FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a device for combating air pollution. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for arresting air pollutants and purifying air.

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is the release of particulate matter and noxious gases in the atmosphere. Air pollution has an immense effect on the environment and is responsible for global warming and climate change. Today the health risk caused by air pollution is so significant that indoor air pollution and poor urban air quality have been listed as two of the world's worst toxic pollution problems. A report by the World Health Organization estimated that around 7 million deaths were caused worldwide in 2012 due to air pollution. The effects of air pollution on human health include neurological, reproductive, developmental and respiratory health problems and damage to the immune system. Air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and lung disease.

A majority of the air pollutants are released from man-made sources such as power plants, manufacturing facilities, industries, waste incinerators, refineries, vehicles, aircrafts, construction sites, agriculture, etc. Some common pollutants from these sources are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, volatile organic compounds, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, chlorofluorocarbons, etc.

In an effort to control the release of these air pollutants a number of air pollution control devices are being used. The air pollution control devices aim to reduce emissions or regulate them to a permissible limit. Although these devices have proven to be effective to reduce the overall levels of pollutant emissions, such control is not adequate for the present situation which demands devising a device which will effectively prevent pollutants from entering into the ambience, in such a way that the pollutants will not re-enter the environment. It is further desirable that such device be suitable for removal of a variety of pollutants and toxins from air. It is also desired that such device be renewable, economical, less energy dependent and does not leave footprints.

Several efforts have been made in the past to provide such air pollutant capturing devices. One such typical air pollution capturing apparatus is taught by the US Patent No. 5256476 that relates to an adsorbent comprising fine plastic particles and a reinforcing fiber molded in the form of blades of a fan for adsorbing pollutants.

Another air pollutant capturing apparatus is taught by W01991011246 which relates to an air purifier having a motor that drives a radial-flow fan containing adsorber discs located inside the fan which are made of flat, adsorbent material that is substantially impermeable to the air to be purified and adsorb the pollutant particles suspended in the air stream.

Further, a pollutant capturing surface is taught by US Patent No. 9382165 which teaches covering surfaces of a vertical axis wind turbine with fabrics, films or coatings that remove pollutants from flowing ambient air that contact the turbine vanes. Another apparatus for cleaning and filtering air device is taught by US6514304 which comprises a filtering media such as activated charcoal or pleated fiberglass mesh that can be attached to a fan blade of a common ceiling fan for continuous filtering. A drawback with the known devices is that they have limited application. The known technologies are only focused at removing particulates from the air. These devices mostly contain adsorbents which capture the pollutants, but in no way degrade them into harmless products. Also, the traditional technologies can be employed to remove carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. However, they are ineffective at removing other toxic pollutants such as methane, volatile organic compounds, unburned hydrocarbons and toxic metals, which are today’s significant contributors towards air pollution.

Furthermore, these devices may not be temperature, pressure, chemical or abrasion resistant. In many cases, the maintenance cost of the device is high due to regular cleaning, flushing, repairing and replacement. Also, disposal of these devices or the filters used therein may pose an additional threat to the environment. Additionally, most of the known devices are designed for an industrial application and few are suitable for indoor use. With people spending most time indoors, there is need for a device which will capture the pollutants from indoors. At the same time, the cost, maintenance and usability of the device are important aspects.

There is therefore felt a need to develop a device for arresting pollutants which overcomes one or more of the drawbacks of the known devices, and which can be adapted for indoor or outdoor application, has a high efficiency, is environment-friendly, user-friendly, economical and easily disposable/replaceable.

OBJECTS

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for arresting pollutants which overcomes one or more of the drawbacks of the known devices, and which can be adapted for indoor or outdoor application, has a high efficiency, is environment-friendly, user-friendly, economical and easily disposable/replaceable.

One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for arresting pollutants which can be adapted to capture an array of pollutants before releasing purified air indoors or capture pollutants from outside air.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for arresting air pollutants, the device comprises:

a body having two opposite openings defining an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan provided proximal to the air outlet, the fan being adapted to create a partial vacuum in the region between the fan and the air inlet causing the surrounding air to be pulled inside the body to flow towards the air outlet; a plurality of pollutant arresters arranged substantially along the length of the body between the air inlet and the fan for purifying the air off more than one pollutants before exiting the air outlet.

