EP2167893A1 - Method and device for cryogenic freezing of organic material - Google Patents

Method and device for cryogenic freezing of organic material

Info

Publication number
EP2167893A1
EP2167893A1 EP08753982A EP08753982A EP2167893A1 EP 2167893 A1 EP2167893 A1 EP 2167893A1 EP 08753982 A EP08753982 A EP 08753982A EP 08753982 A EP08753982 A EP 08753982A EP 2167893 A1 EP2167893 A1 EP 2167893A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
organic material
container
granulate
cryogenic freezing
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08753982A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2167893A4 (en
Inventor
Olof Oscarsson
Michael Ollerup
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ecoffin GmbH
Original Assignee
Ecoffin GmbH
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 Ecoffin GmbH filed Critical Ecoffin GmbH
Publication of EP2167893A1 publication Critical patent/EP2167893A1/en
Publication of EP2167893A4 publication Critical patent/EP2167893A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B5/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat
    • F26B5/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum
    • F26B5/06—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum the process involving freezing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for treating organic material and, more specifically, for a treatment of the kind in which the organic material is subjected to a cryogenic freezing process and is disinte- grated to produce a granulate that is subsequently freeze-dried.
  • the remains are usually placed at a depth of 1.8 to 2 metres, where, in the absence of oxygen, a time-consuming anaerobic decomposition takes place under the influence of sulphur-producing mi- croorganisms. Decomposition is slowed down by the anaerobic process as such, but also by the materials that make up the coffin. Moreover, it is generally very difficult for the surrounding vegetation to assimilate the nutrients that are precipitated at that depth.
  • cremation In the case of cremation, on the other hand, ashes rich in mineral are produced which may be spread or interred in an urn at a depth such that an aerobic decomposition takes place and the vegetation is able to easily assimilate the nutrients.
  • the drawback of cremation is, however, the release of toxic substances such as mercury, but also the production of large amounts of carbon dioxide during combustion.
  • considerable amounts of fuel, such as fuel oil, are consumed during cremation, which constitutes both an environmental issue and a cost issue.
  • the process consists in subjecting the coffin, which is usually made of wood, and the remains contained therein to a two-step freez- ing process followed by freeze-drying and disintegration, whereupon the pieces are gathered and placed in a degradable container for final interment.
  • the container disclosed is made of degradable board or peat.
  • the idea behind this type of process is to enable interment of the remains at a depth of about 25 cm, at which depth aerobic decomposition is rendered possible. This results in a considerably faster decomposition process and a process which allows the surrounding soil and vegetation to better and more easily assimilate the precipitated nutrients.
  • one drawback of this method is that the remains have, in their natural state, a lower pH value than the surrounding soil, which causes an acidifying effect on the surrounding soil.
  • an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and an improved device for treating organic material, in which the organic material is frozen, disintegrated and freeze-dried.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a method and a device of a kind such that a faster decomposition and a favourable effect on the surrounding environment are obtained when interring the disintegrated and freeze-dried organic material.
  • the present invention therefore provides a method having the features stated in claim 1 and a device having the features stated in claim 20. Different embodiments of the method appear from claims 2-19, which are dependent on claim 1 , and different embodiments of the device appear from claims 21- 33, which are dependent on claim 20.
  • the present invention provides a method for treating organic material, comprising the steps of placing the organic material in a first container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder, subjecting the container and the organic material to a cryogenic freezing process, subsequently disintegrating both the container and the organic material to produce a granulate, subjecting the granulate to a freeze-drying process to dehydrate the granulate and placing the dehydrated granulate in a second container made of a degradable material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
  • an improved method for treating organic material i.e. human and animal remains. More specifically, a method is provided which results in a faster decomposition and has a favourable effect on the surrounding environment in conjunction with interment. This is achieved by first placing the organic material in a first container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler. After being subjected to cryogenic freezing, the organic material and the first container are disintegrated to produce a granulate.
  • granulate is meant a material in particulate form, which may have a particle size in the range 3-8 mm.
  • the water in the granulate is removed through a freeze-drying process, whereupon the dewatered granulate is placed in a second container which too is made of a material that comprises a mineral- based filler.
  • the mineral-based filler has a pH value that is higher than that of the organic material and thus helps to raise the pH value, which in turn helps to reduce acidification.
  • the step of subjecting the granulate to a freeze-drying process may either succeed or precede the step of separating non-organic material from the granulate. This ensures that no metals such as amalgam, mercury, gold or titanium are released into nature in conjunction with interment of the second container and the granulate held therein.
  • the first container may be disintegrated by exposure to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing or vibration.
  • Pressing may involve applying a pressure on the container or subjecting the container to a rolling procedure.
  • the organic material may be disintegrated by exposure to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing or vibration.
  • Pressing may involve applying a pressure on the organic material or subjecting the organic material to a rolling procedure. Openings may be made in the container before or during the cryogenic freezing process. This ensures access to the organic material held in the first container during the cryogenic freezing process. The openings may be provided in the form of perforations in the container or by breaking the container during the freezing process. According to one embodiment, the organic material is pre-cooled to a temperature in the range -5 - -20 0 C before being subjected to the cryogenic freezing process. In this way, the amount of energy required for the cryogenic freezing of the organic material is reduced.
