Patent Application
20070186778
This invention relates in general to a system and method for suppressing dust and/or odors, and more particularly, to a system and method for generating and distributing a fine mist having different sized particles to suppress dust and/or odors.
During a variety of work, including but not limited to, construction or demolition work or at coal powered power plants, steel mills, foundries, and other basic industries, a significant amount of dust and other small particles and contaminates is generated and introduced into the surrounding air. Furthermore, when using large machinery such as a backhoe or other excavating equipment, a significant amount of dust and debris is created at or around the point of impact with the ground. In order to provide a safe working environment as well as inhibit any damage done to the equipment or structures, it is important to try and limit the amount of dust. One of the known ways to suppress the creation of dust is to have an individual use a water hose to spray particular areas of the construction site. While the use of a hose may work to a certain extent to limit the amount of dust, it has several drawbacks including that it (1) requires an individual to operate the hose at all times; (2) does not provide an effective coverage area; (3) oversaturates areas of use; and (4) creates water droplets that are too large (between 3000 and 300 micron) to effectively control dust.
Furthermore, where there is dust or other contaminants in the air, it is also common for there to be odors. It has been known that misters for controlling dust also may facilitate the suppression of odors. However, use of known dust controlling misters does not effectively suppress odors and dust because the size of water particles that are optimal for controlling dust are not the optimal size to suppress odors. Accordingly, known misters for controlling dust do not effectively suppress odors.
Therefore, there is a need to produce a device that provides an effective, portable and easy way to suppress dust. There is also a need to produce a device that provides for effective control or suppression of both dust and odors by matching the size of the water particles generated to what is desired to be controlled (i.e., dust and/or odor).
The present invention is an improvement over the prior devices for suppressing dust in that the way that the device distributes a mist over a large area is unique and comprises an improvement over the prior art. Furthermore, the present invention is an improvement over the prior devices for suppressing odors and dust in that the way that the device distributes mists having different optimal particle sizes for each purpose is unique and an improvement over the prior art. In particular, one embodiment of the dust suppression device of the present invention includes a fan-propelled mister that draws air into a fan and propels the air through a discharge tube to create a high velocity airflow. A misting ring having a plurality of nozzles is located at the distal end of the discharge tube to create a mist of small water particles that may be distributed over a large area by the high velocity airflow. In order to increase the water pressure of the water flowing into the misting ring, the water preferably passes through a pressure booster.
The fan propelled mister preferably may be rotated in a vertical plane to permit the mist to be directed to elevated areas. The fan propelled mister may also oscillate within a defined range to permit the mist to be distributed over a wider area. In order to facilitate movement of the fan propelled mister, the base of the fan propelled mister preferably includes a plurality of wheels and a tow or push bar. A pair of oscillating fan propelled misters may also be used to effectively cover a large area.
The fan propelled mister may also include separate nozzles for dispensing a mist of the optimal sized particles for suppressing odor. In particular, the fan propelled mister may include a first set of nozzles for generating a mist having fluid (e.g., water) particles of a first size for controlling or suppressing dust, and a second set of nozzles for generating a mist having fluid particles of a second size for suppressing odor. The second set of nozzles may also be connected to a separate tank or reservoir to dispense a deodorizer.
It is further appreciated that the device may also include one or more high pressure hoses, each of which may be independently directed by the user to control dust and other contaminants around the point of impact of large heavy-duty machines or other excavating equipment to saturate a particular area or zone. In one embodiment, a high pressure hose is attached by a mounting to the discharge tube. It is appreciated that the high pressure hose pass though or near the center of vertical rotation of the discharge tube to facilitate vertical rotation. A guard may be attached to or about the discharge tube to prevent the high pressure hose from rubbing against the discharge tube during use.
An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a pedestal base having a nozzle on top that is connected to a power washer for generating increased pressure for distributing the mist over a large distance. The pedestal preferably includes an inner cavity to permit water or other liquids to be inserted to provide for a stable base, and removed to facilitate movement of the device.
In order to cleanse the air passing through the fan for use in the present invention, it is further appreciated that a filter may be used to filter out contaminants.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved system and method for suppressing odor and/or dust that lowers the water usage and cost.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved system and method for suppressing odor and/or dust that provides coverage to a large area without oversaturating the area.
