Untitled record

HOLDER FOR USE IN DISTRIBUTION OF A LIQUID SUBSTANCE, DEVICE AND STABLE EQUIPPED WITH A LID AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID SUBSTANCE

The invention relates to a container for use in a device for distributing a liquid substance. The liquid substance is, for example, a liquid, such as water, or a mixture of liquids and / or solids, such as milk or porridge. In particular, the liquid substance can be a liquid feed, such as milk or porridge for feeding piglets.

Various devices are known from practice for the distribution of liquid feed, such as milk or porridge, to a number of draw-off points. For example, such a system is used for feeding piglets. By offering milk and / or porridge in the pigsty, there are fewer stragglers, that is, fewer piglets that do not grow sufficiently. In known systems, the feed is continuously pumped from a central feed mixer into a ring line. A disadvantage of these conventional devices is that the pump is a delicate component that is susceptible to malfunctions and subject to wear.

To solve these disadvantages, Dutch patent application NL 2016048, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, provides a pneumatic pump system in which the liquid substance is pumped with gas pressure. The pumping system is thereby provided with at least two containers between which the liquid substance is pumped back and forth.

In practice it appears that proper cleaning of the holders of the pneumatic system is difficult, so that the hygiene of the system cannot be sufficiently guaranteed. In particular automatic cleaning without opening the container has proved insufficiently possible to achieve a hygienic cleaning. In addition, sagging according to NL 2016048 also takes place. This is a process in which solid particles present in the liquid feed feed settle. As a result, separation occurs in a container according to NL 2016048 and a layer with many solid particles forms at the bottom of the container and a layer with few solid particles at the top of the container. The result is that first the cattle only get 'thick' liquid feed and later in time only 'thin' liquid feed. This is undesirable because a balanced diet is important.

It is an object of the invention to remedy the above drawbacks, or at least to reduce them, and to provide an improved container for a device for distributing a liquid substance, such as liquid feed.

This object is achieved with the liquid feed feed container for use in a liquid feed feed device according to the invention, the feed feed container comprising: a feed feed structure provided with at least one opening for introducing and / or exporting liquid feed; and a flow channel that extends at an angle to a horizontal plane in the structure, the flow channel being adapted to hold and / or feed liquid feed; a connection for connecting to a pressure generating device, such as a pressure pump or pressure line, the connection being operatively connected to the flow channel in order to pressurize it, in use of the feed container, such that liquid feed in the flow channel under pressure is tenable and / or transferable.

The advantage of the liquid feed feed container according to the invention is that a flow channel is formed which extends at an angle with a horizontal plane. The use of a flow channel which extends at an angle instead of a barrel-shaped container prevents an accumulation of settled solid particles in an underside of the container. Settling can only take place locally in the flow channel, where the solid particles do not accumulate, but settle over the length of the flow channel. This ensures the distribution of the solid particles in the liquid feed. In addition, as soon as the liquid feed is withdrawn from the container, the pressure in the flow channel is increased. The solid particles settled in the flow channel are then mainly entrained by the outflowing liquid. A balanced diet as well as accumulation and / or caking of feed is thus prevented. In addition, the cattle feed container according to the invention can be cleaned easily and efficiently because the flow channel can be flushed completely under pressure and / or under force. A further advantage of the feed container according to the invention is that it is relatively easy to manufacture, so that the costs of such a container according to the invention are comparable or lower than the costs of conventional containers for liquid feed.

The feed container according to the invention can be fitted as an accumulator in conventional devices to equalize the pressure in the ring line and can also be used in devices as described in patent application NL 2016048. The advantage of using the container according to the invention as an accumulator compared to conventional accumulators, forced and / or controlled flow takes place in the flow channel. This has a positive effect when cleaning the container. In addition, it holds that the holder according to the invention can be designed as a holder with one or more openings. In case more openings are used, the holder, both when used as a pressure vessel and when used as an accumulator, is completely flushable and therefore easier and better to clean.

By providing a connection for one or more pressure connections or a plurality of connections that are each suitable for connecting to a pressure-regulating device, the feed container can be used in various devices for distributing liquid feed. Preferably, gas pressure is used for this.

The animal feed container according to the invention is preferably adapted to the properties of the liquid animal feed to be pumped, such that the liquid animal feed can still be pumped and / or transported through the container at a certain preset pressure. This means that the holder can be arranged differently, for example at a different angle of inclination, in the case of a liquid feed with a high solids concentration (high dry matter content) than in the case of a liquid feed with a lower solids concentration , because the latter is easier to flow under the same conditions, such as pressure.

The angle of inclination of the flow channel of the feed container according to the invention is preferably an angle of inclination of 3 ° to 80 °, more preferably of 3 ° to 60 ° and most preferably an angle of 3 ° to 40 °. The angle of inclination can be determined depending on the application, the pressure to be applied to the feed container and the properties of the liquid feed to be used. It is preferably assumed that a larger angle of inclination is required for a liquid feed with a larger amount of solid matter, that is, a more difficult to transport or flowable liquid feed.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the holder can be provided with a heating device.

To realize a relatively constant temperature of the liquid feed, the holder can be provided with a heating device. This way, liquid cattle feed with a certain minimum temperature can be offered to the cattle all year round. Such a heating device can be used in various ways in or near the container. It is thus possible to opt for fitting a housing around the structure, wherein the housing can be filled with hot water. A so-called warm water bath is hereby formed whereby the liquid feed is heated as it flows through the structure. Alternatively, it is possible to opt for applying a heating element, for example an electric heating element, in, on or around the structure, with which the liquid feed can be heated in a controlled manner.

A further alternative is the use of a housing or structure that is inherently heat conducting, the structure and / or the container being used to conduct heat to heat the liquid feed in the container in this way.

A still further alternative comprises a heat exchanger provided in the flow channel.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the holder can be provided with one or more sensors for measuring one or more of the liquid level in the holder, the composition of the liquid, the temperature of the liquid, the pressure in the holder and / or the flow rate of the liquid through the container.

By providing the cattle feed container with sensors, an accurate control of the condition of the liquid animal feed that is present in or is passed through the animal feed container can be determined. The sensors are preferably adapted to detect whether a level of the liquid substance in the relevant container is below or above a predetermined level, so that it is known whether liquid feed must be supplemented. Such a sensor can be designed as a conductivity sensor or resistance sensor, an inductive sensor, a distance sensor, a weight sensor or a capacitive sensor. The sensors generate a signal indicative of a level of substance in the containers. The sensors are, for example, adapted to detect whether the level of the substance is below or above a predetermined level. For example, a conductivity sensor is provided in the relevant holder. Therefore, if the conductivity sensor does not detect a liquid substance, the liquid substance is located below the sensor, i.e., below a predetermined minimum level. In another example, a distance sensor determines how high the liquid substance is in the container. In this case the measurement is quantitative, and the level of the substance can be expressed as a distance measure, for example in centimeters.

The sensors can also be arranged to make the holder controllable as part of a device or process.

The sensors can alternatively or additionally measure other physical properties of the liquid feed. In this context, preference is preferably given to measuring the temperature in order to offer liquid cattle feed with a relatively constant temperature to the cattle and / or a sensor for measuring the composition of the liquid cattle feed in order to determine whether the composition is adequate for the cattle to which the liquid feed is provided by means of a device in which the container is arranged.

Furthermore, a sensor for detecting cleaning agent can additionally or alternatively be chosen to prevent cleaning agent from remaining behind and / or being present in the container when the device is switched on to provide cattle with liquid feed.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the structure can be a tube or hose wound in a spiral shape, the spiral shape extending around a central axis.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the manufacture of the holder can be realized in a simple and efficient manner by winding a hose or tube in a spiral form. Preferably, use is made of food-grade tube or hose to improve cleaning and hygiene. In addition, use is preferably made of a transparent hose or tube, with which the feed container can also be visually inspected during and after use and / or during and after the cleaning of the feed container. A further advantage is that use can be made of known materials that can be obtained at relatively low costs. This makes manufacture of the container possible at low costs, which is important, certainly in the livestock sector.

In a preferred embodiment, the tube or hose is wound around a core, preferably a cylindrical core, with which the holder acquires additional strength. In addition, in such an embodiment, a choice can also be made to provide additional functions in the core, such as a heating element and / or sensors. This creates a compact, easier to install and easily usable holder.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the structure can be a block-shaped or cylindrical solid structure, which is provided with an integrally formed flow channel extending along a spiral path between the opening and a second opening in the structure, a section of the flow channel , viewed in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction, has a substantially circular shape.

An alternative to using a tube or hose wrapped around a core or not is the use of a structure in which the flow channel is integrally formed. The advantage of such a structure is that it is easy to manufacture and that additional functions can already be integrated integrally into the structure during manufacture. Because the holder is formed from one integral part, it is robust and reliable. A further advantage is that the manufacture can be formed from various materials with widely available techniques, such as 3D printing. Use is preferably made of plastic. A transparent or semi-transparent material is preferably used. A transparent plastic is most preferably used.

In an alternative embodiment, the feed container structure can also comprise a substantially elongated pipe or tube, for example a stainless steel tube.

The invention further relates to a device for distributing a liquid substance, such as liquid feed, comprising: a first holder, comprising a feed holder according to the invention; a second container for holding the liquid substance; a conduit connecting an opening of the feed container to the second container for transporting the liquid substance from the first container to the second container, the conduit being provided with a plurality of tapping points; a pumping system for pumping the liquid substance between the containers; a pneumatic system operatively connected to the first container and adapted to adjust the gas pressure in the first container; and a control mechanism for controlling the pump system and / or the pneumatic system, wherein the device comprises at least one pumping state and a feeding state, wherein the pneumatic system is adapted to, when the device is in the feeding state, and the pressure in the first regulate the container such that the pressure in the line is substantially constant.

The same advantages and effects as described above with regard to the device according to the invention apply to the device according to the invention.

For the device according to the invention, it holds that the draw-off points each, for example, each open into a trough, for distributing cattle feed. For example, the tapping points include a valve that is controlled on the basis of a sensor that registers the amount of feed in the trough. In another example, the tapping point is connected to a trough with a so-called "nipple" (English: "nipple" or "valve"), where feed is left in the trough when an animal presses against the nipple.

An advantage of the device according to the invention is furthermore that with this device a feeding state can be achieved in which the pressure in the line to the tapping points is relatively constant. The constant pressure means that the pressure in the pipe is substantially the same both on the upstream side (near the first container) and on the downstream side. In conventional devices provided with a pressure line in which the liquid feed is pumped around, there is a considerable pressure gradient along the length of the line. The pressure is very high at the beginning of the line and very low at the end of the ring line. The delivery of liquid feed via the tapping points is therefore not constant over the entire length of the pipe. Instead, much feed is provided via the taps at the start of the line and little livestock feed via the taps at the end of the line. Such a pressure drop is prevented in the device according to the invention, in which the line with draw-off points of the device in the feed state has a substantially constant pressure which is the same throughout the entire length. As a result, all draw-off points are equally supplied with liquid feed.

In one embodiment, it is also possible to apply a pressure to the line at the beginning of the feed condition, after which the pressure is not actively controlled. As a result, during the feeding condition the pressure in the pipe will slowly decrease due to the withdrawal of cattle feed through the tapping points. Particularly with shorter lines and / or fewer tapping points, active pressure adjustment is not necessary to keep the pressure in the line substantially constant.

The pneumatic system preferably comprises a compressed air supply, i.e. a supply for pressurized air. However, a supply of another gas or gas mixture, such as CO2 and / or N2, is also possible. It is noted that the device according to the invention can also work with unconditioned air, such as stable air or outside air. In conventional feed distribution devices, an air-driven diaphragm pump is often used. In order to prevent the diaphragm pump from becoming stuck with contaminated air, the air for driving the diaphragm pump must be conditioned, for example by means of an air dryer. However, such air treatment installations are expensive. In addition, such air conditioning installations are not readily available in all parts of the world. In the device according to the invention, an air treatment installation is not required. However, if desired, conditioned air or another conditioned gas can also be used in the device according to the invention.

In an embodiment according to the invention, one or more of the holders and / or the pipes can be provided with sensors. The sensors can thereby be used for measuring a level of liquid feed in one of the holders, but can also be arranged to cooperate with the control mechanism for controlling the pump system and / or the pneumatic system for the pump condition and / or or control the feed condition. The sensors can thereby be arranged at various places in the device, and are preferably arranged at least in part in one or more holders. In an additional and / or alternative embodiment, the control system can be adapted to connect the device to a device on the basis of a predetermined control a determined and / or programmed time-switched program, wherein the pressure in the device is adjusted on the basis of the selected program. For example, setting a time program comprising the time interval between pump and feed condition, as well as the time of the relevant states, or setting a regular cleaning procedure to be performed.

In one embodiment, the device can also comprise other states, such as a resting and / or cleaning state, in addition to the pumping and feeding condition. The device according to the invention preferably also comprises a cleaning state. The cleaning of the device can take place by introducing cleaning agent and / or water into the device, for example by introducing cleaning agent into one of the holders, whereafter the device is brought into the pumping state. After the pumping state, the device is brought into the cleaning state in which no pressure is applied to the system. The cleaning is achieved by alternating the pumping state and the cleaning state. Preferably, a preset time interval of alternation of the two states is used. For example, in a device in which pumping is carried out by pressurizing the first container, it is possible to opt for introducing cleaning agent and / or water into one of the containers, whereafter the cleaning agent and / or water is introduced into the device is being pumped. After pressurizing the device by increasing the pressure in the first container, the pressure in the device, in particular the first container, is brought to atmospheric pressure in the cleaning state. The cleaning state is then followed by the pumping state, wherein the device is pressurized and the cleaning agent and / or water is pumped through the device. An alternation of both states ensures efficient and effective cleaning. Preferably, the pressure in the device in the pumping state is thereby brought to a relatively high pressure, so that the pipes and the containers are effectively cleaned of deposits and / or liquid feed residues. In an embodiment according to the invention, the second holder can be a feed container according to the invention. invention, wherein the pump system can be formed by the pneumatic system, and wherein the control mechanism is adapted to control the pneumatic system in a pump condition to increase the gas pressure in the first container relative to the gas pressure in the second container, so that liquid substance flows from the first to the second container or vice versa.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the pneumatic system pumps the substance pneumatically, i.e. on the basis of gas pressure. By pumping the liquid substance with gas pressure, there are no moving parts of the pump that come into contact with the substance to be pumped, as in conventional devices. As a result, the device according to the invention requires little maintenance.

A further advantage of the invention is that the system can be cleaned with hot water. For example, the device can be cleaned with water of more than 30 ° Celsius, more than 40 ° Celsius, more than 50 ° Celsius, or even more than 60 ° Celsius. In certain conventional devices, this is not possible because the pump present in the pipe is not resistant to such temperatures. It is noted that the water cools before cleaning in the pipe (s) of the device. The water will be considerably cooled in the parts of the pipe system that are at a certain distance from the hot water supply. However, because hot water can be used according to the invention, the water is also sufficiently hot in the remote pipe sections of the device for effective cleaning.

If desired, a cleaning agent can be used for cleaning the device. The device according to the invention hereby has the advantage over conventional device that hot or hot water can be used, whereby the effectiveness of the cleaning means is increased. This makes it easier to clean the pipe and holders. In addition, fewer cleaning agents can suffice if desired.

A further advantage of the device according to the invention is that it is low-noise. After all, pneumatic pumping produces less noise than when a pump is used with moving parts.

In a two-container system, the control mechanism preferably switches between the pumping state and the feeding state, so that the liquid substance can be supplied between the pumping back and forth in the feeding state under constant pressure at the tapping points (and thus the cattle). The control mechanism is preferably adapted to adjust the gas pressure in the individual containers and to control the direction of the transport of the substance between the containers.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the device can comprise a heating means for heating the substance in at least one of the holders, wherein the heating means preferably comprises at least one heat bath in which at least one of the holders is placed.

A device can, alternatively or additionally to a heating device in the first container, be provided with a heating means to bring and / or keep the substance in the device at the desired temperature.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the device may further comprise a second conduit connecting the second container to the first container for transporting the liquid substance from the second container to the first container, the pump system being arranged in the second conduit . The device may further comprise a valve which is arranged downstream of the tapping points in the conduit and which is switchable between a closing state and a passage state, the control mechanism being arranged to keep the valve in the passage state in the pump state of the device so that liquid substance is transportable through the first and second conduits, and wherein the control system is arranged to keep the valve in the feed state of the device in the closed state and to control the pressure in the first container such that the pressure in the line is substantially constant.

The feed container according to the invention, by applying it in a conventional device for distributing liquid feed, leads to an improved device. In this embodiment of the device the feed container is used as an accumulator, wherein the pumping system is switched off during the feeding condition and the pressure in the line with draw-off points is realized by a combination of adjusting the pressure in the first container and in the closed condition bringing the valve.

The advantage of the device according to this embodiment is that the pump does not have to be kept in continuous operation, but can be switched off in the feed state. In this way the service life of the pump, and thus the costs of the device, can be reduced. A further advantage of the device according to this embodiment is that it can be realized relatively easily by converting an existing system provided with a ring line and a pump. With a low investment, the reliability and service life of the existing system can be increased.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the device can further comprise a second conduit connecting the second container to the first container for transporting the liquid substance from the second container to the first container, wherein a valve which is switchable in the second conduit is arranged between a closed state and a pass state. The device may further comprise a second valve which is arranged downstream of the tapping points in the conduit and which is switchable between a closing condition and a passage condition. In this device according to the embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism can be arranged to keep the valves in the pumping state of the device in the passage state so that liquid substance can be transported through the first and second conduit, and wherein the control system is arranged to hold the valves in to keep the feeding state of the device in the closed state and to control the pressure in the first container such that the pressure in the line is constant.

The advantage of this embodiment of the device is that it forms a relatively simple system without moving parts, such as a pump, or the necessity of placing two separate feed containers according to the invention. With this embodiment, the provision of liquid feed to the first holder from the second holder is realized by means of gravity. The pumping of the liquid feed is then realized by opening the valve in the first line and increasing the pressure in the first container. During the feeding state, both valves are closed and the pressure in the system is kept constant by controlling the pressure in the first container. The device according to this embodiment is therefore relatively simple and can be used in combination with existing loop lines.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the first holder can be provided with a vent valve and with a supply valve connected to a gas supply of the pneumatic system, the control mechanism being adapted to control the gas pressure in the first holder through the valves of the relevant to send the holder.

In other words, the gas pressure of the first container is set by the control mechanism by controlling a vent valve and a supply valve of the relevant container. When two containers according to the invention are used, each container preferably comprises a vent valve and a supply valve connected to the gas supply of the pneumatic system, and the control mechanism is adapted to control the gas pressure in each of the containers through the valves of the relevant to send the holder. The supply valve can be connected to a pressure regulator for controlling the pressure applied to the container or can be connected to a plurality of pressure lines, each of which can supply separate pressure via the supply valve. Use is preferably made of a pressure regulator for providing a relatively high pressure, for example in the range of 6-16 bar, for pumping the liquid feed and cleaning the device, and for providing a relatively low pressure , for example in the range of 0.5 - 4 bar, preferably 2 bar, for keeping the line with draw-off points under constant pressure during the feed condition.

In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, the holder is provided with a vent valve and a supply valve to control the gas pressure in the relevant holder. The pressure line can herein be provided with a pressure regulator, wherein only one pressure line is connected to the holder. Preferably, however, use is made of several pressure lines, each of which supplies its own predetermined pressure and which are each operatively connected to the container by means of a supply valve. The control mechanism in this alternative is arranged to open and / or close the supply valves to control the pressure supply to the container. This means that it is not necessary to install a pressure regulator.

Additionally, it is also possible to choose to place a plurality of pressure lines, one or all of the pressure lines also being provided with a pressure controller that is controlled by the control mechanism.

In an embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism may be arranged to generate a signal indicating that the total amount of liquid substance in the device is less than a predetermined minimum amount based on the levels measured by one or more of the sensors.

When substance is regularly tapped at the tapping points, the amount of substance in all containers will decrease in the long term. This can be detected with the sensors.

For example, the control mechanism records how long it takes each time before switching to a different state. If this time is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, the aforementioned "empty" signal is generated. In an example of a device with only two containers, in which the substance is continuously pumped back and forth between the two containers, the more the substance is tapped, the faster the switching between the two states. If the time between the switching moments is less than a predetermined minimum time, for example 1-2 minutes, the "empty" signal is generated.

In a device with only one container according to the invention, the more the substance is tapped, the lower the level in the second container. For example, at various points the control mechanism records how high the level is in the second container, the "empty" signal being generated if the level in the second container falls below a certain threshold value.

For example, based on the above signal, a notification is given to the manager of the device. For example, an alarm is generated in the form of sound and / or light. In another example, an SMS or e-mail is sent to the administrator.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the device may comprise a water supply connected to one or more of the containers, wherein the control mechanism is adapted to feed water into the containers if a signal is generated that the water supply must be opened.

In other words, the control mechanism can automatically feed water into one or more of the containers. For example, the control mechanism controls an adjustable valve in a water supply line. Additionally or alternatively, the water supply can supply water under high pressure, for example a pressure of more than 25 bar, more than 50 bar or even 100 bar or more.

For example, the water supply comprises a connection for connecting a high-pressure sprayer to the water supply. By introducing water into the containers under high pressure, cleaning is further improved.

Multiple alternatives for implementation are conceivable. A water supply line is preferably connected to the holder in such a way that cleaning of the holder can take place by means of upflow flushing of the holder. This means that water is passed through the container, preferably under a certain pressure, from a low, lower side to a high, upper side.

An alternative embodiment, whether or not in combination with the aforementioned preferred option, comprises a water pipe which is operatively connected to the container on a high, upper side. Such a water pipe operatively connected to the top of the container is designed to realize a downflow water run-on of the container. This means that, preferably at controlled, predetermined times, the container is flushed in a downstream direction. Such a flushing preferably takes place with water, but can also be provided with cleaning agent. Such a downflow water run-on can also be used advantageously for diluting the amount of liquid substance if the amount of liquid substance in the device decreases. If the device detects that the amount of liquid substance, such as porridge or milk, has fallen below the predetermined minimum amount, the control mechanism switches to a state in which water is fed into at least one of the containers.

For example, the first time the amount of liquid substance falls below the minimum level is switched to a dilution mode, in which the liquid substance still present in the device is diluted by supplying water to one or more of the containers. The control mechanism then switches back to the pumping state, so that the water-diluted substance is subsequently pumped between the containers. In the case of distribution of porridge in a stable, diluted porridge is therefore offered to the cattle at that time. When subsequently the device again detects that the amount of substance present in the device, for example the water-diluted porridge, has fallen below the minimum level, the control mechanism can switch to a state in which the containers are rinsed clean by re-supplying water.

For example, the device comprises a drain for carrying flushing water out of the device. For example, the drain is coupled to a holder or to the conduit connecting the holders, and the drain comprises a valve controllable by the control mechanism.

In a further preferred embodiment, the line comprises a static mixer.

A static mixer, also known as a tube mixer, is a mixer with no moving parts. A static mixer comprises a tube containing a number of obstacles that influence the flow, for example in the form of partitions or conductors. In this way, the medium flowing through the static mixer acquires a turbulent flow and is thereby mixed.

Although the device prevents pumping down of mixtures by pumping, this effect is further enhanced with the aid of the static mixer. The static mixer is therefore particularly advantageous when the device is used for pumping mixtures such as milk or porridge.

The invention further relates to a shed provided with a holder or a device as described above. The same advantages and effects apply as described above with regard to the holder and the device according to the invention.

It is noted that a shed can, if desired, be provided with two or more devices according to the invention as described above. For example, a shed is subdivided into a number of departments and / or cages, and each department or loft is provided with a device as described above for distribution of liquid feed in the relevant department / the relevant loft. In such a case, the devices are preferably equipped with two holders. This makes it relatively cheap and simple to place several of such devices in a shed. Because a facility is provided for each department and / or loft, it is possible to arrange the feed for each department / loft. The addition of medicines, such as antibiotics, to the feed can also be arranged per department / loft.

The devices can each be provided with a gas supply, for example in the form of a relatively small compressor for each device. Alternatively, one or more larger compressors can be provided, each of which supplies compressed air to more than one device in the shed. Moreover, each device can be equipped with its own control mechanism, or the control mechanism of all devices can be accommodated in a central module, which controls the valves of the devices via a wire or wireless. A water supply and / or a feed supply can also be provided centrally or decentrally.

The invention further relates to a conversion kit for converting an existing feed device for distributing liquid feed to a device according to the invention, wherein the conversion kit comprises; providing one or more holders according to the invention and / or a device according to the invention; placing at least one holder according to the invention; connecting the existing pipes to the at least one holder; connecting the pump mechanism and / or the pressure lines and the control mechanism; and adding one or more valves.

The same advantages and effects apply as described above with regard to the container, the device and the shed according to the invention for the conversion kit.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for distributing liquid feed with the above device over a number of tapping points in a shed, comprising: providing a device according to the invention; bringing the line to a constant, relatively low pressure by controlling the pressure in the first container; keep the line with the pneumatic system at the lower, constant pressure for some time in order to feed animals, the decrease in pressure due to the decrease of feed through the tapping points being compensated by controlling the pressure in the first container in order to control the pressure to keep the line substantially constant; switching to the pumping state with the control system and thereby increasing the pressure in the first container with the pneumatic system in order to pump the liquid feed from the first to the second container; transferring liquid feed from the second container to the first container to fill the first container.

The same advantages and effects apply to the method according to the invention as described above with regard to the container, the device, the stable and the conversion kit according to the invention.

Alternatively, it may be opted not to compensate during the feeding step for the decrease in pressure due to the decrease in feed by the tapping points. This is preferably used in devices in which the pressure drop across the line during the feeding condition is very limited, such as devices with short lines and / or few tapping points.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method may additionally also comprise cleaning the device. The cleaning of the device comprises the steps of supplying water and / or cleaning agent to the device, bringing the device to a cleaning state by bringing the device to low, preferably atmospheric pressure, and switching to the pump state and the thereby increasing the pressure in the first container in order to pump the water and / or cleaning agent through the device. The cleaning of the device according to the method further comprises alternating the cleaning state and the pumping state.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a device for distributing a liquid substance according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a device for distributing a liquid substance according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 schematically shows a device for distributing a liquid substance according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the device comprises two containers according to the invention;

Figure 4A schematically shows a first example of an air control for the device of Figure 3;

Figure 4B schematically shows a second example of an air control for the device of Figure 3;

Figures 5A-D schematically show different embodiments of a feed container according to the invention;

In a first exemplary embodiment of fodder holder 500 for liquid fodder (see Figure 5A), fodder holder 500 is provided as a tube wound in a spiral shape and extending around central axis A. Wrapped tube forms a feed container structure 502 which is provided with a lower opening 504 for feeding in and / or out of liquid or to and from a feed container 500 respectively. Wrapped tube 502 encloses flow channel 506 that extends slightly sloping relative to plane H down to opening 506. The feed container 500 is further provided with two connections 508 for connecting a pressure line or a pressure generating installation, such as a pressure pump (not shown). In the example shown, the connections terminate directly in flow channel 506 of wound tube 502. The feed container 500 is furthermore provided with heating device 510, which is here embodied as a heating wire which is arranged around wound tube 502, and with sensors 512 which are adapted to perform a level and / or temperature measurement. Tube 502 is designed as a transparent plastic tube in which the liquid feed is visibly passed through. Alternatively, a choice can also be made to design the tube in metal and / or an alloy, preferably stainless steel.

A second example of cattle feed container 500 according to the invention (see Figure 5B) further shows support structure 514 that serves as the basis for winding tube 502 in the spiral form. In the example shown, heating device 510 is arranged in support structure 514 and also some (not shown) sensors 512 are included in support structure 514.

In a third example of fodder container 500 according to the invention (see Figure 5C), fodder container structure 502 is provided as a cylindrical block 502 with integrally formed flow channel 506 extending in block 502 from upper opening 516 to lower opening 518 in the block. In the illustrated embodiment, additionally formed end portion 520 is provided with cap 522, with cap 522 being removable to connect an additional conduit (not shown). Flowed-through feed container 500 is thereby realized, which facilitates cleaning. Connections 508 for connection to a pressure line or pressure generator may be provided in structure 502 or in end part 520.

A fourth example (shown in Figure 5D) shows feed container structure 502 disposed in housing 524, housing 524 being provided with heating element 510. in this example, housing 524 is water-filling, while filled housing 524 can be heated with heating device 510 to allow heating of the liquid feed in structure 502.

A first example of the device 2 according to the invention (Figure 1) comprises first holder 4 and second holder 6 in the form of a storage vessel. For example, storage vessel 6 has a capacity of more than 100 liters, more than 250 liters, more than 500 liters or even more than 1000 liters. Device 2 comprises line 12, which is connected to a lower part of first holder 4 via connection 8. A number of tapping points 13 are provided on line 12. Conduit 12 is ultimately led upwards and flows into storage tank 6, which is located above first container 4. The bottom of storage vessel 6 is coupled via a valve 7 to the top of first container 4. Valve 7 is controlled by control mechanism 26.

Although only three tap points are shown in this example, more or fewer tap points can be provided as required. In the diagrammatic representation of figure 1, the tapping points 13 appear to be coupled to line 12 via a number of taps of this line 12. However, according to the invention, the tapping points 13 are preferably directly connected to line 12, so that no branch or substantially no branch is present is between line 12 and the tapping points 13.

In this example, each draw-off point ends in a trough, and the draw-off points are provided with a valve that is controlled on the basis of a sensor that registers the amount of feed in the trough. Alternatively, the tapping point can be connected to a trough with a so-called "nipple", whereby feed is left in the trough when an animal, such as a piglet, presses against the nipple.

In device 2 the feed is pumped from holder 4 through line 12 towards storage tank 6. To this end, valve V1B is opened, so that the gas pressure in container 4 is increased with respect to the atmospheric gas pressure prevailing in storage tank 6. Preferably, valve 7 is kept closed or closed during pumping of feed from container 4.

By operating valve 7, container 4 can be supplemented with feed from storage vessel 6. In short, in device 2 the feed is effectively pumped around. For example, holder 4 is equipped with a sensor 4a, 4b for measuring the level of the liquid feed container 4. Based on the signal measured by sensor 4a, 4b, control mechanism 26 opens valve 7 for topping up holder 4. Gravity causes in this case, that feed flows from storage tank 6 into holder 4. If desired, when filling container 4, valve VIA can be opened, so that the pressure in container 4 is lowered.

Conduit 12 is further provided with valve 9 which is adapted to be switched between an open state and a closed state. In the pumping state of device 2, i.e. when valve V1B is opened, so that the gas pressure in container 4 is increased with respect to the atmospheric gas pressure prevailing in storage tank 6 and the feed is pumped via line 12 to storage vessel 6, valve 9 becomes brought and held open by control system 26. During the feeding state of device 2, valve 9 is brought and kept closed by control mechanism, the pressure in line 12 being kept substantially constant by controlling the pressure via valve V1B.

In addition, storage vessel 6 is provided with a sensor 6a, 6b, for measuring the feed level in storage vessel 6, the sensor being adapted to deliver a level signal if the feed level falls below (6a) or above (6b) a certain threshold level.

In a second example of the device 102 (Figures 2A and 2B), storage vessel 106 is placed next to or at some distance from first holder 104. Conduit 1012 forms a ring conduit adapted for pumping liquid feed. Pump 1011 can be conventional pump 1011 for pumping around as well as for filling first container 104 (Figure 2A), but can also be an auxiliary pump 1011 that is only equipped for filling first container 104. If pump 1011 is arranged as auxiliary pump 1011, a simpler pump with a lower capacity can be used. In the embodiment of Fig. 2B, first holder 104 functions as a pneumatic pump installation.

In the example of the embodiment of Figure 2A, first container 104 functions as an accumulator for the device 102. In the pumping state of device 102, liquid feed is circulated through ring line 1012. By opening valve VI01A, the pressure in first container 104 is lowered and first container 104 is filled from ring line 1012 by pump 1011. When switching to the rest state, valve 109 and valve V101A are closed by the control mechanism and valve V101B is opened to increase the pressure in first container 104. The pressure in ring line 1012 is controlled by the control mechanism 1026 by controlling the pressure in first container 104.

The device is furthermore provided with a third line 1015 which, after closing valve 1017, forms a circuit without the part of ring line 1012 in which the tapping points are included. As a result, the first holder 104 and second holder 106 can be easily cleaned without cleaning entire ring line 1012. Use is made for this purpose of water supply line 1019 which can be closed by valve 1021.

In the alternative example of the embodiment from Figure 2B, first holder 104 functions as an accumulator as well as a pneumatic pump for the device 102. In this device, pump 1011 functions as an auxiliary pump 1011, the capacity of the auxiliary pump 1011 being adapted to hold the first holder 104. to fill. Prior to the pump condition, pump 1011 is switched on and valve V101A is opened to fill first container 104. Valve 1017 can thereby be closed to make filling faster. In the subsequent pumping state of device 102, valve V101A is closed and valve 109 is opened and valve V101B is opened to increase the pressure in first container 104. The liquid feed is thereby pumped by ring line 1012 to storage tank 106. When switching to the rest state, valve 109 and valve V101A are closed by the control mechanism. The pressure in ring line 1012 is controlled by the control mechanism 1026 by controlling the pressure in first container 104 with valve V101C.

Furthermore, the device from the examples of figures 2A and 2B is provided with third line 1015 which, after closing valve 1017, forms a circuit without the part of ring line 1012 in which the tapping points are included. As a result, the first holder 104 and second holder 106 can be easily cleaned without cleaning entire ring line 1012. Use is made for this purpose of water supply line 1019 which can be closed by valve 1021.

In a third example of a device 202 according to the invention (Figure 3), device 202 comprises a fully pneumatic pumping system and first holder 204 and second holder 206. First holder 204 and second holder 206 are each provided with a connection 208 on a lower part, 2010. The connections 208, 2010 of holders 204, 206 are connected to each other via conduit 2012, so that a liquid substance, such as liquid feed - in particular porridge or milk - can be pumped from holder 204 to holder 206, and vice versa, via the 2012 pipeline. 2012 pipeline has a number of 2013 tapping points.

Connection 2014, 2016 is provided on an upper part of holders 204, 206 which connects each of holders 204, 206 via lines 2018, 2020 to air control 2022. Air control 2022 is connected to compressed air supply 204 via pressure reducing valve 2023. In this example the compressed air supply comprises a compressor. Alternatively, for example, a gas bottle with compressed air can be provided. With the pressure reducing valve, the maximum gas pressure of the system can be absorbed, for example by turning a tap on the pressure reducing valve. For example, the gas pressure relative to atmospheric pressure is set to 0.5 bar, 1.5 bar or even 3 bar or more.

Device 202 further comprises control mechanism 2026, for example, a programmable logic unit (PLC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an integrated circuit (IC), or other electronic control. Control mechanism 2026 controls air control 2022.

In each container 204, 206, sensor 2028, 2030 is arranged in a lower part to detect the liquid substance. The level of the liquid substance in containers 204, 206 is thereby effectively measured. Namely, if sensor 2028, 2030 does not detect any liquid substance, the level in relevant container 204, 206 is lower than the level at which sensor 2028, 2030 is arranged. Sensors 2028, 2030 are connected by wire or wireless to control mechanism 2026 so that it can control air control 2022 depending on the level measured by sensor 2028, 2030. In the example shown, sensors 2028, 2030 are weather sensors, conductivity sensor or other sensor for detecting of a liquid substance. Alternatively, sensors 2028, 2030 may be designed as a distance sensor, for example an infrared distance sensor, for measuring the distance between the top of the substance present in the container and a fixed sensor position, for example a position in an upper part of the container . As a further alternative, the sensor can be designed as a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the substance present in the container.

In the example shown, holders 204, 206 are provided on their upper side with optional valve 2032, 2034, for example in the form of a screw cap. Alternatively, valves 2032, 2034 are for example designed as a manhole or containers 204, 206 are even designed as a divisible tank, that is to say a tank comprising two tank parts that can be disconnected from each other. Valves 2032, 2034 can be opened so as to manually fill containers 204, 206 with the liquid substance. When valves 2032, 2034 are sealed, they are gas-tight, so that a gas pressure can be built up in holders 204, 206. For example, valves 2032, 2034 include a seal for this, such as an O-ring.

In a first example of air control 2022 (Fig. 4A), each air line 2018, 2020 is connected to vent valve V201 A, V202A and supply valve V201B, V202B. Supply valves V201B, V202B connect air lines 2018, 2020 to compressor 2024, for supplying compressed air to containers 2018, 2020. Vent valves V201A, V202A connect air lines 2018, 2020 to the environment for venting containers 204, 206 via air lines 2018, 2020. Control mechanism 2026 is operatively connected to valves V201A, V201B, V202A, V202B to control them.

In a first pumping state, the substance is pumped from container 204 to container 206. For this purpose, gas pressure P1 in first holder 204 is increased relative to gas pressure P2 in second holder 206. Control mechanism 2026 for this closes vent valve V201A of holder 204, while the supply valve V201B of holder 204 opens, so that gas pressure P1 in holder 204 is increased with compressed air from compressor 2024. Preferably, in this first state, vent valve V202A of second container 206 is opened, while supply valve V202B of second container 206 is closed, so that second container 206 is vented and gas pressure P2 corresponds to atmospheric pressure.

As soon as container 204 is empty, or at least substantially empty, sensor 2028 will no longer detect any substance in container 204. Control mechanism 2026 then switches to a second pumping state, in which control mechanism 2026 controls air control 2022 to increase gas pressure P2 relative to gas pressure P1, so that the substance is pumped back from second container 206 to first container 204. Control mechanism 2026 closes vent valve V202A and opens supply valve V202B, so that gas pressure P2 in second container 206 is increased. Preferably, control mechanism 2026 also closes supply valve V201B of first container 204 and opens control mechanism 2026 vent valve V201A, so that container 204 is vented and gas pressure P1 in the first container 204 corresponds to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, some gas overpressure in container 204 relative to atmospheric pressure can be maintained, as described above.

When second holder 206 is empty, or at least substantially empty, sensor 2030 of second holder 206 does not detect any substance. This is recorded by control mechanism 2026, which again switches to the first pump state. In this way, the first and second pumping states are continuously switched to continuously pump the substance back and forth between containers 204, 206.

Optionally, prior to switching from the first pumping state to the second pumping state or vice versa, control mechanism 2026 switches to a quiescent state in which gas pressure P1, P2 in both containers 204, 206 is kept constant. The system automatically seeks an equilibrium position in the rest state in which the pressures P1 and P2 are substantially the same.

A first possibility is to open both vent valves V201A, V202A in the rest state, so that the pressure in both containers 204, 206 is equal to atmospheric pressure. However, it is preferable to maintain some overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure in the rest state in both containers 204, 206, so that the substance can also be drained from drain points 2013 in the rest state. For this purpose, for example, all valves V201 A, V201B, V202A , V202B closed. If desired, one or both supply valves V201B, V202B can be opened for some time.

For example, the gas pressure in containers 204, 206 in the rest state is set to 1.1 - 2 bar, or even more than 2 bar.

Optionally, a gas pressure sensor may be provided in one or more of holders 204, 206, which is connected as feedback to control mechanism 2026, so that control mechanism 2026 can control valves V201A, V201B, V202A, V202B to provide a predetermined container 204, 206 set gas pressure.

Because substance will be tapped regularly at use points 2013, the total amount of substance in device 202 will decrease. To record this decrease, in an exemplary embodiment, control mechanism 2026 records the time that elapses between successive switching moments. That is, control mechanism 2026 records how much time there is between switching from the first to the second pump state and switching back from the second to the first pump state. If this time is shorter than a predetermined lower limit, for example 1-2 minutes, then control mechanism 2026 generates an "empty" signal indicating that the amount of feed is less than a predetermined lower limit. Incidentally, this predetermined lower limit need not be expressed in terms of volume or weight: the time between switching can act as a measure for the amount of feed still present in the system.

For example, an alarm is generated on the basis of the signal, in the form of light and / or sound, or a message is sent, for example via sms or e-mail. For example, water and / or feed is automatically supplied to one or more of the holders based on the signal.

Alternatively, the control mechanism detects that the total amount of substance has decreased based on one or more sensors. For example, each holder comprises a sensor for measuring a level of the substance in the relevant holder. In the example of Figure 3, the control mechanism may be arranged to generate the "empty" signal if both sensors 2028, 2030 do not detect any substance.

In a second example of air control 2022 (Figure 4B), each air line 2018, 2020 is connected to electrically controlled 3/2 valve 20V3, 20V4. The air line 2018, 2020 is connected to a first port of valve 20V3 and 20V4, the second port of valve 20V3, 20V4 is connected to the venting environment and a third port of valve 20V3, 20V4 is connected to gas supply 2024. Valves 20V3, 20V4 thus connect air line 2018, 2020 either with gas supply 2024 or with the environment. Valves 20V3, 20V4 are controlled by control mechanism 2026, in a similar manner as described above with respect to Figure 4A.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The requested rights are determined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications are conceivable.