  • the method comprises the step of weighing the first container and the organic material before the cryogenic freezing process, and using the result to control said freezing process. This allows optimizing of the energy requirements for the cryogenic freezing of each unique batch of organic material. This optimization may also involve measuring the dimensions of the first container.
  • the method comprises the step of supplying mineral material with the dewatered granulate to the second container. This enables a further increase of the pH value.
  • liquid nitrogen is used in the cryogenic freezing process.
  • the steps of subjecting the container and the organic material to a cryogenic freezing process and subse- quently disintegrating both the container and the organic material to produce a granulate are repeated at least once.
  • the material of which the second container is made may further comprise starch. This allows an accelerated decomposition of the second container when interred.
  • the organic material is wrapped, before being placed in the first container, in cerements made of a material comprising a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder. This enables a further increase of the pH value.
  • the present invention further provides a device for treating organic ma- terial that is held in a first container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder, comprising a first unit for cryogen freezing and disintegration of said first container and said organic material to produce a granulate, and a second unit for freeze-dry ing of said granulate, the first unit comprising a measuring station for determining measurement data including the weight of the first container and the organic material held therein and a control means for controlling freezing as a function of said measurement data.
  • an improved device for treating organic material is provided. More specifically, the device enables a more environmentally favourable treatment of the organic material.
  • the inventive device is adapted for receiving the organic material held in a container made of a materia! that comprises a mineral-based filler, it is possible to raise the pH value of the granulate obtained in the first unit after cryogenic freezing and subsequent disintegration. Since the inventive device also comprises a measuring station, it is possible to optimize the energy requirements for the cryogenic freezing of each unique batch of organic material.
  • the device comprises a separating means for separating non-organic material from the granulate.
  • the separating means may be arranged for separation of non-organic material from the granulate before or after the freeze-drying thereof.
  • the measuring station is arranged to determine measurement data that also includes the dimensions of the first container.
  • the first unit comprises a vessel for liquid nitrogen, the first container and the organic material held therein being adapted to be placed in said vessel when holding liquid nitrogen in order to achieve said cryogenic freezing.
  • the control means may be adapted to supply a quantity of liquid nitrogen to the vessel, said quantity depending on said measurement data.
  • the device may comprise a lock, which is movable to a position for sealing of said vessel. In this way, it is possible to reduce the evaporation of liquid nitrogen and, thus, to reduce the amount of energy required.
  • the first unit comprises a pressing means for disintegrating the container or the organic material.
  • the first unit may comprise a striking means, a rolling means or an ultrasonic means for disintegrating the container or the organic material.
  • the second unit may be arranged for parallel freeze-drying of granulate.
  • the second unit may comprise a filling means adapted to place the freeze-dried granulate in a second container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a device for treating organic material according to the present invention.
  • Figs 2a-2g are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the function- ing of the device shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a device 1 for treating organic material according to the present invention.
  • organic material is meant animal or human remains.
  • the device 1 according to the invention is intended for receiving said organic material held in a first container 2 made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
  • the organic material Before being placed in the first container 2, the organic material may be wrapped in a film made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
  • the device 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a first unit 3 for cryogenic freezing and disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material in order to produce a granulate.
  • the granulate may have a particle size in the range 3-8 mm.
  • the device 1 further comprises a second unit 4 for freeze-drying of said granulate.
  • the device 1 further comprises a transport means 6 for transporting the first container 2 and the organic material from a loading position A to one or more discharge positions B, as shown in the figure.
  • Figs 2a-2g illustrate schematically the structure and functioning of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1.
  • the first unit 3 comprises a measuring station 7 for determining meas- urement data including the weight of the first container 2 and the organic material.
  • the measuring station 7 corresponds to the loading position A mentioned above and consists of a scale, on which the container 2 with the organic material is placed, as shown in Fig. 2a.
  • the first unit 3 also comprises a control means 8 for controlling the cryogenic freezing process as a function of said measurement data.
  • Said measurement data may also include the dimensions of the first container 2.
  • the embodiment shown comprises a vessel 9 for liquid nitrogen 10.
  • the transport means 6 is arranged for trans- fer of the first container 3 with the organic material from the measuring station 7 to said vessel 9.
  • the transport means 6 comprises a perforated plate 11 , on which the first container 2 is placed in the measuring station 7. The plate 11 is then moved to a position directly above said vessel 9, as shown in Fig. 2b, and is then lowered into the vessel 9, as shown in Fig. 2c. It will be appreciated, however, that the transport means 6 may be designed in a variety of ways.
  • the cryogenic freezing of the first container 2 and the organic material is thus achieved, in the embodiment shown, by submersion in the liquid nitrogen 10 that is contained in said vessel 9 and that may have a temperature of - 196°C.
  • the control means 8 is arranged to control the supply of liquid nitro- gen 10 to the vessel 9 such that the quantity supplied depends on the measurement data determined in said measuring station 7.
  • the organic material and, optionally, also the first container 2 may be pre-cooled before being subjected to the cryogenic freezing. During pre- cooling the temperature may be lowered down to -5 - -20°C. This reduces the amount of energy required for cryogenic freezing of the first container and the organic material.
