Modular Air and Particulate Filtration Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for capturing and repurposing or disposing of agricultural waste, and more particularly to a modular air and particulate filtration system that captures particulates and/or emissions from an agricultural burn to reduce their release into the environment, with additional modules to repurpose waste into energy or byproduct that can be used to produce energy locally or remotely.

BACKGROUND

To use and repurpose open areas including agricultural land, and to reduce property loss from rural burns, it is often necessary to remove and/or destroy agricultural waste in a safe and efficient manner. Agricultural practices such as clearing land for rural residential fire safety purposes, for farming or forestry, or to repurpose the byproducts of harvesting certain crops, can produce a prohibitively large amount of waste. This waste can be expensive to transport to other places, and so it usually must be destroyed. In addition, the byproduct of the burned waste can be used for farming soil cultivation and adjustment. In many cases, this is accomplished through burning the waste: However environmental quality is critically impacted by these agricultural burns and research demonstrates that agricultural burns harm human health, private property, and the environment. For example, a controlled burn of agricultural waste can quickly escalate out of control and result in the loss of life as well as the destruction of crops, forests, homes, or private property. Additionally, burning agricultural products leads to waste products being put into the air which ultimately reduces air quality both around the burn and with radius of miles depending on the burn size, duration, and atmospheric variables. Finally, with increasing attention nationally and internationally to the environment, restrictions are already being put into place to restrict what kind of waste can be burned, where it can be burned, when (seasonally and even by day based on atmospheric conditions), and how much waste can be burned.

There are a variety of methods for burning agricultural waste: For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,420 issued to Hay on Oct. 24, 1989 describes a mobile hazardous waste treatment facility that can be assembled or disassembled at a remote treatment site. However, the system and assembly may take a prohibitively long amount of time. Some other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,815 describing a transit refuse recovery and incineration system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,564 describing a multistage rotary kiln with burning waste; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,494 describing a self-contained incinerator on wheels. These references, used primarily for domestic refuse recovery and incineration, include complicated and sophisticated systems that require extensive set-up and installation (in certain instance set up and installation may require up to 2 months once delivered on-site). The devices have multiple preparation and combustion chambers, which require multiple large trailers for transport and mounting. In addition, a power van for carrying transformers along with a control van containing instrumentation control and switches, and several other support vehicles and support structures are often required. These systems require many operators, drivers, and a power line, which makes them very expensive in design, development, and operation.

Thus, despite known attempts to solve the problem of agricultural waste, there remains a need for improved systems, methods, and devices that provide efficient and economical burn solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular air and particulate filtration system wherein the ventilation system may be on a top portion of the outer containment layer.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the inner and/or outer filtration layer may include an inner support structure.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the inner filtration layer and the outer containment layer may be interconnected by an interconnecting structural spacing element.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the inner filtration layer is separated from the outer containment layer to distribute weight bearing in the tent-like structure.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of vents may include secondary passive filtration elements.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of vents may include a closing mechanism.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the closing mechanism may contain a filtration system.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of vents may be completely closed.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of vents may be partially closed based on the need for airflow and oxygen to maintain the burn.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of vents may be opened gradually to an extent needed after burning the agricultural waste for avoiding explosion of the waste from the introduction of oxygen.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the inner filtration layer consists of a membrane filter to remove particles from the agricultural burn.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the system may include a mobile power source.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the system may incorporate a blower mechanism to assist in directing airflow.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the ventilation system may include one or more openings/holes/or funnels.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the ventilation system may be opened as desired based on the need for airflow and oxygen.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the particulates may be captured in the inner filtration layer and on the particulate waste removal element.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the particulate filtration element may include high temperature polymer matrix composites and high-temperature resins and composite materials.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the tent-like structure or, alternatively, the outer containment layer may include pole-like/sheet-like pieces made of lightweight and flame resistant and/or retardant material.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein modular extensible rectangular tube like structure may include lightweight flame resistant and/or retardant material sheet metal pieces.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein above described sheets/metal pieces have perforations or other venting elements.

The venting elements of the above described sheets/metal pieces may have filtration materials applied on or inside them.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the pole-like/ sheet-like pieces may be attached by an attachment mechanism.

The modular air and particulate filtration system of claim 1 wherein the tent-like structure or, alternatively, the outer containment layer may include measuring markings to measure the size of the agricultural waste and to determine the safety requirements of the system.

