Patent Publication Number: US-10766164-B2

Title: Chamber

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a system for treating freight in a vacuum, comprising a chamber for receiving the freight. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for treating freight in a vacuum is already known from U.S. Pat. No. 1,672,326, in which freight in the form of trunk wood is loaded onto a transport cart which is pushed into the chamber, in order to load a vacuum chamber. In addition, the concept of connecting a treatment chamber, which is used to chemically treat wood in the container, to an ISO container is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,908,791 B1. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object which forms the basis of the invention is to configure and arrange a system in such a manner that a rapid and, at the same time, simple loading and unloading of the chamber is achieved for a treatment in a vacuum. 
     The object is achieved according to the invention in that the chamber is configured to receive a loaded container having an external length, an external width and an external height, wherein the chamber has two side walls and a top arranged opposite a bottom as well as a back wall arranged opposite a front wall. In addition, the system comprises a conveying element for putting down and for moving a container relative to the chamber from a first position outside the chamber into a second position in the chamber, and a driving device for moving between the first position and the second position. 
     The result of this is that in order to treat the freight contained in a container with a negative pressure, the freight does not have to be transferred from the container to a transport device, but the freight can be introduced together with the opened container into the chamber. A further advantage is the fact that the container is treated at the same time as the freight such that the container and, in particular, the bottom of the container consisting of wood are also sterile and/or germ-free and the freight can be further transported under optimum conditions. There is no possibility of contaminating the freight again by transferring it again. 
     The term ‘containers’ within the framework of the invention denotes so-called ISO containers or so-called flat track containers, which are standardized large-capacity containers (freight containers) made of steel, which make it possible to load, convey, store and unload goods simply and quickly. The containers differ in their lengths, widths and heights. A distinction is essentially made between containers having an external length of approx. 6 meters (20 feet), approx. 12 meters (40 feet), approx. 13 meters (45 feet) and approx. 16 meters (53 feet) as well as an external height of approx. 2.6 meters (8′6″) and approx. 2.9 meters (9′6″). Likewise, the term ‘containers’ is used to describe all immobile devices and units, on which and in which general cargo can be stored. The dimensions of the respective container only matter within the framework of the invention, inasmuch as the chamber has sufficiently large internal dimensions for the respective container and the driving device is suitable for moving the respective container. 
     The chamber preferably has two side walls which are arranged parallel to one another and, in each case, at right angles to a Y-direction and a top which is arranged parallel to a bottom having the respective alignment at right angles to a Z-direction as well as a back wall which is arranged parallel to a front wall with the respective alignment at right angles to a X-direction, wherein the direction system XYZ is at right angles. 
     In particular, it can be advantageous if the conveying element has a platform for putting down a container and a wheel or roller system for moving the platform relative to the chamber from a first position outside the chamber into a second position in the chamber. Here, the driving device serves to move the platform between the first position and the second position. The platform simultaneously provides an opportunity of working on the container, in order to prepare for the treatment; in particular the opening and fixing of the container doors, the installation of hoses in the container and the placement of sensors in the freight. Thanks to the platform, it is possible to work both outside the chamber and in the chamber. 
     To this end, it can also be advantageous if there is provided directly connected to the chamber a module having a vacuum pump as well as a regulating and control system and a conduit system, with which a vacuum of up to 98% or a pressure of less than 100 mbar absolute can be produced in the chamber. An absolute pressure of, by way of example, 100 mbar is equivalent to 900 mbar negative pressure, i.e. 900 mbar less pressure than ambient or normal pressure of approx. 1000 mbar, which corresponds to the average atmospheric pressure. Such pressure conditions cannot be produced in a container due to the design of generic containers. 
     It can also be advantageous if a steam generator is additionally provided, with which saturated steam can be produced in a temperature range between 20° C. and 60° C. in the chamber. Saturated steam between 20 degrees Celsius (° C.) and 60° C. is achieved at an absolute pressure of between approx. 25 mbar and approx. 200 mbar, which is why the container ( 9 ) itself is not mechanically suitable for performing such a method. 
     In technology and the natural sciences water vapor is the designation for water in the gaseous state of aggregation. This is invisible like air but it is not called water gas since this term has a different meaning. If water vapor flows into a colder environment, parts of the gaseous water condense to form the finest droplets. Such a mixture of water vapor and droplets is referred to as wet steam which can be observed, for example, when boiling water. Hot steam is water vapor with a temperature above the boiling temperature. The hot steam is “dry” and does not contain any droplets and is also not visible. The threshold between wet and hot steam is called “saturated steam” or dry saturated steam or also “dry steam”. Most of the tabular values regarding water vapor states are related to this. 
