WO2002057431A1 - Formulation used to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in general and, in particular, animal remains, method for the preparation thereof and applications - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a formulation that is a homogeneous aqueous suspension containing enzymes, a colorant and a stabilising agent and having a pH of 5 - 8.5. Said formulation is prepared by mixing the different components by shaking at a temperature of between 10 and 30ºC and, if necessary, adjusting the pH of the suspension obtained to the desired value. Said formulation is suitable for the agricultural and livestock sector for the decomposition of organic matter.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

ACCELERATORY FORMULATION OF THE DECOMPOSITION OF ORGANIC MATTER IN GENERAL ¥ OF ANIMAL REMAINS IN PARTICULAR, PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION AND APPLICATIONS. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention falls within the biochemical products industry and its applications.

More especially, the present invention provides a new enzyme-based formulation that significantly accelerates the process of decomposition of dead animal remains, which has important industrial applications in general and especially in the livestock and agricultural industry and in the processing industries of the meat (for example, in slaughterhouses). STATE OF THE PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION

The elimination of the remains of animals and viscera that are generated in various industrial processes has always been a tremendous problem for both the private companies that generate them, as well as the Public Administrations.

But these days, this concern has increased to unsuspected limits with the appearance of diseases such as the Swine Plague, and above all, the so-called mad cow disease (Spongiform Encephalopathy), constituting a problem of global interest and with great alarm social about it.

Although the causes of these diseases are being investigated, and corrective measures are put in place to prevent the emergence of new outbreaks, the truth is that more and more infected animals appear or are suspected of being infected that must be slaughtered. This increases the need to remove these bodies quickly, effectively, safely and preferably in the most natural way possible, to avoid environmental pollution. The most common systems and methods currently used for the destruction of remains of dead animals are the following: a) Treatment of such remains with alkalis: The alkalis normally used are calcium hydroxide

(Ca (OH) ₂ ) and soda (NaOH). These products act fundamentally by drying out the rest of the animal, but without breaking it down completely, so it can remain for years constituting an environmental threat. On the other hand, these products are themselves very aggressive for the environment due to their strong corrosive nature. b) Incineration of these remains: The incineration consists of burning the animal rest until it is reduced to ashes. This method allows organic matter to be completely destroyed, but in return it generates a large amount of polluting fumes into the atmosphere. It is also a technique with high energy expenditure that makes it considerably expensive. Both drawbacks make incineration an unfeasible technique for most common cases. c) Burial of said remains: The burial of animal remains without other prior treatment, allowing the animal to slowly decompose naturally, results in leachates of high pollutant load that pose a high environmental and public health risk, which is why it is usually prohibited by most administrations in developed countries. Therefore, said burial method is not an acceptable solution to the problem posed. It is obvious from the previous exposition that there is still a need for an effective and safe method, both from an environmental and public health point of view, for the decomposition of animal remains.

Well, the applicant has directed his research efforts in this line to reach a formulation that has been especially suitable to achieve the accelerated decomposition of animal remains without at all posing an aggression for the environment, nor entailing any risk to public health. Said formulation, as well as its preparation procedure and its applications, constitute the main object of the present patent application, which is described in detail in the following sections of the present specification. As can be easily seen, after the full reading of this report, the formulation of the present invention constitutes a novel, perfect and natural solution to the problem posed, the applicant not knowing the existence of another formulation or similar system that solves the problem of complete destruction of animal remains that are causing so much damage and costs for this industrial sector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as indicated in its statement, refers to an accelerating formulation of the decomposition of organic matter in general and of animal remains in particular, the process for its preparation and its applications.

The accelerating formulation of the decomposition of animal remains is essentially characterized by being an aqueous suspension of enzymes, which has the following composition:

COMPONENT QUANTITY (% weight / weight)

Concentrated base enzyme solution 2-30

Coloring 0, 5-5

Stabilizer 0, 5-5

Water 60-97

The concentrated enzyme base solution is characterized by being a highly concentrated aqueous solution of enzymes that has the following composition:

ENZYMES Quantity (% weight / weight)

Proteases 1-20

Lipases 1-20

Amylases 1-20

Cellulases 1-20

Water c.s.p. 100%

Said concentrated enzyme base solution is obtained from cultures of bacteria producing them, through a complex process of isolation, concentration and stabilization thereof. The dye's sole mission is to give a more commercially attractive appearance to the final formulation of the invention. OPACIFIER 621 ^ H is preferably used, which is a 0.1% aqueous styrene solution (P / p) according to the manufacturer's specifications. It is also possible to use traces of other dyes that provide a certain color to the final formulation, preferably red.

