the storage area where the grains, etc. are placed may be 0.1 ppm or less. The first shell may be a layer that can be called a shell, enclosing the entire internal space, etc. For example, it can mean the space outside the enclosure that is covered by the first path enclosure and directly encloses the internal space, etc. Similarly, the second shell may mean, for example, the space covered by the second path enclosure and outside the space covered by the first path enclosure. The ozone concentration in the first shell may be 0.05 to 0.09 ppm. A method for repelling pests in the storage of grains, etc., wherein the ozone concentration in the second shell may be 0.01 to 0.04 ppm, wherein the storage area where the grains, etc. are placed is airtightly covered with an enclosure, and the ozone concentration on the inside side of the path that leads from the inside to the outside of the enclosure and through which pests can pass may be 0.1 ppm or less. Continuously decreasing the ozone concentration as it moves toward the outside may include decreasing the concentration in a stepwise manner, decreasing the concentration linearly, decreasing the concentration curvilinearly, or a combination of these.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present invention, the above-described configuration makes it possible to effectively repel harmful animals.

[0019] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pest repellent system in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front perspective view showing an example of an ozone generator in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a rear perspective view showing an example of an ozone generator in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing a pest repellent system in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing an experimental apparatus for studying the behavior of mice in response to ozone. This is a schematic perspective view showing an experimental apparatus for studying the behavior of mice in response to ozone. This is a schematic perspective view showing a road or passage in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing a road or passage in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing a road or passage in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing the storage of grain, etc., in a barn. This is a top perspective view of the warehouse of the pest repellent system in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a partially destroyed perspective view of the pest repellent system in an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram schematically shows the pressure and ozone concentration along the length of a tube from which high-concentration ozone-containing air is blown out of an ozone generator. This diagram schematically shows the state of ozone concentration from a tube in an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram schematically shows the state of ozone concentration from a tube in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view showing a composite example in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the invention. Similar parts are given the same part numbers, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a transparent wall illustrating an example of a pest repellent system in an embodiment of the present invention. In this pest repellent system 10, a pallet 34 is placed on an airtight floor 12, and bags 40 containing brown rice or the like to be stored are stacked on top of the pallet. Next to it, an ozone generator 14 is positioned on the floor 12. A sensor 28 capable of measuring ozone concentration is placed on top of the bags 40. A cubic box 16 made of resin or the like is airtightly fixed to the floor 12 as an enclosure, enclosing all of these components. As an exception to the airtightness, an opening 17 is provided in this box. This opening allows not only air from inside and outside to pass through, but also pests such as rats to pass through. A blower 22 is provided inside the box 16 to agitate the gas so that the ozone concentration in the internal space of the box 16 is uniform. Outside of box 16, a box 18 (first passage enclosure) is similarly fixed to the floor in a nested manner, airtightly. It may be made of the same material as box 16. Inside box 18, a blower 24 is provided to agitate the gas so as to equalize the ozone concentration in the space outside box 16 (first shell). A sensor 30 capable of measuring the ozone concentration is provided on the ceiling of box 18. Air containing a high concentration of ozone flows out from the opening 17 of box 16, and the ozone concentration in the space inside box 18 (first shell) increases. Box 18 also has an opening 19 as an exception to airtightness. This opening 19 is provided not only to allow air from inside and outside to pass through, but also to allow pests such as mice to pass through. Furthermore, outside of box 18, a box 20 (second passage enclosure) is similarly fixed to the floor 12 in a nested manner, airtightly. It may be made of the same material as boxes 16 and 18. Inside this box 20, a blower 26 is provided to agitate the gas so as to equalize the ozone concentration in the space outside the box 18 (the second shell). A sensor 32 capable of measuring the ozone concentration is provided on the side wall of the box 20. Air containing a high concentration of ozone flows out from the opening 19 of the box 18, and the ozone concentration in the space inside the box 20 (the second shell) increases. Similarly, the box 20 is provided with an opening 21 as an exception to airtightness. This opening 21 is provided not only to allow air from inside and outside to pass through, but also to allow pests such as rats to pass through.Each device is electrically powered, and this power is provided by wires that are airtightly routed inside. In this embodiment, one opening each of 17, 19, and 21 is depicted, but there may be multiple openings. Although airtightness is mentioned overall, complete airtightness is not required. Other openings or holes may be present if the desired ozone concentration or ozone concentration distribution can be obtained.

