U.S. patent application number 12/934910 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for structure and method for the collection of an evaporated fluid.
Invention is credited to Joseph Ieardi.
Application Number | 20110088423 12/934910 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41112872 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ieardi; Joseph |
April 21, 2011 |
STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR THE COLLECTION OF AN EVAPORATED FLUID
Abstract
A structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid is
disclosed. The structure may include a reservoir for holding a
liquid. The reservoir may have an open end, and an enclosure
mounted about the open end of the reservoir for entrapping a fluid
evaporated from the reservoir. The enclosure may include a support
structure, and a tensionable covering supported by the support
structure. The structure also may include a collector for
collecting condensate from the covering, the collector being
mounted to the support structure, intermediate the support
structure and the covering, and oriented to receive condensate
moved by gravity along the covering. A tensioning apparatus may be
employed for tensioning the covering about the collector to
encourage the condensate to engage the collector. The condensate
may then be transported within the collector to a desired
location.
Inventors: |
Ieardi; Joseph; (Maple,
CA) |
Family ID: |
41112872 |
Appl. No.: |
12/934910 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA08/00583 |
371 Date: |
September 27, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/291 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 20/109 20180101;
B01D 5/0066 20130101; B01D 1/0035 20130101; Y02A 20/00 20180101;
E03B 3/28 20130101; Y02A 20/212 20180101; C02F 1/14 20130101; E04B
1/3205 20130101; B01D 5/009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/291 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/14 20060101
F25D021/14 |
Claims
1. A structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid, the
structure comprising: a reservoir for holding a liquid, the
reservoir having an open end; an enclosure mounted about the open
end of the reservoir for entrapping a fluid evaporated from the
reservoir, the enclosure including: a support structure; and a
tensionable covering supported by said support structure; a
collector for collecting condensate from the covering, the
collector being mounted to the support structure, intermediate the
support structure and the covering, and oriented to receive
condensate moved by gravity along the covering; and a tensioning
apparatus for tensioning the covering about the collector to
encourage the condensate to engage the collector.
2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the collector includes at
least one side defining a trough for receiving the condensate.
3. The structure of claim 2, wherein the collector includes a mount
attached to the at least one side, and the collector is made of a
resilient material, the collector resiliently exerting a force
against the covering when the covering is tensioned against the
collector by the tensioning apparatus.
4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the collector side defining a
trough is arcuate and has at least one edge defining an opening for
receiving the condensate, and the trough is mounted to the support
structure in an orientation to encourage the movement of condensate
into the opening.
5. The structure of claim 4, further comprising a spacer to inhibit
significant movement of the arcuate trough when the tensioning
apparatus is tensioned, and a portion of the edge is encouraged to
abut the tensionable covering to facilitate transmission of
condensate from the covering into the collector.
6. The structure according to claim 3, wherein the tensioning
apparatus is a ratchet and is mounted to the support structure.
7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the components of the
structure are collapsible.
8. The structure of claim 1, further comprising at least one fan
for encouraging formation of the condensate upon the covering.
9. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a movable sunlight
concentrator mounted to the support structure on a side opposite to
the covering.
10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a depth,
the enclosure is shaped to encourage condensate formed on an inside
surface of the covering to move by gravity from an upper portion of
the covering to a lower portion of the covering and into the
collector which is positioned outside of the reservoir and below
the depth of the reservoir.
11. The structure of claim 1, further comprising an inlet for
introducing a fluid to the reservoir, and the reservoir is made of
a continuous membrane which does not permit the transmission of a
fluid therethrough.
12. The structure of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is generally
rectangular and the enclosure is generally arcuate, spanning at
least two opposite sides of the reservoir.
13. The structure of claim 2, wherein the collector includes a
protrusion located adjacent to the covering for encouraging
condensate traversing the cover to enter the collector.
14. The structure of claim 13, wherein the protrusion is configured
to extend to touch the covering.
15. The structure of claim 14, wherein the protrusion is configured
to bias against the covering.
16. The structure of claim 14, wherein the protrusion forms a lip
that extends along an edge of the opening.
17. The structure of claim 16, wherein the lip curves away from the
opening for engagement with the cover.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a structure and method for the
collection of an evaporated fluid, and is concerned with treating
fluids, for example by distillation, to make them potable or usable
for the production of foodstuffs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There may be an over abundance of carbon dioxide in some or
all of the planet. For example, glaciers may be melting faster than
desired with the possibility of world wide flooding in some coastal
areas. Additionally, there may be water shortages for drinking and
agricultural irrigation, and deforestation which may cause less
carbon dioxide to be absorbed by vegetation. Further, a reduction
in arable land may compound difficulties in food production.
Similarly, overgrazing of existing land may in turn expands the
desert area world wide.
[0003] Fluids, in particular water, have been processed and cleaned
through a variety of known processes. For example, water has been
purified or desalinated by the use of distillation.
[0004] Existing systems of treatment of water have tended to be
expensive when large amounts of water are to be treated or
collected. Difficulty has also been found in collecting any fluid
that has been evaporated in an attempt to purify it.
[0005] Other systems that have been built may lack portability
and/or the ability to locate such systems in unforgiving
environments, such as in a desert.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for alternative structures and
methods for the collection of an evaporated fluid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention
there is provided a structure and method for the collection of an
evaporated fluid. The apparatus may include a structure for the
collection of an evaporated fluid having a reservoir for holding a
liquid, the reservoir having an open end, and an enclosure mounted
about the open end of the reservoir for entrapping a fluid
evaporated from the reservoir. The enclosure may have a support
structure; and a tensionable covering supported by said support
structure. A collector for collecting condensate from the covering
may also be included. The collector may be mounted to the support
structure, intermediate the support structure and the covering, and
oriented to receive condensate moved by gravity along the covering.
A tensioning apparatus for tensioning the covering about the
collector to encourage the condensate to engage the collector may
be included as well.
[0008] In an embodiment, the collector may include at least one
side defining a trough for receiving the condensate.
[0009] The collector may also include a mount attached to the at
least one side, and the collector is made of a resilient material,
wherein the collector may resiliently exert a force against the
covering when the covering is tensioned against the collector by
the tensioning apparatus.
[0010] Conveniently, the collector side defining a trough may be
arcuate and may have at least one edge defining an opening for
receiving the condensate, and the trough may be mounted to the
support structure in an orientation to encourage the movement of
condensate into the opening.
[0011] In an embodiment, a spacer may be included to inhibit
significant movement of the arcuate trough when the tensioning
apparatus is tensioned, and a portion of the edge may be encouraged
to abut the tensionable covering to facilitate transmission of
condensate from the covering into the collector.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the tensioning apparatus may be a
ratchet and may be mounted to the support structure.
[0013] In an embodiment, the components of the structure may be
collapsible.
[0014] In an embodiment, the structure may include at least one fan
for encouraging formation of the condensate upon the covering.
[0015] In an embodiment, the structure may also include a movable
sunlight concentrator mounted to the support structure on a side
opposite to the covering.
[0016] In an embodiment, the reservoir has a depth, and the
enclosure may be shaped to encourage condensate formed on an inside
surface of the covering to move by gravity from an upper portion of
the covering to a lower portion of the covering and into the
collector which is positioned outside of the reservoir and below
the depth of the reservoir.
[0017] In an embodiment, an inlet for introducing a fluid to the
reservoir may be included, and the reservoir is made of a
continuous membrane which does not permit the transmission of a
fluid therethrough.
[0018] In an embodiment, the reservoir may be generally rectangular
and the enclosure may be generally arcuate, spanning at least two
opposite sides of the reservoir.
[0019] In an embodiment, the collector may include a protrusion
located adjacent to the covering for encouraging condensate
traversing the cover to enter the collector.
