CO2 Pest Control in Transport Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for combating pests in transport containers, such as heat treatment, are expensive, time-consuming, and not effective for all forms of pests, particularly insects and rodents, which can carry diseases and contaminate goods during international transport.
Innovation Solution
Introducing gaseous carbon dioxide into the transport container to create a low-oxygen environment, which effectively kills pests without harming products, and using a system to condition the carbon dioxide to a desired temperature to prevent hibernation and ensure efficient distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat treatment is used to combat pests in transport containers, then pests are killed off, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from thermal treatment to chemical asphyxiation using carbon dioxide. Instead of heating wood to 56°C for 30 minutes, the invention introduces CO2 gas to displace oxygen and directly kill pests through suffocation, fundamentally altering the treatment mechanism to achieve both speed and cost efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (heat treatment equipment, temperature monitoring, heating elements) with a gas delivery system. Carbon dioxide is introduced through nozzles or injection points, using gas flow dynamics rather than thermal energy to achieve pest elimination, thereby simplifying equipment requirements and reducing treatment time
2Reliability
If heat treatment is used to combat pests in transport containers, then pests are killed off, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs carbon dioxide, a readily available and inexpensive gas, as the primary treatment agent. Unlike expensive specialized heat treatment equipment and energy consumption, CO2 can be delivered through simple injection systems, making the treatment significantly more cost-effective while maintaining high pest elimination reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention shifts from energy-intensive thermal parameters to chemical composition parameters (oxygen displacement). By changing the treatment mechanism from heating to gas asphyxiation, the patent eliminates the need for expensive heating equipment and energy consumption, thereby reducing treatment costs while preserving effectiveness
3Productivity
If gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced into the space, then pests are killed off quickly and inexpensively, but the space must be sealed to maintain gas composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere using carbon dioxide, which naturally seals the treatment environment through gas density and pressure. The CO2 gas displaces oxygen and maintains the asphyxiant environment without requiring complex mechanical sealing systems, as the gas itself provides the protective barrier against external air intrusion
4Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is used to combat pests, then harmful gases like methyl bromide and phosphine are avoided, but large quantities of CO2 are required to achieve low oxygen content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the safety parameter by replacing toxic gases (methyl bromide, phosphine) with non-toxic carbon dioxide. Although large quantities of CO2 are required, the environmental and safety benefits outweigh the volume requirement, as CO2 is naturally present in the atmosphere and poses no contamination risk to goods or environment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a quick, inexpensive, and animal-friendly way to eliminate pests in transport containers, reducing the risk of disease spread and environmental contamination, while avoiding the use of harmful gases like methyl bromide and phosphine.
Implementation Method 1
Introducing large quantities of the gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) changes the composition of the air mixture in the space into a mixture in which the O2 content is so low that the pests will suffer a total oxygen depletion
Implementation Method 2
the method comprises the step of providing liquid carbon dioxide and subsequently converting the liquid carbon dioxide into gaseous carbon dioxide, in particular by evaporating the liquid carbon dioxide
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for combatting pests which are present in a space, in particular insects and/or rodents which are present in a space of a transport container, comprising the steps of providing gaseous carbon dioxide and introducing the gaseous carbon dioxide into the space. By supplying gaseous carbon dioxide, it is possible to combat rodents and insects in an efficient manner without material which is present in the space being adversely affected. The supplied gaseous carbon dioxide may be preheated or may at least be introduced at a desired temperature in order to prevent insects from starting to hibernate. In this way, it is possible to combat even these insects which are inherently difficult to combat in an inexpensive and efficient manner. The invention furthermore relates to a system for use of the method.