[0022] Here, uniformity of concentration is preferably within ±30%, ±20%, or ±10% of the median value. Also, since ozone has a high specific gravity, it tends to accumulate at the bottom, and since mice mainly run on the floor, the ozone concentration at a height of about 10 centimeters from the floor is important. Furthermore, since the bag 40 containing brown rice etc. has height, the ozone concentration in the ozone-containing air surrounding it (including the top and sides) is important.

[0023] Below this schematic diagram, a graph is drawn with ozone concentration on the vertical axis and distance from the center of the pest repellent system 10 on the horizontal axis. L1, L2, and L3 represent the distances from the centers of boxes 16, 18, and 20, respectively. That is, the internal space enclosed by box 16 is inside L1. The ozone concentration at this point is C1, the ozone concentration in the first shell made of box 18 is C2, the ozone concentration in the second shell made of box 20 is C3, and the ozone concentration completely outside is C4. As shown in the diagram, each space (internal space, first shell, second shell) has a nearly uniform ozone concentration, but it can be seen that the concentration decreases in stages: C1 > C2 > C3 > C4. In this way, pests such as rats can be effectively repelled.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the ozone generator 14 used in the pest repellent system 10. The rectangular, stand-type ozone generator 14 is equipped with an operation switch 14a at the top, which allows for starting / stopping operation, setting a stop timer, etc. A louver 14b is shown on the upper side of the front, which is provided at the outlet for blowing out the generated ozone-containing air. An intake fan 14c for drawing in air is provided on the lower side of the rear. This ozone generator is a UV-based ozone generator.

[0025] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a different embodiment (pest repellent system 100) from the pest repellent system shown in Figure 1. In this figure, the walls of each box are depicted as transparent. Similar to Figure 1, a pallet 111 is placed on an airtight floor 108, and brown rice bags 110 are stacked on top of it. Next to this, an ozone generator 114 is placed on the floor 108, and a box 102 is airtightly fixed to the floor 108, surrounding them. Box 102 is similarly provided with a path or passage 103. This path or passage 103 may be large enough for mice 103a to pass through. Furthermore, a nested box 104 is provided on the floor 108, similarly provided with a path or passage 105, and similarly allowing mice 104a to pass through. In addition, a nested box 106 is provided on the floor 108, similarly provided with a path or passage 107, and similarly allowing mice 106a to pass through. Although a blower is not shown in this diagram, it may or may not be present, as the mixture is stirred by natural convection. A sensor may or may not be present, as long as the concentration changes are known in advance, it is sufficient to maintain constant operating conditions. Similar to Figure 1, the number of openings can be one or more, and sufficient airtightness is required to obtain the desired ozone concentration and ozone concentration distribution.

[0026] [Mouse Behavioral Experiment] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an experimental apparatus for investigating the behavior of mice in response to ozone concentration. The experimental apparatus 300 mainly consists of a passage 310 enclosed on the bottom and three sides by walls, and a first lane 312, second lane 314, and third lane 316, which form long, narrow rectangular spaces connected by walls to openings provided on the remaining side of the passage 310. Openings 338, 340, and 342 are provided in the walls 339, 341, and 343 between the passage 310 and the first to third lanes 312, 314, and 316, respectively, allowing mice 312a, 314a, and 316a to pass through from each lane. Mesh windows 318, 320, and 322 are provided on the opposite sides 319, 321, and 323 of these first to third lanes 312, 314, and 316, respectively. The direction of supply of ozone-containing air from the ozone generator on the right is indicated by an arrow. This device can supply ozone-containing air to each mesh window in each lane. Food 330 was placed near the mesh window side of each lane (the food in lanes 1 and 2 was hidden behind the wall and not visible). Although not shown in the diagram, gas collected from the middle of the longitudinal direction of lane 1 was sent to an ozone monitor (manufactured by Ebara Corporation, EG-700E, measurement range: 0.00 ppm to 10.00 ppm) to continuously measure the ozone concentration. Rats were used as the mice in this experiment.