A method for controlling an agricultural waste burn, the method comprising: providing at least one system comprising one or more panel members, which may be flat or have curvature as needed to contain the agricultural waste material individually or in conjunction with additional panels, having at least one ventilation element; single curved panels having at least one ventilation element, or two or more panels where each panel has at least one ventilation element, including a front panel having at least one ventilation element, a top panel member having at least one ventilation element, the top panel coupled to the front panel, and a back panel member having at least one ventilation element, the back panel coupled to the top panel; or two panels having at least one ventilation element connected at an apex; at least one respective coupling element adapted to couple respectively the front panel to the top panel and/or the top panel to the back panel, the respective coupling element adapted to enable the front panel and back panel to rotate about 270 degrees with respect to the top panel to enable the subsystem to fold to a flat position and unfold to an upright form for burning; and a mesh adhesive coupled to adjacent panels and adapted to removably position over any gap between adjacent panel; unfolding the system so that the front panel and back panel arrange generally parallel to each other, and both the front and back panel arrange generally perpendicular to the top panel, or where two panels create a triangular structure, each system further being positioned over an agricultural waste are such that the agricultural waste lies beneath the panels in all cases; and igniting the agricultural waste located below the panels.

The aforementioned method further comprising: providing a mesh adhesive tape roll; and adhering the mesh adhesive roll to a portion of at least one panel.

The aforementioned method further comprising: a hinged coupling mechanism that permits full range of motion such that the panels can be folded to a flat position, and/or easily disassembled for flat storage and moving.

The aforementioned method further comprising: providing a filtration element; and placing the filtration element over at least one ventilation element.

DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front view of one preferred embodiment of a modular air and particulate filtration system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a detail view of a component of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the modular air and particulate filtration system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an offset top view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded position.

FIG. 5 is an offset top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in the folded position.

FIG. 6 is a system of at least two linked 3-panel systems including the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a detail and partial view of some examples components of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Possible preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that alternative configurations and combinations of components may be substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate the invention.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a modular air and particulate filtration system 10 according to the present invention. The system 10 comprises a means for encapsulating a targeted burn area such as a tent-like structure 11 consisting of at least one panel member 17 defining a volume under which a targeted agricultural waste material will be burned in a controlled manner with a capturing of emissions and particulates by the system is assured. The at least one panel member arranges to form a tent-like structure 11 having an inner filtration layer 22 and an outer containment layer 14 overlapping the inner filtration layer and a ground cover 16.

In one contemplated iteration of the first preferred embodiment, the outer containment layer 14 and the ground cover 16 are both be constructed of a generally lightweight, fire-resistant and/or fire-retardant material. Alternatively, the ground cover 16 can be constructed of one or more semi-flexible sheet or mesh-type fire retardant or resistant materials including, but not limited to, metals or alloys in one or more layers. For example, the outer containment layer 14 or the ground cover 16 consists of one or more of a high-temperature polymer matrix composites such as any combination of the following industry standard materials: T650-35/AFR-PE-4 or T650-35/RP46; a high-temperature resin such as AFR-PE-4 or RP46; a uni-directional laminate; a cross-ply laminate; a 4-ply eight-harness satin (8HS)-weave laminate; materials made of polybrominated anionic styrenic polymers in combination with fiber-forming thermoplastic polymers; or a 10-ply eight-harness satin (8HS)-weave laminate, for example.

It is well understood that these named materials are merely exemplary and the outer containment layer 14 or the ground cover 16 may be constructed from some other fire-resistant or flame-retardant material. Also, in some embodiments the outer containment layer 14 and the ground cover 16 are constructed of the same material as each other, while in other embodiments the outer containment layer and the ground cover are constructed of different materials from each other.

FIG. 1 also depicts an emission filtration system 18 as well as an airflow management system 20. The system 10 may also include one or more mobile power sources (not shown), which can power one or more of the emissions and ventilation systems 18 and an airflow management system 20, these systems are further described below.