  • the first unit 3 may comprise a lid 12 for sealing the vessel 9 when the first container 2 and the organic material have been submerged in the liquid nitrogen 10. This means that it is possible to reduce the evaporation and, thereby, also the consumption of liquid hydrogen 10 during the cryogenic freezing.
  • the first unit 3 further comprises equipment 13 for disintegrating the first container 2 and the organic material to produce said granulate.
  • Said equipment 13 may be arranged for simultaneous disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material.
  • the first container 2 is provided with openings; through which the liquid nitrogen 10 is able to penetrate the container 2, thereby entering into contact with the organic material.
  • the equipment 13 may be arranged for initial disintegra- tion of the first container 2, whereupon the liquid nitrogen 10 enters into contact with the organic material for cryogenic freezing thereof. The equipment 13 is then activated to disintegrate the organic material once this has been frozen.
  • the freezing and disintegration steps may be succeeded by additional freezing and disintegration steps.
  • Both the organic material and the material of which the first container 2 is made are such that they become brittle as a result of the cryogenic freezing.
  • the equipment 13 for disintegration of the first container 2 and the or- ganic material may be arranged to expose the container 2 to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing forces and/or vibration.
  • the first unit comprises an ultrasound generator 14, which is indicated by 14 in the figures. More specifically, the ultrasound generator 14 may be arranged to achieve said disintegration through the genera- tion of ultrasound which propagates, via a probe (not shown) arranged in the vessel 9, in the liquid nitrogen 10 to the first container 2 and the organic material.
  • the first unit 3 may comprise an impact im- pulse means, which is arranged to strike the first container 2 and/or the organic material.
  • the first unit 3 may comprise a pressing means, which is indicated by 15 in the embodiment shown and which is arranged to apply a pressure on the container 2 and/or the organic material. Since the first container 2 and the organic material have high brittleness when cryogenically frozen, only a light pressure is needed to achieve said disintegration. Tests have shown that a compressive force in the range 400-800 N/mm thickness is sufficient.
  • said pressing means 15 may be arranged in said lid 12, as shown in the figures.
  • the first unit 3 may, alternatively, comprise a pair of rollers, which between them define a nip in which the first container 2 and the organic mate- rial may be inserted for disintegration.
  • the first unit 3 may comprise a vibrator plate, on which the first container 2 and/or the organic material is/are arranged in conjunction with freezing. The container 2 and/or the organic material is/are then disinte- grated by vibrating the vibrator plate.
  • the device according to the invention may comprise both a pressing means 15 and a ultrasound generator 14.
  • the pressing means 15 may be arranged to provide an initial disintegration, and the ultrasound generator may be arranged, in a subsequent step, to provide a further disintegration. This procedure may then be repeated the required number of times until the desired granulate size is obtained.
  • the first container 2 and the organic material are transformed into a granulate 5, which is shown in Fig. 2d.
  • the transport means 6 is further arranged to transport, after disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material has been completed, the granulate 5 in the direction towards the second unit 4.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a separating means 16 for separating non-organic material, such as metallic material, from the granulate 5.
  • the separating means 16 is positioned between the first 3 and the second 4 unit and, thus, the transport means 6 is arranged to convey the granulate 5 through said separating means 16 during the transport to the second unit 4, as shown in Fig. 2e.
  • the separating means 16 is arranged to separate said metallic material from the granulate 5 before freeze-drying thereof, but it will be appreciated that separation could also occur after freeze-drying of the granulate 5.
  • the separating means 16 may be designed in a variety of ways.
  • Separation may, for example, be achieved by free-fall technique where the granulate is allowed to free-fall and where differences in density and air shocks are used to separate the non-organic material.
  • separation may also be achieved by means of magnetic rollers.
  • the granulate 5 When the transport means 6 has transported the granulate 5 to the second unit 4, the granulate 5 is placed, as shown in Fig. 2f, in a freeze- drying station 17, in which the granulate is freeze-dried to produce a dewa- tered granulate 5.
  • the freeze-drying process may last up to 12 hours.
  • the second unit 4 may comprise a plurality of freeze-drying stations 17 to allow parallel freeze-drying of granulate 5.
  • freeze-drying drying the granulate in a frozen state.
  • ice is converted directly into gas without passing its liquid state, i.e. it sublimates.
  • the freeze-drying station 17 may comprise a drying chamber and a condenser with a vacuum pump.
  • the granulate 5 is placed in the drying chamber, which is rapidly evacuated and heat may be supplied either through heating plates or in the form of radiant heat.
  • the vapour formed condenses into ice on the condenser's condensing tubes, the temperature of which is 15- 20 0 C lower than the sublimation temperature.
  • the transport means 6 is arranged to transport the dewatered granulate 5 to the discharge position B, as shown in Fig. 2g.
  • the granulate 5 may be conveyed via a filling means which is arranged to place the dewatered granulate 5 in a second container 18 made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
  • the filling means may be arranged to supply mineral material to the second container 18.
  • the second unit 4 may have several discharge positions B, as shown, for parallel discharge of containers 18 of said second type.
  • the organic material is arranged in a first container 2 made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder. After the cryogenic freezing and the subsequent disintegration a granulate is obtained 5.
  • the cryogenic freezing may be effected by submerging the first container 2 and the organic material held therein in liquid nitrogen 10.
  • the first container 2 and the organic material may be submerged in the liquid nitrogen 10 for about 2 hours.
  • Disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material to produce a granulate 5 may be effected, for instance, by means of ultrasound.
  • the part of the granulate 5 that comes from the first container 2 has, owing to the mineral-based filler, a higher pH value than the organic material and, thus, has a pH-raising effect. This prevents acidification of the surrounding soil and, thus, has a favourable effect on the surrounding environment when interring the granulate 5.
  • the dewatered granulate 5 is placed in a second container 18 made of a degradable material that comprises a mineral- based filler and a polyolefin binder.
  • a decomposition of the second container 18 will occur.
  • the mineral-based filler of the second container 18 will have a pH-raising effect and will, thus, help to prevent acidification.
  • the pH value may be raised even further by adding additional mineral material directly to the second container 18, for example when being filled with the dewatered granulate 5.
  • non-organic material By separating non-organic material from the granulate 5, materials such as amalgam, titanium or gold are prevented from spreading to the surroundings when interring the granulate.
  • This non-organic material may come from, for example, tooth fillings or implants such as hip joints or heart valves.
  • the container 18 When interring the second container 18 and the granulate 5 placed therein, the container 18 may be interred at a depth of less than 1 m. This ensures decomposition of the second container 18 and the granulate 5 through an aerobic process.
  • the mineral-based filler in the first 2 or the second 18 container may be lime, chalk, limestone, marble or dolomite.
  • the amount of mineral-based filler in the first 2 or the second 18 container may be in the range 50-90 % by weight.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.
  • the device according to the invention may, for example, comprise washing equipment for automated internal washing.
  • the washing equipment may be arranged to clean the surfaces that come into contact with the products after each process step. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the unique batches of organic material are not mixed with one another.
  • the second container 18 of a material that in addition to the mineral-based filler and the polyolefin binder also comprises starch. This accelerates the decomposition of the second container upon interment.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
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  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)

Abstract

A method for treating organic material (e.g. animal or human remains, corps) prior to burial. The organic material is placed in a container, made of a material that comprises a mineral -based filler and a polyolefin, and subjected to cryogenic freezing process. The material is subsequently disintegrated and the resulting granulate is placed in a second container, made of a material that comprises a mineral - based filler and a polyolefin. The mineral-based filler used in the containers increases the pH of the organic material to be buried. As a result a more effective degradation with less effect on the environment takes place.

Description

Method and device for cryogenic freezing of organic material
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method and a device for treating organic material and, more specifically, for a treatment of the kind in which the organic material is subjected to a cryogenic freezing process and is disinte- grated to produce a granulate that is subsequently freeze-dried.
Background Art
There are today basically two generally accepted alternatives for disposing of human and animal remains, either a coffin funeral with interment of the coffin in a specific grave, or cremation followed by spreading of the ashes or interment of the urn and the ashes.
In the case of interment, the remains are usually placed at a depth of 1.8 to 2 metres, where, in the absence of oxygen, a time-consuming anaerobic decomposition takes place under the influence of sulphur-producing mi- croorganisms. Decomposition is slowed down by the anaerobic process as such, but also by the materials that make up the coffin. Moreover, it is generally very difficult for the surrounding vegetation to assimilate the nutrients that are precipitated at that depth.
In the case of cremation, on the other hand, ashes rich in mineral are produced which may be spread or interred in an urn at a depth such that an aerobic decomposition takes place and the vegetation is able to easily assimilate the nutrients. The drawback of cremation is, however, the release of toxic substances such as mercury, but also the production of large amounts of carbon dioxide during combustion. Moreover, considerable amounts of fuel, such as fuel oil, are consumed during cremation, which constitutes both an environmental issue and a cost issue.
With reference to WO01 /40727, a process known as promession will be described below. The process consists in subjecting the coffin, which is usually made of wood, and the remains contained therein to a two-step freez- ing process followed by freeze-drying and disintegration, whereupon the pieces are gathered and placed in a degradable container for final interment. The container disclosed is made of degradable board or peat. The idea behind this type of process is to enable interment of the remains at a depth of about 25 cm, at which depth aerobic decomposition is rendered possible. This results in a considerably faster decomposition process and a process which allows the surrounding soil and vegetation to better and more easily assimilate the precipitated nutrients. However, one drawback of this method is that the remains have, in their natural state, a lower pH value than the surrounding soil, which causes an acidifying effect on the surrounding soil.
Summary of the Invention
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and an improved device for treating organic material, in which the organic material is frozen, disintegrated and freeze-dried.
A further object of the invention is to provide a method and a device of a kind such that a faster decomposition and a favourable effect on the surrounding environment are obtained when interring the disintegrated and freeze-dried organic material. The present invention therefore provides a method having the features stated in claim 1 and a device having the features stated in claim 20. Different embodiments of the method appear from claims 2-19, which are dependent on claim 1 , and different embodiments of the device appear from claims 21- 33, which are dependent on claim 20. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for treating organic material, comprising the steps of placing the organic material in a first container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder, subjecting the container and the organic material to a cryogenic freezing process, subsequently disintegrating both the container and the organic material to produce a granulate, subjecting the granulate to a freeze-drying process to dehydrate the granulate and placing the dehydrated granulate in a second container made of a degradable material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
Thus, an improved method for treating organic material, i.e. human and animal remains, is provided. More specifically, a method is provided which results in a faster decomposition and has a favourable effect on the surrounding environment in conjunction with interment. This is achieved by first placing the organic material in a first container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler. After being subjected to cryogenic freezing, the organic material and the first container are disintegrated to produce a granulate. By granulate is meant a material in particulate form, which may have a particle size in the range 3-8 mm. The water in the granulate is removed through a freeze-drying process, whereupon the dewatered granulate is placed in a second container which too is made of a material that comprises a mineral- based filler. The mineral-based filler has a pH value that is higher than that of the organic material and thus helps to raise the pH value, which in turn helps to reduce acidification.