[0027] [Experiment 1] With the lights on, one rat was placed in each lane. At this time, openings 338, 340, and 342 leading to the passageway were closed. Air with an ozone concentration of 0.4 ppm was slowly flowed through the mesh windows of each lane. The rats in each lane were initially attracted to the food and stayed near the mesh windows, but when the ozone concentration reached about 0.08 ppm, they began to move away from the mesh windows. When the ozone concentration reached 0.2 ppm, the rats' movements slowed down at the wall on the passageway side.

[0028] [Test 2] When air with an even higher ozone concentration was continuously flowed from the conditions of Test 1, the ozone concentration reached 0.8 ppm, and the rats stopped moving.

[0029] [Experiment 3] Here, the apparatus shown in Figure 6 was used. The difference from Figure 5 is that the wall between the second and third lanes was removed. Also, the openings 338, 340, and 342 leading to the passage were left open. The lights were also turned off. Air containing a high concentration of ozone was flowed only through the mesh window 318 of the first lane. The rats in the first lane moved to the second and third lanes through the passage 310.

[0030] [Experiment 4] Following on from Experiment 3, the inflow of ozone-rich air into lane 1 was stopped, and ozone-rich air was flowed through the mesh windows of lanes 2 and 3. The rats in lanes 2 and 3 moved to lane 1 via the passageway. They also carried food from lane 1 into the passageway and ate it there. As a result of the continued flow, the ozone concentration exceeded 0.2 ppm, at which point the rats' activity slowed down.

[0031] From the above experiments, it was found that when the ozone concentration exceeds 0.08 ppm, rats exhibit avoidance behavior, moving towards areas with lower ozone concentrations. Furthermore, it was found that when the concentration exceeds 0.2 ppm, the rats' activity slows down. In other words, avoidance behavior is triggered even at concentrations lower than 0.1 ppm, and at high concentrations of 0.2 ppm or higher, activity slows down, potentially preventing avoidance behavior altogether. Therefore, it is expected that avoidance behavior is most activated at an appropriate ozone concentration.

[0032] Figures 7 to 9 show specific examples of paths or passages, and consider the distribution of ozone concentration in those paths. Generally, when a given species diffuses as a gas through a narrow passage, the concentration is thought to change according to a one-dimensional transient diffusion equation. For example, it follows the following equation. The solution to this equation is generally known as the error function.

[0033] Figure 7 shows the case where the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the path or passage 117 is constant in the direction of diffusion, and assuming that the effect of flow is negligible, the concentration distribution is thought to follow an error function. It is estimated that the ozone concentration changes along the concentration graph shown above from the high-concentration side (internal space side) 119 to the low-concentration side (external side) 121 of the path or passage 117 in Figure 7. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the concentrations on the high-concentration side and the low-concentration side, it is possible to achieve an appropriate repellent concentration at any distance in the direction of the path or passage 117. However, it is thought that abrupt changes in concentration are likely to occur near the center, and optimization may be difficult.

[0034] Figure 8 shows the case where the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the path or passage 129 decreases in the direction of diffusion. Assuming that the effect of flow is negligible, it is thought that the change will be smoother and more linear than that of the error function. Similarly, it is estimated that the ozone concentration changes along the concentration graph shown above from the high-concentration side (internal space side) 131 to the low-concentration side (external side) 133 of the path or passage 129 in Figure 8. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the concentrations on the high-concentration side and the low-concentration side, it is possible to achieve an appropriate repellent concentration at any distance in the direction of the path or passage 129. Also, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the low-concentration side (external side) 133 is smaller, it is more difficult to enter than from the high-concentration side (internal space side) 131. On the other hand, even if one enters, it is easy to move to the low-concentration side (external side) 133 simply by moving along the wall.

[0035] Figure 9, like Figure 7, shows a case where the flow cross-sectional area is constant in the direction of diffusion, but with the insertion of a splitting member 147 that forms a tapered shape. The ozone concentration is considered to be the same as in Figure 7, but the ease of entry is different; that is, the splitting member 147 acts as an obstacle on the low-concentration side (outside side) 145, making it more difficult to enter from there than from the high-concentration side (internal space side) 143. On the other hand, even once entered, it can easily move to the low-concentration side (outside side) 145 simply by moving along the wall.