In other contemplated alternative embodiments, one or both of the emissions filtration system 18 and the airflow management system 20 may be self-powered. For example, one contemplated self-powered airflow management system 20 consists of a fan system that can be powered by a variety of methods including a battery, generator, motor and solar powered system using photovoltaic cells, or other standalone or tethered power sources. This fan system may have more than one setting for various RPM levels, and directional settings to control airflow volume and direction. Additionally, the system may be inset into the inner layer or may force the air through a tunnel-like space. The filtration system 18 would be positioned in the upper center of the configuration or apex, the point at which all material naturally flows to in a convective setting. The filtration system could be a variety of existing systems including HEPA filtration like systems integrated into the overall embodiment. It could also be filtration and removal systems like a vacuum tube attached to the exit point of the configuration. Alternatively, these systems may be a removable and replaceable simple non mechanical filters with absorptive and collective material that may or may not be disposable or re-useable, or an un-powered (passive) system, using convection principles to manage inflow and outflow of air with simple mechanical components that are well-understood by those skilled in this art.

Additionally, it is contemplated that alternative embodiments may not include an emission system 18 or an airflow management system 20, and still other alternative embodiments may have multiple emissions and ventilation systems or multiple airflow management systems. Both the emissions and airflow management system are optional, dependant on the size of the burn (which may not require forceful directive introduced airflow as it would use natural convective airflow though it may burn slower.) To increase the speed of the burn, or if the burn size was large enough to require it, the airflow management could be introduced. The emissions filtration module is optional depending on the objective of the user to remove large particulates to decrease the majority of the waste from the air, or to reduce the small emissions and effluence to dramatically decrease the waste levels to defined safety levels. With the introduction of each of these optional modular systems, the overall system becomes more robust and effective in improving air quality. Alternatively, these elements of the overall system may require a power source, which is not always convenient or feasible when no power is available—as is quite common in agricultural burn locations—or if a higher portable system is required because such power systems increase size weight and complexity.

The emissions system 18 can be any one of a number of known systems such as passive or powered filtration system with functionality similar to in home filtration systems, which are operable to reduce gaseous byproducts, or remove residual particulate matter from some effluence being exhausted from the system 10. Examples of a couple suitable and well-known systems are HEPA filters or electrostatic precipitators such as the Honeywell 17000-S QuietCare True HEPA Air Purifier, the Airpura R600, and the Delta 50-875 ⅕ HP 3 Speed Ambient Air Cleaner available from well-known manufacturers including Honeywell, Airpura, and Delta. These types of systems would need to be integrated into the overall system with some modifications.

The airflow management system 20 can be any one of a number of known systems such as a fan or blower with or without directional capabilities and variable force settings, that manually or self-regulate the flow of air into the system to provide continuous circulation at optimal levels to maintain burn rates and convection and which is operable to change the circulation of air in the interior of the system 10. The fan/blower system may have one or more entry points of airflow into the system that can operate in tandem or autonomously. In an alternative embodiment, the airflow management system 20 is used to increase airflow to a particular section of the interior of the system 10.

FIGS. 1-3 further illustrate a plurality of vents 21 in the outer containment layer 14. The drawings do not necessarily indicate location but are representative of existence in the outer layer. In one embodiment the vents 21 comprise a sealable opening in the outer containment layer 14 which may be partially or fully opened or closed to control the amount of air which may enter into, or the amount of effluence which may be exhausted from, the system 10. In one embodiment the vents 21 open or close as flaps, though in other embodiments they may comprise one plate which slides against another to open or close the vent, they may be zipped open or closed, or be opened or closed according to any other readily available method. The vents 21 may be powered or unpowered, and may be computer controlled or automated in some other way.

Additionally, in one embodiment the vents 21 simply operate as porous openings in the outer containment layer 14, whereas in other embodiments the vents may have some filter material such as an absorptive carbon or other based material in a variety of arrangements including woven, layered, or collected to create some level of filtration by capturing emissions or particulates, or some other scrubbing or filtering material displaced therein such that any air or other effluence going into or out of the system 10 is filtered as it flows through the vent. Some examples might include thermoplastic polymers, activated carbon materials, or electret materials including nonwoven polyolefin webs. It will be understood that although the vents 21 are depicted near the upper portion of the system 10, they may additionally or alternatively be located in an other region of the system, and may be dispersed evenly across the face of the outer containment layer 14 or in some other arrangement necessary for proper air circulation. Additionally, although only a few vents 21 are shown in the figures, it is understood that the number of vents, the volume of air being displaced, and the size of each individual vent would be determined by the desired airflow through the system and, accordingly, will vary in size and quantity and volume.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the modular air and particulate filtration system 10 showing the relationship between the outer containment layer 14 and interior elements of the system such as the inner filtration layer 22 and structural segments 24. For clarity, the emissions filtration 18, airflow management 20, and ventilation system 21 is not shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the inner filtration layer 22 is constructed of one or more attached layers of generally light weight permeable fire retardant and/or resistant fabric like material of various weave and density and porosity, or mesh type fire retardant or resistant materials though in other embodiments it may be constructed of one or more layers of permeable fire retardant and/or resistant materials with various woven honeycomb, creped, or other structural features and/or and texture, or any other similar material. Fire resistance and/or retardant properties may be both or either innate to the fibers or applied subsequent to the fiber or material/fabric creation.

