Steam treating of fodder

Abstract

An apparatus for and method of steam treatment of fodder, for example animal fodder which is typically in baled form. The purpose of steam treating is to kill mesophilic and thermophilic mould spores that are either attached to the fodder or detach when disturbed and become airborne. These airborne particles are associated with respiratory problems, infections and allergies to livestock as well as humans. The apparatus for steam treating fodder comprises at least one steam distribution manifold, which has a plurality of lances adapted to penetrate a bale of fodder so that steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for steam treating fodder in baled form, comprising:
 a steam manifold configured to receive steam from a steam source;   the steam manifold having a steam inlet and a plurality of steam passages configured to distribute steam to a plurality of vertical bale penetrating lances;   each bale penetrating lance having a pointed upper end configured to penetrate into the fodder, and an aperture for the release of steam into the interior volume of the fodder;   in which the manifold and the bale penetrating lances are provided in a container.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein each of the steam passages extends from the steam inlet to a bale penetrating lance positioned at an edge or corner of the steam manifold. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold is four-sided. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold is generally square. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold is kite-shaped. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold comprises four steam passages. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold comprises four steam passages, each steam passage extending outwards from a central hub to the edge of the manifold. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , comprising four bale penetrating lances. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein each one of the plurality of steam passages is connected to one bale penetrating lance. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold has four corners and four steam passages, each steam passage extending to a corner of the steam manifold, and in which one bale penetrating lance is positioned at each corner of the steam manifold. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , comprising five bale penetrating lances. 
     
     
         26 . An apparatus according  claim 15 , in which two or more of the lances have different lengths. 
     
     
         27 . An apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the lances are removable from the manifold. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of steam passages extend an equal distance from the steam inlet. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein a first and second steam passage extend a first distance from the steam inlet and third and fourth steam passages extend a second distance from the steam inlet. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of steam passages are straight. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold receives steam from the source of steam via an insulated hose. 
     
     
         32 . An apparatus for steam treating fodder in baled form, comprising:
 a plurality of steam manifolds configured to be connected to, and receive steam from a source of steam;   the steam manifolds each having a steam inlet and a plurality of steam passages connected to bale penetrating lances;   each bale penetrating lance being pointed on top to facilitate penetration into the fodder and having an aperture to facilitate steam flowing through the lances and into the fodder;   wherein the steam passages are fluidly connected at a meeting point and each steam passage extends from the meeting point to an end point at an edge of the steam manifold.