[0036] As described above, by using a concentration distribution that decreases the ozone concentration in one direction, it is easier to achieve an appropriate ozone concentration for pest repellent behavior. Furthermore, by incorporating various features into the openings that serve as pathways or passages (such as shapes and structures that make it difficult for pests to enter from the low-concentration side), pests can be effectively repelled.

[0037] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a warehouse with a rectangular floor and a ceiling height of 4 m to the ceiling board, with a transparent roof (not shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, the repellent system 500 is a warehouse with a floor 510 measuring 20 m in length and 30 m in width (both inner dimensions), enclosed by a front side wall 512, a left side wall 514, an opposite side wall 516, and a right side wall 518. These walls and floor are made of stacked wooden boards, providing some degree of isolation but not complete sealing. This warehouse has an opening on the right side of the front side wall 512 that can be used as an entrance, and a shutter 520 is closed when the warehouse is in storage. An ozone generator 530 is provided near this opening. A pipe (also called a duct; for example, Φ200 mm) 532 extends longitudinally from the ozone outlet of the ozone generator 530, with an ozone-containing gas (for example, air) passing through its internal passage. The pipe 532 is positioned near each side wall so as to follow the contour of the floor 510. The four corners are joined with elbows. The total length is approximately 50 m. Holes 550 with a diameter of Φ10 mm are drilled in the upper side of the pipe 532 at regular intervals (here, for example, approximately 1.5 m). The ozone generator 530 does not need to have the capacity to completely fill this warehouse space with ozone of sufficient concentration. When air containing approximately 0.1 ppm of ozone is continuously supplied from the ozone generator 530, the ozone-containing air is ejected from the holes 550 in the pipe 532, and a high-concentration ozone zone is formed around the pipe 532. Figure 12 is a partially destroyed perspective view. Here, the pipe 532 may be made of a highly rigid material such as metal or plastic. Alternatively, it may be made of a flexible material. A flexible pipe (for example, a hose) is easier to lay.

[0038] Figure 13 schematically shows the pressure inside the tube 532 from which high-concentration ozone-containing air is blown out of the ozone generator 530, and the ozone concentration, with respect to the longitudinal distance of the tube. The pressure inside the tube immediately after blowing out from the ozone generator 530 is the highest compared to the ambient pressure, and decreases almost constantly as the distance increases. Furthermore, it is thought that if the pressure is slightly higher even at the very end (which may be closed or partially open), backflow can be prevented and a relatively stable ozone barrier zone can be maintained. In general, it is thought that the pressure inside a tube with a constant diameter (inner diameter) decreases linearly. Furthermore, it is thought that the amount of gas ejected from a small-diameter hole (amount per unit time) is proportional to the square of this diameter and also proportional to the pressure (pressure difference with the surroundings). For example, Q (L / min) = (2426 / 1.2) × (π × r ２ / 4)×C×(P=ΔP+atmospheric pressure) / T ０．５ Q can be calculated as follows: Here, r is the inner diameter of the hole (mm), C is the flow coefficient which is usually 1, the absolute pressure is the gauge pressure (MPa) + 0.101, and T is the absolute temperature. Substituting r = 5 mm, T = 293 K, and P = 0.01 + 0.101 MPa into this, we get Q = 258 L / min. The pressure at each point can be determined from the relationship between the length of the pipe and the pressure (gauge pressure), and the diameter of the hole can be appropriately changed so that the amount of mixed air blown out is the desired amount (for example, constant). For example, the diameter of the hole can be changed from 3 mm to 8 mm. Usually, the pressure is highest near the ozone generator 530, so the diameter of the hole can be made smaller there and larger as you move away from it. The position of the hole can also be appropriately determined considering the uniformity of the ozone concentration in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. Intervals of 0.5 m or more, 1 m or more, or 1.5 m or more are preferred. 3 m or less, 2.5 m or less, or 2 m or less are preferred. The spacing may be adjusted as needed to suit the specific circumstances within the warehouse.

