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Title:
THE DISPOSAL OF A CADAVER OR CARCASS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/138494
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A method, apparatus and system for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass is disclosed. The method comprises placing the cadaver or carcass in a chamber; introducing a mass of fly larvae into the chamber sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains, and removing the remains from the chamber for disposal.

Inventors:
MELLOR MEREDYTH (GB)
TWEEDIE DAVID (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2018/050201
Publication Date:
August 02, 2018
Filing Date:
January 24, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MELLOR MEREDYTH (GB)
TWEEDIE DAVID (GB)
International Classes:
A22B7/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO1992000258A11992-01-09
WO1998047828A11998-10-29
Foreign References:
DE19625676C11997-10-30
US4040810A1977-08-09
ES2331452A12010-01-04
US6391620B12002-05-21
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GILL JENNINGS & EVERY LLP (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . A method for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass, comprising:

placing the cadaver or carcass in a chamber;

introducing a mass of fly larvae into the chamber sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains; and,

removing the remains from the chamber for disposal.

2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising regulating the environment within the chamber to control at least one of temperature, humidity and oxygen level.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising regulating the environment within the chamber after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed in order to cause desiccation of the set of remains.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising increasing the temperature within the chamber to at least 100eC, preferably at least 120eC, and further preferably at least 135eC after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising decreasing the temperature within the chamber to below at least -20 °C, preferably below at least -40 °C, after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of remains comprises the skeleton of the cadaver or carcass and fly pupae.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising separating one or more foreign bodies from the set of remains.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising mechanically processing the set of remains to reduce them to powder form.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mass of fly larvae introduced into the chamber is dependent on at least the mass of the cadaver or carcass.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mass of fly larvae is introduced in a single batch.

1 1 . The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fly larvae are members of the family Calliphoridae or the family Stratiomyidae.

12. The method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the fly larvae are one of the following species: calliphora vicina, lucilia sericata, hermetia illucens and calliphora vomitoria.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mass of fly larvae is such that the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass are substantially completely consumed within a single generation of said larvae.

14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of processing off-gas released during the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass by the fly larvae in order to reduce the amount of ammonia gas within the off-gas.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the processing comprises introducing an acid to the off-gas.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the step of processing the off- gas further comprises passing the off-gas through at least one gas filter, preferably a carbon filter.

17. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber is maintained at a temperature of between 4qC and 34 °C, preferably between ~\ 9 °C and 30 °C whilst the cadaver or carcass is being consumed.

18. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass are substantially completely consumed over a period of between 24 and 168 hours, preferably between 24 and 96 hours.

19. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber is a coffin or a casket.

20. An apparatus for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass, comprising:

a chamber for receiving a cadaver or carcass and a mass of fly larvae sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains;

at least one heater and at least one temperature sensor adapted to regulate the temperature within the chamber during the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass;

a gas processing system in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to process off-gas released during the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass by the fly larvae in order to reduce the amount of ammonia gas within the off-gas, and;

a milling unit operable to mechanically process the set of remains to reduce them to powder form.

21 . The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one heater is adapted to increase the temperature of the remains after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21 , further comprising a refrigeration unit adapted to cool the remains after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed.

23. The apparatus of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the gas processing system comprises an acid reservoir and means for introducing acid from the acid reservoir to the off-gas.

24. The apparatus of any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the gas processing system comprises at least one gas filter, preferably a carbon filter.

25. The apparatus of any of claims 20 to 24, further comprising a separation unit adapted to separate foreign bodies from the set of remains.

26. A system for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass, comprising:

a chamber for receiving a cadaver or carcass and a mass of fly larvae sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains;

at least one heater and at least one temperature sensor, and:

a computer program product comprising computer executable instructions provided on a computer readable medium that when executed perform the steps of:

regulating the environment within the chamber to control at least the temperature within the chamber, and;

increasing the temperature within the chamber after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed such that any pathogens and fly pupae within the set of remains are substantially destroyed.

Description:
THE DISPOSAL OF A CADAVER OR CARCASS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for the environmentally sustainable disposal of a cadaver or carcass. The invention is particularly directed towards the disposal of human bodies, although it has other applications and may be directed towards the disposal of any animal carcass.

Background to the Invention

Burial has long been a common method of disposing of human bodies (and in some cases animals), and is used worldwide in many different cultures. Burial is often chosen out of respect for the deceased and to bring "closure" for loved ones, as well as for religious reasons.

