FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of preservation of grains and particularly to methods and apparatus for treatment of grains without use of chemicals.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly, if referenced, is prior art.
[0003] Safe storage of food grains has remained a big challenge for individuals, farmers, Food Business Operators (FBOs) and the Government. Food-grain damage in storage causes huge financial and social loss for the country. Several techniques have been used conventionally to address this use. The most traditional approach being drying of food grains in sunlight. This technique however may be applied only in summer when adequate heat is available. Furthermore, it also involves high labour cost, need for clear outdoor space, risk of contamination by insects and birds, limited curative results and extending the process to a large number of days. Such a treatment is also practically difficult in urban areas.
[0004] Another conventionally used technique of treating grains involves dispersing grains from a tray and subjecting the falling grains to hot air. This technique cannot ascertain whether each grain has undergone the heat treatment and also does not guarantee the temperature and time for which each grain has been treated. The flow of grains through the hot air draft is difficult to control. This treatment besides being crude cannot be used for different types of grains since it is difficult to customize. The equipment used for the generating hot air can be quite noisy.
[0005] Cocoons offer an alternate solution for storage of grains. Grains need to be prepared for storage, complex technique involves use of carbon dioxide gas and incurs high initial cost. Limited life of a cocoon causes substantial recurring cost. Partial withdrawal of grains from the storage is not possible and pest infestation cannot be seen during the storage period. Practical difficulties of operation have not made this storage technique very popular.
[0006] For guaranteed defunct of pests, storage of food grains is generally based on use of hazardous chemicals which is not permitted in organic supply chains. Use of chemicals such as Aluminum Phosphide creates problems of chemical residues in food-grains, health hazards during application, quality and taste issues. Also, a separate exercise is required to remove dead remains of the pests.
[0007] There is therefore a need to develop effective methods for treatment and preservation of grains without use of chemicals.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains without use of chemicals.
[00010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains that can be applied across various grain types.
[00011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment of grains that has a preventive as well as curative effect.
[00012] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment of grains that is in compliance with norms of certification for organic supply chains.
[00013] A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment of grains that involves negligible running cost.
[00014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment of grains that does not affect nutrition quality, taste of food or germination of grains.
[00015] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy efficient apparatus for treatment of grains.
[00016] One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a portable apparatus for treatment of grains.
[00017] An additional object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for treatment of grains such that the treated grains have no withholding period and can be used any time after treatment.

