Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of filling insulated containers, in particular
transport insulated cooling containers with a cryogenic medium. More in particular,
the present invention relates to a system, devices and methods for the introduction
of a cryogenic medium into an insulated container.
State of the art
[0002] Low temperatures have to be maintained during transport and/or storage of products,
namely food or perishables, inside insulated containers. Therefore, systems and devices
were developed wherein the dry ice snow is created, by expansion of liquid CO
2 in special cassettes, placed in containers. The expansion of liquid CO
2 results also in gaseous CO
2 production in the cassette. Said gas is preferably removed from the cassette in order
to avoid any mechanical stress due to the created CO
2 gas volume.
[0003] EP 1 326 046 discloses a system for filling a cooling container with a cryogenic medium. The system
comprises a coupling device and a countercoupling element having each at least one
extraction opening for gaseous CO
2 withdrawal. The extraction openings are brought into flow connection with the corresponding
extraction openings provided in the countercoupling element so that an extraction
line is created from the cooling container into the coupling device. The system implies
that special cassettes have to be used which limits the user's freedom. The gas removal
system is not tight enough to ensure sufficient purity of recovered CO
2, thereby making reliquefaction possible. The recovered gas is released into the atmosphere
which has negative economic and environmental consequences.
[0004] EP 1 291 594 presents a module for injection of liquid carbon dioxide into a refrigerating module
assigned to a refrigerating container. The module is massive enough to incorporate
means necessary to inject liquid carbon dioxide into one of two openings of the cassette
and a removal system for gaseous CO
2, thereby solving the problem of emission of gaseous CO
2. The filling process is coupled with gas removal process. However, the significant
size of the module makes it difficult to operate. In working mode, the suction cups
are placed in front of the refrigerating module. The connection between the refrigerating
module and the suction cups is achieved by activation of vacuum generating means provided
in the suction cups. This system cannot ensure a pure gaseous CO
2 recuperation as the described connection is not airtight. Moreover, the means for
supplying liquid CO2 and for withdrawing the carbon dioxide gas are assigned to a
common housing. These systems allow only for usage of one module for one cassette
at once, thereby slowing down the filling process.
[0005] EP 0 823 600 discloses a cassette being a two-part arrangement consisting of an L-shaped reservoir
and the upper part of the container. A part of the cassette is dedicated to the separation
and evacuation of the gas. The cassette is provided with a feed channel and a suction
channel. A one-piece cassette will be simpler, more robust, less prone to gas leakage,
and less vulnerable to small differences in container size. One cassette system gives
the customer the choice of a container and is safer during the operation, as a one-piece
cassette is less prone to be pushed out from the container during injection. Moreover,
there is no indication regarding the connection between the suction channel and the
suction means during the removal of gas. The gas removal system is not tight enough
to ensure sufficient purity of recovered CO
2, thereby making reliquefaction possible.
[0006] In all the cassettes listed above, the gaseous CO
2 is escaping out of the cassette. This is due to the fact that the upper surface of
these cassettes is made of a grid or a fabric that is permeable to gas. Hence, gas
escapes in the environment which is dangerous for the environment and for the working
staff.
[0007] The developed systems present several other disadvantages such as being operationally
complicated with large equipment devices. The loading stations in a fixed position
and the containers have to be brought to the station location to be loaded, which
requires additional manpower. Moreover, if the distribution centre that uses the dry
ice loading system is large, a need arises to install several loading stations, which
severely increases the investment cost.
[0008] Another drawback is the fact, that today's systems are strictly bound to one specialised
kind of drawer, such as is the case in
DE19808267A1. Due to mergers and acquisitions, companies often have several types of containers.
Replacing them all in order to adjust to the container loading systems is a significant
cost that should be avoided.
[0009] The aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to overcome at least part
of the above mentioned disadvantages by providing an improved cassette, an improved
loading pistol, an improved filling station and system. Further details of the invention
are provided by the description hereunder and the appended claims and figures.
Summary of the invention
[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cassette according to claim 1.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the lid of the cassette is gastight.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, longitudinal parallel corrugated channels are provided
in the lid of the cassette. In a further preferred embodiment, the corrugated channels
have in cross sectional view a circular, rectangular, triangular, conical, inverted
conical or inverted frusto-conical shape, preferably a frusto-conical shape.
[0013] The cassette comprises two adjacent cooling chambers separated by a separation element
and at least one collection chamber in front of said cooling chambers for collection
of gaseous CO
2.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the separation element of the cassette is at least partly
hollow and is connected at one end to the inlet of the cassette. In a further preferred
embodiment, the separation element of the cassette is provided with at least two openings,
each opening is in fluid connection with each cooling chamber of the cassette.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cassette comprises a separation filter covering the
cooling chambers of the cassette and positioned under the lid of the cassette, said
separation plane is permeable to gaseous CO
2.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a predetermined quantity of liquid CO
2, sufficient to fill at least one cooling chamber is suitable to be injected in the
cassette.
[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a filling station for the introduction
of a CO
2 cooling medium such as liquid CO
2 and suitable to be used with a cassette of the invention, said filling station comprising
a control cabinet provided with at least one loading pistol for the injection of the
CO
2 cooling medium in the cassette and at least one suction head for the removal of gaseous
CO
2 from the cassette. The filling station is characterized in that, the loading pistol
and the suction head are separate and independently operable entities.
[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a loading pistol suitable for the
introduction of a CO
2 cooling medium in a cassette of the invention. The loading pistol is characterized
in that, it is provided with an outlet containing separate piping and outlet openings,
said loading pistol is suitable to be introduced, through the inlet, in the separation
element of the cassette. In a preferred embodiment, a heating element is provided
in said loading pistol outlet.
[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising a cassette
of the invention, a filling station of the invention and a loading pistol according
to the present invention for cooling products such as foodstuff in a container.
[0020] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for cooling products such
as foodstuff in a container comprising the steps of connecting a loading pistol to
a cassette according to the invention for the introduction of a CO
2 cooling medium and connecting a suction head to said cassette for the withdrawal
of gaseous CO
2 formed while exposing the CO
2 cooling medium to atmospheric conditions, whereby said suction head and said loading
pistol are separately connected to the cassette and are magnetically connected to
the cassette.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the withdrawal of gaseous CO
2 and the introduction of the CO
2 cooling medium are separately, simultaneously and/or subsequently performed.