However, there are now severe shortages in the amount of land available for burial, particularly in urban areas. The re-use of graves is common, but can bring about sensitive moral issues and does not address the serious environmental impact. The slow anaerobic decomposition of a buried cadaver causes leachate, as well as pollutants such as embalming fluid and mercury amalgam, to seep into percolating ground water, which can subsequently contaminate the water table and the seas. This is a particular problem if the surrounding ground water is used as a water source. Burial also ties up land for protracted periods and with the increasing population, burial is fast-becoming prohibitively costly and thus unviable.

Cremation, where a cadaver is burned at a high temperature in order to reduce it to basic chemical components, is a well-established and widely-used alternative to burial. Cremation overcomes some of the problems of burial outlined above; however, it does have its own disadvantages. For example, cremation requires high temperatures in order to achieve complete combustion and is therefore energy intensive. Large volumes of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, dioxins, furans, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful emissions are also released into the atmosphere. Additionally, cremation can cause heavy metal pollution, originating for example from mercury used in dental work present in the cadaver, or medical implants (which are becoming more common). The human body is comprised of more than 70% water and burning is, arguably, a highly inefficient form of disposal.

There is therefore a requirement to overcome the above problems whilst maintaining respect and dignity for the deceased body. Examples of such alternatives include Promession® and Resomation®. In the Promession concept, the cadaver is cooled using liquid nitrogen until it becomes very brittle, and the cadaver is then vibrated vigorously until it breaks up into small pieces. In Resomation, strong alkali is used to break down tissue matter, the liquid is flushed down the drain and the remaining bones are then crushed. However, these alternatives, among others, have had very limited success to date.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass, comprising: placing the cadaver or carcass in a chamber; introducing a mass of fly larvae into the chamber sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains; and, removing the remains from the chamber for disposal.

The invention has been developed to address the problems outlined above, and provides an efficient, ecologically sustainable, non-polluting and cost-effective method of disposing of a cadaver or carcass. It achieves an accelerated decomposition of the cadaver or carcass in order to leave a set of remains that may be disposed of in a dignified and respectful way. Furthermore, the remains may be returned to the natural cycle, for example being returned to the soil in order to restore nutrients therein.

Flies are insects of the order Diptera. The life cycle of a fly comprises four distinct stages: egg, lava, pupa and adult. Adult flies mate and lay eggs, and the life cycle begins again. Fly larvae (commonly known as "maggots") feed on organic matter before pupating and eventually metamorphosing into adult flies. Preferably, the mass of fly larvae introduced into the chamber is such that the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass are substantially completely consumed within a single generation of said larvae. In other words, the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass are substantially consumed by the time all of the larvae have pupated. This means that there is no need for adult flies to hatch, mate and lay eggs in order for future generations of larvae to continue consuming the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass. With no adult flies present, the process is as dignified, respectful and hygienic as possible.

Preferably, the fly larvae are members of the family Calliphoridae or the family Stratiomyidae, and may be one of the following species: calliphora vicina, lucilia sericata, hermetia illucens and calliphora vomitoria. It is envisaged that more than one species of fly may be used at once.

The mass of fly larvae introduced into the chamber is dependent on at least the mass of the cadaver or carcass. For example, the greater the mass of the cadaver or carcass, the greater the mass of fly larvae that is required to substantially completely consume the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass in one generation of larvae. Other variables that may affect the mass of larvae determined to be introduced into the chamber include the age and fat content of the cadaver or carcass.

Typically the method further comprises regulating the environment within the chamber to control at least one of temperature, humidity and oxygen level. This regulation is particularly important during the time that the fly larvae are consuming the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass, such that this is completed as efficiently as possible. The environment within the chamber is preferably measured by at least one sensor, and may be controlled through a feedback mechanism with, for example, at least one of a heater, a dehumidifier and a fan. Preferably the chamber is maintained at a temperature of between 4 q C and 34 °C, more preferably between ~\ 9°C and 30 °C whilst the cadaver or carcass is being consumed. More specifically, calliphora vicina larvae may be used at any temperature within the range 4 q C to 30 °C, with an optimum range of ~\ 9°C to 29 °C. Lucilia sericata larvae may be used at any temperature within the range 5°C to 30 °C, with an optimum range of 19 °C to 30 °C. The optimum temperature range for hermetia illucens larvae is 27 °C to 32 °C. Typical relative humidity values are in the range of 50% to 70% although these values may vary during the process (typically varying over a first half of the process and decreasing thereafter).

It typically takes between 24 and 168 hours (i.e. between 1 and 7 days) for the fly larvae to substantially completely consume the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass, dependent on the temperature, the mass of the cadaver and the species of larvae used. Preferably, the larvae may substantially completely consume the soft tissues in a time of between 24 and 96 hours, and the mass of fly larvae introduced may be altered according to the desired time frame. Other variables affecting the time taken to substantially completely consume the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass include the age and fat content of the cadaver or carcass. Typically, a lower fat content and higher age can slow down the process.

The method preferably further comprises regulating the environment within the chamber after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed in order to cause desiccation of the set of remains. Here the term "desiccation" has its usual meaning such that moisture in the set of remains is substantially removed in order to leave a set of substantially dry remains. In order to cause the desiccation, the environment within the chamber is heated through use of a heater in order to cause evaporation of moisture.

The method may comprise increasing the temperature within the chamber to at least 100 e C, preferably at least 120 e C, and further preferably at least 135 e C after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed. The increasing of the temperature within the chamber may be performed by a heater, and is typically carried out subsequent to the desiccation process, if a desiccation process is carried out. The increase of the temperature to at least 100 e C, and preferably at least 120 e C ensures that pathogens present in the set of remains are substantially destroyed. In cases of prion contamination provision may be made so the temperature may be raised to above at least 135 e C, typically 137 e C. The heater is preferably a heat jacket surrounding at least part of the chamber.

Alternatively, the method may further comprise decreasing the temperature within the chamber to below at least -20 °C, preferably below at least -40 °C, after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed. Such a decreasing of the temperature within the chamber is typically performed by a refrigeration unit and is typically carried out subsequent to the desiccation process, if a desiccation process is carried out. The decreasing of the temperature weakens the structure of the remains, preparing them for being reduced to powder form, typically in a milling process.

The change in temperature (either increasing or decreasing) ensures that any pupae within the chamber do not hatch into adult flies, ensuring that the process is as dignified as possible. Furthermore, the prevention of pupae hatching into adult flies provides an acceptable working environment for any manual operators present.

As described above, the mass of fly larvae introduced into the chamber is preferably such that the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass are substantially completely consumed within a single generation of the larvae and, therefore, the set of remains typically comprises at least the skeleton of the cadaver or carcass, fly larvae and may include some fly pupae. The remains may further comprise teeth and hair of the cadaver or carcass. In particular, the set of remains may comprise one or more foreign bodies. Here, the term "foreign body" is used to describe an object that was not naturally present in the cadaver or carcass. Examples of such a foreign body include pacemakers, artificial limbs, metal rods and pins and dental work artifacts such as dental amalgam. In the case where the set of remains includes one or more foreign bodies, the method preferably further comprises separating the one or more foreign bodies from the set of remains. This may be performed by an eddy current generator for example, or carried out manually by an operator.

Preferably, the method comprises mechanically processing the set of remains to reduce them to powder form. Particularly preferably, such mechanical processing is carried out after any foreign bodies have been removed from the set of remains such that the resulting powder form is natural and may be recycled back into nature if desired. Here the term "powder" is used to mean particulate matter, which may have a fine or a coarse particle size. Typically the mechanical processing of the set of remains is performed by a milling apparatus.

During the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass by the fly larvae, "off-gases" such as ammonia and methane are produced. Ammonia gas in particular is especially odorous and may create an unpleasant and potentially hazardous environment within or around the chamber. Preferably therefore, the method may include the step of processing off-gas released during the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass by the fly larvae in order to reduce the amount of ammonia gas within the off-gas. Typically this comprises reducing the concentration of the ammonia gas present within the off- gas. Such processing of ammonia gas advantageously reduces any unpleasant odours within or surrounding the chamber, thereby ensuring that the process is as dignified as possible. Furthermore, ammonia gas is toxic and the processing of the off-gas in order to reduce the amount of ammonia gas ensures that the environment is clean and safe, particularly for any manual operators present.

Typically the processing of the off-gas comprises introducing an acid to the off- gas, typically an acid solution. The reaction of the acid with the ammonia gas generates ammonium salts, which may by recycled, for example through use as fertilizer. Although 1 Normal sulphuric acid solution is preferably used, other acids may be introduced to the ammonia gas, for example organic acids such as citric, oxalic, etc., or other mineral acids such as nitric, phosphoric, etc. Different acids produce fertilisers of different chemical composition. Other concentrations of acid may also be used such that ammonium salts are produced and the amount of ammonia gas within the off-gas is reduced.