     It is additionally particularly advantageous, if the chamber internally has 
     a length of at least 8.4 m or at least 27′6″ (27 feet 6 inches), 
     width of at least 2.4 m or at least 8′0″, 
     height of at least 2.5 m or at least 8′6″ or 
     length of at least 6.0 m or at least 19′10″, 
     width of a maximum of 2.6 m or at least 8′7″, 
     height of at least 2.5 m or at least 8′6″. 
     According to the invention, there are in principle two possible ways of introducing an opened container into the chamber. Either at least one or both container doors are swung back as far as possible, in each case, by approx. 270 degrees (°) from the closed position or at least one or both container doors are, in each case, only opened by a maximum of 110° starting from the closed position. The advantage of the first variant is that both the platform and the chamber can be designed to be shorter by the dimension of the width of a container door than in the case of the second variant, because the container door does not protrude in the longitudinal direction of the container. The advantage of the second variant compared with the first variant is that the internal width of the chamber can be reduced to slightly more than the dimension of the external width of the container, because the container door is not positioned next to the container. This is because, in the case of the first variant, the width of the container increases by the dimension of the thickness of at least one door. If both doors are opened for the treatment, the width increases accordingly by double the dimension of the thickness of the container doors. 
     In this case, it can advantageously be provided that a pitch for a container in the chamber is defined by the second position in the chamber, wherein in the X-direction in front of and/or behind the pitch at least one connecting sleeve for connecting at least one hose for conducting air and steam is provided on at least one side wall. Such hoses are installed inside the container between the freight such that, during the treatment with steam, the steam can be distributed in the container as quickly as possible and efficiently. 
     It can be particularly important for the present invention if the chamber has a front door and/or a rear door for loading and/or unloading a container. The simplest variant of a chamber only comprises a front door. Such a system does not allow a second container to be prepared for the treatment directly in front of the chamber, because the pitch in front of the chamber is required to guide the first container out of the chamber following the treatment. A chamber having two doors makes it possible to proceed in two possible ways: either the containers are only guided into the chamber in the manner of a one-way street system from one side and guided out of the opposite side of the chamber, or the containers are prepared on both sides of the chamber and are alternately guided into the chamber and out of the chamber from one side or the other. 
     In connection with the configuration and arrangement according to the invention, it can be advantageous if the platform has an angle of inclination α of at least 1.0° to 1.5°, at least in the second position. One first possibility according to the invention for achieving this consists of designing the bottom of the chamber with a corresponding gradient of at least 1.0° to 1.5°. As a result, this makes it possible to allow the condensate accruing in the container during the treatment to deliberately flow out of the container in one direction, and to collect it at a position inside the chamber and guide it out of the chamber. 
     Alternatively, it can be advantageous if means are provided on the platform in order to raise the platform on one side at one end of the platform and/or to raise a container on one side at one end of the container or at both ends of the container. This alternative to a bottom of the chamber having a gradient additionally offers the possibility of adjusting the inclination of the container to the volume flow of the condensate. Likewise, this offers the possibility of adapting the gradient to the side at which the container is opened. 
     Moreover, it can be advantageous if one access opening which can be locked with a door or with a flap is provided at least in one side wall in the chamber. In particular, in the case of chambers in which two or more containers are accommodated for treatment, such separate flaps allow access between the containers. According to the invention, it is envisaged for the treatment of, in particular, trunk wood that the steam be guided via multiple hoses inside the chamber into the container, in particular if the containers are only opened on one side for treatment. The corresponding connecting sleeves for connecting the hoses are provided in the case of the system according to the invention in the areas between the containers on the side walls of the chamber. 
     It can additionally be advantageous if the platform is longer by at least the dimension of the width of a container door than the length of the container and, as a result, has a working area for one person. In the case of the second variant described above, in which the container door is only opened by a maximum of 110°, this offers the possibility of carrying out work directly on the opened container such as, by way of example, installing hoses or placing sensing elements inside the container, irrespective of the position of the platform and therefore independently of the position of the container. In this case, the working area has an at least partially accessible work space. 
     Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a device for fixing doors of a container is arranged on the platform. As a result, this creates the possibility for the second variant described above, in which the container door is only opened by a maximum of 110°, of achieving a defined position of the container door. Such a device is also provided for the variant in which the container doors are completely opened. 
     To this end, it can also be advantageous if the internal upper side of the bottom is at least partially inclined, and/or the bottom has channels, in such a manner that condensate can collect in at least one central location in the chamber. As a result, the condensate flowing out of the container can be collected at a central location inside the chamber and can be guided out of the chamber. As a result, the solids contents accruing during the treatment can also be collected centrally. Moreover, all of the rinsing water and the solid particles likewise accruing during cleaning of the chamber can be collected centrally and guided out of the chamber. 
     Finally, it can be advantageous if a suction device for extracting condensate and/or for catching solid parts is provided. This therefore further simplifies the cleaning of the chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in the patent claims and in the description and represented in the figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective side view of a chamber opened on one side and of a container opened on one side on a platform in a first position; 
         FIG. 2  shows a representation according to  FIG. 1  in an intermediate position; 
         FIG. 3  shows a representation according to  FIG. 1  in a second position of the container; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective side view of a container on a platform with a working area and a chamber opened on one side; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective side view of a chamber opened on two sides for two containers; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective top view of a chamber opened on one side with a container opened on one side and container doors fixed in a working area; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective side view of a container inclined with respect to the platform; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective side view of a platform inclined with respect to the bottom of the chamber; 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective side view of a chamber having a bottom with a gradient; 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic sketch of a driving device; 
         FIG. 11 a    shows a schematic sketch of the flow for the condensate; 
         FIG. 11 b    shows a schematic sketch of the flow of waste water during or after cleaning. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An ISO container is used in the embodiment examples described. The system described would also be suitable for any other container having similar dimensions, insofar as they are technically viable. 
     The basic elements of a system for treating freight stored in an ISO container are, in each case, represented in  FIGS. 1-9 . The system comprises a chamber  1  for receiving a loaded ISO container  9  having an external length CLa, an external width CBa and an external height CHa of the container  9 . The chamber  1  itself has two side walls  11 ,  12  and a top  14  arranged opposite a bottom  13  as well as a back wall  16  arranged opposite a front wall  15 . The chamber  1  can be hermetically sealed and designed for producing a vacuum down to less than 100 mbar absolute internal pressure. The internal dimensions of the chamber  1 , namely the internal length KLi thereof, as well as the internal height KHi and the internal width KBi thereof are dimensioned in such a manner that a corresponding ISO container can be accommodated therein. 
     In these embodiment examples, the side walls  11 ,  12  are arranged parallel to one another and, in each case, at right angles to a Y-direction. The bottom  13  is arranged parallel to the top  14  with the respective alignment at right angles to a Z-direction and the front wall  15  is arranged parallel to the back wall  16  with the respective alignment at right angles to a X-direction, wherein the direction system XYZ is at right angles. 
     The system additionally comprises a conveying element  2  for putting down and for moving a container  9  relative to the chamber  1  from a first position P 1  outside the chamber  1  into a second position P 2  inside the chamber  1 , and a driving device  8  for moving the container  9  between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 . 
     The conveying element  2  comprises, in this special configuration, a platform  20 , on which the container  9  is put down as well as a roller system  3 , with the aid of which the platform  20  can be moved substantially horizontally in the X-direction. Prior to the treatment of the freight, which is not represented in more detail and which is contained inside the container  9 , the container is put down in front of the chamber  1  on the platform  20  and at least one container door  93  is opened ( FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 ). According to  FIG. 2 , the container  9  is located in an intermediate position and is moved with the aid of the driving device  8  into the chamber  1 . In front of the chamber  1 , a podium  51  is provided which is substantially the same height as the bottom  13  in the chamber  1 , such that the freight is substantially transported horizontally. According to  FIGS. 3, 5  as well as  7  to  9 , the container  9  is located in the position P 2  in the chamber  1 . 
     In the special cases represented in  FIGS. 1-9 , the chamber  1  has an internal length KLi which corresponds to the external length CLa of the container  9  plus the dimension of the width TB of the container door  93 . Consequently, the chamber  1  does not have to be substantially wider internally than the external width CBa of the container  9 , because the container doors  93  are not arranged between the container  9  and the side wall  11 ,  12  of the chamber  1 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the pitches  19  which the container  9  occupies in the position P 1  in front of the chamber  1  and in the position P 2  in the chamber  1 . The position P 2  in the chamber  1  is significant with respect to the further preparations for treating the freight in the container  9 . In order to treat the freight, air is both sucked out of the chamber  1  by means of connecting sleeves  120 , thus creating a vacuum, and air as well as, in particular, water vapor is introduced into the chamber  1 . Hoses  420  are connected to the connecting sleeves  120  and installed inside the container  9  for the treatment of the freight ( FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates that the chamber  1  can also receive multiple containers  9  at the same time. It is now envisaged that the chamber  1  has a front door  17  as well as a rear door  18 . As a result, the chamber  1  can be loaded and unloaded with containers  9  from both sides. Sufficient space is available at least in front of each container  9  and between two containers  9 , in order to work on the containers  9 . Since the internal width KBi of the chamber  1  in this embodiment example virtually corresponds to the external width CBa of the container  9 , it is not possible for the operating personnel to go between the containers  9  and the side walls  11 ,  12  of the chamber  1  and work. Access between the containers  9  is achieved by a separate access opening  6  in the side walls  11 ,  12  of the chamber  1 , which can be sealed by means of a door  61 . 
     In order to produce the vacuum and the necessary water vapor, the chamber  1  has a module  4  which comprises a vacuum pump  40 , a steam generator  41  as well as a regulating and control system  42  and appropriate pipes  450 . The connecting sleeves  120 , via which the hoses  420  are connected in the interior of the chamber  1 , are also used at the same time outside the chamber  1  to connect the module  4  by means of corresponding connecting sleeves  430  to the module  4  for the relevant supply. 
     The difference between the embodiment examples according to  FIGS. 1-3  with respect to the embodiment examples according to  FIGS. 4-6  is a platform  20  of a different length. According to  FIGS. 4-6 , the platform  20  is approx. 1.5 m longer than the container  9 , so that a working area  9  is made available on the platform  20  in front of the container  24 , in which working area the staff can work to a limited extent. At the same time, devices for fixing one or both container doors  93  are provided on the platform  20  in this extended area  23 . 
     The doors  17  of the chamber  1  are completely opened in order to introduce the container  9  into the chamber  1 . Channels  132  as well as a central location  131  are provided in the bottom  13  of the chamber  1  on the upper side  130 , via which channels and central location the condensate and solid particles resulting during the treatment of the freight can be collected and guided out of the chamber  1 . To this end, a suction device  7  is provided, which is connected to the channel system. The pitch  19  provided in the chamber  1  in the position P 2  allows a certain free space between the container  9  and the back wall  16  of the chamber  1 . 
     In order to specifically carry away the condensate and the solids from the container  9 , it is envisaged that the container  9  be positioned in an inclined position inside the chamber  1 . To this end, three examples are represented in  FIGS. 7-9  for inclining the container  9  by an angle α. In accordance with the embodiment example according to  FIG. 7 , means  5  are provided on the conveying element  2 , in order to raise the container  9  at one of the two ends  91 ,  92  so far that the container  9  has an inclination of between 1.5° and 2°. According to  FIG. 8 , means are provided on the conveying element  2  which are braced downwardly on the upper side  130  of the bottom  13  of the chamber  1  and consequently raise the conveying element  2  with the container  9  at one end  22  by a corresponding dimension. The solution represented in  FIG. 9  shows a particular bottom  13  in the chamber  1 , which has an upper side  130  with a corresponding gradient. 
     The flow of the condensate inside the container  9  and in the chamber  1  is shown in principle in  FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b   . The two oblique levels illustrate how the condensate is first carried off in the direction indicated with arrows above the bottom  13  of the chamber  1  in one direction and, after leaving the container  9 , runs in the other direction to the central location  131 . Multiple rinsing channels  133  are provided for cleaning and rinsing the chamber  1 , by means of which rinsing channels fresh water and cleaning agents are introduced into the chamber  1  and which, together with the solid particles and the remaining condensate, are likewise guided by means of the channels  132  represented in greater detail in  FIG. 6  to the central location  131 . 
     A simple principle of a driving device  8  is represented in  FIG. 10 , with the aid of which the platform  20  can be transported with its roller system  3  from the podium  51  in a horizontal direction into the chamber  1  or out of the chamber  2 . To this end, an anchor  83  is provided, which is positively connected to the platform  20  and which is driven in both horizontal directions by means of a conveyor chain  82  and two drive rollers  84  by means of the engine  81 .