[0022] The cassette of the present invention presents several advantages. The cassette allows
the withdrawal of essentially pure gaseous CO
2 without increasing pressure within the cassette and without entraining solid CO
2 produced in liquid expansion process. Hence, reliquefaction of the gaseous CO
2 emitted during liquid CO
2 injection is possible. The cassette and system of the invention increase the efficiency
of use of the cold gaseous CO
2 produced during decompression of liquid CO
2. This leads to a cost reduction.
[0023] The flow of gaseous CO
2 is precisely guided in the cassette of the present invention, therefore facilitating
design of light cassette, which is reinforced only where it is required. The elements
of the cassette are not moved due to mechanical shocks resulting from transport process,
liquid CO
2 expansion process and other processes.
[0024] The cooling chambers of the cassette are separated and no solid CO
2 will be transferred to an inappropriate chamber due to mechanical shocks resulting
from transport process, liquid CO
2 expansion process and other processes. Moreover, some of the elements of the cassette
are additionally reinforced in order to eliminate the need for maintenance. Hence,
the cassette offers a high safety level to the user and to the environment. The cassette
can be further upgraded with heat exchange elements to facilitate maintaining of additional
temperature ranges in the isothermal container.
[0025] The cassette of the present invention is a closed cassette. It is gastight and no
gaseous CO
2 is capable of escaping out of the cassette through its lid. The cassette is equipped
with additional technical solutions eliminating most of the maintenance typical for
other cassettes. The cassette ensures mechanical ruggedness and facilitates gas removal,
without being a large and massive cassette. A cassette of significant size would mean
a reduction of space for the transported goods, an increase in the mass of the container
leading to more difficult handling and a more difficult handling of the cassette itself.
The cassette of the present invention can be a part of a system for injection of liquid
CO
2.
Description of the figures
[0026]
Figure 1: side cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention and its important
elements.
Figure 2: isometric view of an embodiment of the invention together with an isothermal container.
Figure 3: schematic cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention presenting
the possibility to connect three independent filling systems to one control cabinet.
Figure 4: schematic cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention presenting
the possibility to fill several cassettes at once.
Figure 5: working mode of the phase separator, which allows for removal of gaseous CO2 from the liquid CO2 line.
Figure 6: exemplary embodiment of the heating of the outlet of the snowgun for liquid CO2 injection.
Figure 7: exemplary embodiment of the gas-tight connection between the cassette and the suction
head for withdrawal of gaseous CO2.
Figure 8: isometric view of an exemplary way of cassette filling with solid CO2.
Figure 9: exemplary way of functioning of the invention, where the heat absorption capacity
of gaseous CO2 formed during decompression is used to cool down the fresh air flowing into the distribution
centre.
Figure 10: exemplary way of functioning of a distribution centre as a whole.
Figure 11: schematic side cross section view of a particular embodiment of the loading pistol.
Figure 12: schematic cross section view from above of a particular embodiment of the outlet
of the loading pistol.
Figure 13: schematic cross section view from above of a particular embodiment of the cassette
with the outlet of the loading pistol mounted within it.
Figure 14: schematic cross section front view of a particular embodiment of a container during
transport.
Figure 15: schematic isometric view of a particular embodiment of the cassette.
Figure 16: schematic isometric exploded view of a particular embodiment of the loading equipment
with container and cassette.
Figure 17: another schematic isometric view of a particular embodiment of the cassette
Figure 18: exemplary embodiment of the gas-tight connection between the cassette and the snowgun
for injection of liquid CO2.
Figure 19: schematic isometric view of a particular embodiment of isothermal container with
the cassette, loading pistol and suction head.
Figure 20: schematic view from above of a particular embodiment of the cassette with its lid
and separation plane removed.
Figure 21: schematic isometric view of a particular embodiment of the cassette with its lid
removed.
Figure 22: schematic cross section view from behind of a particular embodiment of the cassette.
Figure 22 a: a magnified schematic cross section view of one corrugated channel of the cassette.
Figure 23: schematic cross view from side of a particular embodiment of the cassette.
Detailed description of the invention
[0027] The present invention relates to a system for injecting liquid CO
2 into a cassette. The system and devices of the present invention comprise a filling
station having at least one liquid CO
2 loading pistol and at least one CO
2 gas suction head, at least one cassette wherein a determined quantity of liquid CO
2 is suitable to be injected. The different element of the system of the present invention
are detailed hereunder and in the accompagnying figures.
[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical
and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions
are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.
[0029] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers
to one or more than one compartment.
"About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount,
a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-20% or less,
preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1%
or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value,
in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However,
it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself
also specifically disclosed.
"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous
with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and
are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g.
component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components,
features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions
subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.
The expression "% by weight" (weight percent), here and throughout the description
unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component
based on the overall weight of the formulation.
[0030] The terms "drawer" and "cassette" are used herein as synonyms.
The terms "loading pistol", "injection pistol", "pistol" and "snowgun" are used herein
as synonyms.
The terms "injection system" and "filling station" are used herein as synonyms.
The terms "aperture", "hole" and "opening" are used herein as synonyms.
The terms "separation plane" and "separation filter" are used herein as synonyms referring
to two metal grids and of a separation fabric placed in the cassette of the present
invention.
Injection system
[0031] Fig. 1 presents a schematic side cross section view of the control cabinet 1 itself and
of and its important elements. The supply of liquid CO
2 to the snowgun 2 as well as withdrawal of gaseous CO
2 with the suction head 3 is also shown.
It is advantageous to insulate the control cabinet 1 as it decreases the heat losses
of liquid CO
2, thereby increasing the efficiency of the equipment. Insulation also increases the
comfort of the operator, as the large surface of the cabinet will have temperatures
close to ambient.
[0032] As there are several types of cassette 5 on the market, each requiring its own type
of snowgun, the user may choose his own type of snowgun, suitable to his needs. It
is possible that the user will alternatively use several types of snowguns in order
to supply all the types of the drawers he possesses. The choice of coupling of the
snowgun 2 to the cassette 5, allowing for easy connection process, but preventing
disconnection during loading process can be made of any type known to a person skilled
in the art, e. g. mechanical or magnetic coupling. The snowgun may be equipped with
a starter for the loading process, but the starter is not a necessary part of the
snowgun, as the starter can be placed in the control box 6. Therefore the starter
is not shown in detail.
[0033] On
fig. 6 a schematic of an embodiment of the snowgun 2 is presented. A heating element 21
is provided in order to prevent snowgun freezing, which in turn could make it impossible
to withdraw the snowgun after completion of the injection. The heating element 21
warms the snowgun outlet 22. The heating element 21 is a resistance wire mounted into
snowgun outlet 22. The wire is powered by electric cable 24, while the cables 25 running
through the snowgun grip 26 are not meant to heat it, but only to conduct electricity.