The processing of the off-gas may further comprise passing the off-gas through at least one gas filter, preferably a carbon filter. Such a gas filter may be operable to remove further odorous gases such as methane to provide further odour control. The gas filter may remove gases through adsorption. Alternatively or in addition, other types of filter may be used, for example high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters, ionic filters and/or UV filters.

The method may comprise cremating the set of remains. Here the term "cremating" has its usual meaning and is performed through an efficient burning process, typically at temperatures of at least 850 e C. Preferably any foreign bodies are removed from the set of remains before the cremation is performed.

The cadaver or carcass is placed in typically a coffin or a casket, and the larvae may be introduced into the coffin or casket, typically in one batch. The coffin or casket may be placed in an environmentally controlled capsule prior to the introduction of the larvae. Such a capsule may be bio-secure meaning that, once closed, any pathogens or gases released during the process are confined within the capsule and not able to pass to the external environment. Likewise, contamination from the outside, during the process, is also prevented. The interior volume of such a capsule is large enough to completely house the coffin and any gas processing apparatus such that the consumption of the cadaver by the larvae is confined within the capsule. The capsule may generally take the form of a pod, although other geometries are envisaged, such as a cylindrical or cuboidal geometry. The capsule is typically manufactured from polypropylene, metal or ceramic but may be manufactured from any suitable material.

Alternatively, the cadaver or carcass may be introduced directly into such a capsule, for example wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and may be laid on a compostable bed of sawdust, straw or wood shavings within the capsule. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass, comprising: a chamber for receiving a cadaver or carcass and a mass of fly larvae sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains; at least one heater and at least one temperature sensor adapted to regulate the temperature within the chamber during the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass; a gas processing system in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to process off-gas released during the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass by the fly larvae in order to reduce the amount of ammonia gas within the off-gas, and; a milling unit operable to mechanically process the set of remains to reduce them to powder form.

Typically, the at least one heater is adapted to increase the temperature of the remains after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed. The temperature is typically increased to at least 100 e C, preferably at least 120 e C, and further preferably at least 135 e C in order to substantially destroy any pathogens in the remains.

The apparatus may further comprise a refrigeration unit adapted to cool the remains after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed. The refrigeration unit is typically adapted to cool the remains to a temperature of below at least -20 e C, preferably below at least - 40 e C. Such cooling advantageously weakens the structure of the remains in preparation for milling.

The gas processing system typically comprises an acid reservoir and means for introducing acid from the acid reservoir to the off-gas. The acid is typically in the form of an acid solution. The acid reacts with ammonia gas present in the off- gas in order to form ammonium salts, thereby advantageously reducing the amount of ammonia gas present in the off-gas. The gas processing system may further comprise at least one gas filter, typically a carbon filter. Such a gas filter is operable to filter out undesirable gases from the off-gas (such as methane and carbon dioxide), typically by adsorption. Alternatively or in addition, other types of filter may be used, for example high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters, ionic filters and/or UV filters.

The apparatus may further comprise a separation unit adapted to separate foreign bodies from the set of remains.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass, comprising: a chamber for receiving a cadaver or carcass and a mass of fly larvae sufficient to consume substantially completely soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass over time thereby to leave a set of remains; at least one heater and at least one temperature sensor, and: a computer program product comprising computer executable instructions provided on a computer readable medium that when executed perform the steps of: regulating the environment within the chamber to control at least the temperature within the chamber, and; increasing the temperature within the chamber after the soft tissues of the cadaver or carcass have been substantially completely consumed such that any pathogens and fly pupae within the set of remains are substantially destroyed.

The method, apparatus and system of the present invention may be used for the disposal of a cadaver or carcass. It is envisaged that the method may be used for the dignified and respectful disposal of a human body, as well as for use in farming. For example, a plurality of carcasses (such as pig carcasses) may be introduced into the chamber and larvae added as described above. The remains may then be advantageously used as fertilizer. In the farming implementation, the present invention provides a particular benefit over conventional methods of carcass disposal which include storing carcasses in a "bin" until collection, which may mean leaving carcasses untreated for days at a time. The present invention therefore beneficially may prevent the spread of diseases and provides a far quicker and efficient method of carcass disposal. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in relation to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred example apparatus for performing the method of the invention;

Figure 2 is a flow diagram outlining the steps of a preferred example of the invention,

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a further example apparatus for performing the method of the invention, and;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration showing an example ammonia abatement section in more detail.

