Patent ID: 6403027
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A23L,A61L

Abstract:
A method for fumigating perishables within a refrigerated cargo container, wherein said refrigerated container comprises of a pair of front and a pair of rear drain holes, an air exchanger, a pair of doors located at the rear of said container, and a refrigeration system, said method for fumigation comprising:checking said container for any damaged areas; if damaged areas found, then sealing said damaged areas with a means for sealing said damaged areas; placing at least one fan within said container; clearing the pair of rear drain holes of said container; inserting through one of the rear drain holes a gas introduction hose, then connecting said gas introduction hose to one of the fans earlier placed within said container or to the fan earlier placed in said container; inserting through the other rear drain hole a plurality of reading lines for measuring the dispersion of fumigant within said container and an electrical line for powering said fans or fan; positioning said reading lines within said container; sealing the rear drain holes with a means for sealing the rear drain holes; plugging the front drain holes with a means for plugging holes; closing the air exchanger; checking the temperature of the perishable to be fumigated; determining the dosage of fumigant to be used in the fumigation process; closing and securing the doors of the refrigerated cargo container; releasing the fumigant required to fumigate through the gas introduction hose into said container; checking with a gas or a halide detector the outside of said container for any fumigant leaks; if leaks are discovered, then sealing the areas of said container found to have leaks with a means for sealing the areas found to have leaks; re-checking with the gas or the halide detector the areas of the container that were discovered to have leaks; if leaks are controlled, then conducting the fumigation process; and lastly, aerating the perishable fumigated for the required amount of time needed to clear the container of the fumigant used in the fumigation process.