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WO2016083792A1 - Procédé et appareil de surveillance de densité de brouillard - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil de surveillance de densité de brouillard Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016083792A1
WO2016083792A1 PCT/GB2015/053572 GB2015053572W WO2016083792A1 WO 2016083792 A1 WO2016083792 A1 WO 2016083792A1 GB 2015053572 W GB2015053572 W GB 2015053572W WO 2016083792 A1 WO2016083792 A1 WO 2016083792A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fog
density
controller
fog density
space
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/053572
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christopher John Pendred
Guy PENDRED
Original Assignee
Norman Pendred & Co. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Norman Pendred & Co. Ltd. filed Critical Norman Pendred & Co. Ltd.
Publication of WO2016083792A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016083792A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3554—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for determining moisture content
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/59—Transmissivity
    • G01N21/61—Non-dispersive gas analysers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
    • A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
    • A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
    • A23B7/144—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
    • A23L3/3409—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/22—Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/14—Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/06—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
    • G01N15/075—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions by optical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N2015/0023—Investigating dispersion of liquids
    • G01N2015/0026—Investigating dispersion of liquids in gas, e.g. fog

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system, including an apparatus and method, for monitoring adjusting and maintaining one or more levels of generated fog density in an enclosed or partially enclosed space.
  • Products, or fresh produce are often stored for periods of time and it is important that they remain as fresh or free from spoilage as possible.
  • spoilage can be the result of, for example, exposure to micro-organisms such as viruses, vegetative bacteria, spore forming bacteria, fungi, prions and other pathogenic micro organisms. It can often be desirable to prevent contamination by other agents also.
  • it is generally essential to maintain a minimum quality during the storage period, so that at the end of the storage period the produce is edible or otherwise usable.
  • Such produce is placed in a temperature controlled enclosed or semi- enclosed space and may also be subjected to treatments to suppress or destroy the spoiling agents, or to hydrate the produce.
  • treatments include vaporising, spraying, fumigating and fogging, including mechanical fogging in agriculture, of liquid preparations.
  • piezoelectric ultrasonic nebulisation of such liquid preparations is often used, for example in agriculture as a post harvest crop hydration system to maintain the life of living plants for days, weeks or months after harvest, or in other situations. It is often important that the product or produce, or the walls, floor, ceiling, fixtures and fittings of the space used for storage, do not become wet when subject to these treatments. It is possible to avoid such wetting by delivering such treatments by means of a 'dry fog' to the space and its contents.
  • the dry fog comprises a visible mist of droplets of liquid that are less than 5 microns in diameter.
  • the present invention provides a fog density monitoring system for monitoring fog density in a space, the system comprising at least one fog delivery apparatus, at least one fog density monitor, and a controller in communication with the at least one fog delivery apparatus and the at least one fog density monitor.
  • the fog density monitor is designed to monitor fog density and provide fog density data to the controller, and the controller, responsive to fog density data, controls delivery of fog from the fog delivery apparatus to the space.
  • the at least one fog density monitor comprises a plurality of fog density monitors, distributed uniformly around the space, each in communication with the controller.
  • the least one fog delivery apparatus comprises a plurality of fog delivery apparatus distributed uniformly around the space, each in communication with the controller.
  • the controller responsive to the fog density data from a, or from each, fog density monitor, controls delivery of fog from a, or from each, fog delivery apparatus.
  • the fog delivery apparatus generates a dry fog.
  • the dry fog comprises droplets of less than 5 microns in diameter.
  • the dry fog is generated by a piezoelectric ultra-sonic nebulisation process.
  • the fog includes a chemical agent, which may be a biocide, a plant food, or a Bio-flavonoid for folia feeding.
  • a chemical agent which may be a biocide, a plant food, or a Bio-flavonoid for folia feeding.
  • the system further includes at least one fan in communication with the controller, wherein the controller, in response to fog density monitor data, actuates the at least one fan to urge fog around the enclosed space to maintain a desired uniform fog density.
  • the at least one fan comprises a plurality of fans.
  • the present invention provides a fog density monitor comprising means to detect a fog density adjacent the monitor, and means to indicate the fog density and forward same to a controller.
  • the means to detect a fog density comprises a transmitter adapted to transmit a signal, and a receiver adapted to receive the transmitted signal.
  • the means to indicate fog density further comprises the transmitter adapted to provide the controller with information regarding the transmitted signal, and the receiver adapted to provide the controller with information regarding the received signal.