[0020] In an embodiment, the protrusion may be configured to extend
to touch the covering.
[0021] In an embodiment, the protrusion may be configured to bias
against the covering.
[0022] In an embodiment, the protrusion may form a lip that extends
along an edge of the opening.
[0023] In an embodiment, the lip may curve away from the opening
for engagement with the cover.
[0024] Other and further advantages and features of the invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] The present invention will be further understood from the
following detailed description of embodiments of the invention,
with reference to the drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates in a perspective drawing, a structure for
the collection of an evaporated fluid in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the building structure
of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2;
[0028] FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
structure of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates the building structure similar to that
shown in FIG. 2, providing further detail of a reservoir;
[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates a foundation of the building;
[0031] FIGS. 3B and C illustrate alternative arrangements for the
foundation;
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the reservoir;
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an isolated isometric view of a fluid
collection apparatus;
[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates an isolated side view of an alternative
embodiment of the fluid collection apparatus of FIG. 5;
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates an isolated side view of the fluid
collection apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 6A illustrates an isolated isometric view of an
alternative embodiment of the fluid collection apparatus of FIG.
6;
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an isolated isometric view of the fluid
collection apparatus of FIG. 6; and
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an additional feature of the structure
for encouraging the evaporation of liquid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Similar references are used in different figures to denote
similar components.
[0040] The disclosed structure may use energy, for example of the
sun, to resolve the problem of the need for usable water by taking
advantage of what occurs in nature to incur a limited or no
detrimental effect to the environment.
[0041] The present structure may be employed in a hot desert with
proximity to salt or unusable water, and convert desert or poor
land, to farm and/or forest land. Water collected through
condensation may be captured by the structure canopy, and can be
used to irrigate as well as produce potable water.
[0042] The structure may be positioned at an edge of a desert near
a water source, and slowly recapture the desert land by converting
unusable or poor water to usable water. Based on the vegetation
chosen, once sustainable growth is achieved, the structure may be
relocated to the next area for treatment.
[0043] For example, at a constant average temperature of 95 to 105
degrees Fahrenheit one structure measuring, for example, 30 by 100
feet may produce usable water for irrigation. It is hoped that
enough water may be produced to irrigate at least one or more acres
for growing of suitable vegetation for the area.
[0044] It is expected that the structure, if suitable materials are
used, may have a life expectancy of up to 40 years, or more. In a
preferred embodiment, the structure may easily be assembled and
dismantled.
[0045] Ideally, more vegetation will absorb more carbon dioxide,
and may in turn lower the effect of green house and global warming
a more natural way. If ocean water is used, some of the excess
water due to global warming might be reduced, and if used in mass
production around the world might lower the possibility of flooding
around costal areas.
[0046] Evaporation is a natural phenomenon. The disclosed
structures may capture the vapor which turns into liquid when it
comes in contact with a canopy, and/or it encounters a lower or
colder temperature. In general, the structure may: [0047] 1.
Capture water [0048] 2. Distil water [0049] 3. Capture salt (for
example, in a salt pond to attempt to improve hygiene). [0050] 4.
Accelerate the process of evaporation by creating a shallow area of
water. [0051] 5. Accelerate the condensation process by
introduction of fans in the structure. [0052] 6. Facilitate an
increase in the air velocity over the surface of the water by
agitation or by fanning the water surface. [0053] 7. Increase the
salinity of the water by leaving the accumulated sale solute in the
tank to lower the latent heat of the solution and thus attempt
increase the evaporation rate. [0054] 8. Increase the temperature
of the water in the structure, for example, by using a darker or
black tank. [0055] 9. Decrease the vapour pressure (dew point) by
creating a cooling effect at the top of the structure. For example,
by employing a double layer with air circulation between the
layers.
[0056] Wq=evaporation rate of water, lb/h.
