OA11356A - Device to capture fog or mist micro drops or rain drops and their combination for their later storage. - Google Patents

Abstract

Device comprising a moulding 2 that supports at least one net (network) 3 and, optionally, a series of shelves 7 formed in turn by a moulding integral with the moulding 2 and connected to the latter by straight bars 8, forming with said principal moulding 2 an angle of 30 degrees to 90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, these secondary mouldings also supporting the corresponding net, the moulding 2 resting on straight lateral supports 4 which form an angle with the vertical of 0 degrees to 30 degrees, preferably 10 degrees, which angle may, optionally, by means of a fixing and rotation system, vary in order for its optimum value to be chosen and, in specific applications, maintaining the moulding horizontal in relation to the ground, which device includes, in the lower part of the moulding 2, and integral with it, a wedge 5 for collecting water with a sufficient slope for this to be able to flow, which, by means of conventional systems, enables it to be transported to a collector for utilization, the moulding 2 also having straight bearing supports 6 which support it on the bench 1 existing on the ground. <IMAGE>

Description

011356 1

DEVICE ΤΟ CAPTURE FOG OR MI ST MICRO DROPS ORRAIN DROPS AND THEIR COMBINATION FOR THEIRLATER STORAGE 5

Field of the Art * Capture of water front fogs, mists or rain, and atmosphericmoisture as a whole. 10 * Crop protection on mountain slopes exposed to the wind.

Introduction

The problem of water capture from mists or fogs is 15 particularly important in arid areas, near to the coast sweptby winds charged with moisture, which may be collected, inone way or other for its use in irrigation, human or animalconsumption. 20 In the Canary Islands, specifically in the Island of El

Hierro, there is a tree called "Garoé” (Oreodaphne foetens,of the lauraceous family) or holy tree, 6 m high and €0 mcontour line from its tip approximately with leaves similarto those of the laurel, although greater and persistent, 25 which according to several authors (Friar Juan de Abreu,Vicente Le Blanc), their leaves distilled water which thelocal inhabitants drank. The latter shows the possibility ofcapturing, under determined conditions, the water from theclouds without discharging it as fog. 30

State of the Art

The capture of fogs in pipes représente a problem towhich Chemical engineering has given several solutions which, 35 in general, may be included in two sections: electrostaticcapture (moist electrofilters) and capture by impacting (meshor wire mesh electrof ilters) . Leaving out the former, only 011356 2 applicable to large Chemical facilities due to the complexityof their equipment, for the latter multiple mesh Systems hâvebeen designed, especially created to decrease the loss ofcharge. In this sense, for example, the priority patent uss number 9359870130 may be mentioned, which désignâtes Spain (E88300810) through the European patent EP 0285236, titled "Highly opaque mesh pad for the élimination of fog and methodfor its préparation". The Spanish patent P0383608 titled"Collecting apparatus for fogs" may also be mentioned, whose 10 object is the capture of fogs from a gas flow.

Within the field object of the présent invention, thatis, the capture of metereological fogs or mists, we hâvefound no device known in Spain. There also exists a Peruvian 15 patent (NSOL PEP9779, FPCO 690904 and NPUB 9692) with thetitle "A water capture System from accidentai fogs, by meansof capture barrages". Thanks to indirect news, regardingthis invention (which apparently has been installed in Chile(Ref: http://drylands.nasm.edu:1995/chamanchaca.html) they 20 are blankets over which the fog impacts (as in the case ofEucalyptus leaves) permitting the collection of water.

Description, of the Invention 25 The model object of the présent invention is basically a frame (module) that may be installed on any ground overwhich fog passes in ail or spécifie seasons of the year. Asmany modules as necessary may be installed and theirdimensions dépend on: 30 * Real volume of water necessary. * Average mist density. * Wind direction and speed.

