ASF biosecurity — thermal disinfection of livestock trailers (Sputnik System)
The Sputnik System is a thermal disinfection unit for livestock transport vehicles: it forces large volumes of air above 75°C into the trailer and holds that level for 15–20 minutes, inactivating the African swine fever virus throughout the entire volume — including micro-crevices that chemical agents never reach. The heaters can be fuelled with biogas from an on-farm digester, cutting the cost of a single cycle to a minimum. The system was designed and implemented by Clima Line engineers.
Why transport is the critical point of biosecurity
Losses in pig farming and meat processing caused by African swine fever run into millions, and the trailers and containers moving between farms, abattoirs and collection points are the main vector of transmission.
The problem with chemical disinfection is that its effectiveness depends on surface cleanliness, ambient temperature, contact time and operator diligence. Thermal disinfection removes those variables: temperature and hold time are measurable, repeatable and can be recorded automatically as proof for veterinary inspection.
Advantages over conventional methods
- Full volume coverage — hot air reaches gaps, joints and structural voids that pressure washing and spraying cannot.
- Measurable and documented process — temperature and hold time are recorded for every cycle.
- Low operating cost — heaters can run on biogas from the farm’s own digester.
- No chemicals — no consumables, no post-disinfection effluent, no corrosion of the trailer body.
Where it applies
- pig farms and livestock loading points,
- abattoirs and meat processing plants,
- transport bases of hauliers specialising in livestock,
- poultry farms and cattle operations — the same technology works against other heat-sensitive pathogens.
What the implementation covers
We deliver the installation turnkey: analysis of volume and throughput of the disinfection point, heater capacity and fuel source selection, station design including structure, installation, automation with parameter logging, and operator training. After commissioning the installation is covered by our industrial HVAC service.
Case study
A detailed English-language description of the implementation: Sputnik System — thermal disinfection of trailers against the ASF virus.
Frequently asked questions
How long does disinfecting one trailer take?
Holding the parameter itself takes 15–20 minutes. Total cycle time depends on the starting temperature of the vehicle and the heater capacity selected for the site’s throughput.
Does the process damage the trailer?
No. Unlike chemical disinfection, hot air does not corrode the body panels or fittings. Working temperatures stay well within the tolerance of standard livestock transport structures.
Can the process be documented for veterinary inspection?
Yes — automation records temperature and hold time for each cycle, which gives verifiable evidence that the required regime was met.
Considering thermal disinfection at your site?
Tell us about your throughput and the vehicles you handle — we will size the installation and prepare a quotation. Call +48 32 450 56 66 or write to biuro@clima-line.pl.