  • the fog density monitor further comprises means to receive a benchmark value of fog density, means to compare detected fog density with the benchmark value and determine a deviation of detected fog density from the benchmark, and means to forward an indication of said deviation value to the controller.
  • the present invention provides a method of monitoring fog density in a space comprising positioning at least one fog density monitor, connected to a controller, within the space, positioning at least one fog delivery apparatus, connected to the controller, within the space, operating the controller to monitor fog density data received from the at least one fog density monitor and instruct the at least one fog delivery apparatus to modify fog delivery in response to data from the at least one fog density monitor.
  • the at least one fog density monitor comprises a plurality of fog density monitors positioned uniformly around the space
  • the at least one fog delivery apparatus comprises a plurality of fog delivery apparatus provided uniformly around the space.
  • the space is an enclosed or a semi enclosed space.
  • the method further includes providing at least one fan, connected with the controller, the controller operative to control the at least one fan to urge fog around the space to maintain a desired uniform fog density.
  • the at least one fan comprises a plurality of fans.
  • the method further comprises providing a fog including a chemical agent, and wherein the chemical agent may be a biocide, plant food or Bio-flavonoid for folia feeding.
  • the present invention provides a controller, connectable with a fog density monitor and a fog delivery apparatus, adapted to control the density of a fog provided to a space by the fog delivery apparatus, responsive to the fog density monitor, to maintain a desired density uniformly throughout the space over a predetermined time period.
  • the controller is adapted to control the density of a fog responsive to data from a humidity sensor and thermometer.
  • Figure 1 shows a fog density monitor in accordance with the current invention
  • Figures 2(a) and (b) show details of a fog density monitor
  • Figure 3 shows an arrangement of fog density monitors and fog delivery apparatus in a storage space.
  • a fog density monitor 1 including a base 10 including within itself a variety of electrical components including a central processor, and a plate 2 on which are mounted for example an infra red light emitter 25 and an infra red light detector 26.
  • the monitor 1 may be battery or mains powered, and is connected, via cable 20, to a controller (not shown). Alternatively the fog density monitor 1 may be adapted to send information to the controller wirelessly.
  • a beam of infra red light of known intensity is directed from the emitter 25 towards the receiver 26. Any droplets of fog present between the emitter and receiver will refract the infra red beam and degrade the signal.
  • the amount of degradation of the received signal is calculated by the central processor in, for example, the monitor.
  • the central processor converts the signals between the emitter 25 and receiver 26 into a signal of between 0 - 10 Volts corresponding to 0 - 100% fog density, calibrated such that a perceived 100% fog density will result in a 10 Volt signal, and no fog at all will result in a 0 Volt signal.
  • the signal of between 0 - 10 Volts is interpreted by a central processor in terms of a 0 - 100% True Fog Density (TFD) scale in which a 0 Volt signal corresponds to no fog detected, a 5 Volt signal corresponds to a 50% TFD, and a 10 Volt signal corresponds to a 100% TFD.
  • TFD True Fog Density
  • Each of the emitter 25 and receiver 26 comprises a casing 30 covering a pipe 40, the pipe in communication with the interior of the monitor base and extending therefrom to a pipe end 60.
  • Respective pipes 40 of each emitter 25 and receiver 26 pairs are positioned and arranged such that an end 60 of each pipe of the pair is facing an end 60 of the other pipe of the pair.
  • the pipe ends 60 are sloped such that the distance from one pipe end to the other increases in the direction of the plate.
  • FIGS 2 (a) and (b) show a detail of one of the emitter/detector units, including pipe 40 and pipe end 60.
  • Pipe end 60 includes a transparent closure 65, which may seal the pipe.
  • the monitor is adapted to generate a beam of infra red light to be transmitted through the transparent closure of a first one of the pair of pipes, the emitter 25, the monitor adapted to direct the beam of infra red light towards the transparent closure of the second one of the pair of pipes, the receiver 26.
  • a beam of infra red light passing through a fog will be affected by the fog droplets, resulting in degradation of the beam, and the amount of degradation is directly related to the density of fog.
  • the degradation of signal detected when the infra red beam passes through the fog will provide an indication of the density of fog between the two pipe ends.
  • the fog density detected will provide an indication of the fog density local to the fog density monitor.
  • Having a sloped pipe end will increase the surface area of the transparent closure and thus increase the sensitivity of the signal detection, providing for a more accurate determination of the value for fog density.
