OBJECTIVES

The goal of our work was to develop a new device for producing beehive air condensation. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: a) to carry out research of scientific publications, carry out a patent search, review the catalogues of leading manufacturers of equipment, existing technologies and devices for the production of beehive air condensate; b) to develop an experimental model of the device; c) to produce a prototype of the pre-laboratory test device; d) to analyze the condensate content of the obtained condensate according to the results of laboratory tests.

CASE

During the life of the bee colony, it produces a certain amount of metabolites and biologically active substances, some of which are contained in the air of the bee nest. Slessor et al., (2005) noted that complex interactions characteristic of social insects requires complex speech based on specialized chemical signals that provide deeper complexity and more nuanced syntax than previously thought. The study demonstrated the importance of complexity, synergy, context and dose mediated through the spatial and temporal distribution of pheromones, and revealed an unprecedented wealth of identified semi chemicals and functions.

Hunt et al., (2003) found a new component of the alarming pheromone (3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl acetate), which was only present in significant quantities in samples of Africanized bees.

Le Conte et al., (1990) noted that ten fatty acid esters identified in honey bee larvae just before sealing the brood were tested to determine their effect on bee cell sealing. It is known that these compounds: metyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate and metyl linolenate are involved in attracting mites (Varroa jacobsoni) to the breeding cells just before sealing.

Princen et al., (2019) queen bee pheromones, which signal the presence of the queen bee and encourage worker bees to remain sterile, play a key role in regulating the reproductive division of labor in insect societies. In the 1950s, they were found to be derived from the mandibular glands of the queen bee containing a mixture of five main compounds: semi volatile carboxylic acids (2E)-9-oxo-dec-2-enoic acid (9-ODA) and both enantiomers. (2E) -9-hydroxydec-2-enoic acid (9-HDA), plus two aromatic substances, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (HOB) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethanol (homovanillyl alcohol, HVA).

It is known that the humidity of the air of the bee nest in the active period ranges from 35 to 95%, and the temperature ranges from +33 to +35 оС.

Kaplan et al., (2019) it was identified thirty-seven fatty acids in bee pollen, and among them palmitic, stearic, arachidic, oleic, eicosenoic, erucic, and linoleic acids were the most common in all specimens.

Brovarskyi V. D. (2017) proposed a technology for obtaining a bee nest air condensate. It involves the use of an external device to condense moisture from the honey bee nest by connecting the hives by means of pipelines connected to the dehumidifier. As follows from the analysis result of the obtained condensate, the following substances were revealed and identified: C12:0 (lauric acid), 3-OH-C12:0 (3-OH-lauric acid), C14: (myristic), a-i C15:0 (a-i pentadecanoic acid), C15:0 (pentadecanoic), 3-OH- C14:0 (3-OH-myristic), C16:1 (palmitic), C16:0 (palmitic), cis C18:1 (vaccenic), C18:0 (stearic).

Today, apitherapy uses an approach that involves inhalation through special devices of hive air. At the same time, research on its composition is quite limited.

MATERIALS-METHODS

Development, research and testing of the device were carried out in the conditions of the forest steppe zone of Ukraine on bee colonies of the Ukrainian breed, which are located in a stationary apiary of Baryshivka Raion, Kyiv Oblast. They were kept in Dadant-Blatt hives during 2018-2019.

The analysis and synthesis of scientific information was performed using the Torraco (2005) method using the Springer scientific metric base and the Google Scholar search tool.

The focal object method was used to develop an experimental device. The condensation frame was based on a standard narrow-wide frame of 30 x 40 mm wooden bars (Krupa, V. V., Lytvyn, O. V. (2016).

The device was modelled (Fig.1) using the COMPAS-3D v19.0.16 software by solid modelling method (Requicha, 1980; Requicha, Voelcker, 1982).

RESULTS

Based on the results of the modelling, a device for further testing and evaluation of the effectiveness of design solutions was designed (Fig. 1) and manufactured (Fig. 2, 3).

The condensation frame was based on a standard narrow-wide frame of 30 x 40 mm wooden bars (see fig.). The top of the device has one inner cover to which a wooden four-sided body of 30 x 10 x 12 cm is attached. Two parts of the condensation screen (Fig. 1, mark 5) are connected with the aluminium anodized profile with the aid of bolts. On one side the screen is covered with felt for insulation. Holes have been made in the felt to accommodate the thermocouples. After that, two aluminium units of the water heat removal system of thermocouples were attached to the screen from the same side. This approach made it possible to cool the screen to the dew point without the use of movable elements. A corresponding hole was made in the condensation screen, where an electric thermometer sensor was installed to control the temperature of the condensation screen. The screen of the thermometer itself is led into the water-cooling unit. The condensation screen was integrated into the skeleton of the frame and connected to the cooling system unit. The unit of the cooling system of the thermocouples has a water tank, a mini water circulation pump and a radiator for heat dissipation of water heated by thermocouples. A tray was installed in the lower part of the condensation screen for collecting hive air condensate. To prevent the bees from coming into contact with the elements, condensate and condensation screen, the condensation frame is covered on both sides with a protective polypropylene mesh.

The developed device is patented, a patent № 129535 Condensation frame to reduce humidity inside the hive and extract condensate: Ukraine.

One of our water samples using a condensation frame was investigated by gas chromatography (Fig.4) with mass spectrometry (Agilent 6890 GC 5973N GC/MSD 7683 Autosampler) and the following substances were identified: Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl); Dodecanoic acid, methyl ester; Methyl tetradecanoate; Methyl 13-methyltetradecanoate; Methyl 12-methyltetradecanoate; Pentadecanoic acid, methyl ester; Tetradecanoic acid, 5,9,13-trimethyl-, methyl ester; Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester; Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; Hexadecanoic acid, 15-methyl-, methyl ester; Hexadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester; Heptadecanoic acid, methyl ester; Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester; Octadecanoic acid, 10-methyl-, methyl ester; Nonadecanoic acid, methyl ester; Eicosanoic acid, methyl ester; Heneicosanoic acid, methyl ester; Docosanoic acid, methyl ester; 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester; Heneicosane, 11-decyl-; Heptacosane; Tricosanoic acid, methyl ester; Heptacosane; Tetracosanoic acid, methyl ester; Eicosane; Nonacosane; Hexacosanoic acid, methyl ester; Heneicosane, 3-methyl-; Tricosane; (2-Methyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-yl)-acetic acid, phenyl ester; Cyclotrisiloxane, hexamethyl-; Hexacosane; Octacosane; 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, 4-dodecyl dimethyl ester; 1H-Indole, 1-methyl-2-phenyl-; 5(1H)-Azulenone, 2,4,6,7,8,8a-hexa hydro-3,8-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-, (8S-cis)-. Further identification and research of substances that were detected and their possible source of origin was performed on the following bases: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/; https://webbook.nist.gov/. The obtained results were processed for further research paper.

Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the condensation frame

1 water heat removal system; 2 frame; 3 protective grid; 4 Peltier thermocouples; 5 condensation screen; 6 power supply; 7 tray; 8 electronic thermometer

Fig. 2 The manufactured device in profile

Fig. 3 The manufactured device in full face

Fig. 4 Chromatogram according to the results of condensate research

Fig. 5 Placing the condensation frame in the hive

Fig. 6 Placing the condensation frame in the hive (2)

Fig. 7 Condensation formation on the screen of the device

DISCUSSION

A new device for obtaining beehive air has been designed and manufactured. Given the structural features of the condensation frame, it is placed in the hive as a normal beehive frame (Fig. 5). All elements that come into contact with the condensate (condensation screen and tray) from the installation to the extraction from the nest are in the beehive air medium. The condensation frame does not require significant time to prepare it for use. All work is performed in the same way as a beekeeper does the usual work with beehive frames during the inspection of the bee colony. After the device is installed and incorporated into the network, the thermocouples cool the condensation screen to the dew point and below. As a result, the moisture condenses. Condensate drops roll down and accumulate in the tray (Fig. 7). At the same time, the cooling system ensures that the heat is transferred from the other side of the condensation screen to the outside of the hive space (Fig. 5, 6) with subsequent scattering under the hive cover.

CONCLUSIONS

Prospects for further research include the study of the beehive air content of bee colonies in different climatic conditions. It is also necessary to study the change of beehive air composition in the context of the active season. The study of beehive air sources will give a more thorough understanding of the functioning of the bee colony and the pheromone composition of the beehive air.

REFERENCES

Slessor, K. N., Winston, M. L., & Le Conte, Y. (2005). Pheromone communication in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). Journal of chemical ecology, 31(11), 2731-2745. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-005-7623-9

Hunt, G. J., Wood, K. V., Guzmán-Novoa, E., Lee, H. D., Rothwell, A. P., & Bonham, C. C. (2003). Discovery of 3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl acetate, a new alarm component in the sting apparatus of Africanized honeybees. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 29(2), 453-463. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022694330868

Le Conte, Y., Arnold, G., Trouiller, J., Masson, C., & Chappe, B. (1990). Identification of a brood pheromone in honeybees. Naturwissenschaften, 77, 334-336. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01138390

Princen, S. A., Oliveira, R. C., Ernst, U. R., Millar, J. G., van Zweden, J. S., & Wenseleers, T. (2019). Honeybees possess a structurally diverse and functionally redundant set of queen pheromones. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 286(1905), 20190517. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0517

Kaplan, M., Karaoğlu, Ö., & Silici, S. (2019). An Evaluation on Bee Bread: Chemical and Palynological Analysis. Mellifera, 19(1), 21-29. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/810714

Torraco, R. J. (2005). Writing integrative literature reviews: Guidelines and examples. Human resource development review. 4(3). 356-367. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484305278283

Krupa, V. V., Lytvyn, O. V. (2016). Application of associative methods of technical creativity in the design of technical systems [Zastosuvannia asotsiatyvnykh metodiv tekhnichnoi tvorchosti pry proektuvanni tekhnichnykh system]. Ternopol. Vektor. 28 (in Ukrainian). http://elartu.tntu.edu.ua/bitstream/123456789/19436/1/Krupa_V_Zastosuvanna%20asociatyvnych%20metodiv.pdf

Requicha, A. A. G., Voelcker, H. B. (1982). Solid Modeling: A Historical Summary and Contemporary Assessment. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications. 2(2). 9-24. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCG.1982.1674149

Requicha, A. G. (1980). Representations for Rigid Solids: Theory, Methods, and Systems. ACM Computing Surveys. 12(4). 437-464.

Броварский В. Д. (2017) Идентификация органических компонентов воздуха пчелиного гнезда. Forumul naţional al apicultorilor cu participare internaţională "Realizări şi perspective în apicultură", dedicat aniversării a "100 ani de la naşterea distinsului savant Veaceslav Harnaj", 1-2 decembrie 2017 / coord., red.şt.: Nicolae Eremia. – Chişinău: S. n., 2017 (Tipogr. "Print-Caro"). –102 p.: fig. color, tab.

Condensation frame to reduce humidity inside the hive and extract condensate: patent № 129535 Ukraine: MPK A01K47/06, A01K49/00. №u201808629; declared 09.08.2018; published 25.10.2018, Bul. № 20. (in Ukrainian)