[0057] Ap=area of pool surface ft2.
[0058] C1=69.4 BTU(h*ft2)*inHg.
[0059] C2=30.8 BTU(h*ft2)*inHg.
[0060] V=air velocity over water surface, MPH.
[0061] Y=latent heat required to change water vapor at surface
water temperature, BTU/lb
[0062] Pdp=saturation pressure at room air dew point, in HG
[0063] Pw=saturation vapor pressure taken at the surface water
temperature, in Hg.
[0064] The above equation is a general formula to calculate the
evaporation rate of water surface.
[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates a structure for purifying a fluid. The
structure is relatively easy to build, and is particularly suited
to construction in remote locations, such as a desert. Accordingly,
such structure typically does not require a foundation or any
significant preparation prior to construction thereof. For example,
a structure using the components disclosed in Canadian Patent No.
2,107,775 issued to Jack Slater on Jun. 20, 2000 may be suitable
(the entirety of this reference is herein incorporated by
reference). Other structures and methods of construction embodying
the principles and goals defined herein, may also be suitably
employed.
[0066] FIG. 1 shows a building structure 10 in the disclosed
embodiment. Building structure 10 may be relatively large, for
example, between about 20 and 100 feet long, or more. Larger and
smaller structures may also be suitable. Building structure 10 is
preferably made to be relatively water-tight to inhibit the
uncontrolled escape of a fluid, or evaporated fluid contained
therein.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the building structure 10 of
FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2. FIG. 2 illustrates a general
principle of operation of the subject structure for the collection
of an evaporated fluid. Building structure 10 may contain a
reservoir 12 (shown in greater detail in FIG. 3) which holds a
liquid 14 to be processed. Liquid 14 may be evaporated by the
introduction of energy. A energy source such as sunlight 16, or
some other energy source such as a heater (not shown), or thermal
energy from the ground. Preferably, sunlight is used due to its
general abundance and low cost.
[0068] As the liquid 14 receives energy from an energy source,
liquid 14 begins to evaporate, leaving undesirable particulates and
solutes dissolved with fluid 14 behind in reservoir 12. Building
structure 10 may include a roof 18, canopy, or some other structure
above reservoir 12 for capturing evaporated fluid 14.
[0069] Roof 18 is preferably constructed to be relatively
impervious to the evaporated liquid 14. If sunlight 16 is used as
an energy source, then roof 18 is preferably made to be transparent
to the solar energy to enable the sunlight to be absorbed by fluid
14 in reservoir 12. Alternatively, translucent or even opaque
coverings may be used to absorb the energy of the sun to increase
the thermal content building structure 10, though this arrangement
may make it more difficult for the evaporated fluid to
condensate.
[0070] Roof 18 may include an internal surface 20 for permitting
the condensation of any evaporated fluid 14. Internal surface of
roof 20 is preferably made of a sheet of plastic or poly as may be
used in a greenhouse. As fluid 14 evaporates it forms a condensate
upon surface 20. Surface 20 is preferably shaped to encourage the
condensate to move by gravity back towards reservoir 12.
Accordingly, surface 20 preferably has a generally arcuate shape,
and may bridge reservoir 12. Other shapes may be suitable for
surface 20 provided that such shapes encourage movement of any
condensate by operation of gravity.
[0071] To encourage formation of a condensate, a cooling apparatus,
such as one or more fans 22 may be included within building
structure 10. The cooling apparatus may serve to increase the
volume of condensate which forms on surface 20 and/or the rate at
which condensate forms. The area of internal surface 20 furthest
from reservoir 12 is preferably cooler than the temperature of
fluid 14 within reservoir 12. This difference in temperature may
serve to increase the formation of a condensate on surface 20.