By means of this device, five services are provided to 35 f armer s: * Mist water collector (horizontal rain). 3 011556 * Rain collector, occupying less than one square meter,providing a capture surface of more than ten squaremeters, channeling the captured water. 5 * In its capture position (10° inclination) it is an effective wind diffuser. * In its alternative position (parallel to the ground) ,it acts as a canopy controlling crop insolation and 10 évapotranspiration. * Its structure permits the vines to be raised on atrellis, allowing the ground to be covered with lapillior other material preventing weeds and controlling 15 évaporation.

The System has a simple design and measurements suitablefor its function. its main components are (figures 1 and 2) : 20 . A frame of material consisting of a rectangle, preferably 2 m wide by 4 m high (2) . A me s h (3) ofplastic (preferably polypropylene) , métal (preferablygalvanized wire) or textile thread (cotton or wool) of0.2 to 10 mm mesh size, according to the material 25 (preferably 0.5 mm) , for the total coverage of the frame (2) and the auxiliary trays (7) . It is recommended thatthis mesh be double, that is, two mesh parallel to eachother, each one joined to the two free surfaces of theframe. 30

Auxiliary tray structure (7) preferably seven units perframe. Its length is the same as the width of the mainframe (2) that is, about 2 m, while its width is limitedaccording to construction reasons, 0.3 m being 35 recommended.

Capture and water transport gutter (5). . 01 1 3 S 6 4 wind System and adaptable trellis (4 and 6) .

System for fastening (9) the auxiliary tray frame (7) tothe main frame (2) , preferably formed by the extension 5 of the side bars of the auxiliary tray frame (7) with sufficient length for said tray (7) not to touch themain frame mesh (3) and forming a gutter along which thewater collected by the tray may be lost on not runningthrough the mesh (3) to the gutter (5) . 10

The mesh may be replaced by a perforated lamina with adiameter équivalent to the mesh perforations. The lower sizeof the mesh perforation is determined according to the chosen 15 material, by its wettability by water, such that the latterdoes not remain, due to its surface tension, obstructing theorifice and preventing it from running under gravity towardsthe collection gutter. 20

As may be seen in said figure, the présent inventionbasically consists of an adjustable inclination panel formedby a frame 2 supporting the mesh (es) and simultaneously asériés of trays 7 in tum formed by a frame interlocked to 25 the main frame 2 (joined to it by two bars 8) , créâting withit an angle from 10° to 50° (preferably 45°); these secondaryframes or trays also support the corresponding mesh. Theframe 2 is interlocked to two side supports 4 (only the lefthand one is visible in the figure) in the position shown in 30 the figure (with an angle with respect to the vertical,between 0 and 30°, preferably 10°); optionally, by means ofa tying System (shown in figure 2), this angle may be variedto détermine its optimum value and in spécifie applications,keep it horizontal to the ground. In the lower part of the 35 frame 2 and interlocked to it, there is a eaves trough 5 withsufficient inclination for this to run, permitting, by meansof conventional Systems (not shown in the figure) to 5 011356 transport it to a collector for its employment. The framealso has two stop-supports 6, which lean over the land bed 1.

These stops 6 may be rigidly joined to the frame 2 or 5 pivot, by means of a rotation device (shown in figure 2) ,permitting that in any position of the frame 2, the stops 6remain vertical.

Of course, in the execution of the invention, the trays 10 7 may be eliminated to the détriment of the device effectiveness.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the device of figure 1. In it, it is shown how the frame 2 forms, with the side 15 supports 4, an angle B between 0 and 30e (preferably 10°) .This angle may be fixed during manufacture, rigidly joiningthe supports 4 to the frame 2 or the user convenientlyadjusting the angle to an optimum value (determined by thespécifie expérience of the location) ; for the latter, a hinge 20 and fixing System 8 may be available, for which in the figurethe simplest solution is given: a circular device with asériés of holes 11 and rotation axis 12. This dise may beinterlocked to the frame 2 or the support 4 and once theappropriate angle has been selected, it is fixed to the 25 mobile part (support 4 or frame 2) by means of a drop-boltCrossing the dise through the hole 11 matching the other hole(not shown in the drawing) of the mobile part.

