Fodder Bale Steam Treatment Manifold with Penetrating Lances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam treatment methods for fodder are inefficient in ensuring thorough heating and handling, leading to residual pathogens and nutrient leaching, and require multiple handling steps, which can cause respiratory issues and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A steam treatment apparatus with a manifold that penetrates fodder bales using multiple lances to distribute steam evenly and deeply, combined with a steam generator and safety features like a thermostat and RCD, allowing for single-step treatment and effective killing of pathogens without nutrient loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional steam treatment methods are used, then steam can be applied to fodder, but the heating is insufficient and pathogens remain
Solution Approach 1:
The steam treatment system is segmented into multiple independent lances that can penetrate different regions of the fodder bale simultaneously. Each lance acts as an independent steam delivery unit, ensuring comprehensive coverage and thorough heating throughout the entire fodder volume, which eliminates pathogens more effectively than conventional single-point steam application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from surface-level or single-point steam treatment to multi-dimensional penetration by inserting lances throughout the fodder bale. This three-dimensional steam distribution ensures that heat and steam reach all regions of the fodder simultaneously, achieving reliable pathogen elimination throughout the entire volume rather than just at the surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fodder is soaked to reduce airborne particles, then respirable particles are reduced, but nutrients are leached and pathogens are not killed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the treatment parameter from cold soaking to steam heating. By applying thermal energy through steam at elevated temperatures, the system achieves pathogen elimination and particle suppression without the nutrient leaching associated with water soaking. The temperature parameter transformation enables simultaneous pathogen kill and nutrient preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition of water to steam to deliver treatment. Steam condenses on the cooler fodder surfaces, releasing latent heat that effectively kills pathogens and suppresses airborne particles without requiring large volumes of water that would leach nutrients. This phase change mechanism provides efficient heat transfer and particle control while preserving nutritional content.
3Reliability
If fodder is handled multiple times for treatment and distribution, then treatment can be applied, but respiratory risks increase and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the treatment and distribution operations into a single integrated process. The fodder bale is impaled on the manifold assembly, which serves both as the steam treatment delivery system and as the distribution mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate handling steps, reducing both time loss and respiratory exposure risks while maintaining effective treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly with lances serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers steam for pathogen elimination, suppresses airborne particles, and acts as the support structure for fodder distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate equipment pieces and handling operations required, thereby reducing time loss and respiratory risks associated with repeated handling.
4Reliability
If conventional steam treatment is used, then some steam is applied, but distribution is uneven and thorough treatment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The steam distribution system is segmented into multiple lances arranged on the manifold, each delivering steam to different regions of the fodder bale. This segmentation ensures uniform steam distribution throughout the fodder volume, achieving reliable and consistent treatment across the entire bale without the uneven heating associated with single-point steam application.
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
Ensures thorough steam treatment of fodder, reducing airborne pathogens and respiratory risks, while minimizing handling and nutrient loss, and allowing for efficient distribution of treated fodder.
Implementation Method 1
a source of steam
Implementation Method 2
steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder
Implementation Method 3
steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder
Implementation Method 4
together with a thermostat
Implementation Method 5
together with an RCD
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for and method of steam treatment of fodder, for example animal fodder which is typically in baled form (10). The purpose of steam treating is to kill mesophilic and thermophilic mould spores that are either attached to the fodder or detach when disturbed and become airborne. These airborne particles are associated with respiratory problems, infections and allergies to livestock as well as humans. The present invention provides an apparatus for steam treating fodder comprising at least one steam distribution manifold (1), which has a plurality of lances (2a, d, c) adapted to penetrate a bale of fodder (10) so that steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder.