Patent GB-429920-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the method of and apparatus for the preservative treatment of wheat,maize, rice and the like
IPC: A23B9/00
Filed: 1933-11-04
Abstract: Grain, such as wheat, maize, rice, and the like, stored in a silo, ship's hold, or similar receptacle is preserved by introducing solid carbon dioxide into the receptacle with the grain.  In an example about five tons of grain are distributed over the bottom of a silo having a capacity of about 214 tons of grain so as to form a bottom layer or pad and then solid carbon dioxide and grain are fed in simultaneously about 10 cwts. of carbon dioxide being used for the whole of the grain: the rate of feed of the carbon dioxide is preferably accelerated as the silo is filled and, before the last few tons of grain are filled in, a layer of substantial thickness of solid carbon dioxide is applied over the surface of the grain, this layer being then topped with the last tons of the grain to form a pad over the carbon dioxide; the space between the top of the grain and the top of the silo is filled in with cork slabs or other insulating material, a portion of such material being fixed to the side walls and a portion being removable from the inlet passage way with the door of the silo. When the grain is stored for a considerably period additional quantities of solid carbon dioxide are added at intervals to the grain at the top of the silo.  A partial vacuum may be formed at the lower end of the silo to facilitate the passage of gas downwards.  Apparatus for crushing and feeding the solid carbon dioxide at a desired rate may be arranged with the silos.  In the Provisional Specification it is stated that the grain may be treated with a refrigerant in the form of an inert gas such a carbon dioxide or nitrogen.ALSO:Grain, such as wheat, maize, rice, and the like, stored in a silo, ship's hold, or similar receptacle is preserved by introducing solid carbon dioxide into the receptacle with the grain. In an example about five tons of grain are distributed over the bottom of a silo having a capacity of about 214 tons of grain so as to form a bottom layer or pad and then solid carbon dioxide and grain are fed in simultaneously about 10 cwts. of carbon dioxide being used for the whole of the grain: the rate of feed of the carbon dioxide is preferably accelerated as the silo is filled and, before the last few tons of grain are filled in, a layer of substantial thickness of solid carbon dioxide is applied over the surface of the grain, this layer being then topped with the last tons of the grain to form a pad over the carbon dioxide; the space between the top of the grain and the top of the silo is filled in with cork slabs or other insulating material, a portion of such material being fixed to the side walls and a portion being removable from the inlet passage way with the door of the silo. When the grain is stored for a considerable period additional quantities of solid carbon dioxide are added at intervals to the grain at the top of the silo.  A partial vacuum may be formed at the lower end of the silo to facilitate the passage of gas downwards.  Apparatus for crushing and feeding the solid carbon dioxide at a desired rate may be arranged with the silos.  In the Provisional Specification it is stated that the grain may be treated with a refrigerant in the form of an inert gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen.