Apparatus for fumigating bulk-stored commodities

Abstract

An apparatus for placement of selected quantities of gas-producing solid fumigant at selected locations within the depth of a bulk-stored commodity within a storage compartment, such as grain loaded into the hold of a ship. The invention comprises a fabric sleeve projecting downwardly into the grain with a closed lower end at a selected depth, and an open filler pipe received into the sleeve through which a selected quantity of fumigant is poured. The filler pipe is withdrawn to leave the fumigant at a selected depth within the sleeve, whereupon the grain comprises against and closes upper unfilled sleeve portions thereby isolating the fumigant at a selected depth within the grain where it produces penetrating toxic gases to extreminate pests. In one form, the sleeve and filler pipe are inserted as an assembly to a relatively shallow depth within the grain subsequent to loading of the hold. In another form, the sleeve and filler pipe are sized to project for a substantial depth into the grain and are suspended in place prior to loading of the hold, with a guide tube being supported within a substantially upper region of the sleeve to define an open column through which the filler pipe may be withdrawn without compressive resistance from the grain. In either form, residue from the solid fumigant is contained within the sleeve for easy separation and removal from the grain for disposal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.