The device object of the présent invention, has a sériés 30 of trays 7 formed by a frame and the corresponding mesh,créâting with the main frame, an angle A between 30 and 90°(preferably 45°) ,· this angle, as the case of B, may be variedto find the optimum condition. The union of the trays 7 tothe frame 2 may be determined in the construction by the 35 rigid union of both parts or by using a hinge System 9 asdescribed for hinge 8. The number of trays 7 is not anessential part of the invention (two or as many as may be $ 011356 physically placed on the frame may or may not be used) butseven is the recommended number.

Finally, the support for fixing to the ground 6 may also 5 be rigidly joined to the frame 2 or conveniently pivot bymeans of a hinge System 10, similar to 8.

As a complément to the invention described until now,the inventors reçommend hanging from the tray mesh, an 10 abundant number of plumes of any type of textile (preferablywool) , rolled over a hook supporting them whilst they hangfrom the trays.

Note. The degrees are sexagésimal (1° = /180 rad) . 15 Description of the Figures

Figure 1. Position of mist capture. 1. Land bed. 2. Device frame. 3. Rétention mesh (preferably double) . 20 4. Fastening support to the lower bed. 5. Eaves trough. 6. Stop-support over bed 1. 7. Trays (optional). 8. Tray 7 fastening bars to the frame 2. 25

Figure 2. Diagram corresponding to the profile view of thedevice. A. Angle of the tray 7 with the frame 2. 30 B. Angle of the frame with the vertical. H. Land unevenness. 2. Device frame. 4. Fastening support to the lower bed. 5. Eaves trough. 35 6. Stop-stop over bed 1. 7. Trays (optional). 8. Tray 7 fastening bars to the frame 2. 011356 9. Circuler device (optional) 10. Circular device (optional) 11. Circular device (optional)of 6. for determining angle A.for determining angle B.for determining verticality 12. Holes for the passage of a fixing drop-bolt. 13. Hole for the passage of the rotation axis.

Claims (5)

1. 8 011356 PT.iTM.q

   1. A device to capture fog or mist micro drops or raindrops and their combination for their later storage, 5 characterized by consisting of a frame 2 supporting at leastone mesh 3 and, optionally, a sériés of trays 7 in turaformed by a frame interlocked to the main frame 2 and joinedto it by two bars 8, creating with said frame 2 an angle from30° to 90°, preferably 45°, also supporting these secondary 10 frames or trays the corresponding mesh, supporting the frame2 in two side supports 4, forming an angle with the verticalfrom 0 to 30°, preferably 10°, an angle which, optionally,thanks to a fixing and rotation System 10, may be varied tochoose the optimum value and, in determined applications, 15 maintain the frame horizontal to the ground; a deviceincluding in the lower part of the frame 2 and interlocked toit, an eaves trough 5, with sufficient gradient for the waterto run, which permits, by conventional Systems, to transportit to a collector for its use, the frame 2 also having two 20 stop-supports 6 which lean over the land bed 1.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe stops 6 are rigidly joined to the frame 2 or pivot bymeans of a fixing and rotation device 11, which permits, that 25 in any position of the frame 2, the stops 6 remain vertical.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe angle formed by the trays 7 with the main frame may bevaried to find the optimum moisture capture condition by a 30 fixing .and rotation System 9.
4. 4. A device according to daims 1 to 3, characterized inthat for a user to be able to fix the angle of the trays 7with the frame 2, of the latter with the vertical and to 35 maintain the verticality of support 6, a hinge and fasteningSystem 9, 10 and 11, respectively, is available, created bya circular device with a sériés of holes 11, and a rotation η 11 3 c· 6 VI I ν' U axis 12, the circular device being a dise interlocked to a mobile part which, once selected the angle, is immobilized by means of a drop boit Crossing the dise through the hole il, matching another hole of the frame. 5
5. 5. A device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized inthat the mesh raay consist of a plastic, métal or fabriclamina of these same materials or of textile, the plasticpreferably being polypropylene, the métal, galvanized wire 10 and the textile, wool or cotton thread and having a meshperforation, or the diameter équivalent to the holes, between0.2 and 10 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, depending on the wettingcapacity of each material by water. 15 20 25