The step of subjecting the granulate to a freeze-drying process may either succeed or precede the step of separating non-organic material from the granulate. This ensures that no metals such as amalgam, mercury, gold or titanium are released into nature in conjunction with interment of the second container and the granulate held therein.
The first container may be disintegrated by exposure to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing or vibration.
Pressing may involve applying a pressure on the container or subjecting the container to a rolling procedure. Furthermore, the organic material may be disintegrated by exposure to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing or vibration.
Pressing may involve applying a pressure on the organic material or subjecting the organic material to a rolling procedure. Openings may be made in the container before or during the cryogenic freezing process. This ensures access to the organic material held in the first container during the cryogenic freezing process. The openings may be provided in the form of perforations in the container or by breaking the container during the freezing process. According to one embodiment, the organic material is pre-cooled to a temperature in the range -5 - -200C before being subjected to the cryogenic freezing process. In this way, the amount of energy required for the cryogenic freezing of the organic material is reduced.
According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the step of weighing the first container and the organic material before the cryogenic freezing process, and using the result to control said freezing process. This allows optimizing of the energy requirements for the cryogenic freezing of each unique batch of organic material. This optimization may also involve measuring the dimensions of the first container. According to yet another embodiment, the method comprises the step of supplying mineral material with the dewatered granulate to the second container. This enables a further increase of the pH value. According to a further embodiment, liquid nitrogen is used in the cryogenic freezing process.
According to another embodiment, the steps of subjecting the container and the organic material to a cryogenic freezing process and subse- quently disintegrating both the container and the organic material to produce a granulate are repeated at least once.
The material of which the second container is made may further comprise starch. This allows an accelerated decomposition of the second container when interred. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the organic material is wrapped, before being placed in the first container, in cerements made of a material comprising a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder. This enables a further increase of the pH value.
The present invention further provides a device for treating organic ma- terial that is held in a first container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder, comprising a first unit for cryogen freezing and disintegration of said first container and said organic material to produce a granulate, and a second unit for freeze-dry ing of said granulate, the first unit comprising a measuring station for determining measurement data including the weight of the first container and the organic material held therein and a control means for controlling freezing as a function of said measurement data.
Thus, an improved device for treating organic material is provided. More specifically, the device enables a more environmentally favourable treatment of the organic material. By the device being adapted for receiving the organic material held in a container made of a materia! that comprises a mineral-based filler, it is possible to raise the pH value of the granulate obtained in the first unit after cryogenic freezing and subsequent disintegration. Since the inventive device also comprises a measuring station, it is possible to optimize the energy requirements for the cryogenic freezing of each unique batch of organic material.
According to one embodiment, the device comprises a separating means for separating non-organic material from the granulate. The separating means may be arranged for separation of non-organic material from the granulate before or after the freeze-drying thereof. According to another embodiment, the measuring station is arranged to determine measurement data that also includes the dimensions of the first container.
According to a further embodiment, the first unit comprises a vessel for liquid nitrogen, the first container and the organic material held therein being adapted to be placed in said vessel when holding liquid nitrogen in order to achieve said cryogenic freezing. The control means may be adapted to supply a quantity of liquid nitrogen to the vessel, said quantity depending on said measurement data. The device may comprise a lock, which is movable to a position for sealing of said vessel. In this way, it is possible to reduce the evaporation of liquid nitrogen and, thus, to reduce the amount of energy required.
According to yet another embodiment, the first unit comprises a pressing means for disintegrating the container or the organic material. Alterna- tively, the first unit may comprise a striking means, a rolling means or an ultrasonic means for disintegrating the container or the organic material.
According to a further embodiment, the second unit may be arranged for parallel freeze-drying of granulate.
The second unit may comprise a filling means adapted to place the freeze-dried granulate in a second container made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
Brief Description of the Drawings
One embodiment of the present invention will be described below for the purpose of exemplification, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a device for treating organic material according to the present invention.
Figs 2a-2g are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the function- ing of the device shown in Fig. 1.
Description of Embodiments
Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which illustrates one embodiment of a device 1 for treating organic material according to the present invention. By organic material is meant animal or human remains. The device 1 according to the invention is intended for receiving said organic material held in a first container 2 made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
Before being placed in the first container 2, the organic material may be wrapped in a film made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
The device 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a first unit 3 for cryogenic freezing and disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material in order to produce a granulate. The granulate may have a particle size in the range 3-8 mm.
The device 1 further comprises a second unit 4 for freeze-drying of said granulate.
The device 1 further comprises a transport means 6 for transporting the first container 2 and the organic material from a loading position A to one or more discharge positions B, as shown in the figure.