[0072] Reservoir 12 is preferably made to be about two to three
feet deep. The extent roof 18 is preferably much greater relative
to the depth of reservoir 12. For example, roof 18 may be 12 feet
high above reservoir 12, but collection apparatus 38 is preferably
lower relative to the full depth of reservoir 12. As noted, roof
structure 18 is preferably gently sloped, so that any condensate
forming will be encouraged slide along internal surface 20, and not
form droplets that simply drop back into reservoir 12.
[0073] FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative embodiment structure 10'.
In particular, structure 10' may include a solar panel 21 which is
movable in response to the position of the sun 16. Fluid source 23
in the nature of a hose or spray, may also be included to introduce
a fluid to the reservoir and to encourage evaporation of the fluid.
The reservoir may have a foundation 25 instead of membrane walls,
with portions of roof 18 (or sidewall structures) providing the
sides of reservoir 12. As shown in FIG. 3A, foundation 25 may
include sand. Plywood or other support 27 may be used to support a
track 29 for receiving and retaining an end of building structure
10. FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate alternative arrangements for the
foundation, shown as foundation 25'
[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates a building structure similar to that
shown in FIG. 2, and provides further detail of reservoir 12.
Reservoir 12 may include an internal membrane or liner 24. Liner 24
may be made of a dark or black material in order to encourage
absorption of energy. Liner 24 may be snapped together or otherwise
attached in sections, or it may be similar to liners used for
swimming pools or other reservoir-type applications. For example,
liner 24 may be made in sections (for example of one or several
feet wide, such as twenty feet wide) of a rollable rubber or vinyl,
and may be joined by adhesion on site. Reservoir 12 may also
include an external liner 26. External liner 26 may provide
additional support and/or protection, and may be rollable like
carpet in sections (for example 10 to 40 foot sections). Fluid 14
may be introduced to reservoir 12 by any convenient means, such by
using a pump (such as a solar-powered pump (not shown)), or by a
series of trenches or canals so that fluid 14 is provided by a
natural local water source.
[0075] FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of reservoir 12, showing
that it may be constructed in sections of about 20 feet each. This
may permit the convenient transportation of the components of
building structure 10. One or more tension cables 15 may be
employed to strengthen or to provide rigidity to reservoir 12. Of
course, other dimensions may be suitably employed.
[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates an isolated perspective view of a fluid
collection apparatus 28 for collecting the condensate. FIG. 6
illustrates an isolated side-view of the fluid collection
apparatus. (Fluid collection apparatus 28 is also shown in FIG.
2.)
[0077] Referring primarily to FIGS. 5 and 6, fluid collection
apparatus 28 may include a roof cover 30 of which internal surface
20 forms a part thereof. Cover 30 preferably traverses a portion of
roof 18 and preferably most of roof 18. Building 10 is preferably
sealed so that condensate does not escape to the external
environment.
[0078] In the present embodiment, cover 30 bridges reservoir 12,
originating at or about the ends of roof portion 18 at a meeting
point with sidewalls 32. It should be noted that sidewalls 32 may
be minimized or eliminated, permitting roof 18 to form the
sidewalls as well, for example, as one continuous arch.
[0079] Cover 30 is preferably taught over roof frame members 34 to
permit any condensate to slide thereupon. Accordingly, hard,
smooth-surfaced materials, such as plastics may be used.
Alternatively, pliable and/or stretchable materials such as a vinyl
or other plastic may also be used. If a stretchable plastic is
employed, a tensioning apparatus 36 may be employed to stretch
cover 30 over roof frame numbers 34 to encourage cover 30 to become
smooth. Tensioning of cover 30 may also be done by using ropes and
braces (not shown). Pulleys and/or ratchet mechanisms (not shown in
detail) may also be used in conjunction with ropes to tension cover
30 about roof frame members 34. FIG. 6A illustrates tensioning
straps 37 which may also be employed to tension cover 30.
[0080] A collector 38 may be mounted to one or more frame members
34. Collector 38 may be orientated to trap any condensate
traversing internal surface 20.