The inner filtration layers 22 above may be constructed of the same high temperature materials described for the outer containment layer panels 17, and the collection layer 16, or may also be constructed of materials including; nanoporous fibers; thermoplastic polymers; activated carbon materials in various woven or unwoven instantiations such as fullerene nanotube arrays; electret materials; multi-component fibers with enhanced reversible thermal properties; woven or nonwoven polyolefin or cellulosic webs or any combination of these materials. It will be understood that these named materials are merely exemplary and the inner filtration layer 22 may be constructed from some other fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials to be developed subsequently.

The structural segments 24 are made of a generally sturdy and relatively inflexible light weight and flame resistant and/or retardant material such as a graphite-based material, a resin-based material, or some other light weight, flexible or in-flexible, and flame-resistant material which may be collapsed or deconstructed in order to store or carry the segments, and then extended or constructed in order to support and bear the weight of the system as needed. In the present embodiment the structural segments 24 are generally cylindrically shaped and pole-like with or without linear faceting following the length of the pole, though in other embodiments the structural segments may be substantially planar sheets of material (as discussed in relation to a second preferred embodiment and as FIG. 4 illustrates, for example).

The structural segments 24 secure and give shape to the system 10. The number, shape, and length of the structural segments 24 can be dependent on one or more factors including the shape or size of the system 10 desired, the amount of weight that the structural segments will be required to support, or other factors. In embodiment, the system 10 has a generally circular footprint 25, though in other embodiments the system 10 may have a square-shaped footprint, a hexagonal footprint, or some other regular or irregular shape, such as but not limited to the alternative preferred embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, for example.

In this first embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 the structural segments 24 are coupled or otherwise attached to one another as well as the outer containment layer 14 by an attachment mechanism 26. In alternative embodiments, the structural segments 24 may connect to one another via a means for attaching comprising an attachment mechanism using extensible tubing or solid lightweight rods that permit a smaller end to insert into a larger end and ‘snap’ into place with a button that depresses while sliding the tubes together then extends into a hole the right size in the receiving larger tube end or turn opposite directions in a manner to secure to each other. In other embodiments such as 4-7, the external structure does not require additional segments and uses a range of other attachment mechanisms such as, but not limited to, those in FIG. 7.

The attachment mechanism 26 and 28 in one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be any one of a number of attachment systems known in the art such as clips, snaps, zippers, a hook and loop type of fastener, inserting a structural segment 24 into an opening in an opposing structural segment, inserting one or more structural segments into a receptacle attached to the outer containment layer 14, or inserting a portion of, or attachment to, the outer containment layer into one or more structural segments. This description of the attachment mechanism 26 is merely exemplary and other alternatives will be recognized. In one embodiment the topmost attachment mechanisms 26a attach to a generally circular ring to give the system 10 a generally circular footprint 25.

In other embodiments the topmost attachment mechanisms 26a all attach to a single point, while in other embodiments the structural segments 24 are free standing and the topmost attachment mechanisms do not attach to anything except for one or both of the outer containment layer 14 or the inner filtration layer 22. One or more structural segments 24 may include measuring markings to measure the size of agricultural waste within the system 10. Alternatively, one or more structural segments 24 may be on the exterior of the system 10 rather than the interior of the system as is shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, when more support is needed due to a larger footprint, it is conceived that these elements may be added to the interior of the structure, even at times extending into the region of the burn. It is understood that these elements material would be constructed to resist damage during the burn cycle with minimal degradation, and would be replaced when needed to maintain the integrity of the overall system.