The stabilizer has the main function of providing a stable solution of enzymes with an acceptable duration for storage, marketing and use, taking into account that enzymes are highly reactive and easily degradable biochemicals. The stabilizer that is preferably used in the formulation of the present invention is propylene glycol, which also acts as a good diluent of the mixture and lowers the freezing point thereof.

In addition to the use of the stabilizer, it is necessary that the formulation of the invention be maintained at a pH between 5 and 8.5 which is the range within which the enzymes remain unchanged. Inside of the The scope of the present invention includes the possibility of using a suitable buffering medium in the formulation that allows maintaining the pH within said values, whenever necessary. The water used for the preparation of the formulation may be tap water, but preferably distilled water is used.

In accordance with the foregoing, the formulation of the invention is a liquid, generally white (or reddish), with a characteristic odor, with a pH of 5-8.5, non-flammable, soluble in water in all proportions, with a boiling point of 100SC + 1SC and a density of 1.015 + 0.01 g / cm ³ , which has a storage stability of approximately one year. The process for the preparation of the formulation of the invention comprises the following phases: a) Introduce into a reactor (of the form and size appropriate to the amount of formulation to be prepared) provided with a stirring system, the necessary amount of water, while said stirring system is activated; b) slowly add, at a temperature of 10-302C, the above indicated amount of concentrated enzyme base solution, stirring being maintained until a homogeneous mixture is achieved; c) incorporate the indicated amount of stabilizer, continuing stirring; d) introduce the dye, continuing the stirring until the homogeneous suspension of all the components is achieved, to obtain the desired formulation; e) perform a pH measurement of the formulation thus obtained, to check if it is within the predefined range of 5-8.5, adjusting it with an acid or a base if necessary. For pH adjustment acid can be used Citrus or potash. Likewise, a buffer system can be incorporated to control said pH within the established limits.

As can be seen, the formulation of the present invention contains as active ingredients natural enzymes of the hydrolase type, present in living organisms and also in freshly killed organisms, whose mission is to catalyze the biochemical reactions of protein breakdown or degradation. (proteases), lipids (lipases), polysaccharides in general and starch in particular (amylases) and celluloses (cellulases).

These enzymes, among other functions, are responsible for activating the processes of degradation and decomposition of a dead organism carried out by the decomposing bacteria, until their complete disintegration.

These facts constitute the foundation of one of the main applications of the formulation of the present invention which consists precisely in its use for the decomposition of animal remains in an accelerated manner, with respect to the speed of natural decomposition, thanks to the high concentration of enzymes of said formulation. Within the context of the present invention, "animal remains" means dead whole animals, any part of their body, bones, any of their viscera and all offal that may come from it, for example, all those generated in slaughterhouses and cutting rooms. Hence, the formulation of the invention and its use in the complete disintegration of animal remains has a great industrial interest, especially in the agricultural and livestock sector.

However, the invention can be applied to any type of organic matter that is susceptible to Enzyme catalyzed disintegration and needs to be treated before discharge into the environment.

The treatment of these materials with the formulation of the present invention is carried out in sealed containers, for example, waterproof pits filled with water and at room temperature. In a few days, organic matter or animal remains have completely disappeared.

Schematically, the process of natural decomposition of said materials by the action of decomposing bacteria can be represented by the following scheme:

"MATERIAL TO DECOMPOSE" + ENZYMES

of decomposing bacteria

["MATERIAL TO DECOMPOSE" -ENZIMA]

DECOMPOSITION PRICE + ENZYMES

According to this scheme, it is easy to understand that the formulation of the invention, due to its high enzymatic concentration and high stability, acts on the proteins, fats, oils, starch and cellulose present in the organic matter to be decomposed, catalyzing the reaction. of decomposition caused by decomposing bacteria, significantly accelerating it, that is, greatly increasing the speed of the reaction phases involved in the process, namely:

* Enzymatic rupture: The organic molecule to be degraded is broken into pieces by the action of the enzyme that he has noticed them;

* Metabolism: The decomposing bacterium metabolizes the piece of organic molecule, transforming it mainly into C0 ₂ and H ₂ 0, and the enzyme which repeats the process returns to the environment.

As a result of this process, which, as already indicated above, is carried out in an aqueous medium and in airtight containers, a residual liquid product is obtained whose analysis shows that it can be reused as it is as fertilizer, or undergo a simple process of purification for subsequent discharge into the environment without causing any environmental impact.