[0034] On
fig. 7 a schematic embodiment of connection of suction head 3 with cassette 5 is presented.
In this example the cassette 5 is equipped with magnet 51, in which a ring 52 is grooved.
An identical magnet 53 is mounted on suction head 3 and in its groove an O-ring gasket
54 is placed. The strength of such connection is provided by the magnets 51 and 53,
while the gasket 54 is meant to provide tightness. The gasket is made of any rubbery
material that is not brittle at a temperature lower than -80°C.
[0035] The gasket material is selected from the list comprising gasket paper, rubber, ethylene
propylene diene monomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer nitrile, buna, neoprene,
flexible graphite, grafoil, aflas, kalrez, viton, silicone, metal, mica, felt and
plastic polymer such as Teflon® (PTFE), peek, urethane, or ethylene propylene (EP).
[0036] The suction head 3 may be connected to the cassette in an airtight manner and/or
gastight manner, thereby guaranteeing the high purity of the recovered gaseous CO
2. This makes the subsequent reliquefaction possible. This is very advantageous as
it minimizes the costs.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a similar airtight and/or gastight manner connection can
be provided for the snowgun (2) and the cassette (5).
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the connection of the suction head and the loading pistol
to the cassette is ensured by electromagnetic force.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, reliquefaction of the recovered gaseous CO
2 comprises the steps of compressing said gas to reach about 18 to 20 barg and reintroduce
the compressed CO
2 into the liquid CO
2 storage tank.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, in operation mode, the suction head is first activated
so as to create a vaccum effect in the cassette. After activation of the suction head,
the loading pistol will be activated for the injection of cooling medium. This allows
minimizing the impact on the cassette, placed in the container, of the cooling medium
injection. This in turn ensures a better security.
[0041] In
fig. 1, the suction head 3 is connected to the ventilator 7, which removes the gaseous CO
2 produced during decompression of liquid CO
2. The usage of ventilator is a necessary prerequisite for making the process safer,
however it is one of the aspects of the invention to use the heat absorbing capacity
of the cold gas within the distribution centre. In the non-limiting example presented
in
fig. 1, this goal is realized within the heat exchanger 8, which uses the cold gas, having
temperature comprised between -50°C and -70°C to cool down the liquid CO
2.
[0042] The hoses 9 and 10 that are used for transport of liquid and gaseous CO
2 should preferably be insulated. In case of the liquid CO
2 hoses, the hoses should preferably be insulated with vacuum insulation. Insulation
protects the workers from contact with cold surfaces, eliminates condensation of water
vapour on hoses and decreases the heat losses of liquid CO
2.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, on the hose 9, which transports liquid CO
2 to the snowgun, there is a phase separator 11, which removes the gaseous CO
2 created during the idle time within CO
2 hoses. This solution enables the user to start injecting liquid CO
2 into the cassette right away, without waiting for the gas to be removed from the
lines.
[0044] The phase separator 11 is schematically shown on
fig. 5. There is a floating element 112 in the separator casing 111. If there is no or little
gaseous CO
2 in the liquid line, the floating element 112 rises and, with the help of spring 113,
closes the cut-off valve 114. If there is, however, a significant amount of gas in
the liquid line, the gas collects within casing 111, lowering the floating element
112, thereby opening the cut-off valve 114 and letting gaseous CO
2 out.
[0045] In order to make connection to CO
2 source and to exhaust system, at the rear of the control cabinet there is a connection
12 for liquid CO
2 and a connection 13 for the exhaust hose for gaseous CO
2. Any type of connection apparent to a person of professional skill can be used, providing
that it guarantees adequate flow of both fluids and operator safety. For liquid CO
2, a good trade-off between the need to simplify the operation and the need to guarantee
appropriate safety performance are quick coupling connections. For gaseous CO
2 a much wider choice can be made by a person skilled in ventilation.
[0046] The control cabinet is equipped with wheels 14, making it mobile. The wheels are
equipped with mechanical brakes (not shown on the figures) which have to be used during
loading process. It is also advantageous to use the brakes while the control cabinet
is unused in order to prevent any movement.
[0047] On
fig. 2 another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the control cabinet 1 and external
exhaust ventilator 15 are placed on a frame 16. The liquid and gaseous CO
2 hoses (9 and 10) are led from the control cabinet 1 to the trolley 17 along the upper
part of the frame 16 and then vertically to the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3.
This solution facilitates the horizontal movement of the snowgun 2 and the suction
head 3 and adjusting the position of the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 to the position
of the isothermal container 4.
[0048] The snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 are additionally equipped with a system of counterbalances
18. This reduces the amount of work required to operate the equipment.
[0049] The control box 6, shown in detail on
fig. 2, and schematically on
fig.1, fig. 4, fig. 9, is equipped with a programming device 61 which allows for choosing the time of the
injection, depending on the (i) weather conditions, (ii) the necessary temperature
within the container, (iii) the length of the road, (iv) the time of storage after
transport and (v) the type of transported goods. In the control box 6 there is also
the access control system, which protects the employees from unintended startup of
the system. The system can be operated on several principles, e. g. mechanical key,
numeric access code, electronic chip, or any similar system apparent to person of
a professional skill.
[0050] The control box 6 is also equipped with electronic safeguards for safety of the operators,
which consist, for example, of:
- Safety switch disabling the liquid injection in case the snowgun is disconnected
- Safety switch disabling the liquid injection in case the suction head is disconnected
- Safety switch disabling the liquid injection in case the ventilator does not run
- Safety switch disabling the liquid injection in case the ambient CO2 concentration is above thresholds
[0051] The control box 6 may be a part of the control cabinet 1, as in
fig. 1 or it can be mounted separately, as in
fig. 2.
[0052] In
fig. 3 another non-limiting embodiment of the control cabinet 1 is shown. In this particular
embodiment the liquid CO
2 piping 9 is constructed in such a manner that three independent snowguns 2 can be
connected with the help of manifold 19. Such system is advantageous, as it allows
loading three containers 4 to be loaded within the same time with different amounts
of snow. The gaseous CO
2 lines 10 are also constructed in such a manner allowing for simultaneous usage of
three suction heads 3 with the help of manifold 20. The control system of this embodiment
is not shown for clarity. Any system obvious to a system skilled in the art can be
used. It is self-evident that the number of independent snowguns and independent suctions
heads are to be adjusted to the need of the user.
[0053] Fig. 4 presents another non-limiting example of the system. This one is thought as a solution
to users who fill lots of containers with identical amounts of snow. In such case
it is advantageous from the organisational point of view to inject liquid CO
2 into several cassettes 5 at once. In order to do this, the snowgun 2 is replaced
with an injection manifold 191, and the suction head 3 is replaced with suction manifold
201.
[0054] This arrangement allows for a simultaneous connection of several containers at once,
thereby shortening the loading time of a container.
[0055] Fig. 8 presents a non-limiting example of a filling process of the cassette 5 wherein the
liquid CO
2 is being supplied by the snowgun 2, while the gaseous CO
2 is being withdrawn with the suction head 3. In this particular embodiment the process
is being facilitated by temporary connection of the snowgun 2 and the suction head
3, which ensures the proper adjustment of the snowgun 2 and the suction head 3 in
the cassette 5.
[0056] Fig. 9 is a non-limiting example of another embodiment of the invention, where the heat
absorbing capacity of gaseous CO
2 produced during decompression is being used for cooling of the inlet fresh air. In
that particular non-limiting example the cold gaseous CO
2 from decompression is pumped by ventilator through an opening in the external wall
SZ to the heat exchanger 8. The fresh air which allows for efficient ventilation of
the room is being sucked through the heat exchanger 8 (the room ventilation system
is not shown).
The ventilator 7 doesn't have to be placed within the control cabinet 1 but instead
the suction head 3 and the transport lines 10 of the gaseous CO
2 can be connected to a large main ventilator (not shown). In this way the weight of
the control cabinet may be lessened, but more energy consumption from the main ventilator
may result. The decision depends on local conditions and user choice. A system with
one main ventilator is presented as a non-limiting example in
fig 10 (some elements from previous figures have been omitted for clarity).
[0057] In
fig. 10 a schematic of the whole distribution centre CD is presented together with the CO
2 removal lines 101. The distribution centre CD has one frozen storage room MR and
one chilled storage room CH. In
fig. 10, three control cabinets 1 are connected through the gas connection 101, while two
connections 102 to the system of removal of gaseous CO
2 are left idle.
[0058] In
fig. 10 another non-limiting example of recuperation of heat absorbing capacity of gaseous
CO
2 is shown. The cold gas is being passed through a heat exchanger 8 placed in the frozen
storage room MR, thereby decreasing the air temperature and saving user's expenses
on air cooling.
[0059] It is self-evident and obvious to the person skilled in the art that the dimensions
of the filling station of the invention are to be adapted to the requirements of the
user. These dimensions comprise length of the different hoses, height of the control
cabinet, height and width of the frame.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the cassette is filled while being placed in the isothermal
container. Regarding the of functioning of the system, the invention is characterized
in that before the injection process the snowgun and the suction head can be connected
to cassette one after another as separate entities and after the injection process
the snowgun and the suction head are disconnected from the cassette as separate entities
while during the injection process the gaseous CO
2 is removed with a ventilator and used, after decompression, for cooling.
[0061] The system of the present invention provides for additional organisational flexibility
in the distribution centres by using mobile loading station. It also allows additional
organisational flexibility in the distribution centres by using exchangeable heads
for liquid injection and gas suction and control cabinets with multiple liquid filling
and gas removal lines. Hence, the work efficiency is increased by making simultaneous
filling of several containers possible. The safety is also increased by giving access
to control station only to authorized users.
Loading pistol
[0062] Fig. 11 illustrates a particular embodiment of the pistol according to the invention, in
which the pistol has been constructed for a cassette 306 which enables usage of two
temperature ranges in the container.
[0063] In this non-limiting example liquid carbon dioxide is fed into the pistol through
a single pipe 313. The pipe branches into pipes 323 and 333 which are dedicated to
different filling holes 302 and 303.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, through the hole 302 liquid carbon dioxide is fed into
cassette compartment for keeping the temperature in the range of -10 to 10°C, preferably
-5 to 5 °C, more preferably 0 to 4°C, while through the hole 303 the liquid carbon
dioxide is being fed into cassette compartment for keeping the temperature in the
range of -25 to 0°C, preferably -20 to -10°C, more preferably around -18°C.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the pipes 323 and 333 are mounted with on-off valves 322
and 332, which allow for control of the supply of the liquid CO
2. Further from the valves, the pipes 321 and 331 are brought together to form the
loading pistol outlet 312.
[0066] It is to be understood, that depending on the user's needs, there may be more supply
tubes for liquid CO
2 in the pistol outlet and the cassette may have several compartments for the respective
additional temperature ranges.
[0067] It is to be understood, that the above example is a non limiting one, and, for example,
the carbon dioxide used for filling cassette can be simultaneously fed through both
holes 302 and 303 and the tubing can be constructed in another way.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the choice of the cassette zone to be filled can be automated.
On
fig. 11 a control element RF is illustrated, which can be for example, an RFID chip, which
is a programmed sender 315. In a further preferred embodiment, the transmitter of
the RFID chip is located in the container and/or in the cassette while the receiver
of the RFID chip is located in the loading pistol. The element RF controls the valves
322 and 332 in a way enabling supply of proper amount of CO
2 to the appropriate chambers of the cassette 306. The amount of CO
2 depends on the (i) weather conditions, (ii) the necessary temperature within the
container, (iii) the length of the road, (iv) the time of storage after transport
and (v) the type of transported goods.
[0069] Fig 12 illustrates in detail an exemplary embodiment of the pistol of the invention. The
loading pistol outlet 312 is shown with greater detail there, showing the position
of the loading holes 302 and 303 respective to the outlet 312. As can be seen on the
figure, the holes are not coaxial with the loading pistol outlet 312, but instead
open on the side of it. Hence, the direction of the injection of liquid CO
2 is substantially perpendicular to the outlet (312) of the loading pistol (301). Thanks
to that, the return force created through decompression of liquid carbon dioxide leaving
the holes 302 and 303 is not directed along the loading pistol outlet 312, and does
not push the outlet 312 and the pistol out of the cassette.
[0070] Fig. 13 illustrates the two compartments 304 and 305 of the cassette 306 together with the
opening for gas evacuation 307. Filling of the compartment 304 allows for keeping
temperature in the range 0-4°C, while filling of the compartment 305 allows for keeping
temperature around -18°C. As can be seen from the picture, the outlet 312 is constructed
in such a way, that the filling hole 302 opens into the compartment 304, and the filling
hole 303 opens into compartment 305.
[0071] The above example is a non-limiting one, and other setup of the compartments in the
cassette is possible.
[0072] The difference of temperature maintained in the chambers of the cassette compartments
304 and 305 lies in their heat transfer properties. This difference can be obtained
changing these properties.
[0073] In a preferred embodiment, said difference is obtained by changing the thickness
of the planes defining the cassette; preferably changing the thickness of the cover
of the cassette. The thickness of the cassette's cover is comprised between 0.5 and
10 mm, preferably between 1 and 9 mm, more preferably between 1.5 and 8 mm, most preferably
between 2 and 7 mm, even most preferably between 4 and 5 mm.
[0074] In another preferred embodiment, said difference is obtained by changing the material
of the planes defining the cassette; preferably changing the material of the cassette's
cover. The cassette cover can be made out of plastic, ferro and non-ferro metals.
[0075] In another preferred embodiment, said difference is obtained by changing the heat
exchange area of the planes defining the cassette; preferably changing the heat exchange
area of the cassette's cover. Said heat exchange area is comprised between 5 and 100%,
preferably between 10 and 90 %, more preferably between 20 and 80%, most preferably
between 30 and 70% of the cassette cover.
[0076] In another preferred embodiment, said difference is obtained by changing the gas
flow around the cassette.
[0077] These solutions are given here as an example. Other solutions will be obvious to
the person skilled in the art.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the gas created during decompression of liquid CO
2 in the compartment 305 can be transferred to the gas outlet 307 without impairing
the basic characteristics of the cassette 306.
[0079] Fig. 14 illustrates the basic mode of operation of the cassette. The solid carbon dioxide
deposited in the cassette 306 cools down the gas contained within the upper part 309
of the container. The cold gas flows down along the walls of the container and contacts
the goods 311 within the container. In order to facilitate the gas flow, the inner
part of the container can be equipped with grooves 310, here shown only on the floor.
As the gas warms from the walls and the goods, it flows into the upper part 309 of
the container, where it is cooled down again. In
fig. 14 an example of the electronic sender 315 position is also shown.
[0080] Fig. 15 illustrates one of the particular embodiments of means of increasing the heat transfer
through the top of the cassette 306. In that particular embodiment the top of the
drawer 361 is grooved, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and intensifying
the turbulence of the gas movement around it.
[0081] On
fig. 15 the front spacer 362 and the rear spacer 363 of the cassette 306 are shown. The spacers
are shown in more detail on
fig. 16 and
fig. 17. On
fig. 16 there are examples of spacers 362 and 363 which are mounted in the front and in the
back of the cassette 306. On
fig. 17 there are examples of spacers 365 which are mounted at the sides of the cassette
306. The spacers 362, 363 and 365 are exchangeable parts that can be mounted on a
cassette. The shape of the spacers conforms to upper part 309 of the isothermal container.
Thanks to that, the cassette can be mounted on any container and there is no need
to design and produce additional sorts of cassettes for different types of containers.
[0082] An example of the connection 364 between the gas outlet 307 and the inlet for loading
pistol 308 is presented on
fig. 15 and
fig. 16. The connection can be, for example, an electrical cord, which would signal, if both
the loading pistol 301 and the suction head 314 are properly mounted. The connection
would also signal if either the loading pistol 301 or the suction head 314 is connected
to the cassette. In such a way the safety of the operator is increased, as the system
will not start, if it's not properly mounted in a safe way.
[0083] On
fig. 18 a schematic embodiment of connection of the snowgun with cassette 306 is presented.
In this example the cassette 306 is equipped with magnet 351, in which a ring 352
is grooved. An identical magnet 353 is mounted on the snowgun and in its grove an
O-ring gasket 354 is placed. The strength of such connection is provided by the magnets
351 and 353, while the gasket 354 is meant to provide tightness.
Cassette
[0084] Fig. 19 illustrates a schematic exemplary embodiment of the cassette 406 placed in the container
409. The loading pistol 401 and the suction head 414 are also shown.
[0085] For clarity, the fixing rope and some piping of the loading pistol 401 and the suction
head 414 are also shown.
Fig. 19 illustrates also an exemplary placement of the inlet hole for liquid CO
2 408, of the gas removal hole 407 and of the metal plates 455 and 456.
[0086] Fig. 20 illustrates one of the features of the invention. There, at a view from above, the
preferred placement of the gas collection chamber 451 in the cassette 406 is shown,
relative to the cooling chambers 404 and 405.
[0087] Fig. 21 illustrates the placement of the separation plane 457. The plane covers the cooling
chambers 404 and 405, but does not cover the gas collection chamber 451. The separation
plane 457 consists of two metal grids 458, of which only the upper grid is shown in
fig. 21, and of the separation fabric 459. The separation fabric can be made of any material
resistant to low temperatures which is able to act like a sieve for solid CO
2. During the expansion process, the gaseous CO
2 is evacuated through the separation plane 457 into the gas collection chamber 451
and further to the gas withdrawal hole 407. The solid CO
2, which is meant to stay in the cooling chambers 404 and 405 is retained on the separation
fabric 459. The separation fabric may be made out of polyethylene, preferably woven
polyethylene. The grids can be made out of metal or any other material suitable to
withstand low temperatures, such as a composite.
[0088] The two grids 458 are holding the separation fabric 459 in place. The two grids are
used in order to increase ruggedness of the cassette 406 and to eliminate the need
to maintenance, which may appear, should the separation fabric 459 move and open a
way for solid CO
2 to move from one of the cooling chambers 404 or 405.
[0089] In
fig. 21 metal plates 455 and 456 are also presented, with their placement in the cassette
406. The plates fulfil two goals at once. First, they are the elements to which the
loading pistol and the suction head, respectively, are magnetically attached during
the CO
2 injection process. Second, thanks to the presence of the metal plates 455 and 456,
the system controls, at the beginning of the loading process, whether the loading
pistol and the suction head are present and properly connected.
[0090] Fig.22 illustrates the placement of the gas guiding lines and of the separation rib 453.
The guiding lines are placed above the separation plane 457. The gas guiding lines
are created by providing corrugated channels 452 in the cassette lid. The gaseous
CO
2 from decompression, which is leaving the cooling chambers 404 and 405 through the
separation plane 457 enters the guiding lines and is being transferred into the gas
collection chamber 451. From the gas collection chamber 451 the gas is evacuated through
the gas withdrawal hole 407.
[0091] The corrugated channels 452 are preferably longitudinal, parallel to each other and
cover at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 80%, most preferably 100% of the
cassette length. The number of corrugated channels 452 is comprised between 1 and
25, preferably between 2 and 20, more preferably between 3 and 15, most preferably
between 4 and 10. The corrugated channels 452, in cross sectional view, can be of
any shape such as circular, rectangular, triangular, conical, inverted conical, inverted
frusto-conical or frusto-conical shape as presented in
fig. 22.