  • the sloped nature of the pipe ends means that the distance between the pipe ends increases in the direction of the monitor, and thus the distance travelled by the beam of infra red light differs between the top of the pipe end and the base of the pipe end. This difference can also increase the sensitivity of the signal detection and provide a more accurate determination of the value for fog density.
  • the fog monitor detects the degradation in the signal between the two pipe ends and is adapted to transmit this information to a controller via cable 20, or by other means.
  • the controller (not shown) can then, dependent on the information received in relation to fog density, control a fog delivery apparatus to control delivery of fog to the space to maintain a desired fog density. If the fog density is too high the fog delivery apparatus can reduce the amount of fog being delivered or activate a de- fogging system (not shown). If the fog density is too low the fog delivery apparatus can increase the amount of fog being delivered.
  • a fog density monitor detects a fog density local to the monitor, and forwards the fog density information to a controller which, responsive to said fog density information, controls a fog delivery apparatus to deliver a required amount of fog to achieve a desired fog density.
  • a single fog density monitor providing information to a controller to control delivery of fog from a fog delivery apparatus would be suitable for small spaces and small amounts of produce. However, many spaces which store produce are large or very large.
  • FIG. 3 shows several fog density monitors 1 distributed around a space, for example an agricultural glass house 40, and further shows a plurality of fog delivery apparatus 300 distributed around the space. The fog delivery apparatus 300 are shown to be different heights, to ensure that the fog delivered is maintained throughout the space.
  • all the fog density monitors 1 and all the fog delivery apparatus 300 are connected to a single central controller (not shown) which monitors the fog density throughout the space and controls delivery of the fog via the fog delivery apparatus 300 throughout the space. For example if the fog density in one corner of the glass house is less than a desired amount, the fog delivery apparatus adjacent that corner will be activated by the controller to deliver more fog to bring the density back to the desired or required value. If the fog density in that corner is more than the desired amount, the fog delivery apparatus adjacent that corner will be controlled by the controller to reduce the amount of fog delivered until the density returns to a desired or required value.
  • the system is provided with one or more fans, electrically controlled by the controller to urge fog from one position to another in the space, rather than to reduce the fog delivered by one fog delivery apparatus and increase the fog delivered by another fog delivery apparatus.
  • a fog density monitor may determine a local fog density by detecting the degradation in signal from end 60 of one pipe of a pair to end 60 of the other pipe of the pair, other factors may influence signal degradation. For example, fog droplets may coalesce on the transparent closure of each pipe end. To avoid signal degradation due to fog coalescing on the transparent closure, the light emitter and light receiver, and also possibly the transparent closure, may be heated to reduce or eliminate such effects.
  • The, or each, fog density monitor provides data to the controller indicating the fog density local to the monitor.
  • Such fog density data can be provided as an absolute value determined by the detected signal degradation, and the controller will then determine the additional fog, or reduced amount of fog, that needs to be delivered to each location to bring the reading or readings into line with desired values, and control the fog delivery apparatus, or fans, accordingly.
  • each fog density monitor may be provided by for example visual calibration with a desired reading for fog density, and further provided with the means to compare this desired fog density with the actual local fog density determined from signal degradation.
  • Each fog density monitor may then provide an indication to the controller of the extent to which the determined local fog density fails to match the desired fog density, set as required into the control unit, and thereby an indication of, for example, the percentage by which the determined local fog density fails to match the desired fog density, allowing the controller to instruct respective fog delivery apparatus to deliver additional, or less, fog, or activate fans or activate the de-fogging device to reduce the density of fog that has been equalised by the fans, to bring the readings into line. It is contemplated that this method provides a faster and potentially more accurate means to achieve the desired fog density.
  • the present invention provides for a variety of trials to be carried out, which will allow for protocols to be established.
  • the protocols can then be relied upon so that a user, for example wishing to achieve or maintain a desired condition of stored products or produce, will be able to refer to and follow the protocol and have a predictable degree of confidence that the product or produce will, at the end of the storage period, have a certain standard of freshness, or avoid spoilage to a desired standard.
  • the protocols will also provide a margin of error, and also the opportunity to record the procedure followed.
  • the present invention provides the opportunity for a user or storage facility to transmit and or record treatment data including fog density and show that a treatment cycle or protocol has been followed. If a negative outcome ensued, it would be helpful for the storage facility to be able to show that the required treatment protocol had been followed. This would ensure security for the treatment facility and confidence that the required functions had been performed.
