FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a micropore filtration system. More particularly, the present invention relates a micropore filtration system that uses controlled ventilation to create clean air pockets in large areas of enclosed spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Air is the most important component of life and clean air is birth right of every individual. Air all around the world is getting polluted and contaminated and is adversely affecting health of people worldwide. Polluted air can cause or may contribute to various respiratory as well as non-respiratory diseases such as cardiac ailments. In short, harmful effects of polluted air are well known not only for patients but also healthy human beings.

[0003] It is the need of the hour to invent technology to protect people from air pollution. Currently, different types of air purifiers are commercially available to clean the air. High cost of these devices is an impediment to their mass usage. These devices are developed using different types of air filtrations. Some filtration media are cost-effective and offer less resistance to air flow, but are unable to filter out fine air particles or harmful gases etc. Other filtration systems which can filter out fine particles usually offer high resistance to air flow and are expensive. The conventional air filtration systems are developed to cover and clean the small surface areas, ranging from 200 square feet to 250 square feet.

[0004] A reference may be to a European Patent application EP3558488 which discloses an apparatus and system for air cleaning, particularly for filtering, treating or sanitising indoor air. Though the system aims to kill the pathogens and biological material present in the environment, but it uses a chemical composition to kill the pathogens that evaporates in the environment, therefore, may not provide the desired clean air.

[0005] Another reference may be to a Chinese Patent application CN204115106 which discloses an Integral air clarifier with new wind function, the air purifier disclosed in the invention comprises different types of filter module such as HEPA filter module, primarily efficient filter module, medium air filtration module the composite module, deodorizing filtering module and many more. Though the invention provides the clean-up effect that PM2.5 index can reach 0.1 ~ 0.5 micron level, but uses so many filter modules therefore, provides a complex and expensive air purifier.

[0006] Additionally, most of existing filters available in market are not reusable. The problem of air pollution is an environmental problem. Thus, the solution to this problem should be designed in such a way that it creates minimum environmental problems. However, the present invention does not account for such issue.

[0007] However, none of the cited prior art as discussed above discloses the features of the present invention, i.e., enhanced air micropore filtration system which aids in distributing large volume of air with pressurization; said micropore system titrate the indoor air to create uniform air pocket. The aforementioned features of the present invention render the present invention novel and inventive in nature.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main objective of the invention is to extend the functional/operational capabilities of micropore air filtration system.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a filtering mechanism for preventing airborne infection by constantly diluting the aerosolised microbes like COVID-19 and other microbes through ventilation, which is helpful in adding capabilities to existing filters.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to filter out harmful gases, and reduce the pollution load at 3 stages of single type of filter that reduces the requirement of frequent filter change in excess dust load environments.

[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to maintain levels of PM2.5 and dilute other air pollutants from the enclosed premises. [0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to maintain healthy levels of CO2 in closed indoor spaces to improve cognitive ability and concentration of occupants along with reducing fatigue feeling of occupants which was not possible with air purifiers

[0013] Yet another objective of the invention is to create healthy air quality by the process of controlled ventilation and titration of indoor air pollutants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a microporic filtration system to create clean air pockets in large areas of enclosed spaces. The microporic filtration system comprises a plurality of 40mm-60mm depth micropore synthetic filters, an air filter, an electronically commutated fan(112), an electronically commutated fan regulator, a suction grill (102) (inlet louvers), an air plenum with reducer to control the excess pressure and a distribution grill to disperse the filtered air into the enclosed space. The filtration system is configured to create a pressurized clean air pocket within the range of 1800 square feet area to 2300 square feet area in a closed space area of the building. The pressurized air pocket in the closed space prevents outside air from mixing/entering with the inside air by limiting the passage from any open spaces in the premises, including but not limited to doors, windows, exhaust, and chimneys. Further, a second stage air filtration is installed in the present invention to re-filter the existing air pocket and thereby purify the existing air of the premises/ building which can be caused by the occupant’s activities/ fumes of the furniture. The micropore filtration system provides a controlled ventilation inside the closed space that prevents outside air from mixing/ ingressing with the inside air by limiting the passage from any open spaces in the premises, including but not limited to doors, windows, exhaust, and chimneys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] An understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when taken in conjunction with the description herein and in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an block diagram of the microporic filtration system;

[0017] Figure 1(a) illustrates exploded view of an embodiment of Figure 1; [0018] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart for the working of the microporic filtration system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which have not been contemplated herein.

[0020] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0021] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0022] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustrative purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0023] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The equations used in the specification are only for computation purpose.

[0025] The present invention relates to a micropore filtration system (100) to create clean air pockets in large areas of enclosed spaces. The system constantly deliver large volume of pressurized clean air into the enclosed premises/ buildings. Figure 1 illustrates an block diagram of the microporic filtration system The present invention comprises a plurality of 40mm-60mm depth micropore synthetic filters, an air filter, an electronically commutated fan, an electronically commutated fan regulator, a suction grill (102), an air plenum with reducer to control the excess pressure and a distribution grill (116) to disperse the filtered air into the enclosed space.

[0026] The microporic air pressurization system is a compact device which can be installed at any strategic location of the enclosed building/ premises so as to control the pumping of pressurized air and creating a clean air pocket within the range of 1800 square feet area to 2300 square feet area of closed space. The air pocket helps to create a pressure in the closed space to seal the gaps of door and windows to avoid ingress/ mixing of outside polluted air with inside air. Further, the pressurized air pocket created by the filtration system is configured to overcome the air loss caused through bathroom exhausts and chimneys.

[0027] A commutator used in the present invention is configured to change an alternating current voltage into direct current. The commutator maintains variable speed of the electric fan without any resistance, with the help of altering currents. The electronically commutated fan(l 12) is configured to suck the air present in the enclosed space through vents provided on the system. The microporic air pressurization system cleans the polluted air present inside the isolated indoor spaces by passing the air through the plurality of replaceable synthetic filters. The microporic air pressurization system is configured to create an air pocket inside a closed space and then titrate the indoor air to achieve healthy air quality through a combination of controlled ventilation and indoor air pollution titration.

[0028] The filter box, provided in the present invention, is encased with at least three filters that reduces the chances of frequent changing of filters up to 60-80%, by automatically replacing the filters one after the other present inside the filtration system. The filters arranged in a three part series are arranged such that if the first filter is clogged/ choked by air, the second filter simply slides to take the position of the first filter. Similarly, when the second filter is choked up, the third filter takes the place of the second filter. Therefore, the system ensures constant air cleaning and prevent the system from requiring frequent filter replacement.

[0029] The microporic air filtration system is configured to allow HEPA grade filtration with less pressure drop and excessive air pressure inside the closed space. Additionally, the filter arrangement distribute pressure drop and pollution load at three stages of single type of filter that reduces the requirement of frequent filter changes in excess dust load environments. The system is capable to create uniform air pocket and air pressure in all the areas of the closed space.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microporic air filtration system minimizes the pressure drop by dividing the depth of the filters into three parts. The three parts of the filters combined together are provided with spacing between the filters to reduce the pressure drop in the room and thereby maintaining the air pressure of the air pocket inside the room. The filters' spacing allows for a cumulative pressure drop of up to 140-160 pascal, with the first filter having the biggest pressure drop. The distance between the second and third filters allows for a cumulative pressure decrease of 50 to 70 pascal in the air. The filter spacing is provided such that the second and third filters do not take up an extra space, and are provided with the same depth as that of the first filter.

[0031] The present invention fills the building space with filtered air pocket that constantly titrates and dilutes the indoor space by managing constant cleansing/ filtration of indoor air pollutants, rising carbon dioxide along with PM2.5 reduction to maintain absolute control without being disturbed by the open passages in the premises. The air pollutants such as, but not limited to carbon dioxide and PM2.5, can be generated by kitchen activities, occupant’s activities, movement of doors/ windows, holes in windows/ doors, furniture and building fumes.

[0032] Further, a second stage air filtration is installed in the present invention to refilter the existing air pocket and thereby purify the existing air of the premises/ building. The second stage filtration is operated by recirculating the air to prevent indoor air-borne pollutants produced by kitchen fumes, dust on fumiture/furnishings and other polluting sources, resulting in an overall dilution and filtration of up to 95% - 99% in the enclosed space. [0033] The micropore filtration system provides a controlled ventilation in large areas of closed space buildings. The system regulates ventilation by enclosing the building space in a pressurized air pocket and preventing outside air from mixing with the filtered air. The pressurized air pocket in the enclosed space prevents outside air from mixing/ ingressing with the inside air by limiting the passage from any open spaces in the premises, including but not limited to doors, windows, exhaust, and chimneys.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system utilizes the pressurized air to titrate and dilute the indoor air to create a uniform clean air pocket inside the building. The pressurized air titrates and dilutes the indoor air by regulating the ventilation for the entire building, so as to meet the highest air quality standards. The clean air pocket, with an excess air pressure gradient, effectively seals the inside space from outdoor air that can be caused by movement of doors/ windows, or holes in doors/ windows. The pressurized air pocket blocks outside air pollution, carbon dioxide and other contaminants to enter inside the building.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the micropore synthetic filters used in the present invention are synthetic HEPA filters that is distributed/arranged in a three part series. The three part series of the filter are encased in a filter box (104) provided in the system. The filter box (104) encased with at least three parallel filters are arranged in a combination of same grade microporic synthetic filters that allows large gush of air to pass through the micro size pores of the synthetic filter, so as to generate high pressure air into the room. Further, the pressurized filtered air having 95% - 99% filtration is configured to pass through an electronically commutated fan (112), which passes the air to an air plenum. The air plenum, in the present invention, is a narrow opening/ mouth to push/ disperse the high static air. The high static air is configured to be released from any hole/ space provided in the wall/ grill box, which is connected to an outdoor fan filter box (104). The high static air released/ dispersed into the premises maintains the air pressure inside the room which ensures to provide fresh air to the occupants in the room. Further, the system takes 10-20 minutes to fill every corner of the closed space including the gaps provided on the doors/ windows/ exhaust, so as to allow controlled intake of outdoor air and not allowing ingressing of outdoor air from multiple leakage points by virtually sealing the indoor space with high pressure air. Such working of the system creates an air pocket and thereby prevents outside air to mix with the inside air. Further, the filtered air dispersed by the system titrates the pollutants present inside the room and dilutes the pollutants by creating a uniform air pocket of similar air pressure and similar air quality. The air pocket delivers and maintains clean air in the premises at uniform rates. The air pocket in the present invention ensures to dilute all the emissions present in the enclosed space, including Pm2.5, carbon dioxide and other gaseous pollutants.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the micropore filtration system exhales excess air out of the enclosed space with the help of exhaust fans and chimneys, which enables the system to create an excess air cloud near the kitchen and chimneys. Any chimney /exhaust fan will create the pressure differential (negative air pressure). This delta will be filled by excess air being pumped in the space and it will become easiest path for air exhalation. The excess air cloud provided by the system ensures to flush all the kitchen pollutants efficiently through kitchen/ chimney exhaust without spoiling the indoor air. The excess air cloud ensures to dilute the excess carbon dioxide to the outside levels of the building/ premises for maintaining the filtered air inside the enclosed space, and also to provide reduction in carbon dioxide levels up to 90%-95%.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressurized air produced from the system completely fills the enclosed space of the building/ premises, and even when the doors/ windows are opened for a short period of time, the pressurized air blocks the outside air of the building by creating an air pocket that prevents outside air from entering the closed space of the building/ premises.

[0038] Further, the present invention is capable of reducing 95% - 99% in levels of PM2.5, which is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in air are high. The micropore filtration system preferably operates best in building/ premises having aluminum glass doors and/or windows, and straight corridors to seal the filtered air inside the closed space.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides micropore filtration system, comprising:

• a suction grill (102) for sucking the outdoor polluted air;

• a filter box (104) installed after the suction grill, comprising: o at least three synthetic HEPA grade filters (106, 108, 110) arranged in series encased within the filter box (104); • an electronically commutated fan(112) communicably coupled to the synthetic HEP A filters;

• an electronically commutated regulator wiredly connected to the electronically commutated fan (112);

• an air plenum (114)in fluid communication with electronically commutated fan;

• a distribution grill (116) in communication with the air plenum (114)on opposite side of the electronically commutated fan ;

[0040] In an embodiment, the suction grill (102) is configured to allow large gush of air to pass through the filter box(104);

[0041] In another embodiment, the filter box (104) comprising the synthetic HEPA filters arranged in a three -part series are slidably connected to one another to automatically replace clogged filter with a spaced apart new filter, so as to constantly filter the outside air and create a pressurized air pocket inside the indoor space. The spacing between the synthetic filters may vary. Preferably, the spacing between the filters are: 30 -40 mm between first filter to second filter; and 0-5 mm between second filter and third filter.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the pressurized air pocket formed by the synthetic filters titrates and dilutes indoor space by managing filtration of indoor air pollutants, rising carbon dioxide along with PM 2.5 reduction, to maintain control of air without being disturbed by open passages in the premises;

[0043] In still another embodiment, the electronically commutated fan is configured to suck indoor space air through the filter box (104) via suction grill (102) and passes the pressurized filtered air through the air plenum (114) and disperses the pressurized air into the indoor space through the distribution grill (116) .

[0044] In an embodiment, the system comprises an outdoor fan to disperse the pressurized filtered air into an indoor space of the premises through a space provided in the grill box. [0045] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of the microporic filtration system. A method for creating a clean air pocket through a micropore filtration system, comprises the following steps: i.) sucking outdoor polluted air through a suction grill( 102); ii.) passing of sucked air through the a filter box (104) comprising at least three synthetic HEPA grade filters (106, 108, 110) slidably arranged in series; iii.) increasing pressure of this sucked air through an electronically commutated fan

(112); iv.) entering of high-pressure filtered air in indoor space through a distribution grill(l 16) ; v.) repeating steps (i)-(iv) for diluting polluted and heavier air of indoor space with clean and lighter air coming from micropore filtration system until entire air of the indoor space becomes homogenize; vi.) sealing of all uncontrolled air ingress points under doors and windows to completely isolate the indoor air from outdoor polluted air with a higher- pressure gradient of clean air coming from the micropore filtration system, creating an air pocket inside the closed space of the premises. vii.) maintaining the clean air in every comer by achieving single clean air pocket in indoor space with precise control on particulate matter (PM2.5, PM 10, PM1 & others) and carbon di-oxide (CO2).

[0046] The advantage of the present invention includes: i. The present invention constantly dilute the air pollutants and cleanses the air inside the building. ii. The system eliminates the hassle of rising carbon dioxide levels in the indoor environment while also lowering PM2.5 levels, without getting disturbed by movements of door and/or windows. iii. The present invention is capable of achieving the ventilation standards for human comfort achieving air quality within WHO safe limits for spaces up to 2000 square feet from a single system. iv. The system constantly dilutes/titrates indoor air contaminants (gaseous and particulate matter) to ensure that the air is always pure. v. The micropore filtration system requires 40% less power consumption by maintaining the filtered air pressure and creating the air pocket. [0047] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claim.