[0039] Here, the pressure at which air containing high-concentration ozone is supplied from the ozone generator 530 is set to approximately 0.01 MPa (0.1 atmospheres), but a suitable pressure for forming an ozone barrier can be achieved. For example, when using an axial flow fan, a pressure of 10 to 50 Pa can be achieved. When using a sirocco fan, a pressure of 50 to 200 Pa can be achieved. These fans have the advantage of low noise during operation. When using a general-purpose turbo fan, a pressure of 500 to 2000 Pa can be achieved, although this may result in higher noise levels. Such fans are advantageous when using long pipes of 200 m or more. In practical terms, 500 m or less is preferable. When using a compressor, a pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.8 MPa can be achieved. In commonly used ozone generators, the discharge pressure is approximately 0.07 MPa. It is preferable to use fans such as those described above as appropriate for air supply.

[0040] Figure 14 schematically shows how the high-concentration ozone-containing air blown out from the holes 550 of the pipe 532 placed along the wall spreads. When high-concentration ozone-containing air jets out from the holes 550 of the pipe 532 placed on the floor 510, it can be seen that the ozone concentration decreases as it moves away from the vicinity of the holes 550. Here, the holes are above the pipe, and since ozone is heavier than air, it is easier to diffuse downward, and it can be seen that the ozone concentration gradually decreases as it moves away from the outlet of the holes. That is, it can be seen that an ozone concentration that gradually decreases can be realized from the pipe towards the wall (or the floor). When it is about 1 m away from this pipe 532, the ozone concentration becomes 0.01 ppm or less. On the other hand, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing how the ozone concentration changes in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 532. In the vicinity of the holes 550, there is a partially high concentration of ozone, but as it moves away in the height direction, perhaps due to lateral diffusion, the unevenness of the ozone concentration becomes smaller. Similarly, when it is about 1 m away, the ozone concentration becomes 0.01 ppm or less. Since ozone is heavier than air, it is easy to accumulate near the pipe 532, and it can be seen that a so-called ozone barrier zone is formed. It is preferable that there is no fan for forced circulation of the air in the warehouse. It is preferable that the above-described concentration distribution due to the diffusion of ozone can be ensured. Even if there is a fan, it is preferable that the position and direction of the fan are adjusted so as not to eliminate this ozone barrier zone. Also, even when there is natural convection, measures such as providing a cover around the pipe can be taken so as not to eliminate this ozone barrier zone. Also, in Figure 11, an ozone generator 560 directed towards the shutter 520 is arranged. This is placed to cover places such as entrances and exits where it is necessary and where it is difficult to arrange the pipe 532. Regarding the formation of such an ozone barrier zone, the pressure and ozone concentration inside the pipe when the pipe 532 is extended are examined. The cross-sectional area of the pipe is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] As shown in Figure 11, the ozone concentration is higher in the lower part of the warehouse near the side walls. Therefore, there may be concerns that the ozone concentration will be lower in the center of the warehouse, attracting pests such as rats to the center. However, the ozone concentration inside the warehouse is clearly higher than outside, and it is clearly preferable for pests to go outside the warehouse. In other words, it is preferable that the highest ozone concentration inside the warehouse does not become too high. It is preferable that the ozone concentration does not become so high that pests cannot move. It is preferable to repel pests with a concentration lower than the concentration at which they would be immobilized in a short time. Also, when humans enter the warehouse, they breathe air at a height of 1 meter or more above the floor, so it is preferable that the ozone concentration is relatively higher at lower levels. Furthermore, ozone sensors may be installed in the warehouse so that a red light illuminates if the ozone concentration is too high as needed.

[0042] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of the present invention in a schematic diagram similar to that of Figure 1. The repellent system 500, similar to that in Figure 11, has a floor 510, with side walls 516 and 512 on both sides, and a ceiling plate 519. An ozone generator 530 and a pipe 532 extend along the contour of the floor 510 and near the side walls, and high-concentration ozone is ejected from holes 550. As a result, an ozone barrier zone is formed near the contour of the floor 510 and near the side walls, effectively repelling pests. Furthermore, a system as shown in Figure 1 can be incorporated inside this. Details have been explained in Figure 1 and are therefore omitted here. Thus, not only the system in Figure 1, but also in the space defined by the bottom, sides, and top, an ozone barrier zone is formed along the contour of the bottom and along the joint of the bottom at the lower part of the sides, so that pests and other pests can be repelled from the wide internal space. Since it is not necessary to fill a particularly large space with a sufficient concentration of ozone, there is no need to make the ozone generator large or high-performance. Also, if enough ozone is generated to fill the entire space, the toxicity of ozone becomes a particular concern. Therefore, the ozone barrier system is also superior in terms of safety. In addition, although the target here is mainly rodents and other pests, it can actually also repel insects and mold. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to make the bottom, sides, and top airtight, it is highly productive. Also, although floor 510 was used as an example, it is not limited to floors. For example, even in cases where the side walls are erected directly on the ground to cover a greenhouse, an ozone barrier can be effectively formed.

[0043] 10 100 500 900 Repellent system 12 108 510 Floor 14 114 530 560 Ozone generator 16 18 20 Box 17 19 21 Opening 22 24 26 Fan (blower) 28 30 32 Sensor 34 111 Pallet 40 110 Bag (brown rice, etc.) 102 104 106 Box 103 105 107 Opening 117 129 141 Path or passage 119 131 143 High concentration side of path or passage 121 133 145 Low concentration side of path or passage 147 Dividing member 300 Experimental apparatus 310 Passage 312 First lane 314 Second lane 316 Third lane 319 321 323 Side with mesh window 318 320 322 Mesh window 339 341 343 Wall with opening 338 340 342 Opening 532 Pipe 550 Hole 902 Storage space 903 Opening

Claims

1. A system for deterring pests and other animals from a space of a predetermined size, wherein the space is defined by a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface, and includes an ozone generator capable of introducing an ozone-containing gas into the space, and a pipe through which the ozone-containing gas introduced from the ozone generator passes, wherein the pipe has at least one hole of a predetermined size at predetermined intervals, and the pipe extends along the side surface toward the vicinity of the bottom surface.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface includes a floor and / or ground, the side surface includes a side wall, the top surface includes a top plate and / or roof, and the pipe extends along the inside of the side wall onto the floor and / or ground.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the space is provided with a storage area for arranging grains and the like, and at least the floor and / or ground or the side wall has gaps through which pests can pass, the gaps form a path penetrating the floor and / or ground or the side wall, and the system has an inner opening communicating with the space and an outer opening outside the space, and the ozone concentration at the inner opening is higher than the ozone concentration at the outer opening.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the ozone generator is provided within the space, the floor and / or ground, the side walls, and the top plate and / or roof constitute an enclosure that can airtightly cover the space from the outside, the ozone concentration at the inner opening is 0.1 ppm or less, and the ozone concentration at the outer opening is 0.01 ppm or less.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the path comprises one or more path enclosures and passages through which each path enclosure can pass.

6. The system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the path is provided with an obstructing member that makes it more difficult for pests to move from the outside to the inside than it is for them to move from the inside to the outside.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more path enclosures are equipped with blowers.

8. The system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a sensor capable of measuring ozone concentration in the one or more path enclosures and / or the space, and a controller capable of adjusting the amount of ozone generated by an ozone generator according to the measured ozone concentration.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the obstructing member has a reduced cross-sectional area in which it passes, in at least a portion of the path, from the internal space toward the outside.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the obstructing member has a tapered shape formed by a split member in at least a portion of the path, from the internal space toward the outside, and the cross-sectional area through which it passes can be increased by the elasticity of the split member.

11. A method for repelling pests, which repels pests from a space of a predetermined size, wherein the space is defined by a bottom surface, sides, and a top surface, the bottom surface includes a floor and / or ground, the sides include side walls, the top surface includes a top plate and / or roof, and an ozone barrier zone containing ozone of a predetermined concentration is formed on the floor and / or ground along the inside of the side walls.

12. The method for repelling pests according to claim 11, wherein the ozone barrier zone comprises a tube having at least one or more holes of a predetermined size at predetermined intervals, extending along the inside of the side wall, and maintaining air containing a predetermined concentration of ozone in the tube at a predetermined pressure.

13. The method for repelling pests according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a first shell covering a storage area for grains, etc., is provided inside the ozone barrier zone in the space, and the ozone concentration inside the first shell is 0.05 to 0.09 ppm.

14. The method for repelling harmful animals according to claim 13, wherein a second shell is provided inside the ozone barrier zone, covering the first shell, and the ozone concentration inside the second shell is 0.05 to 0.09 ppm.

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