  • the product or produce to be stored may be placed in a storage space with a fog density monitor and a fog delivery apparatus, both of which are connected to a controller. If the produce needs to be treated with a biocide then the amount of biocide for the produce type, the produce quantity, and the time for which the produce is to be stored may be calculated. The biocide may then be prepared and nebulized to produce a dry fog in the space. If the produce does not need to be treated with a biocide but needs only to be hydrated, calculations based on that treatment may be carried out.
  • the fog density monitor detects the local density of fog, biocidal or otherwise, and passes this information to the controller, which controls the fog delivery apparatus to deliver the biocidal or other fog to the desired density, or operates a fan or fans to redistribute the fog within the space.
  • the fog density is monitored by the fog density monitor continuously and thus the fog is maintained for the desired period at a desired or required density to achieve the hydration or biocidal effect needed to ensure the standard of freshness desired for the produce at the end of the storage period.
  • any level of wetting or condensation on the surfaces of products or equipment within the space can be controlled.
  • the wetting or condensation can be controlled by controlling the amount of fog being produced, for example by preventing too much fog being produced, or by controlling the temperature.
  • a uniform fog density can be maintained throughout the space by distributing several fog density monitors around the space.
  • several fog delivery apparatus are distributed around the space also. All the fog density monitors and fog delivery apparatus are connected to a controller, which monitors data received from the fog density monitors and controls the delivery of fog to the space to ensure that a desired fog density is maintained throughout the space.
  • the controller may also be connected to one or to several fans, and may utilise the fans to ensure a uniform distribution of fog within the space.
  • the space may be a warehouse, an agricultural glasshouse, poly tunnel, a rapid chiller, cold store, a supermarket cold store or other storage environment. It is clear that some of the parameters determining the density of fog will vary during the storage period, and the present arrangement compensates for such variations.
  • the sun may shine through the glass in certain places, at different times of the day, and locally heat the air adjacent those places, leading to a variation in temperature over the space.
  • This is important because the amount of vapour/gas that air can hold is dependent on temperature. The higher the temperature the more vapour/gas the air can hold, however as the temperature increases so the less than 5 micron droplets of the present dry fog are increasingly inclined to evaporate into vapour/gas, resulting in a reduction of droplets in the air and therefore fog density.
  • the temperature when for example the glass house or greenhouse door opens, or for example at night, the temperature locally may drop, resulting in a reduction in the amount of moisture that the air can hold, and an increase in the density of droplets, which may cause wetting. In areas where the temperature becomes lower the density of droplets may become greater, so that droplets may coalesce and drop onto the floor, or 'wet' surfaces. It is generally necessary to subject produce to a specific density of fog, for example for hydration, or to utilise a biocide or other chemical effectively, for a specific time period, to ensure a predictable outcome in respect of produce quality, and therefore it is very important to have a system that dynamically responds to environmental changes to maintain the required hydration or biocide delivery.
  • the storage area is a rapid cooler cold store for example
  • conditions may vary during an essential refrigeration defrost cycle, or the temperature may also vary for example if a door is opened or left open, and the present system provides a dynamic response to any reduction in fog density, to bring the fog density back to the required level.
  • the controller has access to one or a number of fans which the controller can utilise to urge fog from an area with a high fog density to an area with a lower fog density to assist in the maintenance of a uniform fog density throughout the space.
  • produce may be stored for extended periods of time, for example days, weeks, or months.
  • a biocidal treatment is unlikely to be continuous for a long period of time but may operate at intervals, for example for perhaps 3 hours out of 24 although other cycles are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present invention.
  • the treatment may include several different cycles, for example a cycle with a biocide, a cycle with water, an organic acid or other fluid.
  • the cycles may even include periods with no fog at all.
  • a degree of confidence can be established and maintained that the correct cycles have been followed and treatments, in particular for example standardised treatments, applied. For example, it would take about 4 hours to fill an 8 hectare agricultural glass house with a sanitising dry fog of a required density.
  • a typical treatment cycle may subject the storage area and produce contained therein with a prescribed density of an EC AS (electro-chemically-activated solution) of a prescribed concentration, for, for example, 3 hours, after which it would be necessary to maintain a 90% humidity without the biocide.
  • EC AS electro-chemically-activated solution
  • the present invention provides a straightforward mechanism by which all these parameters could be met with a predictable confidence.
  • An additional advantage of the present invention is that the process may be entirely automated.
  • the, or each, fog density monitor and fog delivery apparatus may be provided to a storage area and connected either directly or wirelessly to a controller.
  • the parameters influencing the treatment cycle may then be controlled automatically, or remotely - in particular without the need for anyone to enter the storage area. This may be vitally important if the biocide used is toxic, or otherwise dangerous, to humans if over exposed.
  • a further advantage is that the present invention is economical in terms of cost and also environmental impact.
  • the particular biocide used is often an expensive part of any treatment, and the amount of biocide that is used effectively is often a small percentage of the biocide applied.
  • Some biocide may end up on the floor and walls if droplets coalesce, some biocide may be lost through evaporation, or more fog (including biocide) may be applied than is needed. This can be expensive in monetary terms and may also be harmful to the environment as the biocide will end up in the environment in some manner or other.
  • the present invention provides a mechanism and system to finely tune the required amount of biocide, and reduce waste.
  • the present invention has the still further advantage that it may allow for calibration and testing of ECAS (electro-chemically-activated solution).
  • the present invention has the considerable advantage that information from a fog density controller, possibly together with a humidity sensor and thermometer, may be used to control an environment in which products, or produce, may be stored to a predictable and quantifiable standard.
  • a variety of liquids may be nebulised into a fog for delivery to the products of produce, the liquids being converted into a fog of a pre-set density.
  • the arrangement allows for a number of time periods or cycles to be programmed and followed.
  • the variety of nebulised liquids, and the density of fog the variety of nebulised liquids provides, may be delivered for a variety of pre-set times, enabling a treatment regime to be repeated as required.
  • the treatments may include for example hydration of living plant cells, the reduction of de-hydration while controlling the growth of living organisms such as for example bacteria, spores, or viruses, the sanitisation of both living plants, salads, or vegetables and also slaughtered meat such as for example beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and so on, the sanitisation of the air in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space, and the sanitisation of the walls, floor, food storage bins, racking, hanging rails, conveyor systems, or other food processing equipment fitted to or positioned in the enclosed or semi enclosed space, and other suitable applications.
  • living organisms such as for example bacteria, spores, or viruses
  • the sanitisation of both living plants, salads, or vegetables and also slaughtered meat such as for example beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and so on
  • slaughtered meat such as for example beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and so on
  • the sanitisation of the air in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space and the
  • the light emitter and receiver pair positioned on the fog density monitor are disclosed as an infra red emitter/detector pair; however they may rely on an alternative wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, or an alternative energy source entirely.
  • a sanitising fog and to ECAS
  • the calibration referred to in respect of providing a fog density monitor with a desired reading for fog density is a visual calibration; such calibration need not be by visual calibration but may be by an alternative suitable means familiar to one skilled in the art.
  • the controller may also be adapted to control the density of a fog responsive to data from a humidity sensor, and/or from a thermometer.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
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  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de surveillance et de régulation de densité de brouillard dans un espace, comprenant un appareil de distribution de brouillard, un système de surveillance de densité de brouillard et un système de commande en communication avec ceux-ci. Le système de surveillance de densité de brouillard est conçu pour surveiller la densité de brouillard et fournir des données de densité de brouillard au système de commande, où le contrôleur, en réponse aux données de densité de brouillard, commande la distribution de brouillard à partir de l'appareil de distribution de brouillard dans l'espace.
PCT/GB2015/053572 2014-11-25 2015-11-24 Procédé et appareil de surveillance de densité de brouillard WO2016083792A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1420927.4 2014-11-25
GB1420927.4A GB2532741A (en) 2014-11-25 2014-11-25 Method and apparatus for monitoring fog density

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JP7511056B2 (ja) 2018-12-18 2024-07-04 キリンホールディングス株式会社 脳血流を増加させるための組成物

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US5937575A (en) * 1998-10-27 1999-08-17 The United States Of America,As Represented By The Secretary Of Agriculture Aeroponic growth system with nutrient fog stabilization
GB2483552A (en) * 2010-09-07 2012-03-14 Norman Pendred And Company Ltd Method of generating a dry fog
WO2013042002A1 (fr) * 2011-09-19 2013-03-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Analyse et régulation de débit de pulvérisation
WO2015123725A1 (fr) * 2014-02-20 2015-08-27 Horticultural Innovations Pty Ltd Système de culture de plante vertical

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210329921A1 (en) * 2018-12-13 2021-10-28 ProKure Solutions, LLC Systems and methods for use of chlorine dioxide in cultivation and post-harvest applications
JP7511056B2 (ja) 2018-12-18 2024-07-04 キリンホールディングス株式会社 脳血流を増加させるための組成物

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