SUMMARY
[00018] Farmers who keep grains as seed for next year, Food Business Operators (FBOs) and consumers at home all face issues with storing of food grains and try to tackle this through hazardous chemicals. The present disclosure aims to provide an apparatus and method for treatment and preservation of grains without the use of chemicals. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus that comprises a perforated chamber made of non-hazardous material like stainless steel or aluminium which can receive grains to be treated via at least one inlet. Perforated chamber, in accordance with the disclosure, can be supported on a main shaft disposed at a pre-determined angle to permit flow of treated grains towards at least one outlet in the perforated chamber. A drive assembly can be provided to rotate perforated chamber about main shaft at a pre-determined speed and a first pre-determined time. A conditioning device such as a humidifier, a de-humidifier, a heating device or a combination thereof can be provided to maintain at least the perforated chamber at a pre-determined temperature for a second pre-determined time. A control device can be configured to control drive assembly and conditioning device.
[00019] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treatment and preservation of grains that comprises introducing pre-determined quantity of grains to be treated into perforated chamber as described herein above, rotating perforated chamber about its axis along main shaft at pre-determined speed and for first pre-determined time and maintaining at least perforated chamber at pre-determined temperature for a second pre-determined time.
[00020] Other features of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from accompanying drawing and from detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[00021] In the Figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[00022] An apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains and method of operation thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of accompanying drawing, in which:
[00023] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00024] The apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains and method of operation thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing wherein the main components are generally referenced as indicated.
[00025] The embodiment herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiment in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[00026] The description hereinafter, of the specific embodiment will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiment herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiment. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[00027] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary apparatus (100) for treatment and preservation of grains wherein perforated chamber (104) can receive grains at an inlet (not particularly indicated). Main shaft (106) supports perforated chamber (104) at a pre-determined angle to permit flow of treated grains towards an outlet (not particularly indicated). Perforated chamber (104) can be rotated at a pre-determined speed and for a first pre-determined time by drive assembly (108). Conditioning device (112) can maintain perforated chamber (104) at pre-determined temperature for a second pre-determined time. Control device (120) can control drive assembly (108) and conditioning device (112) to provide optimized environment for treatment and preservation of grains.
[00028] The method of treatment and preservation of grains, in accordance with an embodiment comprises introducing a introducing a pre-determined quantity of grains to be treated into perforated chamber (104) supported at a pre-determined angle to permit flow of treated grains towards at least one outlet provided therein; rotating perforated chamber (104) about its axis at a pre-determined speed and for a first pre-determined time; and maintaining at least perforated chamber (104) at a pre-determined temperature for a second pre-determined time to provide optimized environment for treatment and preservation of grains. In accordance with the present disclosure, optimum environment that maintains food quality of grains but kills/defuncts pests including eggs and larvae is applied on grains under controlled environment.
[00029] In accordance with an embodiment, perforated chamber (104) can be a cylindrical perforated chamber.
[00030] In accordance with an embodiment, hopper (102) can be coupled to inlet to receive grains in perforated chamber (104).
[00031] In accordance with an embodiment, drive assembly (108) can be a pulley arrangement driven by a motor. An exemplary embodiment illustrated shows main pulley (114) and motor pulley (116) coupled by V-belt (118) driven by motor (110) constituting drive assembly (108).
[00032] In accordance with an embodiment, grain outlet tray (128) can be coupled to outlet of perforated chamber (104) to collect treated grains. The collected grains can be either stored for later use or treated further depending on requirement. For instance, the treated grains can be further roasted or dried as required. Alternatively, the pre-determined temperature can be selected to roast or dry the grains received in perforated chamber (104).
[00033] In accordance with an embodiment, an upper cap (124) and a lower cap (126) can be provided to perforated chamber (104) at the inlet and outlet respectively. Lower cap (126) can be opened by handle (122) provided therein to enable flow of treated grain into grain outlet tray (128).
[00034] In accordance with an embodiment, residue tray (130) can be configured to collect residue discharged from perforations provided in perforated chamber (104). Perforations are sized such that they are big enough to discharge pests but small enough to prevent grains from getting discharged or blocking the perforations. Pests when treated tend to detach from the grains and get discharged easily from suitably sized perforations.
[00035] In accordance with an embodiment, first pre-determined time for which perforated chamber (104) is rotated can be equal to second pre-determined time for which perforated chamber (104) is maintained at pre-determined temperature. First pre-determined time and second pre-determined time can be defined based on the grain type being treated.
[00036] In accordance with an embodiment, at least one of first pre-determined time and second pre-determined time can be in the range of 1 to 4 minutes.
[00037] In accordance with an embodiment, pre-determined temperature for which perforated chamber (104) is maintained can be in the range of 55 deg. C to 60 deg. C.
[00038] In accordance with an embodiment, the steps of rotation of perforated chamber (104) once the grains are introduced and maintaining perforated chamber (104) at optimized environment can be initiated and controlled either manually or automatically.
[00039] In accordance with an embodiment, conditioning device (112) can be humidifier, dehumidifier, heating device or a combination thereof. Heating device, in accordance with an embodiment, can be at least one of heating coils and heating lamps.
[00040] The apparatus (100) can be mounted on wheels such as caster wheels (132) to make it portable.
[00041] The apparatus of the present disclosure can be powered by electric energy, solar energy, wind energy, Power Take Off (PTO) or a combination thereof.
[00042] The apparatus of the present disclosure can be customized for the desired quantity and type of grains.
[00043] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary variation of apparatus (100) can comprise a chamber or room for bulk storage. Such chamber can be provided with conditioning device that can maintain chamber at pre-determined temperature for third pre-determined time. Chamber can be further provided with control device that can either manually or automatically control conditioning device to provide optimized environment for treatment of grains. Treated grains can be further processed through other means for filtering out defunct pests or residue. Such chamber is particularly suitable for bulk storage of grains without use of chemicals.
[00044] In accordance with an embodiment, chamber for bulk storage can be metallic, puffed or concrete chamber.
[00045] In accordance with an embodiment, third pre-determined time can be in the range of 1 to 4 minutes and pre-determined temperature can be in the range of 55 deg. C to 60 deg. C.
[00046] In accordance with an embodiment, the method of the present disclosure can be adapted for use in silos for bulk storage and preservation of grains.
[00047] The method and apparatus of the present disclosure can provide much a needed solution to individuals, farmers, BFOs, the government and society in general for preserving food grains.
[00048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[00049] The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[00050] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements, as the use may be in one of the embodiments to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
[00051] The numerical values, if mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
[00052] The process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously, in parallel, or concurrently.
[00053] In addition to the embodiments and examples shown, numerous variants are possible, which may be obvious to a person skilled in the art relating to the aspects of the invention.