Typically, the air inlet and the air outlet are substantially coaxial, with the air inlet being smaller than the air outlet. Further, according to one embodiment, the pollutant arrester is a natural adsorbent material selected from a biologically active material, activated carbon, cellulose, gelatin, beeswax, cotton fiber, plant-extract, plant fiber, coir, algae, salt, limestone, fullers earth, processed cow dung, and combinations thereof. The pollutant arrester may be a biologically active material such as compost, peat or soil containing aerobic microorganisms for degrading pollutants and toxins in air. The pollutant arrester may be a plant-extract such as plant protein. The pollutant arrester may be a cellulose such as bacterial cellulose.

According to one preferred embodiment, the plurality of pollutant arresters are arranged in series in a removable and replaceable cartridge. The cartridge may additionally comprise at least one element selected from odour-eliminating, air freshening, air perfuming, air sanitizing, air disinfecting materials and combinations thereof. The cartridge may additionally comprise cultured bacteria adapted to release oxygen on exposure to light. The bacteria may be selected from cyanobacteria, chlorella, salina, dunaliella, chlorella microalgae, photosynthetic bacteria, and combinations thereof. The cartridge additionally comprises negative ions. The device may be adapted to provide indoor air ventilation and purification. Alternatively, device may be adapted to provide outdoor air purification. The device may be battery or electric operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which,

FIGURE 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the pollution arresting device in accordance to the present disclosure;

FIGURE 2 illustrates an embodiment of the fan of the pollution arresting device;

FIGURE 3 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the pollution arresting device in accordance to the present disclosure; FIGURE 4 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the pollution arresting device in accordance to the present disclosure; and

FIGURE 5 illustrates still another preferred embodiment of the pollution arresting device in accordance to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting examples in the following description. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The description herein after, of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

A pollutant arresting device is an equipment that adsorbs, absorbs or filters pollutants from an air stream at a source (e.g. home, industry, incinerator, smokestack, automobile, and the like) to prevent release of the pollutants in to the atmosphere.

The present disclosure envisages one such device for arresting air pollutants which is adapted to treat a pollutant carrying air stream by capturing the pollutants therein prior to release of the air stream into atmosphere. The present disclosure aims to provide a device which will improve the air quality indoors and outdoors. The device according to the present disclosure comprises a body having two opposite openings defining an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan is provided proximal to the air outlet. The fan when operated creates a partial vacuum in the region between the fan and the air inlet causing the surrounding air to be pulled inside the body and flow towards the air outlet. A plurality of pollutant arresters are arranged substantially along the length of the body between the air inlet and the fan. These arresters may be arranged in series, adapted to receive the incoming air and purify it by providing a passage therethrough. The arresters comprise more than one pollutant capturing material so as to empty the air of more than one type of pollutant. The air after treatment exits through the air outlet. The device may be adapted to provide indoor air ventilation and purification or outdoor air purification.

In a preferred embodiment, the air inlet and the air outlet are substantially coaxial, with the air inlet being smaller than the air outlet. This allows creation of a natural suction to pull air inside the body of the device. This may help in reducing energy consumption, and dependency of the device on energy. The device may additionally have a battery source or connection to an AC source to operate the fan. Also, the pollutant arrester is a natural material, typically a natural material effective at adsorption of pollutants. There is a non-exhaustive list of natural materials suitable for adsorbing and collecting pollutants. Some of these materials include, but are not limited to, biologically active material, activated carbon, cellulose, gelatin, beeswax, cotton fiber, plant-extract, plant fiber, coir, algae, salt, limestone, fullers earth, processed cow dung, and combinations thereof. The plant fiber and plant extract may be derived from corn, soy, wheat, potato, tapioca, and the like. Also, the biologically active material may be compost, peat, soil, etc., enriched with aerobic microorganisms that cause degradation of the pollutants and toxins in the air to a harmless product. The plant extract may be a plant protein, such as soy protein. The cellulose may be bacterial cellulose. The pollutant arrester may be a natural polymer or membrane. The plurality of pollutant arresters are arranged in series in a removable and replaceable cartridge. The arresters may be arranged in a manner to provide maximum contact surface area for the exposure of incoming air stream. This includes irregular shapes such as waves, ripples or crinkles that provide increased contact surface area for retention of the pollutants. The cartridge is easily replaceable on indication of being exhausted. Also, the cartridge is completely biodegradable making it convenient for disposal without leaving any footprint or causing any environmental hazard.

The cartridge may additionally comprise other elements for conditioning the air, adding fragrance thereof or enhancing its oxygen concentration. The cartridge may contain odour-eliminating, air freshening, air perfuming, air sanitizing or air disinfecting materials or combinations thereof. The cartridge may also contain cultured bacteria such as cyanobacteria, chlorella, salina, dunaliella, chlorella microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria. These bacteria are adapted to release oxygen on exposure to sunlight, thereby enhancing the air oxygen concentration. The cartridge may also contain negative ions which on release into the atmosphere help in elevating the mood and bringing a positive feeling.

The fan is adapted to create a partial vacuum. Additionally, the rotatable blades may comprise an adsorbent material thereon in the form of a film, coating, cover or frame. The adsorbent material may be formed in a cob web-like arrangement for trapping the pollutants and retaining them therein. The rotating movement of the blades allows a large adsorbent area to which the air stream is exposed. The pollutants adhere to each other with their cohesive forces, thereby forming a pollutant ball similar to a dust ball. The rotatable blades may be detachable for cleaning or replacement.

The device of the present disclosure may have numerous indoor and outdoor applications. The device is preferably positioned proximal to an exit from where the pollutant carrying air stream is released into the atmosphere, such as an exhaust, chimney or smokestack. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment the device may be positioned proximal to a window or a roof from where outdoor air enters the premise. In such embodiment, the device may also comprise a suction unit which will suck outdoor air therethrough and pass purified clean air indoors. Such embodiment may act in conjunction with air handling units. The device may be in the form of a pedestal fan or a decorative window mounted fan-cum-light.

The device may be adapted to be used outdoors such as in high pollution zones. The high pollution zones include, but are not limited to, industrial areas, manufacturing units, roof tops, roads, highways, and the like. The device may be further adapted for use in pollution sensitive zones such as hospitals, schools, therapy centers, sports centers, playgrounds, and the like. The present disclosure will now be explained with respect to the exemplary embodiments which shall not be construed to limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a preferred embodiment of the device of the present disclosure; the embodiment being generally referred in the Fig. 1 by numeral 100. The embodiment 100 comprises a tubular body 106 having an air inlet 102 and an opposite air outlet 109. A fan 107 is arranged at the operative top of the tubular body 106 for creating a partial vacuum in the body 106 so that outside air is sucked into the air inlet 102. The tubular body 106 comprises a hump structure 108 for arranging the fan 107. The incoming pollutant laden air received through the air inlet 102 flows through the cartridge 103 in the direction of the air outlet 109. The fan 107 is separated from the cartridge 103 as shown. The fan 107 as seen in FIG. 2 comprises a rod 121 fixed to the operative top of the body 106. The rotatable blades 122 are attached to the rod 121 at a central axle 123. The blades 122 comprise an adsorbent film or coating to entrap pollutants. The rotatable blades 122 comprise the adsorbent film or filter in the form of a cob web-like arrangement.

The cartridge 103 comprises a first pollutant arrester 112 which is an algae on coconut fiber or a biologically active material containing aerobic microorganisms. The cartridge 103 further comprises a second pollutant arrester 118 which is beeswax, cotton fiber, plant-extract, plant fiber, coir, salt, limestone or fullers earth, preferably arranged in a meshwork having undulated pattern to provide increased contact surface for removing pollutants from the air. The cartridge 103 further comprises a third pollutant arrester 120 which is a cellulose or gelatin hollow sheet drum that provides further purification to the air. The purified air is exits at the outlet 109. Another preferred embodiment of device of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings, the embodiment being generally referred in the Fig. 3 by numeral 200. The embodiment 200 comprises a funnel-shaped body having a conical first part 206 comprising an air inlet 202, a tubular second part 208 and a funnel-shaped third part 210 comprising an air outlet 209. The funnel-shaped design also provides natural air suction. The air inlet 202 is smaller than the air outlet 209. The cartridge 203 is arranged in the conical first part 206 and the tubular second part 208. The fan 222 is arranged in the funnel-shaped third part 210. The cartridge 203 in the conical first part 206 comprises three pollutant arresters arranged in series. The first pollutant arrester 212 is an algae arranged on a coconut or cotton fiber, the second pollutant arrester 214 is soil, compost, processed cow dung or peat containing aerobic microorganisms, and the third pollutant arrester 218 is a material selected from activated carbon, beeswax, cotton fiber, plant-extract, plant fiber, coir, algae, salt, limestone, fullers earth and combinations thereof. The plant fiber and plant extract can be derived from corn, soy, wheat, potato, tapioca, and the like. The plant extract can be a plant protein, such as soy protein. The pollutant arrester 218 is compacted or provided on a wire mesh to provide increased contact time. The third pollutant arrester 218 is separated from the first and second pollutant arresters 212 & 214 by means of a partition 216. The body is made of a natural biodegradable polymer.

The cartridge additionally contains cultured bacteria such as cyanobacteria, chlorella, salina, dunaliella, chlorella microalgae or photosynthetic bacteria. The bacteria release oxygen on exposure to sunlight to increase the outgoing air oxygen concentration. The cartridge also contains negative ions which are released with the outgoing air to elevate mood and release stress. The tubular second part 208 comprises a fourth pollutant arrester 220 which is cellulose, gelatin, natural polymer or membrane. The cellulose can be bacterial cellulose. The fourth pollutant arrester 220 comprises more than one hollow sheet drums made of cellulose, gelatin, natural polymer or membrane. Post-treatment the purified air exits the body through air outlet 209 via the fan 222. The fan 222 can comprise an adsorbent film for trapping any leftover pollutants. A fragrance strip can be attached to the fan 222 to give out a fragrance that lingers with the outgoing air. Another preferred embodiment of device of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings, the embodiment being generally referred in the Fig. 4 by numeral 300. The embodiment 300 comprises a funnel-shaped body having an air inlet 302 at the narrow bottom and an air outlet 309 at the funnel mouth. The cartridge 303 is arranged in the body of the funnel containing a stem part 306 and a conical part 308. The fan 322 is arranged in the funnel mouth 310. The cartridge 303 comprises three pollutant arresters arranged in series. The first pollutant arrester 312 is an algae arranged on a coconut or cotton fiber. The second pollutant arrester 318 is a material selected from activated carbon, beeswax, cotton fiber, plant-extract, plant fiber, coir, algae, salt, limestone, fullers earth and combinations thereof. The pollutant arrester 318 is compacted or provided on a ridged mesh to provide increased contact time. The third pollutant arrester 320 comprises more than one hollow sheet drums made of cellulose, gelatin, natural polymer or membrane. The body is made of a natural biodegradable polymer.

Another preferred embodiment of device of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings, the embodiment being generally referred in the Fig. 5 by numeral 400. The embodiment 400 comprises a balloon-shaped body having an air inlet 402 at the narrow bottom 406 and an air outlet 409 at the balloon head 410. The cartridge 403 is arranged in the body. The cartridge 403 comprises three pollutant arresters arranged in series. The first pollutant arrester 412 is an algae arranged on a coconut or cotton/plant fiber. The second pollutant arrester 418 is a material selected from activated carbon, beeswax, cotton fiber, plant-extract, plant fiber, coir, algae, salt, limestone, fullers earth and combinations thereof. The pollutant arrester 418 is compacted or provided on a meshwork to provide increased contact time. The third pollutant arrester 420 comprises more than one hollow sheet drums made of cellulose, gelatin, natural polymer or membrane. The body is made of a natural biodegradable polymer.

The shape and size of the device may be altered to suit the requirement. Also, the pollutant arrester may be used from the variety of pollutants, depending upon the final use. The device can be used for indoor air ventilation and purification, and outdoor air purification. The device can be battery operated or operated by AC electric source. The device can be made into a decorative article such as a led light or chandelier.

Embodiment of the present invention is applicable over a wide number of uses and other embodiments may be developed beyond the embodiment discussed heretofore. Only the most preferred embodiments and their uses have been described herein for purpose of example, illustrating the advantages over the prior art obtained through the present disclosure; the disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments or their specified uses. Thus, the forms of the disclosure described herein are to be taken as illustrative only and other embodiments may be selected without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that additional changes and modifications, within the scope of the disclosure, will be apparent to one skilled in the art and that various modifications to the composition described herein may fall within the scope of the disclosure.