Detailed Description

The following description is directed to the disposal of a cadaver, although it will be understood that the invention may also be used for the disposal of any carcass.

A preferred example of the invention will now be described with reference to the schematic illustration of a preferred apparatus seen in Figure 1 , and the flow diagram of Figure 2.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating an example apparatus 100 of the invention in more detail. The apparatus comprises an environmentally controlled capsule 1 , with access to the capsule 1 provided by a bio-secure door 25. The capsule 1 is constructed from polypropylene, metal or ceramic and is typically cylindrical or "pod-like" in shape. The interior volume of the capsule 1 is large enough to receive and fully contain a coffin 10 with a gas processing system 40 (described below) attached.

The internal temperature of the capsule 1 is controlled by a heater 7. Sensors 31 , 32 and 33 monitor the environmental conditions (such as temperature, oxygen level and humidity) within the capsule. The sensors are in communication with a computer 19 which controls the heater (schematically show at 7) such that the environmental conditions within the capsule 1 may be controlled during the process. The heater is typically in the form of a heat jacket surrounding at least a part of capsule 1 , or coffin 10. Although three separate sensors 31 , 32, 33 are show in Figure 1 , fewer than three, or more than three, sensors may be used, as will be understood by the skilled person.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram outlining the steps of a preferred example of the invention.

At step 201 the cadaver is placed in a purpose-adapted coffin 10. The coffin is typically manufactured from biodegradable cardboard or mycelium board. At step 202 the coffin containing the cadaver is introduced into an environmentally controlled capsule 1 through bio-secure door 25. The bio-secure door, when closed, seals the interior of the capsule 1 from the outside environment.

At step 203, the quantity, by weight, of fly larvae and the process parameters (such as the environmental conditions within the capsule 1 , and the length of time that the larvae are to remain within the coffin prior to desiccation) are determined. Specifically, the determined quantity of larvae is such that the larvae will consume the soft tissues of the cadaver - leaving behind substantially a skeleton, hair and teeth and any foreign bodies such as medical implants - in one generation of larvae. In other words, the soft tissues of the cadaver will be substantially consumed by the determined mass of larvae by the time all of the larvae have pupated such that the hatching of flies (and therefore subsequent life cycles) are not required in order to consume substantially all of the soft tissues of the cadaver. The quantity of fly larvae and the process parameters required will generally vary according to at least the weight of the cadaver and the specific fly larvae used.

The weight of the cadaver is typically measured before being placed in the coffin 10 in order that the amount of fly larvae and the process parameters may be determined. Alternatively or in addition, the capsule 1 may comprise a weighing unit and communicate the mass of the cadaver to the computer 19, for example over a wireless network. Data including personal identification is entered into the computer 19 (typically by a manual operator), and this information may also or alternatively be logged in writing, in duplicate, with one copy placed in a secure, watertight container/wallet attached to the exterior of the capsule 1 .

Fly larvae from either the family Calliphoridae or the family Stratiomyidae are used, depending on geographical location of the capsule and the local climate. Generally Calliphoridae are used in cooler climates and Stratiomyidae used in hotter climates. Although other species may be used, the preferred species of Calliphoridae include calliphora vicina, lucilia sericata and calliphora vomitoria with hermetia illucens being a preferred species of Stratiomyidae.

The environmental conditions required within the capsule 1 are determined by the species of fly used. In particular, calliphora vicina may be used at any temperature within the range 4°C to 30 °C, with an optimum range of ~\ 9°C to 29 °C. Lucilia sericata may be used at any temperature within the range 5°C to 30 °C, with an optimum range of 19°C to 30 °C. The optimum temperature range for hermetia illucens is 27 °C to 32 °C. The length of time that the larvae will be introduced into the coffin (i.e. the length of time it takes for the larvae to substantially consume the soft tissue of the cadaver) is typically between 24-168 hours, and optimally between 24-96 hours. This length of time depends upon at least the mass of the cadaver. If it is desired to shorten the process time, an increased mass of larvae may be introduced in order to speed up the consumption of the soft tissues of the cadaver but this approach has its limits.

Once the quantity of fly larvae and the process parameters are determined, at step 204 the fly larvae are introduced into the coffin. Typically, the determined quantity of larvae is introduced in one batch (i.e. all of the individual larvae are introduced substantially simultaneously), although in some embodiments the larvae may be introduced at different times in order to provide increased control over the decay of the cadaver. Once the fly larvae have been introduced into the coffin, at step 205 the coffin 10 is connected to a gas processing system, shown generally at 40. The gas processing system 40 comprises a hollow tube 41 having a substantially circular or ellipsoidal cross section (although other cross section geometries are envisaged) that extends between first and second opposing ends 10a, 10b of the coffin 10. In some embodiments the hollow tube may extend between the first end 10a of the coffin and a vent to the environment external to the capsule 1 . The coffin 10 is attached to the gas processing system 40 by connecting the ends 10a, 10b of the coffin to the hollow tube 41 . The tube 41 is in fluid communication with the interior of the coffin and is sealed where it meets the coffin 10 such that gases produced during the breakdown of the cadaver by the fly larvae (such as ammonia, methane etc.) are contained within the coffin 10 and the tube 41 . Mesh 51 having a pitch smaller than the size of an individual lava is typically positioned at the connection points between the coffin and the tube 41 in order to prevent larvae entering the tube.

Gases such as ammonia and methane produced during the process are particularly odorous and create an unpleasant environment within the capsule 1 . The gas processing system 40 is operable to contain these gases, and to provide odour control and ammonia abatement and therefore ensure that the process is as dignified as possible.

The gas processing system 40 is operable to remove ammonia gas produced during the breakdown of the cadaver by converting it to ammonium salts, gas processing system 40 comprises an ammonia abatement section shown generally at 48. The ammonia abatement section is shown in more detail in Figure 4. The ammonia abatement section 48 comprises a length of hydrophobic gas permeable tubular membrane 46 defining an interior region 46a, and positioned to maximise its surface area within the tube 41 . The membrane comprise a plurality of micropores that allow the diffusion of ammonia gas from the coffin into the interior region 46a, and may comprise, for example, PTFE, ePTFE, polypropylene, polypropylene-backed ePTFE laminates, nylon- backed ePTFE laminates or polyethylene-backed ePTFE laminates. An acid reservoir 43 containing 1 Normal sulphuric acid solution is fluidly connected to the interior region 46a by supply lines 47a, 47b (typically manufactured from Tygon® polymer tubing), and sulphuric acid from the acid reservoir is introduced into the interior region 46a of the tubular membrane 46 by pump 45. The pump 45 continuously circulates the sulphuric acid between the acid reservoir 43 and the interior region 46a via supply lines 47a, 47b, with the direction of flow illustrated by the arrows in Figures 1 and 4. Therefore the acid is in closed loop communication with the interior region 46a. The sulphuric acid introduced into the tube reacts with the ammonia gas in order to produce ammonium sulphate, which is benign and can be recovered and recycled, for example as fertilizer. The continuous flow of acid through the ammonia abatement section 48 moves the salts to the acid reservoir 43. Although 1 N sulphuric acid is discussed in the present example, a wide range of acids and concentrations thereof may alternatively be used, as discussed in the summary of the invention section above. It is possible to recover up to 96% of ammonia produced in the coffin through the use of such an ammonia abatement section.

As shown in Figure 4, the portion of the tube 41 wherein the ammonia abatement section 48 is situated comprises a removable hatch 61 through which the supply lines 47a, 47b may be introduced to the tubular membrane 46. This allows for ease of maintenance of the gas processing system 40. Although Figures 1 and 4 illustrate the supply lines 47a, 47b entering the tube 41 from a bottommost part of the tube, any arrangement of the supply lines such that they direct acid flow through the tubular membrane 46 may be used.

"Recovery of Ammonia from Poultry Litter using Gas-Permeable Membranes",

Szogi et al., July 2010 provides further details of ammonia abatement methods that may be used in the present invention.

The gas processing system 40 also comprises a carbon filter schematically shown at 42 positioned within the tube 41 . Gas flows from the ammonia abatement section 48 and through the carbon filter 42. The carbon filter 42 is adapted to remove remaining gases within the tube 41 (such as methane and carbon dioxide) by adsorption, and therefore provides further odour control. Alternatively or in addition, other types of filter may be used, for example high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters, ionic filters and/or UV filters.

A fan 49 is provided within the gas processing system 40 and is operable to ensure that air flows through the tube 41 . In the example of Figure 1 , the fan is positioned within the tube 41 between the ammonia abatement section 48 and the carbon filter 42, and ensures that air flow, including the off-gases from the breakdown process, travels from a first end 10a of the coffin to the second end 10b (i.e. such that the gases pass through the ammonia abatement section 48 first). The air re-entering the coffin at 10b after passing through the gas processing system 40 comprises a smaller concentration of undesirable off- gases such as ammonia and methane. In some embodiments there may be a small HEPA filtered air intake point on the tube 41 , before the point where it rejoins the coffin at end 10b.

Furthermore, the gas processing system 40 comprises an inline dehumidifier 44 operable to control the humidity within the gas processing system. In some formats the dehumidifier may not be inline and may be connected separately to the coffin. The dehumidifier may also comprise added air purification functionality.

The gas processing system may be provided as a unitary member or may be provided as a plurality of separate parts that are fitted together.

At step 206 the conditions within the environmentally controlled capsule 1 (and therefore within the coffin 10 and gas processing system 40) are monitored and maintained in accordance with the process parameters determined at step 203. A heater 7 and temperature, oxygen level and humidity sensors 31 , 32, 33 positioned within the capsule 1 are used to ensure that the determined environmental conditions are maintained within the capsule 1 , and therefore within the coffin 10 and gas processing system 40, during the process. The heater may be a heat jacket positioned externally and surrounding at least a part of the capsule. Further sensors (not shown) may also be positioned within the coffin and/or within the gas processing system to provide increased accuracy of the monitoring within the coffin and gas processing system. During this time, the sensors 31 , 32, 33 monitor the conditions within the capsule 1 . Preferably, the sensors monitor the conditions continuously, although data may be acquired at intervals, for example every two minutes or every 10 minutes. The data from the sensors is communicated to the computer 19 and analysed with respect to the process parameters determined in step 203. If the conditions within the capsule 1 differ from the determined process conditions, the conditions within the capsule 1 are modified accordingly through at least heater 7 and the dehumidifier 44 positioned within the gas processing system 40. Therefore, the environmental conditions within the capsule 1 , the coffin 10 and gas processing system 40 are controlled through a feedback mechanism. In hot conditions, a working temperature will be maintained within the capsule 1 to ensure the fly larvae do not overheat.

Although the computer 19 is shown positioned outside the capsule in Figure 1 , it may be positioned within the capsule.

The live larvae consume the dead organic matter of the cadaver within the coffin 10, in a clean and highly efficient manner, converting the majority of the cadaver into energy output and larval mass. Once the larvae mature and stop growing, they search for a dry area to pupate but remain contained within the coffin 10. As explained above, the quantity of larvae has previously been determined such that at this stage, substantially all of the soft tissue and liquid of the cadaver will have been consumed by the larvae.

After a predetermined amount of time has passed since the larvae were introduced into the coffin (as determined at step 203), at step 207, as the reduction process slows, the dehumidifier 44 and heater 7 are used to desiccate the remains within the coffin. The desiccation process continues for between 4 and 24 hours depending on various factors including at least humidity levels as measured by the humidity sensor and the mass of the remains. The dehumidifier 44 and heater 7 can be controlled either manually or automatically in the desiccation process.

After the remains in the coffin have been dried during the desiccation process 207, the temperature within the coffin may be increased dramatically to at least approximately 121 e C (step 208a) using heater 7, or alternatively the temperature within the coffin may be decreased dramatically (step 208b) to approximately - 40 °C using an efficient refrigeration unit (not shown). The temperature change is maintained for 1 hour in order to ensure the destruction of most pathogens within the coffin 10 and capsule 1 , and to weaken the bone structure. In particular, the temperature change kills the larvae and pupae, ensuring that they will not hatch into adult flies. The prevention of the pupae hatching into adult flies ensures that the process of the invention is as dignified and hygienic as possible.

The capsule 1 may comprise a valve (not shown) that allows gas within the capsule 1 to vent to atmosphere in order to reduce the pressure within the capsule during the raising of the temperature. The valve is typically a quick release valve and may be operated manually or automatically.

After the desiccation and temperature change processes have occurred, the remains within the coffin 10 include substantially a skeleton, hair, teeth, dead larvae and pupae and, possibly, foreign bodies such as mercury amalgam, false limbs, pace makers and metal pins.

At the optional step 209, if the remains include foreign bodies, the remains are transferred to a separation unit shown schematically at 101 where the foreign bodies are removed and may be recycled. This separation can be achieved with an eddy current separator for example, or by an operator.

At step 210, once any foreign bodies have been removed, the remains are transferred to miller unit shown schematically at 102. If the remains do not include any foreign bodies, the remains may be transferred directly to the miller unit 102 after the temperature change step 208a, 208b. The miller unit 102 mills the remains to a fine powder with consistent particle size and the milled remains are placed in a final biodegradable container, such as an urn. The final (natural) remains are now ready for burial, scattering or keepsake.

In Figure 1 , the separation unit 101 and miller 102 are schematically shown as separate units external to the capsule 1 . However, they may be combined to form a single unit. Further, in some examples, at least one of the separator and miller may be located within the capsule 1 .

In the above description, the increase or decrease in temperature at step 208a/208b takes place within the capsule 1 . However, it is envisaged that, after the desiccation process 207 has taken place, the coffin 10 and remains may be transferred through an opening into a smaller capsule, typically located beneath the main capsule 1 before steps 208a/208b, 209 and 210 are carried out. The opening may be controlled automatically or manually, and in some embodiments may contain a miller.

After the desiccation process has taken place at step 207, optionally, the remains may be cremated in an efficient cremation process, typically at temperatures of at least 850 e C. Any foreign bodies are removed before such a cremation process. In the case where a cremation takes place, the cremation is performed in place of steps 208a/208b, 209 and 210.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternative apparatus 300 suitable for carrying out the method of the invention. The apparatus 300 is substantially similar to the apparatus 100 described with reference to Figure 1 , but is adapted to receive a cadaver which has not first been placed in a coffin.

The apparatus 300 comprises an environmentally controlled capsule 301 , access to which is provided through bio-secure door 325. The environmental conditions within the capsule 301 are monitored and controlled by sensors 331 , 332, 333, computer 319 and heater 307 in a feedback mechanism as described above with reference to Figure 1 .

The cadaver (shown schematically at 302) may be wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and is placed in a basket 310. The basket 310 is supported above the floor of the capsule 301 by a stand 31 1 , although alternatively the basket may be placed on the floor of the capsule.

Fly larvae are introduced to the basket 310 and substantially completely consume the soft tissues of the cadaver 302. During this process, off-gases such as ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide are emitted, as described above. The gas processing system 340 of apparatus 300 for processing this off-gas differs from that seen in Figure 1 due to the "open" nature of the process within the capsule 301 , although the same general concepts are used.

Off-gas emitted during the breakdown process diffuses upwards (as indicated by arrows 360) towards the gas processing system shown generally at 340. Although the gas processing system may be located in any position, the filters are protected from larval encroachment by fine mesh (not shown). The gas processing system 340 comprises an ammonia abatement system 348 comprising a hydrophobic gas permeable membrane 346 positioned, in this case, above the basket 310. The gas permeable membrane may be in the form of a cylinder or have a substantially planar form, and defines an interior region 346a into which gas diffuses through the membrane 346. 1 N sulphuric acid stored in an acid reservoir 343 is continuously pumped through the interior region 346a of the ammonia abatement system 348, such that ammonium salts are formed and transferred to the acid reservoir 343. The acid is in closed loop communication with the ammonia abatement system 348 by means of pump 345 and supply lines 347a, 347b.

Once the off-gas has flowed through the ammonia abatement system 348, it flows into tube 341 . A fan 349 positioned within the tube 341 ensures that the off-gas flows along the tube 341 , which further comprises a carbon filter 342 to further remove off-gases such as carbon dioxide and methane through adsorption, and a dehumidifier 344 operable to control the humidity within the gas processing system 340. The processed off-gas travels along the tube 341 and exits the capsule 301 via vent 360, or alternatively may be re-introduced into the interior volume of the capsule 301 . Alternatively or in addition, a HEPA, ionic and or UV filter may be used within gas processing system 340.

The heater 307 is operable to increase the temperature within the capsule 301 in order to perform the desiccation (step 207) and to subsequently increase the temperature within the capsule (step 208a) in the same manner as described above in relation to Figure 1 . A refrigeration unit may be included in order to decrease the temperature to at least -40 e C (step 208b) as described above. The temperature change is maintained for 1 hour in order to ensure the destruction of most pathogens within the capsule 1 , and to weaken the bone structure. In particular, the temperature change kills the larvae and pupae, ensuring that they will not hatch into adult flies. The prevention of the pupae hatching into adult flies ensures that the process of the invention is as dignified and hygienic as possible.

The capsule 301 may comprise a valve (not shown) in order to reduce the pressure within the capsule during the raising of the temperature. The valve is typically a quick release valve and may be operated manually or automatically.

The apparatus 300 also comprises separation unit 302 and miller unit 303 in the same manner as apparatus 100 illustrated in Figure 1 .

As described above, a cremation process may optionally be performed after the desiccation process has been carried out, taking the place of steps 208a/208b, 209 and 210.