Field studies

Field studies and laboratory trials - a summary

Disinfestation with cold is a well documented method,(references at the bottom of the page). The efficiency increases if the temperature drops quickly. CTS Technologies has developed a method to achieve low temperatures rapidly. The method is free from environmental, worker and consumer concerns. The mechanism behind the cooling and the construction of the equipment forms the base of CTS Technologies patent protection. 

Studies - documents

Specific trial documentation can be found in our Documents section.
 
 
Important steps in the development of Cryonite

Initial industrial test
Work at the Institute for Engineering Research
Chalmers University of Technology; Theoretical inquiry
Carbon Dioxide - Report
Insects and cold tolerance. Literature searching
CO2 levels in room air
Field test 1. Carbon dioxide as a method for pest control
Report; Lab. 4. (Part of the base for patents)
CO2 – Cool and effects on flour
CO2 – An estimation of consumption
Field test 2. Cryonite as a method for industrial pest control
Cooling in typical geometric structures

Laboratory trials have confirmed the conclusions from scientific literature. The speed of freezing and the achieved minimum temperature are both essential for a safe disinfestation. The results of the studies mentioned above show that the Cryonite concept is both effective and competitive when used in practice.

Tests in Typical Geometric structures

Indoors, insects often settle in cracks and crevices, or other narrow and/or complicated geometric structures. Some of these areas are not possible to disinfest with conventional methods due to poison-related risks or because they are not within reach. In order to evaluate disinfesting efficiency under controlled conditions representative geometries were constructed. These trials identified important demands on the equipment that are essential for an efficient killing.
One example of such a structure, where killing can be obtained through the whole structure, is a double curved stainless tubing (diameter 40 mm, length 2500 mm). Other examples of investigated structures are deep, narrow slits and plane surfaces.
CTS Technologies thus aquired a thorough knowledge about using carbon dioxide snow for pest control in these difficult areas - where it counts.

Summary of field tests

The field tests were carried out in food industry during 1999-2001, in cooperation with professional staff of pest control. The actions have always been followed up to confirm the results.
The aim of these studies was to evaluate transportation ability, the potential for disinfestation and users convenience with the equipment. Other reasons to perform these investigations were to evaluate working methods and to map out demands from users regarding equipment and handling of gas.

Results and conclusions

Laboratory trials resulted in strong patent protection.
Well-defined users demands from professional staff of pest control were mapped. The Cryonite equipment was considered as comfortable and fast to work with.
Conventional methods were forbidden in several of the sites that could be treated with Cryonite.
No production stops were necessary, which equals to economic benefits.
Since the production is running while the pest control takes place, communication and coordination with staff at companies are made easier. This generated "soft" values thanks to growing interest and awareness in hygienic and other related matters.
The amounts of used gas was measured in different applications. As an example very small gas containers can be used to treat critical points.

References:

• Skytte, T. Bekaempelse af Museumskadedyr ved nedfrysning. Naturhistorisk museum, Århus 1993.
• Dohino, Toshiyuki et al. Low temperature as an alternative to fumigation for disinfesting stored products. Research Bulletin, Plant.
• Åkerlund, M et al. Från silverfisk till hälsorisk. LTs förlag, Stockholm 1998.
• Subramanyam, B, Hagstrum, D. Alternatives to pesticides in stored product IPM, Kluwer Academic Publishers 2000.
• Troller, J. Sanitation in Food Processing, Academic Press, 1983.