[0081] FIG. 5A illustrates a spacer 39 placed, bolted or otherwise
secured to collector 38. Spacer 39 may optionally be employed
control or limit the amount of deflection of collector 38 when
tensioned by cover 30.
[0082] Referring additionally to FIG. 7, collector 38 is shown in
isolation. Collector 38 preferably has a mount 40 for attaching
collector 38 to frame members 34 and/or support members 42. Mount
40 may be in the nature of a brace having one or more mounting
features such as holes 44 for receiving a fastener bracket (not
shown).
[0083] Collector 38 may include a receptacle 46 for receiving, and
preferably transporting, any condensate. Receptacle 46 may be
integrally formed with mount 40, or may be attached separately.
Receptacle 46 may be generally arcuate, but may also be squared or
rectilinear, provided that it is capable of receiving condensate
transported along internal surface 20 of cover 30. As explained
below, receptacle 46 is preferably made of a resilient or springy
material, such as a plastic as is used for green houses, even
flexible metal may be employed.
[0084] Referring in particular to FIG. 6, collector 38 may be
mounted to one or more frame members 34 and/or 42 so that it is
orientated in abutting relationship with internal surface 20 of
cover 30. Receptacle 46 may include a mouth 48 for permitting
passage of condensate from surface 20 either by dripping from
surface 20, or by flow from surface 20 directly to receptacle
46.
[0085] To encourage passage of condensate from surface 20 through
mouth 48 and into receptacle 46, surface 20 is preferably mounted
upon receptacle 46 and adjacent mouth 48. Mouth 48 therefore is
preferably orientated generally upwards, but need not be level. For
example, receptacle 46 may be mounted on an incline to permit
further transportation of the condensate to a desired location. For
example, a series of receptacles 46 may be aligned and inclined to
encourage transportation of condensate under gravity to flow to a
desired location for collection of the now purified fluid.
Alternatively, one or both ends 50 of receptacle 46 may be closed
so that receptacle 46 simply contains all of the collected
condensate. The condensate may then be emptied or removed by other
means, such as manually or by a tap or other feature mounted to
receptacle 46 (not shown).
[0086] In order to encourage flow of the condensate from internal
surface 20 to receptacle 46, cover 30 may be tensioned against
collector 38 to the extent that collector 38 is flexible and/or
resilient, it will resile against tensioned cover 30 to at least
partially seal the interface between cover 30 and collector 38 at
or about interface 50. In this arrangement, condensate may flow
along surface 20 to interface 50, and then drip or flow into
receptacle 46.
[0087] FIGS. 5A and 6A illustrate a variation of collector 38,
labeled 38'. Collector 38' includes a extension or protrusion in
the nature of a lip 41 at or adjacent to interface 50. Lip 41 may
extend or protrude towards or against cover 30. In the illustrated
embodiment, lip 41 curves away from receptacle 46. This arrangement
is intended to encourage lip 41 to be proximate to, to the extent
that it may touch, cover 30. Condensate traversing cover 30 may
thereby be encouraged to enter receptacle 46. Other variations of
lip 41 may be employed. For example, lip 41 may simply be angled
relative to receptacle 46. Lip 41 may also be integral with
collector 38 or it may be an added feature such as in the form of a
foam or a flexible plastic.
[0088] The present arrangement avoids or limits the need for any
sealant such as a caulk along or about interface 50. It also
minimizes the requirement for fasteners to connect the various
components of this assembly.
[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates an additional feature of building 10 for
encouraging the evaporation of liquid 14. An energy magnifier 52,
such as a magnifying glass may be mounted to an inside or outside
portion of roof 18. In the present embodiment, magnifying glass 52
is slidingly mounted to the inside of roof 18. Glass magnifying
lens 52 may be automatically or manually moved to align with
sunlight 16 to encourage evaporation.
[0090] While the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been
described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding,
it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that numerous
modifications, variations, and adaptations may be made to the
particular embodiments of the invention described above without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *