CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application does not claim priority from any other application .

TECH NICAL FIELD

This i nvention relates to a waste oil-based water production system and a process which utilizes waste oil via a chil ler to produce , store, treat and/or dispense potable and/or drinkable water.

BACKG ROU ND OF TH E INVENTION

I n many parts of the world there is a significant issue with the disposition of waste oil generated from nu merous sources, including from automobiles and other industrial equ ipment. At the same time and in many of the same and other parts of the world , there is a shortage of water sufficient quality for use as potable water and/or for use as drinking water.

This invention provides a solution for these issues by providi ng an air to water conversion that, while cleanly bu rning waste oil , also provides a source of water derived from the condensation of the moistu re or hu midity (water) in the ambient air.

It is therefore an object of embodi ments of this i nvention to provide a system which concurrently and relatively cleanly burns waste oil and converts the water vapor in the ambient air to potable or drinkable water.

It is also an object of embodi ments of this invention to provide a process which utilizes by combusti ng i n a relatively clean manner waste oil to provide energy to a chiller which causes vapor in the air to condense for collection , treatment, storage and/or dispensation . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram representation of one example of elements combined to practice embodiments of this invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of one example of a waste oil burner based chiller assembly which may be utilized in practicing embodiments of this invention; and

Figure 3 is a block diagram representation of one example of a process which may be utilized in order to practice embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Many of the fastening, connection, manufacturing and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore, they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application or embodiment of any element may already be widely known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant detail.

The terms "a", "an" and "the" as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean "at least one".

Figure 1 is a block diagram representation of an example of a combination of elements that may be used to practice embodiments of this invention, illustrating a waste of oil-based air to water system 100, a waste oil burner 104, combustion chamber 106, water chiller 108, evaporator 110, water collector, water treatment 112, a water storage apparatus 114 and a water dispenser 115.

Figure 1 shows how the waste oil burner 104 converts waste oil into energy at 116, providing the energy to the combustion chamber 106. The combustion chamber output provides thermal energy to chilling system at 118 such that the water chiller 108 receives the energy from chilling functions, as described more fully below.

At step 120, the water chiller circulates cold fluid to and through the one or more evaporators 110a and 110b. It will be appreciated that based on relative sizing and the desired application or embodiment, one or any number of additional evaporators may be utilized within the contemplation of this invention. The ambient air is condensed at 122, thereby producing usable water from the water vapor that was previously in the air. The condensed water may then be collected in a water collector 127, which may also be combined with and as a water storage container 114. In some embodiments of this invention the water may be treated for bacteria and/or other undesirables, illustrated by box 112. The water is then provided to a water storage container or tank 114, and then further provided for possible use by a water dispenser 115, as reflected by step 125.

A water dispenser which may be utilized as contemplated by this invention, may be any one of a number of different known water dispensers available with no one in particular being required to practice this invention. For example a water dispenser as is publicly available from AWG International, Bellingham, Washington, as well as any one of a number of other brands and models, may be used.

In order to provide a workable system, a form of water treatment is preferably used via water treatment apparatus 112. The water treatment apparatus may provide any one of a number of different levels of water treatment and purification, such as water purification at 124 for drinking water, hot water or other desired levels of purification. Once the water is purified as desired at step 124, then the water may be stored in a water storage apparatus 114 - although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the treatment may occur at or before the water collector 127, at or before the water storage 114 and/or at or before the water dispenser 115, within the contemplation of this invention.

The water as treated may then be dispensed in any one of a number of different ways, including that shown by step 125 wherein the water is provided to a water dispenser 115 wherein it may be removed as desired for the intended use(s). The dispenser may also be a dispensing machine which are generally known, and wherein a fee may be charged, for the dispensing of the water.

As one example of a chiller unit which may be utilized in practicing some embodiments of this invention, U.S. Patent. 5,724,829, which is hereby incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. Figure 2 illustrates an example of a water chiller which may be utilized in practicing some embodiments of this invention, illustrating a generator 201, a condenser 202 with condenser coils 202a, a refrigerant restrictor 203, an evaporator 204 with evaporator coils 204a, an absorber 205, a solution pump 206, a water pump 207, a source of heat or burner 208 and a heat exchanger 209 attached to the generator 201. In some embodiments of this invention, the generator 201 may contain a solution of ammonia and water.

Figure 2 further illustrates pump 207 which pumps water coming from the chiller evaporator 204 to one or more external evaporators 265, and return water pipe 210 through which return water may normally be piped back to the chiller evaporator 204, pipe 213 and solution restrictor 212 between the generator 201 and the absorber 205 and pipe 211 through which the ammonia and water solution is pumped by solution pump 206 back to the generator 201. However in this case, the water is pumped from the chiller evaporator 204 to one or other evaporators 265, with a return line 210.

For thermostatically controlled chillers, when the thermostat calls for the space to be cooled, a source of heat or burner heats the generator 201, causing the ammonia solution in the generator 201 to boil. During the boiling process within the generator 201, the ammonia in solution is separated from the water, leaves the generator 201 and enters the condenser 202, where it is condensed to liquid form. As the liquid ammonia leaves the condenser 202, it passes through a refrigerant restrictor 203, which lowers the pressure as the ammonia enters the evaporator 204.

In the evaporators 204 and 265, the liquid ammonia may vaporize to a gaseous state, and during the vaporization, heat is absorbed from the water dripping over the outer surface of the evaporator coils 204a and 265a, thereby cooling the water to a predetermined temperature, generally in the forty five degrees Fahrenheit range. The chilled water is then pumped to the space where cooling is desired. It will be appreciated that this invention is not limited to a particular type or manufacture of evaporator. The gaseous ammonia from the evaporator 204 then enters the absorber 205 where it is absorbed into water and the ammon ia-water solution is then pu mped by solution pu mp 206 back to the generator 201 for re-use . The generator 201 may be an enclosure with a heat exchanger connected to it.

Figu re 2 also illustrates an example of a waste oil heater assembly 230, a combustion chamber 240, a grate 231 , a plenu m 241 , a compressed air tank 232 which receives compressed air from a source of compressed air throug h air pipe 238, an air manifold 233 which i ncludes a plurality of air holes 234 in the air manifold 233 and an air valve 237 in the air manifold 233 between the air holes 234 and the air tank 232. The waste oil heater assembly 230 generally receives the waste oil from an oil storage tank, preheats the waste oil and atom izes it through a nozzle. The flow of atom ized waste oil from the nozzle is typically ignited by electrode positioned near the nozzle , thereby causing a flame and generati ng the heat. Forced convection can be used to mai ntai n and direct the flow of the products of combustion . The plenu m 241 is a continuation of the combustion chamber 240 and facilitates , contains and directs the movement of the hot products of combustion to the heat exchanger on the generator 201 . The grate 231 may be nine gauge interwoven wire in a grid arrangement with one-quarter i nch openi ngs. The air tank 232 may be an eig ht gallon tank and air pipe 238 is one i nch interior diameter pipi ng . Although compressed air is used due to its availability and cost, any other gases cou ld likewise be used within the contemplation of this invention .

The system may i nclude a means for controlli ng the actuation of the source compressed air, the preferred embodi ment of which i ncludes a solenoid , set to actuate an air valve 237 at pre-determined time intervals, operates the air valve 237 thereby causi ng it to open and release the compressed air through the air holes 234 and over the heat transfer surface on the generator 201 . The operation of the air valve every ten mi nutes is currently the preferred time i nterval to mai ntai n the heat transfer surface on the generator sufficiently clean . The solenoid causes the valve to open for approximately two seconds . The blast of air removes the soot and residue from the heat transfer surface, which is then blown agai nst exhaust assembly wall 239, where it drops into particu late removal contai ner 236. The other products of combustion , which are at elevated temperatures, flow through exhaust assembly 235 and are thereby discharged .

Figu re 2 further schematically illustrates one example of a water collection , storage and dispenser elements which may be utilized i n some embodiments of this invention . Figure 2 illustrates how a second evaporator 265 with evaporator tubes 265a may be operatively connected to the chiller evaporator 204, and produces the desired water. There may but need not be a separate water collector 271 to receive the water produced by the condensation withi n evaporator 265 and received via condu it 207. Pu mp 272 may be used to pu mp the water to water treatment 273 or directly to the storage tank 274. From the storage tank, the water is made available to the water dispenser 275. It will be appreciated by those of ord inary skill in the art that the collection tank 270 and the storage tank 274 may be combined into an i ntegrated collection/storage tank in some embodiments of this invention , and as discussed elsewhere herein , the water treatment may be provided (if it is provided i n a particu lar embodi ment) at any one or more of a nu mber of different locations or stages.

It will be appreciated that Figu re 2 only shows one evaporator 265 external to the chiller; however this i nvention contemplates one or more evaporators dependi ng on the desired embodiment and application - all within the scope of this i nvention .

Examples of waste oil heater assemblies and systems which can be utilized i n combination with the chiller are disclosed in U .S . Pat. No . 4,797,089 and 4,877,395 , issued to the i nventors herei n , and are incorporated herei n by reference.

Figu re 3 is a block diagram representation of one example of a process which may be utilized in order to practice embodiments of this invention . Figure 3 illustrates the steps of providing a sou rce of waste oil at step 251 , deliveri ng waste oi l from that sou rce of waste oil to a storage tank at step 252, pu mping said waste oil from said storage tank to a waste oil burner at step 253, combusting the waste oil and thereby producing heat at step 254; utilizing heat from the combustion of the waste oil in a chiller at step 255; providing for the condensation of water vapor from the air at step 256; collecting the resulting condensate water at step 257; treating and/or storing the condensate water at step 258 and potentially storing the condensate water at step 259 (which in some embodiments, will be to make it available to or in a dispenser). From the dispenser, the water may be utilized in any one of a number of different ways, such as the vending machine type of dispenser which provides the water for a fee, or in any one of a number of different ways, all within the contemplation of embodiments of this invention.

The steps illustrated in Figure 3 may be practiced in any one of a number of different ways within the contemplation of this invention, as components to practice said steps are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and variations of elements, components and combinations, which may be used, all within the scope of this invention.

One embodiment of this invention, for example, is a waste oil based chiller water production system comprising: a source of waste oil; a waste oil burner with a combustion chamber, operatively connected to the source of waste oil to receive waste oil therefrom for combustion; a water chiller configured to receive heat from the waste oil burner, an evaporator configured to receive fluid from the chiller with the evaporator further configured to allow water vapor in air surrounding the evaporator to condense; and a water collector configured relative to the evaporator to receive water condensed on the evaporator.

Further embodiments of that described in the preceding paragraph may include a waste oil based chiller water production system further comprising a water treatment system operatively connected to the water collector and configured to receive water therefrom and treat or purify the water; or such a waste oil based chiller further comprising a water storage tank operatively connected to the water collector and configured to receive water from the water storage collector. The foregoing may further include a water dispenser operatively connected to the water storage tank and configured to receive water from the water storage tank for dispensation.

The embodiments described above may also include a water dispenser operatively connected to the water collector and configured to receive water from the water collector for dispensation. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the water dispenser may be of any one of a number of different types, such as a vending machine type of dispenser.

In yet other embodiments of this invention, a process for the utilization of waste oil to produce usable water via a chiller may be provided which includes the following: providing a source of waste oil; providing a waste oil storage tank; providing a waste oil burner operatively connected to the waste oil storage tank; providing waste oil to the storage tank; pumping said waste oil from said storage tank to the waste oil burner; combusting the waste oil in the waste oil burner and thereby producing heat energy; providing a water chiller; utilizing the heat energy from the combustion of the waste oil in the water chiller; providing one or more evaporators operatively connected to the water chiller, collecting condensate water from the evaporator; and providing the condensate water for further dispensation.

Further embodiments of that described in the preceding paragraph may include further treating the condensate water for bacterial after it is collected. Still further embodiments may also include providing a water storage tank operatively connected to receive condensate water collected and provide storage therefore; and a water dispenser operatively connected to receive water from the water storage tank and facilitate its dispensation. Again, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the water dispenser may be any one of a number of different types of water dispensers, such as a vending machine type of water dispenser.