The structural segments 24 can be additionally connected to the inner filtration layer 22 via one or more spacing elements 28 in some embodiments. With specific reference to FIG. 2A, the spacing elements 28 connect to the structural segments via a first attachment point 28a. The spacing elements 28 then connect to the inner filtration layer 22 via two separate second attachment points 28b. The first attachment point 28a is connected to the second attachment points 28b by a flexible attachment 28c. The flexible attachment 28c in one embodiment is a poly resin wrapped cord, though one skilled in the art will recognize other alternatives. By attaching the inner filtration layer 22 to the structural segments 24 or the outer containment layer 14 via a spacing element 28 comprised of a first attachment point 28a connected to a second attachment point 28b via a flexible attachment 28c, the inner filtration layer 22 is able to move and flex independently of the outer containment layer 14 or the structural segments 24. Because the inner filtration layer 22 is on the interior 30 of the system 10, this flexibility significantly reduces structural wear and tear on the inner filtration layer, the outer containment layer 14, the structural segments 24 or the spacing elements 28 which would result from the inner filtration layer flexing and moving as agricultural waste is burned inside the system. This flexing and moving could be caused by thermal expansion, convection, or any number of other factors.

In this embodiment, the spacing element 28 is shown as having only a single first attachment point 28a connected to two, second attachment points 28b. It will be recognized that the spacing element 28 may consist of any configuration of one or more first attachment points 28a and one or more second attachment points 28b coupled by a linking element 28c. Additionally, in other embodiments the first attachment point 28a is connected to the outer containment layer 15 instead of, or in addition to, the one or more structural segments 24. Additionally, the triangulated support structure may be reversed in some instances such that the single connect point 28a may originate on the inner layer 22 and attach with one or more points 28b to the outer layer 15. This changes the weight bearing and flexibility in those points such that there is less movement if needed to support the overall system. This will vary depending on the size, weight, and configuration of each embodiment if necessary for optimal structural integrity.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative iteration of the first preferred embodiment of a modular air and particulate filtration system 10 wherein similar elements have similar numbering to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Multiple structural elements 24 (not shown in FIG. 3), along with one or more, or preferably, a plurality of attachment mechanisms 26 and at least one panel member 17 define a set of structural elements 30. For clarity, the emissions filtration system 18, the airflow management system 20, and the spacing elements 28 are not shown in FIG. 3, but are similar in scope and operation and structure as previously discussed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, a footprint of the system 10 is generally circular, and each set of structural elements 30 generally radiates from a point on a central structural ring 32 to points 34 on the bottom perimeter of the generally circular footprint. Thus, in this embodiment we have sets of structural elements 30, each element consisting of at least on panel member 17 with a plurality of attaching mechanisms 26 coupling the given element 30 to the panel or panels to ensure structural integrity of the entire system 10. The elements may couple with both the panels and other elements or solely with the panel or panels.

As described above, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 is merely one of several alternative embodiments, and alternative embodiments of the system 10 have a footprint with a different shape, regular or irregular, as would be recognized by one skilled in the art. The panel 17 may be a single continuous and extensible panel supported by the structural elements that may be on either the inside or outside of the panel (though FIG. 2 shows the configuration inside the panel) as depicted, or the panel member 17 may comprise a plurality of panels coupled together. And any given panel member, or all, or a portion of a panel member may further consist of at least one or a plurality of vents 21. The aggregate of the one of more panels could create a generally closed system with or without an entry point closed by a variety of closures including zippers, Velcro or other reasonably assumed mechanisms.

Additionally, the number of sets of structural elements 30 generally corresponds to the number of corners 34 of the depicted system 10, though in other embodiments the system may have a different or even arbitrary number of structural elements, which may radiate to the corners 14, the midpoints 38 between the corners, or to some other location of the system. It will also be recognized that in other embodiments the central structural ring 32 may have some other shape or may be a single point where each set of structural elements 30 connects to the single point or one another. Finally, in the depicted embodiment the structural elements 24 and the attachment mechanisms 26 are on the exterior of the system 10, as opposed to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 wherein the structural elements and the attachment mechanisms are on the interior of the system. Both internal and external structural supports are embodiments considered in this system.

Description of Use

Referring to FIG. 2, the system 10 is constructed, and flammable agricultural waste is within the system at the interior 30 of the system and then lit on fire through any appropriate method. Alternatively, the system 10 may be constructed around agricultural waste if the waste is difficult to move. In either case, the targeted agricultural waste is at the interior 30 to be wholly contained by both the inner filtration layer 22 and the outer containment layer 14. In most cases, the waste will burn most efficiently if the waste is substantially smaller than the system 10 in general, and particularly the inner filtration layer 22, in order to ensure that there is adequate air movement within the system though the system will be available in a variety of sizes to accommodate a variety of usage models.

