Abstract: The invention relates to a chamber for use in a fumigation method to produce a fumigant gas mixture and supply it to a circulatory loop gas flow system gas. The chamber is adapted to receive fumigant gas generation device and includes:an inlet port controlled by an inlet valve,an outlet port controlled by an outlet valve,a flushing gas inlet controlled by a flushing gas inlet valve for connection to a source of inert gas,a vent valve, andaccess means openable for access to its interior from a position outside of the fumigation space.The chamber forms part of the loop gas flow system when connected to ends of a gas duct. The invention further relates to a method of fumigating a bulk commodity in an enclosed fumigation space wherein the fumigant gas mixture is generated in the chamber as well as to use of the chamber in such a fumigation method.

Abstract: The invention serves to prevent or delay the formation of undesired phosphine levels in packages in which phosphine releasing compositions (in particular hydrolysable metal phosphides) are packaged and stored and in environments to be fumigated during the period of introduction of phosphine-releasing compositions. This is brought about by maintaining in the immediate vicinity of the composition a zeolite having a pore width from 0.3 nm upwards, preferably 0.4 to 1.5 nm and an adsorbtive affinity for moisture or phosphine or preferably both. The zeolite is employed either as a separate item in the package or as part of the composition, admixed or as a coating. In a mass ratio of metal phosphide to zeolite are from 1:0.05 to 1:2. The adsorption of phosphine to the zeolite is reversible and on exposure to an environment to be subjected to pest control, the zeolite will release the adsorbed phosphine by replacement by atmospheric humidity.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for protecting or preserving stored commodities, in particular bulk commodities such as agricultural produce, e.g. grain, against deterioration by pest action, comprising the introduction into and maintenance in the commodity in a substantially gas-tight enclosure of a pesticidal atmosphere comprising carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is admitted to the bottom of the storage space so slowly that it spreads out as evenly as possible in the bottom region, being mixed as little as possible with the air or like gas originally contained in the storage space and then displacing that air or gas progressively in an upward direction, to be vented to the atmosphere from the top of the space until the space is filled entirely with carbon dioxide in a predetermined concentration range. This range can be monitored and regulated automatically. Excess gas is vented through vent pipes, a slight back pressure being created by non-return flaps or throttles.

Abstract: A process and equipment for disinfecting bulk foods or animal feeds on a ship are described. According to this process, either before beginning to fill the cargo hold or when beginning the loading operation, a fumigation system is placed in the cargo hold and includes line sections that extend from the loading hatch to the bottom of the hold and are provided with gas passages at least in the vicinity of the bottom of the hold, and after filling the cargo hold, the end of the fumigation system which projects cut of the bulk material is connected to a centrifugal fan and the preparation which releases the gas is placed on in the surface of the bulk material and the fan is turned on and the cargo hold is sealed so that it is airtight. By operating the fan, the gas is pulled out of the gas space above the bulk material and directed into the bulk material from the bottom through the fumigation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus or plant for preparing a disinfestation or disinsection fluid which contains an inert fluid and phosphine obtained from the hydrolysis of a water-decomposable metal phosphide. According to the invention to the inert fluid H.sub.2 O is added, the inert fluid/H.sub.2 O mixture brought into contact with the metal phosphide for the reaction and the resulting disinfestation fluid separated from the solid reaction residue. The mixture of inert fluid and H.sub.2 O is brought to react either in liquid or in gaseous state with the metal phosphide. A simple method of preparing the disinfestation fluid resides in that in an opened pressure container (1) calculated amounts of metal phosphide (2), solidified inert fluid (3) and water ice (4) are layered over each other in that order, the pressure container (1) closed and a temperature equalization with the ambient temperature allowed to take place.

Abstract: In a ship having a hull, a loading hatch, and a cargo hold which has a bottom and may contain a bulk material and a preparation that releases a pesticide, a device for disinfecting the bulk material comprising line sections of a total link which may be adjusted to the height of the cargo hold and a mechanism for detachably mounting the line sections to the ship. The line sections are joined together and have a first end portion disposed at the bottom of the cargo hold and a second end portion disposed in the vicinity of the loading hatch. The first end portion of the joined line sections have a plurality of gas openings and the second end portion of the joined line sections is connected to a centrifugal fan so that the pesticide-enriched air may be circulated through the bulk material.

Abstract: A package for the application of a fumigant material includes a first sheet having a plurality of recesses for receiving a fumigant in pellet or tablet form in each recess and a second sheet one side of which is coated with an adhesive which is applied over the openings and surrounding surface area of the first sheet and adhered thereto by heat and pressure; the material of the sheet is a spun bonded polyester which permits ingress of moisture containing atmosphere. The release of the toxic gas produced by the moisture induced decomposition of the pellets takes place at a much higher effective rate than has been the case with previous packages for similar material.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a toxic material in tablet form includes a support member for a container for the toxic tablets which has an interior chamber including a dispensing wheel which is rotatable by means of an external handle to bring openings containing a tablet sequentially into registration with a dispensing channel in the container support member; an external handle actuates the dispensing wheel and also an agitation axle which extends through the support member into a container mounted thereon.

Abstract: A pest control product is provided from a metal phosphide particle coated with a water soluble coating that has been rendered water repellent. The coating also contains a material which will chemically or physically disintegrate to cause apertures in the coating to provide access for water to the phosphide particles.

Abstract: The phosphide of aluminum or magnesium is prepared by a process comprising reacting the finely divided metal or an alloy of both metals with yellow phosphorus at a temperature between 300.degree. and 600.degree. C. in an inert gas atmosphere and in the presence of a catalyst which is chlorine, bromine or iodine or a compound of such element with phosphorus, sulfur, hydrogen, ammonium, zinc or of the metal which is being reacted.

Abstract: Storage stable, quickly acting tablets for combatting vertebrates living preponderantly in underground structures are provided consisting of a mixture of commercial magnesium phosphide and at least one molding aid placed in a cavity depending on the size of the tablet in a water vapor impermeable, tear and break resistant film covered with a water vapor impermeable, non-tear resistant, non-break resistant film, the two films being sealed together tightly against water vapor and air at their edges.