Slurry Pumping System for Burrow Filling and Rodent Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling burrowing animals, such as poisoning and trapping, are ineffective in preventing re-inhabitation of burrows and pose environmental and safety hazards, while explosives are dangerous and require specialized handling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a slurry of natural soil components, such as sand and water, is pumped into the tunnel and den systems of burrowing animals to fill and seal the burrows, using a smoke generating device to locate holes and a slurry generating system to deliver the mixture, effectively blocking re-inhabitation and eliminating the rodents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If poison is used to control burrowing animals, then the rodents are killed, but the burrows remain and can be re-inhabited by other rodents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the burrow system into multiple segments (tunnels, dens, chambers) and fills each segment with concrete to ensure complete elimination and prevent re-inhabitation. The burrow system is segmented and treated in sections rather than as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the burrow structure itself by filling it with concrete, rather than just killing the rodents. The burrow system is taken out of service and permanently eliminated from the property.
2Reliability
If poison is used to control burrowing animals, then the rodents are killed, but toxic chemicals contaminate groundwater and harm the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of burrowing rodents into a beneficial outcome by using concrete filling to both eliminate the rodents and prevent future infestations. The concrete acts as a permanent barrier that benefits the environment by eliminating the need for ongoing chemical treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses concrete, a durable and permanent material, to fill the burrows once and for all. This single application provides long-term protection without the need for repeated chemical treatments, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.
3Reliability
If traps are used to control rodents, then some rodents are captured, but trapping prolongs animal suffering and requires licenses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical trapping system with a concrete filling system. Instead of using traps that require setting, monitoring, and processing of captured animals, the concrete is pumped directly into the burrow system to eliminate rodents in their habitat.
4Reliability
If explosives are used to control burrowing animals, then the burrows are destroyed, but explosives are dangerous and require specialized handling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the explosive mechanical system with a hydraulic concrete pumping system. Instead of using high-energy explosives that pose safety risks, the concrete is delivered through controlled pumping equipment that can be operated without specialized explosives licensing.
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 approach humanely kills the rodents and their offspring, seals off their food supply, and prevents re-infestation without using hazardous chemicals, maintaining environmental safety and providing an economical solution.
Implementation Method 1
placing a smoke generating device into the tunnel system and marking a location of each of a plurality of smoke plumes emanating from each of the holes
Implementation Method 2
The slurry is pumped into each of the holes connected to the tunnel and den system until the tunnel and den system is filled by the sand
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of controlling burrowing animals, a slurry of a natural soil component and water is generated. The slurry is pumped into a tunnel and den system dug by the burrowing animal until the tunnel and den system is filled by the slurry. An apparatus for controlling burrowing animals includes a first tank that contains water. A second tank contains a natural soil component. A water pump pumps water from the water tank into the second tank. A plurality of nozzles receives water from the water pump and sprays water from the water tank into the bottom portion of the second tank, so as to generate a slurry of a natural soil component and water. A slurry pump is configured to pump the slurry. A slurry hose is configured to delivery the slurry from the slurry pump into a tunnel and den system dug by a burrowing animal.