CLAIMS:I Claim:

1. An apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains comprising:
(i) a perforated chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, said chamber configured to receive grains to be treated via said at least one inlet;
(ii) a main shaft configured to support said perforated chamber at a pre-determined angle to permit flow of treated grains towards said at least one outlet;
(iii) a drive assembly configured to rotate said perforated chamber about said main shaft at a pre-determined speed and for a first pre-determined time;
(iv) a conditioning device configured to maintain at least said perforated chamber at a pre-determined temperature for a second pre-determined time; and
(v) a control device configured to control said drive assembly and said conditioning device to provide optimized environment for treatment and preservation of grains.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a hopper coupled to said at least one inlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a grain outlet tray co-operating with said at least one outlet to collect the treated grains.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a residue tray configured to collect residue discharged from perforations constituting said perforated chamber.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said perforated chamber is a cylindrical perforated chamber.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first pre-determined time is equal to said second pre-determined time.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first pre-determined time and said second pre-determined time is in the range of 1 to 4 minutes.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pre-determined temperature is in the range of 55 deg. C to 60 deg. C.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conditioning device is at least one of a humidifier, dehumidifier and a heating device comprising at least one of heating coils and heating lamps.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly is a pulley arrangement driven by a motor.

11. An apparatus for treatment and preservation of grains comprising:
(i) a chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, said chamber configured to receive grains to be treated via said at least one inlet;
(ii) a conditioning device configured to maintain said chamber at a pre-determined temperature for a third pre-determined time; and
(iii) a control device configured to control said conditioning device to provide optimized environment for treatment and preservation of grains.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said third pre-determined time is in the range of 1 to 4 minutes.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said pre-determined temperature is in the range of 55 deg. C to 60 deg. C.

14. A method for treatment and preservation of grains comprising:

(i) introducing a pre-determined quantity of grains to be treated into a perforated chamber supported at a pre-determined angle to permit flow of treated grains towards at least one outlet provided therein;
(ii) rotating said perforated chamber about its axis at a pre-determined speed and for a first pre-determined time; and
(iii) maintaining at least said perforated chamber at a pre-determined temperature for a second pre-determined time to provide optimized environment for treatment and preservation of grains.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of collecting the treated grains from said at least one outlet for either storage or further treatment.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of collecting residue discharged from perforations constituting said perforated chamber.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the steps of rotating and maintaining are initiated and controlled either manually or automatically.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of said first pre-determined time and said second pre-determined time is in the range of 1 to 4 minutes.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein said pre-determined temperature is in the range of 55 deg. C to 60 deg. C.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein said first pre-determined time is equal to said second pre-determined time.