It is yet another object of the present invention to produce a new and improved system and method for suppressing both odor and dust.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered merely an exemplification of the principles of the invention and the application is limited only to the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to
The base 12 preferably includes a plurality of wheels 20 that are rotably connected to the base 12 through an axle 22 located at or proximate to the front end of the base 12 and an arm 24 located at or proximate to the rear of the base 12. While the base is shown as being triangular in shape, it is appreciated that it may be a variety of different shapes and not depart from the scope of the present invention. In order to assist in moving the dust suppression device 10, a tow or push bar 26 may extend from the base or frame, or a coupling member 27 may extend outwardly from the base 16 for attaching to a corresponding coupling member. The tow or push bar 26 may also be designed to contact the ground to provide additional support for the device 10 during operation. Additionally, the device preferably includes posts 28 having platforms 29 that are moveably attached to the base to permit the platforms to be slid into and out of contact with the ground to inhibit or facilitate movement of the device, respectively. While the first embodiment of the device is preferably portable to facilitate transportation of the device to different locales, it is appreciated that it may stationary or less mobile and not depart from the scope of the present invention. It is appreciated that the base may comprise any type of structure in which the mister is attached to including, but not limited to, a crane or other machinery or a post. The base may also include the flange structure and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to
A fan motor (not shown) may be mounted in the housing of the hub 32 or elsewhere for rotating the plurality of blades. Power may be supplied to the fan motor in any of the known ways including, but not limited to: through batteries; connecting an electrical cord to an electrical outlet or other power source; or, in large applications, through an engine. A switch (not shown) is preferably electrically connected to the fan motor in a known way to permit the fan propelled mister to be selectively operated. It is appreciated that when a battery is used, a battery charger may also be used to prevent the battery from running down. Alternatively, operating the fan at idle speed may also assist in keeping the battery charged. An example of a suitable fan is a 30,000 CFM 25 HP fan. While a fan-propelled mister is preferred, it is appreciated that the mister may work with any of the known means for creating a high-velocity airflow, such as, but not limited to, an air compressor.
A misting ring 42 having a plurality of nozzles is preferably attached or connected to the end of the discharge tube 40 in a known way. The nozzles may be any of the known types to permit a fine mist to be created and different nozzles may be used to generate different sized fluid (e.g., water) particles. Nozzles providing different sized fluid particles can be alternated or otherwise located about a single ring or on concentric rings, each of which may carry different sized nozzles. It is appreciated that the nozzles may be made of, among other things, brass, stainless steel or nylon. In order to control dust, the nozzles in one embodiment generate water particles wherein the majority of the water particles fall within the range of 50 to 200 microns. It is also appreciated that the device may include one nozzle that has multiple outlets for creating mists and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
A fluid, such as but not limited to water, is preferably supplied to the misting ring 42 through the use of hose or tube 46 that is connected to a fluid source such as a water tank or outlet (not shown) for distributing small fluid particles in the form of a fine mist into the airflow. In order to increase the fluid pressure, in one embodiment of the present invention, water from the hose or tube 46 is preferably delivered to a booster pump 50 to boost the water pressure. In one such embodiment, the water pressure is increased to 150 psi. If potable water is not used, it is appreciated that filters may be utilized to filter the water prior to its distribution. A valve (not shown) may be connected to the water supply tube or hose or booster pump for controlling the flow of water to the misting ring. While a misting ring is shown and disclosed about the distal end of the discharge tube, it is appreciated that other structures for housing nozzles may be used and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
While the embodiments shown and disclosed herein use a water source to generate water particles, it is appreciated that the device may connect to one or more other fluid sources, in addition to or in lieu of the water source, depending upon the desired use of the device to suppress dust and/or odor. Additionally, while the embodiment shown and disclosed discusses suppressing dust and/or odor, it is appreciated that the device may be used to dispense other various known fluids over designated areas (e.g., microbes over a compost pile) to control or address a variety of other contaminants or particles.
In order to cover a larger area or an elevated area, the dust suppression device 10 of the present invention preferably permits the fan propelled mister 16 to be angled upwards. Referring again to
Extending from the top of the tubular base member 60 is a pair of arms 64 forming a U-shaped bracket. A pair of pins 66 extend through the upper ends of the arms and engage corresponding mounting plates 68 attached to the side of the discharge tube 40. The pins 66 are sized so that they may rotate within the corresponding holes on the arms. In order to maintain the fan propelled mister 16 at the desired angle, a pair of second pins 72 may extend through holes on the arms 64 and into ones of a plurality of spaced-apart holes 70 on the mounting plates. In order to assist in the insertion and removal of the second pins 72, a pin 74 having enlarged ends extends through a hole on the end of the second pins 72. To withdraw the second pins, the bottom end of the pin 74 may be pushed upward to permit fingers to extend behind both ends of the pin 74 and apply a longitudinal force along the length of the pin 72 to remove the pin from its corresponding hole 74. In one embodiment, the fan propelled mister may be angled up to an angle of about 70 degrees from horizontal. Additionally, it is appreciated that the fan may be permitted to oscillate to spread the mist over a larger area. In one embodiment, the fan is permitted to oscillate through about 120 degrees. Furthermore, it is appreciated that a pair of devices or oscillating fan propelled misters may be arranged so that their respective mist outputs cross.
In another alternate embodiment, the dust suppression device, as shown in
In operation, rather than utilizing both sets of nozzles simultaneously, the device may perform the misting operation in multiple steps. For example, in one embodiment, the device may first create a mist having 50 micron or smaller particles for controlling or suppressing odor. The device may then utilize the second set of nozzles for creating a second mist of particles for controlling or suppressing dust or other contaminants.
In order to further control dust, odor and/or other contaminants, it is appreciated that a known sealant may be added to the water or other fluid to enhance the sealing characteristics of the fluid to maintain the captured odor or dust particles on the ground.
Referring now to
The fan propelled mister 106 includes a fan 110 having a hub and a plurality of blades within a housing 112. A grate or mesh 114 preferably covers the back of the housing 112 and the fan to permit air, but not large foreign objects, to be drawn into the fan during use. The housing 112 of the fan includes one or more discharge tubes 120, 122, 124 to permit the generation of a high-velocity airflow through the fan propelled mister 106. While a fan-propelled mister is preferred, it is appreciated that the mister may work with any of the known means for creating a high-velocity airflow such as, but not limited to, an air compressor.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises a main discharge tube 120 and a pair of secondary discharge tubes 122, 124 extending from the main discharge tube 120. The main discharge tube preferably comprises one or more misting rings 130 having a plurality of nozzles attached or connected at or proximate its end in a known way. The nozzles may be any of the known types to permit a fine mist to be created and different nozzles may be used to generate different sized fluid (e.g., water) particles. Nozzles providing different sized fluid particles can be alternated or otherwise located about a single ring or on concentric rings, each of which may carry different sized nozzles. It is appreciated that the nozzles may be made of, among other things, brass, stainless steel or nylon. In order to control dust, the nozzles in one embodiment generate water particles wherein the majority of the water particles fall within the range of 50 to 200 microns. It is also appreciated that the device may include separate nozzles that have multiple outlets for creating mists and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
A fluid, such as but not limited to water, is preferably supplied to the misting ring 130 through the use of hose or tube that is connected to a fluid source such as a water tank or outlet 132 for distributing small fluid particles in the form of a fine mist into the airflow. In order to increase the fluid pressure, in one embodiment of the present invention, water from the hose or tube may be delivered to a booster pump to boost the water pressure. In one such embodiment, the water pressure is increased to 150 psi. If potable water is not used, it is appreciated that filters may be utilized to filter the water prior to its distribution. A valve (not shown) may be connected to the water supply tube or hose or booster pump for controlling the flow of water to the misting ring. While a misting ring is shown and disclosed about the distal end of the discharge tube, it is appreciated that other structures for housing nozzles may be used and not depart from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments shown and disclosed herein use a water source to generate water particles, it is appreciated that the device may connect to one or more other fluid sources, in addition to or in lieu of the water source, depending upon the desired use of the device to suppress dust, odor and/or other contaminants.
The secondary discharge tubes, as shown in the figures, may comprise a base member 140, a flexible tubing member 142 and an end member 144 for hosing one or more misting rings or nozzles 146. Fluid may be supplied to the misting rings or nozzles through the use of hoses 148 that are operatively connected to the fluid tank 132, secondary fluid tank or outlet. In order to adjust the angle of the secondary discharge tubes 120, 122, the flexible tubing members 142 permit the end members 144 to be moved. Each end member 144 may comprise a flange having a hole 150 or other device for permitting a tube or other restraining device 152 to attach thereto to maintain the respective secondary discharge tube 122, 124 in place relative to the discharge tube 120.
In order to permit the mist output to cover a wider or different area, the discharge tube preferably may be angled relative to the base. As shown in
A fan motor (not shown) may be mounted in the housing of the hub or elsewhere for rotating the plurality of blades. Power may be supplied to the fan motor in any of the known ways including, but not limited to: through batteries; connecting an electrical cord to an electrical outlet or other power source; or, in large applications, through an engine. A switch (not shown) is preferably electrically connected to the fan motor in a known way to permit the fan propelled mister to be selectively operated.
In situations where it is desirable to saturate a particular area or region, the device may also include one or more high pressure hoses 160. The hose(s) 160 may be fixed or attached within or on the outside of the discharge tube 120, or otherwise attached to the device in a known way. The hose is preferably adjustable so that the dispensing ends of the hoses may be independently aimed to target one or more areas or regions (e.g., the area around the point of impact for a backhoe). In operation, it is appreciated that the high pressure hose(s) may be used in conjunction with the misting nozzles to create a mist to suppress dust and/or odors. The hoses are preferably directly attached to a hydrant or other outlet to provide an ample source of fluid (e.g., water) to saturate the area, but may be attached to a separate tank and pump and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the present invention permits the discharge tube to rotate 70 degrees in the vertical direction. In order to limit the amount of buckling or bowing of the high pressure hose during the vertical rotation of the discharge tube, it is appreciated that the high pressure hose may be located so that it passes through or near the center of vertical rotation for the discharge tube.
In order to cleanse the air used in the present invention, it is also appreciated that a filter may be used in connection with the airflow through the fan. Referring now to
In another embodiment, it is appreciated that a nozzle may be attached or connected to a high pressure device such as a power washer for providing mist control at extended distances. The nozzle may be placed on top of or otherwise attached to a pedestal to provide stability for the device during operation. It is appreciated that the pedestal may be filled with water or other liquids, or may be solid. In the case of a liquid-filled pedestal, the pedestal preferably has an entry port near the top to permit the water or other liquid to be placed in the pedestal prior to use, and a drain port near the bottom of the pedestal to permit the liquid to be drained to facilitate movement and storage of the device.
It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention, but it is understood that this application is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/684,621, filed May 25, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60684621 | May 2005 | US |
