Ozone Treatment System for Grain Pile Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain storage systems face challenges in maintaining grain quality due to issues like insect infestation, mold growth, and toxin presence, particularly in large outdoor piles, where adequate aeration distribution is difficult, leading to economic losses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that monitors temperature and odor at multiple aeration outlet locations to identify problem areas within grain piles and applies ozone treatment effectively, using airflow models and various ozone application methods to target specific issues without disturbing the grain pile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aeration is used to reduce insect problems in stored grain, then the chemical residues are reduced and the environment is safer, but the ability to adequately address grain storage needs in large grain piles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the treatment by using ozone gas instead of traditional aeration alone. Ozone is generated and injected into the grain pile at controlled concentrations and durations, transforming the physical-chemical environment to effectively kill insects and mold while maintaining grain quality, thus resolving the limitation of aeration in large grain piles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, to accelerate the oxidation process that kills insects, mold, and bacteria in the grain. The ozone reacts with organic matter in pests and pathogens, rapidly eliminating them without leaving harmful chemical residues, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of non-chemical treatment in large grain storage piles
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high concentrations of ozone are applied to grain piles for extended periods, then molds and toxins are effectively reduced, but ozone-induced odors may occur and grain quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ozone treatment cycles with multiple on/off phases. Ozone is applied in intermittent bursts rather than continuously, allowing the grain to undergo repeated oxidation cycles. This periodic application maintains effective mold and toxin reduction while preventing ozone saturation that causes odors and quality degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring and control of ozone concentration and exposure time throughout the treatment process. By continuously adjusting ozone injection rates and duration based on real-time conditions, the system ensures effective pathogen elimination while preventing excessive ozone accumulation that would cause harmful odors and grain quality issues
3Reliability
If uniform ozone distribution is applied throughout the entire grain pile, then all areas receive treatment, but the risk of ozone-induced odors and grain quality degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grain pile into multiple treatment zones with separate injection points distributed throughout the pile. Ozone is injected at multiple locations simultaneously or sequentially, ensuring uniform coverage of the entire grain mass. This segmented approach prevents localized ozone over-concentration that would cause odors and quality degradation while maintaining reliable treatment coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies ozone at different concentrations and durations to different zones within the grain pile based on local conditions. Injection rates and treatment times are adjusted for each zone to achieve effective pathogen elimination while preventing excessive ozone exposure in any single area, thereby avoiding ozone-induced odors and quality degradation
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
The ozone treatment effectively reduces molds and toxins, minimizing nascent problems and increasing the value of stored grain by targeting specific areas with high concentrations of ozone for shorter durations, thus reducing the risk of ozone-induced odors and maintaining grain quality.
Implementation Method 1
Treatment of grain with ozone... The ozone treatment may reduce molds and toxins
Implementation Method 2
introducing a flow of air through the grain pile at a flow rate sufficient to move the air through the grain pile and out the plurality of aeration outlets
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for treating grain stored in a grain pile with ozone are effective for treating grain for toxins, insects, mold, and/or odor. A method according to embodiments of the invention involves monitoring at least one of temperature and odor at a plurality of aeration outlet locations spaced around the grain pile. When an abnormal temperature variance or odor is detected at one or more of the aeration outlet locations, a determination is made as to a problem location within the grain pile where a treatment of ozone should be applied, and a further determination is made as to how best to apply ozone to the problem location. Ozone is then applied to the problem location within the grain pile to minimize nascent problems in the grain pile. The ozone treatment may reduce molds and toxins.