Therefore, the formulation of the present invention constitutes a revolutionary and highly ecological product that supposes a perfect and natural solution to the serious problem of the destruction of animal remains and organic matter in general, said formulation being easy to use, being exempt of risks and guaranteeing total control of the complete decomposition process. In accordance with the foregoing, the formulation of the invention has among others the following advantages with respect to the methods currently used for the same purposes:

* No bad smell is generated during the decomposition process.

* The natural decomposition process is significantly accelerated.

* The residual products of the process are totally biodegradable and have utility as fertilizers. * The complete degradation of organic matter is achieved, avoiding the use of aggressive chemicals (for example, lime, soda, etc.), or incineration with the problem of polluting fumes.

* The formulation of the invention is an easy to use product whose composition is not corrosive Not dangerous

* It is a perfect solution for the destruction of high-risk organic debris, such as animals affected by the mad cow syndrome, swine fever, etc.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is further illustrated by the following Examples, which are not intended at all to be restrictive of its scope. EXAMPLE 1

This example illustrates the quantitative composition of a formulation according to the invention.

- Concentrated base enzyme solution: Component Quantity (Kg)

Protease 5

Lipase 5

Amylase 5

Cellulase 5 Distilled water 80

(for a total of 100 kg of base solution).

- Formulation of the invention: Component Quantity (Kq) Concentrated base enzyme solution 30 Dye (Opacifier 621) 1

Propylene Glycol 1

Distilled Water 68

EXAMPLE 2 This example illustrates the process of preparing the formulation of the invention described in Example 1 above.

In a 200-liter stainless steel reactor equipped with a three-bladed mechanical stirrer, 68 kg of distilled water was introduced into the time the agitator was connected. The 30 Kg of concentrated enzyme base solution was then added slowly and after complete addition stirring was continued for a further 1 h. Then 1 Kg of propylene glycol and 1 Kg of Opacifier 621 was added while stirring the mixture, stirring being continued for another half hour, to obtain the desired formulation. Finally, it was confirmed that its pH was within the range of 5 to 8.5 (specifically 8.0), so it was not necessary to add any other component to correct it. EXAMPLE 3

This example illustrates the more specific application of the formulation of the invention.

A dead cow weighing 600 kg was placed in a 3 m long x 2 m wide x 2 m high waterproof pit and completely covered with running water. Then the formulation of the invention was added in a proportion of 1 liter thereof for every 200-250 kg of animal weight to be decomposed. It was allowed to be, watching daily that the water completely covered the animal which was completely disintegrated or decomposed in a period of 35 days.

Claims

1.- Accelerating formulation of the decomposition of organic matter that is essentially characterized by being an aqueous suspension of enzymes that has the following composition: Component quantity (% weight / weight) Concentrated base enzyme solution 2-30 Colorant 0, 5-5 Stabilizer 0, 5-5 Water 60-97 and a pH between 5 and 8.5 2. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that said concentrated enzyme base solution has the following composition: Enzymes Quantity (% weight / weight) Proteases 1-20 Lipases 1-20 Amylases 1-20 Cellulases 1-20 Water c.s.p. 100% 3. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye is OPACIFIER 621 ^. 4. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye is a pigment that gives the mixture a red color. 5. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilizer is propylene glycol. 6. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that it can additionally incorporate an acid, a base or a buffer system to achieve the indicated pH. 7. Formulation according to claim 6, characterized in that said acid is citric acid. 8. Formulation according to claim 6, characterized in that said base is potash. 9. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a boiling point of 10. Formulation according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a density of 1,015 + 0.01 g / cm ³ . 11. Method for the preparation of a formulation as defined in the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the following operational phases: a) introducing said water into a reactor provided with a stirring system while said said stirring system; b) slowly add and at a temperature of said concentrated enzyme base solution, stirring is maintained until a homogeneous mixture is achieved; c) incorporate the stabilizer continuing stirring; d) introducing said dye continuing stirring until a homogeneous suspension of all components is achieved; e) measure the pH of the final formulation thus obtained, adjusting it if necessary to a value of 5-8.5. 12. Use of a formulation as defined in claims 1 to 10, in an accelerated decomposition method of organic matter. 13. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that said organic matter is an animal residue. 14. Use according to claim 13, characterized in that said animal residue is selected from the entire body of a dead animal, any part thereof, its viscera, bones or any dispossession thereof. 15. Use according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that said accelerated decomposition is carried out by immersing the matter, animal or part of the animal to be decomposed in water, in a sealed container, and adding said formulation, maintaining the contact thereof. with said animal matter or part thereof until its complete disintegration, leaving as a residue a non-polluting liquid product useful as fertilizer. 16. Use according to claim 15, characterized in that the formulation is used in a proportion of 1 liter thereof for every 200-250 kg of matter to be decomposed.