The present invention will now be described in more detail, reference being made to Figs 2a-2g, which illustrate schematically the structure and functioning of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1.
The first unit 3 comprises a measuring station 7 for determining meas- urement data including the weight of the first container 2 and the organic material. In the embodiment shown, the measuring station 7 corresponds to the loading position A mentioned above and consists of a scale, on which the container 2 with the organic material is placed, as shown in Fig. 2a. The first unit 3 also comprises a control means 8 for controlling the cryogenic freezing process as a function of said measurement data.
Said measurement data may also include the dimensions of the first container 2.
To achieve said cryogenic freezing, the embodiment shown comprises a vessel 9 for liquid nitrogen 10. The transport means 6 is arranged for trans- fer of the first container 3 with the organic material from the measuring station 7 to said vessel 9. In the embodiment shown, the transport means 6 comprises a perforated plate 11 , on which the first container 2 is placed in the measuring station 7. The plate 11 is then moved to a position directly above said vessel 9, as shown in Fig. 2b, and is then lowered into the vessel 9, as shown in Fig. 2c. It will be appreciated, however, that the transport means 6 may be designed in a variety of ways. The cryogenic freezing of the first container 2 and the organic material is thus achieved, in the embodiment shown, by submersion in the liquid nitrogen 10 that is contained in said vessel 9 and that may have a temperature of - 196°C. The control means 8 is arranged to control the supply of liquid nitro- gen 10 to the vessel 9 such that the quantity supplied depends on the measurement data determined in said measuring station 7.
The organic material and, optionally, also the first container 2 may be pre-cooled before being subjected to the cryogenic freezing. During pre- cooling the temperature may be lowered down to -5 - -20°C. This reduces the amount of energy required for cryogenic freezing of the first container and the organic material.
The first unit 3 may comprise a lid 12 for sealing the vessel 9 when the first container 2 and the organic material have been submerged in the liquid nitrogen 10. This means that it is possible to reduce the evaporation and, thereby, also the consumption of liquid hydrogen 10 during the cryogenic freezing.
The first unit 3 further comprises equipment 13 for disintegrating the first container 2 and the organic material to produce said granulate.
Said equipment 13 may be arranged for simultaneous disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material. In this case, the first container 2 is provided with openings; through which the liquid nitrogen 10 is able to penetrate the container 2, thereby entering into contact with the organic material.
Alternatively, the equipment 13 may be arranged for initial disintegra- tion of the first container 2, whereupon the liquid nitrogen 10 enters into contact with the organic material for cryogenic freezing thereof. The equipment 13 is then activated to disintegrate the organic material once this has been frozen.
The freezing and disintegration steps may be succeeded by additional freezing and disintegration steps.
Both the organic material and the material of which the first container 2 is made are such that they become brittle as a result of the cryogenic freezing.
The equipment 13 for disintegration of the first container 2 and the or- ganic material may be arranged to expose the container 2 to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing forces and/or vibration. In the case where the equipment 13 is arranged to provide an influence in the form of ultrasound, the first unit comprises an ultrasound generator 14, which is indicated by 14 in the figures. More specifically, the ultrasound generator 14 may be arranged to achieve said disintegration through the genera- tion of ultrasound which propagates, via a probe (not shown) arranged in the vessel 9, in the liquid nitrogen 10 to the first container 2 and the organic material.
In the case where the equipment 13 is arranged to provide an influence in the form of mechanical shocks, the first unit 3 may comprise an impact im- pulse means, which is arranged to strike the first container 2 and/or the organic material.
In the case where the equipment is arranged to provide an influence in the form of pressing, the first unit 3 may comprise a pressing means, which is indicated by 15 in the embodiment shown and which is arranged to apply a pressure on the container 2 and/or the organic material. Since the first container 2 and the organic material have high brittleness when cryogenically frozen, only a light pressure is needed to achieve said disintegration. Tests have shown that a compressive force in the range 400-800 N/mm thickness is sufficient. In the case where the first unit 3 comprises a lid 12 for sealing the vessel 9, said pressing means 15 may be arranged in said lid 12, as shown in the figures.
If the equipment 13 is arranged to provide an influence in the form of pressing, the first unit 3 may, alternatively, comprise a pair of rollers, which between them define a nip in which the first container 2 and the organic mate- rial may be inserted for disintegration.
In the case where the equipment 13 is arranged to provide an influence in the form of vibration, the first unit 3 may comprise a vibrator plate, on which the first container 2 and/or the organic material is/are arranged in conjunction with freezing. The container 2 and/or the organic material is/are then disinte- grated by vibrating the vibrator plate.
The equipment 13 described above for disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material may also be combined in any optional manner. As shown in the figures, the device according to the invention may comprise both a pressing means 15 and a ultrasound generator 14. The pressing means 15 may be arranged to provide an initial disintegration, and the ultrasound generator may be arranged, in a subsequent step, to provide a further disintegration. This procedure may then be repeated the required number of times until the desired granulate size is obtained.
Owing to the disintegration achieved by means of said equipment 13, the first container 2 and the organic material are transformed into a granulate 5, which is shown in Fig. 2d.
The transport means 6 is further arranged to transport, after disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material has been completed, the granulate 5 in the direction towards the second unit 4.
The illustrated embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a separating means 16 for separating non-organic material, such as metallic material, from the granulate 5. The separating means 16 is positioned between the first 3 and the second 4 unit and, thus, the transport means 6 is arranged to convey the granulate 5 through said separating means 16 during the transport to the second unit 4, as shown in Fig. 2e. Ac- cordingly, the separating means 16 is arranged to separate said metallic material from the granulate 5 before freeze-drying thereof, but it will be appreciated that separation could also occur after freeze-drying of the granulate 5.
The separating means 16 may be designed in a variety of ways.
Separation may, for example, be achieved by free-fall technique where the granulate is allowed to free-fall and where differences in density and air shocks are used to separate the non-organic material.
It is also possible to achieve separation by optical identification followed by subsequent mechanical separation.
In the case where the non-organic material is magnetic, separation may also be achieved by means of magnetic rollers.
When the transport means 6 has transported the granulate 5 to the second unit 4, the granulate 5 is placed, as shown in Fig. 2f, in a freeze- drying station 17, in which the granulate is freeze-dried to produce a dewa- tered granulate 5. The freeze-drying process may last up to 12 hours. The second unit 4 may comprise a plurality of freeze-drying stations 17 to allow parallel freeze-drying of granulate 5.
By freeze-drying is meant drying the granulate in a frozen state. In this process, ice is converted directly into gas without passing its liquid state, i.e. it sublimates. For this to occur, the evaporation must take place below the triple point (0.0098 0C, 610.8 Pa), at which all three phases (solid, liquid, gas) can co-exist in equilibrium. The freeze-drying station 17 may comprise a drying chamber and a condenser with a vacuum pump. The granulate 5 is placed in the drying chamber, which is rapidly evacuated and heat may be supplied either through heating plates or in the form of radiant heat. The vapour formed condenses into ice on the condenser's condensing tubes, the temperature of which is 15- 20 0C lower than the sublimation temperature.
Finally, the transport means 6 is arranged to transport the dewatered granulate 5 to the discharge position B, as shown in Fig. 2g. As in the embodiment shown, the granulate 5 may be conveyed via a filling means which is arranged to place the dewatered granulate 5 in a second container 18 made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder. Moreover, the filling means may be arranged to supply mineral material to the second container 18.
In the case where the second unit comprises a plurality of freeze- drying stations 17 for parallel freeze-drying of granulate 5, the second unit 4 may have several discharge positions B, as shown, for parallel discharge of containers 18 of said second type.
Thus, the organic material is arranged in a first container 2 made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder. After the cryogenic freezing and the subsequent disintegration a granulate is obtained 5.
The cryogenic freezing may be effected by submerging the first container 2 and the organic material held therein in liquid nitrogen 10. In cryogenic freezing using liquid nitrogen 10 with a temperature of -196°C, the first container 2 and the organic material may be submerged in the liquid nitrogen 10 for about 2 hours.
Disintegration of the first container 2 and the organic material to produce a granulate 5 may be effected, for instance, by means of ultrasound. The part of the granulate 5 that comes from the first container 2 has, owing to the mineral-based filler, a higher pH value than the organic material and, thus, has a pH-raising effect. This prevents acidification of the surrounding soil and, thus, has a favourable effect on the surrounding environment when interring the granulate 5.
As has been described above, the dewatered granulate 5 is placed in a second container 18 made of a degradable material that comprises a mineral- based filler and a polyolefin binder. When interring the second container 18 and the dewatered granulate 5 held therein, a decomposition of the second container 18 will occur. The mineral-based filler of the second container 18 will have a pH-raising effect and will, thus, help to prevent acidification. The pH value may be raised even further by adding additional mineral material directly to the second container 18, for example when being filled with the dewatered granulate 5.
By separating non-organic material from the granulate 5, materials such as amalgam, titanium or gold are prevented from spreading to the surroundings when interring the granulate. This non-organic material may come from, for example, tooth fillings or implants such as hip joints or heart valves. When interring the second container 18 and the granulate 5 placed therein, the container 18 may be interred at a depth of less than 1 m. This ensures decomposition of the second container 18 and the granulate 5 through an aerobic process.
The mineral-based filler in the first 2 or the second 18 container may be lime, chalk, limestone, marble or dolomite. The amount of mineral-based filler in the first 2 or the second 18 container may be in the range 50-90 % by weight.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.
The device according to the invention may, for example, comprise washing equipment for automated internal washing. The washing equipment may be arranged to clean the surfaces that come into contact with the products after each process step. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the unique batches of organic material are not mixed with one another.
It is also possible to make the second container 18 of a material that in addition to the mineral-based filler and the polyolefin binder also comprises starch. This accelerates the decomposition of the second container upon interment.
Several variations and modifications are conceivable and, consequently, the scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for treating organic material, comprising the steps of placing the organic material in a first container (2) made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder, subjecting the first container (2) and the organic material to a cryogenic freezing process, subsequently disintegrating both the first container (2) and the organic material to produce a granulate (5), subjecting the granulate (5) to a freeze-drying process to remove the water from the granulate (5), and placing the dewatered granulate (5) in a second container (18) made of a degradable material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of subjecting the granulate (5) to a freeze-drying process is preceded by the step of separating non-organic material from the granulate (5).
3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of subjecting the granulate (5) to a freeze-drying process is succeeded by the step of separating non-organic material from the dewatered granulate (5).
4. A method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first con- tainer (2) is disintegrated by exposure to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing or vibration.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said pressing involves applying a pressure on the first container (2).
6. A method according to claim 4, wherein said pressing involves a rolling procedure.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic material is disintegrated by exposure to an influence in the form of ultrasound, mechanical shocks, pressing or vibration.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said pressing involves applying a pressure on the organic material.
9. A method according to claim 7, wherein said pressing involves a rolling procedure.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein openings are made in the first container (2) before or during the cryogenic freezing process.
11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic material is pre-cooled to a temperature in the range -5 - -20°C before being subjected to the cryogenic freezing process.
12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of weighing the first container (2) and the organic material before the cryogenic freezing process, and using the result to control said cryogenic freezing process.
13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of measuring the dimensions of the first container (2) before the cryogenic freezing process, and using the result to control said cryogenic freezing process.
14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of supplying mineral material with the dewatered granulate (5) to the second container (18).
15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein liquid nitrogen (10) is used in the cryogenic freezing process.
16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps of subjecting the first container (2) and the organic material to a cryogenic freezing process and subsequently disintegrating both the con- tainer (2) and the organic material to produce a granulate (5) are repeated at least once.
17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of which the second container (18) is made further comprises starch.
18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic material consists of human or animal remains.
19. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic material is wrapped, before being placed in the first container (2), in cerements made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder.
20. A device for treating organic material held in a first container (2) made of a material that comprises a mineral-based filler and a polyolefin binder, comprising a first unit (3) for cryogenic freezing and disintegration of said first container (2) and said organic material in order to produce a granulate (5), and a second unit (4) for freeze-drying of said granulate (5), the first unit (3) comprising a measuring station (7) for determining measurement data including the weight of the first container (2) and the organic material held therein, and a control means (8) for controlling the freezing as a function of said measurement data.
21. A device according to claim 20, further comprising a separating means (16) for separating non-organic material from the granulate (5).
22. A device according to claim 21 , wherein the separating means (16) is arranged for separation of non-organic material from the granulate (5) before freeze-drying thereof.
23. A device according to claim 21 , wherein the separating means (16) is arranged for separation of non-organic material from the granulate (5) after freeze-drying thereof.
24. A device according to any one of claims 20-23, wherein said measurement data includes the dimensions of the first container (2).
25. A device according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein the first unit (3) comprises a vessel (9) for liquid nitrogen (10), the first container (2) and the organic material held therein being adapted to be placed in said vessel (9) when holding liquid nitrogen (10) in order to achieve said cryogenic freezing.
26. A device according to claim 25, wherein said control means (8) is arranged to supply a quantity of liquid nitrogen (10) to the vessel, said quantity depending on said measurement data.
27. A device according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising a lid (12), which is movable to a position for sealing of said vessel (9).
28. A device according to any one of claims 20-27, wherein the first unit (3) comprises a pressing means (15) for disintegration of the first container (2) or the organic material.
29. A device according to any one of claims 20-28, wherein the first unit (3) comprises an striking means (15) for disintegration of the first con- tainer (2) or the organic material.
30. A device according to any one of claims 20-29, wherein the first unit (3) comprises a rolling means for disintegration of the first container (2) or the organic material.
31. A device according to any one of claims 20-30, wherein the first unit (3) comprises an ultrasound generator (14) for disintegration of the first container (2) or the organic material.
32. A device according to any one of claims 20-31 , wherein the second unit (4) is arranged for parallel freeze-drying of granulate (5).
33. A device according to any one of claims 20-32, wherein the second unit (4) comprises a filling means arranged to place the freeze-dried granulate (5) in a second container (18) made of a material that comprises a mineral- based filler and a polyolefin binder.
EP08753982.1A 2007-06-01 2008-05-30 Method and device for cryogenic freezing of organic material Withdrawn EP2167893A4 (en)

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SE0701322A SE531287C2 (en) 2007-06-01 2007-06-01 Method and apparatus for cryogenic freezing of organic material
PCT/SE2008/000371 WO2008147292A1 (en) 2007-06-01 2008-05-30 Method and device for cryogenic freezing of organic material

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EP2925452A1 (en) 2012-05-04 2015-10-07 Ecolegacy Limited A method and apparatus for treating human remains by chilling.
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DE102015100140B3 (en) * 2014-09-19 2016-02-11 Institut Für Luft- Und Kältetechnik Gemeinnützige Gmbh Process and plant for the cryo-treatment of large biological masses
IT202200026796A1 (en) * 2022-12-23 2024-06-23 Giuseppe Capoferri PROCESS FOR THE CRYOGENIC TREATMENT OF HUMAN OR ANIMAL ORGANIC REMAINS CONTAINED IN A CRYOMABLE CONTAINER

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US4067091A (en) * 1976-11-15 1978-01-10 Backman Philip E Method of preparing human remains for storage
GB2064485A (en) * 1979-11-02 1981-06-17 Rimtech Ltd Material for the construction of caskets and coffins
SE9904433D0 (en) * 1999-12-03 1999-12-03 Wiigh Maesak Susanne Caring for the deceased
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SE0701322L (en) 2008-12-02

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