[0092] The height (
H) of the corrugated channels 452 from the upper metal grid, as presented in
fig. 22 a, is comprised between 0.5 and 15 cm, preferably between 0.8 and 13 cm, more preferably
between 1 and 10 cm, most preferably between 1.2 and 8 cm, even most preferably between
1.4 and 6 cm. The width
W1 of the lower side of the frusto conical shaped corrugated channels is comprised between
0.5 and 8 cm, preferably between 0.6 and 6 cm, more preferably between 0.8 and 5 cm,
most preferably between 1 and 4 cm. The width
W2 of the upper side of the frusto-conical shaped corrugated channels is comprised between
1 and 6 cm, preferably between 1.2 and 5 cm, more preferably between 1.4 and 4.5 cm,
most preferably between 1.6 and 4 cm. The angle
β, shown on
fig. 22 a is comprised between 10 and 170°, preferably between 30 and 160°, more preferably
between 50 and 150°, most preferably between 70 and 140°, even most preferably between
90 and 130°.
[0093] The presence of corrugated channels 452, their shape and size provides a freedom
and a possibility to optimize the injection speed and/or the volume of gaseous CO
2 that can be created during said injection.
[0094] The separation rib 453 is created by a deepened groove in the lid 461. Such design
allows for achieving separation of cooling chambers 404 and 405 from each other without
additional elements. The separation rib 453 is pressing the separation plane 457,
additionally increasing the mechanical stability of the separation plane 457. It also
presses the separation plane 457 to the chamber separation element 454, thereby preventing
any transfer of solid CO
2 from one chamber to another.
[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the separation element (454) is provided with a construction
suitable to direct a simultaneous, separate or subsequent injection of liquid CO
2 in the cooling chambers (404, 405) of the cassette (406). In a preferred embodiment,
the separation element has a construction allowing for the introduction of the loading
pistol (401) outlet. The separation element might comprise a tunnel through which
the pistol is introduced.
[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the loading pistol is, as detailed above, provided with
an outlet (312) containing separate piping (323, 333) and outlet holes (302, 303)
for deposition of solid CO
2 in the cooling chambers.
[0097] The separation element 454 is provided with at least two openings for fluid connection
between the cooling chambers (404, 405) and the loading pistol (401). It will be obvious
to the person skilled in the art that the openings are positioned on sides of the
separation element such as to ensure said fluid connection. It will be also obvious
that the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol should correspond with the opening
of the separation element for a successful introduction of the cooling medium.
[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the openings of the separation element can be of any shape;
circular, oval, preferably rectangular.
[0099] In a preferred embodiment, to ensure that the cooling medium will be injected in
the cooling chambers of the cassette, the size of the openings of the separation element
is at least twice the size of the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol. In a further
preferred embodiment, the longitudinal size of the openings of the separation element
is at least twice the size of the outlet holes (302, 303) of the pistol. For example,
the case wherein the openings of the separation element have a rectangular shape and
the outlet holes are circles of 1 cm diameter. In this case the length of the rectangular
opening will be at least 2 cm, while the width will be at least 1 cm. It is to be
understood that the opening width should not allow solid CO
2 to leave the chambers under any circumstance.
[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the separation element is made of metal.
[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the separation element is made out of plastic that
can withstand very low temperatures, preferably lower than -80°C.
[0102] In an embodiment of the invention, magnet elements could be positioned at and/or
around the openings of the separation element and at and/or around the outlet holes
(302, 303) of the pistol. This will ensure the correspondence of the openings and
the outlet holes. Here, it is obvious that the material of the pistol outlet and the
separation element itself should be selected as to resist the injection pressure and
the temperature of the cooling medium but also as to not react to the presence of
the magnets at the openings of the separation element and at the pistol the outlet
holes (302, 303).
[0103] The separation element can be designed to pass through, under or at the side of the
gas collection chamber 451 of the cassette.
[0104] In
fig. 23 the lower part of additional heat exchange element 512 and the upper part of additional
heat exchange element 511 are shown in a cross view from side. The two parts 511 and
512 are fixed together and together they are attached to the cassette 406, which increases
the ruggedness of the cassette 406 and broadens the ranges of temperatures which can
be maintained in the container.
[0105] The cassette of the present invention is a closed and gastight cassette. More in
particular, the lid of the cassette is gastight. The cassette ensures mechanical ruggedness
and facilitates gas removal, without being a large and massive cassette.
[0106] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for maintaining low temperature
in an isothermal container comprising at least one cassette with at least two cooling
chambers able to maintain different temperature ranges in the container, whereby the
chambers are simultaneous, separate or subsequently filled with a predetermined amount
of liquid CO
2 through one aperture in the cassette.
[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the steps
of providing a cassette, a loading pistol and a filling station according to the present
invention; connecting the suction head to the cassette; connecting the loading pistol
to the cassette; providing a determined quantity of liquid CO
2 to the cassette using the loading pistol; removing gaseous CO
2 from the cassette using a suction head. the snowgun and the suction head are connectable
to the cassette by means of magnetic force. In a preferred embodiment of the method
of the present invention, the snowgun and the suction head are connectable to the
cassette by means of electromagnetic force.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the loading pistol and the suction head
are separate and independently operable entities with regard to the control cabinet.
[0109] In another aspect, the present invention provides for the use of the system, devices
and/or the method of the invention for keeping low temperatures in an isothermal container
for goods transport, such as foodstuff.
[0110] The system, devices and method of the invention present several advantages. The injection
process is simplified due to the use of smaller and lighter equipment, additionally
equipped with counterbalances. The use of one inlet hole in the cassette for liquid
CO
2 injection for different temperature ranges to be attained simplifies the filling
operation.
[0111] Higher work flexibility in distribution centres is provided thanks to usage of mobile
control cabinets. The injection process is easier thanks to protection of the snowgun
against freezing. The injection process is faster thanks to the phase separator mounted
on liquid CO
2 line. The work efficiency is higher due to potential filling of several drawers at
once. The equipment for CO
2 dosing and withdrawal is safer and more lasting thanks to its placing within a protective
frame. Also there is an increase of the economic efficiency of the distribution centre
thanks to usage of cold gaseous CO
2 produced during decompression of liquid CO
2 and an increase in the safety of the system due to the access restrictions for unauthorized
users. Additionally, an improved organisation of the distribution centres is offered
thanks to the use of separate, exchangeable elements for liquid carbon dioxide injection
and gaseous CO
2 withdrawal and of control cabinets equipped with several lines for supply of liquid
CO
2 and withdrawal of gaseous CO
2.
[0112] The system, devices and method of the invention further provides the user with a
choice for different magnetic strength between the cassette and the pistol and between
the cassette and the suction head. Hence the connection strength can be optimized.
[0113] The cassette construction allows improving the quality of transported goods by protecting
them from over freezing. The cassette also provides a choice of temperature to be
maintained in the container thanks to the presence and the construction of both chambers
of the cassette. The injection process is automated by relying on automatics process
for the choice of the cassette zone to be loaded and temperature range to be attained
in the container. Further, the cassette spacers make it possible to combine the cassettes
with different container types.
[0114] The devices of the present invention can be used in combination with each other and/or
separately in combination with other devices of the prior art and/or present on the
market.
[0115] The embodiments of the invention presented in the above examples are not limiting
to the invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference
to preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and alternations may be made
by a person having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this
invention which is defined by the appended claims.
1. Kassette (406) zum Kühlen von Produkten, wie beispielsweise Lebensmitteln, in einem
Behälter, dazu geeignet, ein CO2-Kühlmedium zu enthalten, wie beispielsweise flüssiges CO2, wobei die Kassette (406) einen Einlass (408) zum Einführen des CO2-Kühlmediums und einen Auslass (407) für das Absaugen von gasförmigem CO2 umfasst, das gebildet wird, während das CO2-Kühlmedium Umgebungsbedingungen ausgesetzt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einlass (408) und der Auslass (407) räumlich getrennt sind und beide mit räumlich
getrennten magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51, 53) versehen sind, die es ermöglichen,
dass eine CO2-Ladepistole (2) und ein Saugkopf (3) für gasförmiges CO2 getrennt mit der Kassette verbunden sind, wobei die Kassette mindestens zwei nebeneinanderliegende
Kühlkammern (404, 405), die durch ein Trennelement (454) getrennt sind, und mindestens
eine Sammelkammer (451) vor den Kühlkammern zum Sammeln von gasförmigem CO2 umfasst.
2. Kassette nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Einlass (408) und der Auslass (407) zylinderförmige
Kanäle durch eine Wand der Kassette (406) sind.
3. Kassette (406) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei der Deckel (461) der Kassette gasdicht
ist.
4. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, wobei in dem Deckel (461) der Kassette längsgerichtete
parallele Riffelungskanäle (452) bereitgestellt sind.
5. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, wobei die Riffelungskanäle (452) in einer Querschnittsansicht
eine kreisförmige, rechteckige, dreieckige, kegelförmige, umgekehrt kegelförmige oder
umgekehrt kegelstumpfförmige Gestalt, vorzugsweise eine kegelstumpfförmige Gestalt
aufweisen.
6. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-5, wobei das Trennelement (454) zumindest teilweise
hohl und an einem Ende mit dem Einlass (408) der Kassette verbunden ist.
7. Kassette nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Trennelement (454) mit mindestens zwei Öffnungen
versehen ist, wobei jede Öffnung in Fluidverbindung mit jeder Kühlkammer (404, 405)
der Kassette (406) steht.
8. Kassette (406) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7, einen Trennfilter (457) umfassend, der
die Kühlkammern (404, 405) der Kassette (406) abdeckt und unter dem Deckel (461) der
Kassette positioniert ist, wobei die Trennebene (457) für gasförmiges CO2 durchlässig ist.
9. Kassette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-8, wobei eine festgelegte Menge an flüssigem CO2, die ausreicht, um mindestens eine Kühlkammer (404, 405) zu füllen, geeignet ist,
in die Kassette (406) injiziert zu werden.
10. Füllstation für das Einführen eines CO2-Kühlmediums, wie beispielsweise flüssiges CO2, und dazu geeignet, mit einer Kassette verwendet zu werden, wie sie in einem der
Ansprüche 1-9 beschrieben ist, wobei die Füllstation einen Steuerkasten (1) umfasst,
der mit mindestens einer Ladepistole (2) zum Injizieren des CO2-Kühlmediums in die Kassette und mindestens einem Saugkopf (3) für das Entfernen von
gasförmigem CO2 aus der Kassette versehen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ladepistole (2, 301) und der Saugkopf (3) getrennte und unabhängig betreibbare
Einheiten sind und beide mit räumlich getrennten magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51,
53) versehen sind, und wobei die Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einem Auslass versehen ist,
der getrennte Rohrleitungen (323, 333) und Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) umfasst.
11. Ladepistole, geeignet für das Einführen eines CO2-Kühlmediums in eine Kassette, wie sie in einem der Ansprüche 1-9 beschrieben ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einem Auslass (312) versehen ist, der separate Rohrleitungen
(323, 333) und Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) enthält, wobei die Ladepistole (2, 301)
dazu geeignet ist, durch den Einlass in das Trennelement der Kassette eingeführt zu
werden, und magnetische Kopplungsmittel umfasst.
12. System, eine Kassette, wie sie in einem der Ansprüche 1-9 beschrieben ist, eine Füllstation,
wie sie in Anspruch 10 beschrieben ist, und eine Ladepistole, wie sie in Anspruch
11 beschrieben ist, umfassend, um Produkte, wie beispielsweise Lebensmittel, in einem
Behälter zu kühlen.
13. Verfahren zum Aufrechterhalten einer niedrigen Temperatur in einem isothermen Behälter,
die Schritte des Verbindens einer Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einer Kassette (406) für
das Einführen eines CO2-Kühlmediums und das Verbinden eines Saugkopfes (3) mit der Kassette (406) zum Absaugen
von gasförmigem CO2, das gebildet wird, während das CO2-Kühlmedium Umgebungsbedingungen ausgesetzt ist, umfassend, wobei die Kassette (406)
mit magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln (51, 53) versehen ist und wobei die Ladepistole
und der Saugkopf räumlich getrennt sind und beide mit räumlich getrennten magnetischen
Kopplungsmitteln versehen sind, wobei der Saugkopf (3) und die Ladepistole (2, 301)
getrennt mit der Kassette (406) verbunden sind und mittels der magnetischen Kopplungsmitteln
(51, 53) mit der Kassette verbunden sind, wobei die Ladepistole (2, 301) mit einem
Auslass versehen ist, der getrennte Rohrleitungen (323, 333) und Auslassöffnungen
(302, 303) umfasst, wobei die Kassette (406) mindestens zwei nebeneinanderliegende
Kühlkammern (404, 405), die durch ein Trennelement (454) getrennt sind, und mindestens
eine Sammelkammer (451) vor den Kühlkammern (404, 405) zum Sammeln von gasförmigem
CO2 umfasst, und wobei die trennenden Auslassöffnungen (302, 303) für eine Fluidverbindung
zwischen den getrennten Kühlkammern ausgerichtet sind, und einen Schritt des Einführens
der Ladepistole (2, 301) zumindest in das Trennelement (454) umfassend.
14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Absaugen von gasförmigem CO2 und das Einführen des CO2-Kühlmediums, getrennt, gleichzeitig und/oder nacheinander durchgeführt werden.
1. Cassette (406) pour refroidir des produits tels que des produits alimentaires dans
un récipient, conçue pour contenir un agent de refroidissement CO2, tel que du CO2 liquide, moyennant quoi ladite cassette (406) comprenant une entrée (408) pour l'introduction
de l'agent de refroidissement CO2 et une sortie (407) pour le retrait de CO2 gazeux formé en exposant l'agent de refroidissement CO2 aux conditions atmosphériques, caractérisée en ce que, l'entrée (408) et la sortie (407) sont séparées spatialement et sont toutes deux
munies de moyens de couplage magnétique séparés spatialement (51, 53) permettant à
un pistolet de chargement de CO2 (2) et à une tête d'aspiration de CO2 gazeux (3) d'être connectés séparément à la cassette, moyennant quoi la cassette
comprend au moins deux chambres de refroidissement adjacentes (404, 405) séparées
par un élément de séparation (454) et au moins une chambre de collecte (451) devant
lesdites chambres de refroidissement pour la collecte de CO2 gazeux.
2. Cassette selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'entrée (408) et la sortie (407)
sont des canaux cylindriques à travers une paroi de la cassette (406).
3. Cassette (406) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-2, dans laquelle le couvercle
(461) de la cassette est étanche aux gaz.
4. Cassette selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-3, dans laquelle des canaux longitudinaux
parallèles ondulés (452) sont prévus dans le couvercle (461) de la cassette.
5. Cassette selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-4, dans laquelle les canaux ondulés
(452) ont en coupe transversale une forme circulaire, rectangulaire, triangulaire,
conique, conique inversée ou tronconique inversée, de préférence une forme tronconique.
6. Cassette selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-5, dans lequel l'élément de séparation
(454) est au moins partiellement creux et est relié à une extrémité à l'entrée (408)
de la cassette.
7. Cassette selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle l'élément de séparation (454) est
pourvu d'au moins deux ouvertures, chaque ouverture est en communication fluidique
avec chaque chambre de refroidissement (404, 405) de la cassette (406).
8. Cassette selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-7, comprenant un filtre de séparation
(457), recouvrant les chambres de refroidissement (404, 405) de la cassette (406)
et positionné sous le couvercle (461) de la cassette, ledit plan de séparation (457)
est perméable au CO2 gazeux.
9. Cassette selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-8, dans laquelle une quantité
prédéterminée de CO2 liquide, suffisante pour remplir au moins une chambre de refroidissement (404, 405),
est apte à être injectée dans la cassette (406).
10. Poste de remplissage pour l'introduction d'un agent de refroidissement CO2 tel que du CO2 liquide et apte à être utilisé avec une cassette telle que décrite dans l'une quelconque
des revendications 1-9, ledit poste de remplissage comprenant une armoire de commande
(1) munie d'au moins un pistolet de chargement (2) pour l'injection de l'agent de
refroidissement CO2 dans la cassette et d'au moins une tête d'aspiration (3) pour le retrait de CO2 gazeux de la cassette, caractérisé en ce que le pistolet de chargement (2, 301) et la tête d'aspiration (3) sont des entités distinctes
et pouvant fonctionner indépendamment et sont tous deux pourvus de moyens de couplage
magnétique spatialement séparés (51, 53), et dans lequel le pistolet de chargement
(2, 301) est pourvu d'une sortie comprenant une tuyauterie séparée (323, 333) et d'ouvertures
de sortie (302, 303).
11. Pistolet de chargement approprié pour l'introduction d'un agent de refroidissement
CO2 dans une cassette selon les revendications 1-9, caractérisé en ce que, ledit pistolet de chargement (2, 301) est pourvu d'une sortie (312) contenant une
tuyauterie séparée (323, 333) et d'ouvertures de sortie (302, 303), ledit pistolet
de chargement (2, 301) est approprié pour être introduit, à travers l'entrée, dans
l'élément de séparation de la cassette, et comprend un moyen de couplage magnétique.
12. Système comprenant une cassette selon les revendications 1-9, un poste de remplissage
tel que décrit dans la revendication 10 et un pistolet de chargement tel que décrit
dans la revendication 11, pour refroidir des produits tels que des produits alimentaires
dans un récipient.
13. Procédé pour maintenir une basse température dans un récipient isotherme comprenant
les étapes consistant à connecter un pistolet de chargement (2, 301) à une cassette
(406) pour l'introduction d'un agent de refroidissement CO2 et connecter une tête d'aspiration (3) à ladite cassette (406) pour le retrait de
CO2 gazeux formé en exposant l'agent de refroidissement CO2 aux conditions atmosphériques, moyennant quoi la cassette (406) est pourvue d'un
moyen de couplage magnétique (51, 53), et moyennant quoi le pistolet de chargement
et la tête d'aspiration sont séparés spatialement et sont tous deux pourvus de moyens
de couplage magnétique spatialement séparés, moyennant quoi ladite tête d'aspiration
(3) et ledit pistolet de chargement (2, 301) sont connectés séparément à la cassette
(406) et sont connectés séparément magnétiquement à la cassette par l'intermédiaire
des moyens de couplage magnétique (51, 53), moyennant quoi le pistolet de chargement
(2, 301) est pourvu d'une sortie comprenant une tuyauterie séparée (323, 333) et d'ouvertures
de sortie (302, 303), moyennant quoi la cassette (406) comprend au moins deux chambres
de refroidissement adjacentes (404, 405) séparées par un élément de séparation (454)
et au moins une chambre de collecte (451) devant lesdites chambres de refroidissement
(404, 405) pour la collecte de CO2 gazeux, et moyennant quoi les ouvertures de sortie séparées (302, 303) sont alignées
pour une connexion fluidique entre les chambres de refroidissement séparées, et comprenant
une étape consistant à introduire ledit pistolet de chargement (2, 301) au moins partiellement
dans l'élément de séparation (454).
14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, dans lequel le retrait de CO2 gazeux et l'introduction de l'agent de refroidissement CO2 sont effectués séparément, simultanément et/ou subséquemment.