The fire may be applied through one or more of the vents 21 in the outer containment 15 and inner 22 layers, or the fire may be applied through a computer controlled or other automatic application, or some other form of manual application such as a fuse or simply through the method of starting a smaller fire and allowing it to slowly grow through the combustible waste. The agricultural waste then proceeds to burn inside of the system 10 or in another embodiment such as 4-7. Monitoring of the burn may be possible using the vents 64 or semi transparent viewing portals that may or may not open and close.

It is known that burning agricultural waste produces smoke and other particulates in the air. Therefore, in one embodiment, because the inner filtration layer 22 wholly surrounds the interior 30 of the system 10, the inner filtration layer acts to substantially absorb smoke and particulate matter produced by the burning waste. The vents 21 may be completely or partially closed based on the need for airflow and oxygen to maintain the burn and may be opened gradually to an extent needed after burning the agricultural waste for avoiding explosion of the waste from the introduction of oxygen. Additionally, the vents 21 may include additional active or passive filtration elements as discussed above to further remove smoke and particulate matter produced by the burning agricultural waste. The system 10 is suited for being used and erected on-site. That is the system is erected around all or around a portion of the area targeted for burning.

The emissions 18 and ventilation system (the aggregate of 21) may further remove any particulate matter or undesirable gasses, such as greenhouse gasses, from any effluence being exhausted to the exterior of the system 10. Additionally, as described above the airflow management system 20 may serve to either increase or decrease circulation of air (oxygen) inside of the system 10 during combustion, or alternatively it may focus airflow on one particular section of the burn that needs increased amounts of oxygen.

This invention provides several advantages, which will be readily understood by one skilled in the art. For example, the system 10 of the present invention is modular, so non-essential elements such as the emissions system 18, the ground cover 16, or the airflow management system 20, may be selectively used as is necessary or desired for a given burn. Thus, cost can be managed, and the absence of or failure of one piece does not necessarily result in a failure of the system 10 as a whole, and agricultural waste may still be disposed of. Additionally, the present invention is scalable. It is envisioned that one embodiment of the present invention has a footprint that is roughly 20 feet in diameter, while other embodiments may have a footprint of up to 40 feet in diameter. Still other embodiments may have a larger or smaller footprint as may be desired. Extending the size of the footprint is not limited but may require additional structural support and panels as needed to contain the desired waste material.

By properly piling the agricultural waste inside of the system 10 or constructing the system over the pile or field area as in the case of field burns as in the embodiment suggested in FIGS. 4-7, the waste can be safely contained and disposed of with a decreased threat of the fire burning out of control and causing property or personal harm and while mitigating bug infestation by creating less habitable environment over the crop production areas. Additionally, because of the multiple filtration elements, there is little carbon byproduct exhausted to the atmosphere, therefore producing a relatively clean burn. Instead, the carbon byproduct is trapped where it can be harvested and safely disposed of or reused in an environmentally sustainable manner. It will be understood that although the above conversation referenced the first embodiment of the system 10, it is applicable to alternative embodiments including the embodiment of FIG. 3 or the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, for example, or any other embodiment without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a rectangular panel system 110 comprising at least one panel wherein the one panel is a curvilinear panel, or two panels forming a triangular end-view with the burn surface establishing the third leg of the triangle, or a three panel system as FIGS. 4-7 show. This system 110 includes a front panel 13, a top panel 15, and a back panel 47. It can also have end panels in another embodiment forming a cube or three-dimensional enclosed rectangular or other shaped system. This system 110 can be of any given length or combined with additional assemblies (as FIG. 6 illustrates) to create a long controlled burn zone, termed the burn chute.

Each respective top, front, and back panel includes at least one, and preferably, a plurality of vents and/or filtration elements 19. As represented in the drawing, the vent/filtration elements are representative only and do not indicate precise placement, size, shape, or frequency. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the total volume of the filtration elements will be tailored to the particular burn application and the flow-rate of the filtration will also be determined by the specific filter material used.

As shown, the Vents/filtration elements can be holes with or without filtration material filling, covering, or otherwise placed in proximity to the vents. The vents/filtration elements may or may not be the same in size, frequency, and placement on the top and side panels.

The front panel of this embodiment couples to the top panel, and the top panel couples to the back panel. The means for coupling the panels together provides prevents or controls air from flowing and may or may not include filtering characteristics. One means for coupling the panels includes a coupling element, such as a flexible, fire and heat-resistant hinge and pin similar to a door hinge with rotation ability of at least 270-degrees relative to the adjacent panel enabling the two panels to lay flat for storage and shipping and open to form about a 90 degree or greater angle (to create greater stability when required with smaller angle between the ground and adjacent panels) when installed in an agricultural field for a controlled burn. This angle can be selectively “locked” in place with the hinge mechanism variations to one or more degrees as desired.

Another coupling means includes a panel connector consisting of a tape or adhesive mesh 23. In the figures, the adhesive mesh is representative only and does not indicate precise placement, size, shape, or texture. It is made from durable fire retardant/resistant material. It covers the gaps between the panels on both sides as well as encompassing the connective elements, such that the panels can rotate/flip 180 degrees. It will not impinge on the movement of the connective elements but will allow for free range of motion based on connective element movement ranges.

Mesh may be made of disposable material to be used for defined period based on environmental/situational degradation properties. In the drawings, the panel connectors are representative only and do not indicate precise placement, size, shape, or frequency. They will be made from durable fire retardant/resistant materials. They may allow the panels to be rotated 180 degrees to allow the panels to function with either side on the interior or anterior. FIG. 7 shows one possible configuration of adjacent panels and such a mesh tape 23. Note, that the mesh tape can be placed over the coupling element 49. Although not shown in the drawing, the mesh tape could be placed on the inside surfaces of the adjacent panels in lieu of the exterior surface as the figure depicts, and can be used in conjunction with the hinge pin coupling element to decrease effluence between connected (adjacent) panels

The panels are constructed from lightweight, semi flexible, durable fire retardant/resistant materials such as alloys and metal sheets including some with highly conductive properties to permit quick heat exchange and cooling to maintain surface temperatures for handling and dispersing heat. This embodiment may include attached or modular handles to improve and facilitate ease of use when handling or moving or positioning the panels during and/or after use. The handles may comprise silicon or other non-heat conductive material or covering of a portion of or the entire handle.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels may rotate/flip 180 degrees to be disassembled/folded for transportation, and to function with either side on the interior or anterior during the burn cycle. FIG. 7 shows one possible coupling element consisting of a strap member (may be constructed of one or more of a high temperature polymer matrix composite such as T650-35/AFR-PE-4 or T650-35/RP46; a high-temperature resin such as AFR-PE-4 or RP46; a uni-directional laminate; a cross-ply laminate; a 4-ply eight-harness satin (8HS)-weave laminate; materials made of polybrominated anionic styrenic polymers in combination with fiber-forming thermoplastic polymers; or a 10-ply eight-harness satin (8HS)-weave laminate. It will be understood that these named materials are merely exemplary and may be constructed from some other fire-resistant or flame-retardant material) secured to adjacent panels, such a strap member 21 enables the panels to fold flat on top of each other and also allows for at least a perpendicular arrangement for adjacent panels. Such straps could be used between systems to link together as FIG. 6 suggests (although the strap members are not shown in FIG. 6).

Panels will extrude/overlap in a manner that they leave minimal gaps for emissions/ particulate release. Alternatively, the coupling means between panels will provide sufficient properties to prevent unwanted emissions or particle escapement. Or, in yet another embodiment, the adhesive or mesh tape seals any gap between panels, as FIG. 7 illustrates.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 or other embodiments with more or less than three panels, the system of panels (front, top, back) easily link to other systems of three similar panels and thus, the design is segmented and autonomous from each other and can be used in sequence to cover any width necessary to meet the burn requirements by adding more panel structures.

The panel structure can be flipped one panel at a time such that 3) (FRONT panel in the drawing), would raise up from the bottom edge and flip vertically before being set down in a mirror image position, such that it would then appear to be in the 1) BACK panel position. As such the 2) top anterior panel would then become the anterior panel of the top.

Panels may be supported in their relative positions using a T or strut connecting method made of fire retardant or resistant materials such as steel, metal or alloy.

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Modular Air and Particulate Filtration Apparatus

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