WO2009001156A1

WO2009001156A1 - Portable pyramid-shaped filtration unit

Info

Publication number: WO2009001156A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/002656
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolás SALAS CARRIÓ
Original assignee: Salas Carrio Nicolas
Priority date: 2007-06-28
Filing date: 2007-09-14
Publication date: 2008-12-31

Abstract

The pyramid bag belongs to the technical field of liquid and solid filtration. It is a simple, practical and totally portable filter and process that can be used to filter liquids from any origin or source and of any quality. It is made from cured animal skins or other semi-impermeable material in the form of a pyramid that is positioned in an inverted position and filled approximately 1/3 full of sand. Water is administered to the inside of the pyramid and the pυres of the semi-impermeable material distend due to the weight of the water and sand. The liquid passes through these pores to the exterior of the pyramid while the impurities are kept in the interior for later extraction and use as, for example, fertilisers. It comes in a version that is 100 per cent environmentally friendly and biodegradable as well as in an industrial version. It can be used in any climate or under any conditions, particularly in the case of disasters.

Description

Title: PORTABLE PYRAMID-SHAPED FILTRATION UNIT

This simple system can be industrialized on a large scale. The portable Pyramid relates to the sector of the process of separation, decantation and filtration of waters or liquids from any origin or source and in any condition.

According to UNICEF some 29,000 children under five die each day from hunger and as a direct result of illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water. The lack of supplies of safe drinking water and its consequent problems is one that affects millions of people worldwide, either on a permanent or temporary basis.

The installation of new infrastructures for the filtering of water and its subsequent treatment is always problematic though present technology and the way it is applied hasn't so far contributed simple solutions that are adapted for where and when they are most needed. In fact the majority of the current systems are prepared for and aimed at markets throughout the developed world; those that have the ability to pay for services. They are often only introduced into areas that have water close by and where there are already infrastructures such as roads, tracks, wells, electricity or generators that use petroleum derivatives; without catering for the infinite number of cases where these resources and energies aren't available.

Even when installed in developing countries the usefulness of modern systems often deteriorates rapidly due to the difficulty of maintenance; which usually has to be carried out by trained people who are often unavailable or tire quickly of living in areas that are difficult, dangerous or isolated. In fact, according to 'The Guardian' newspaper, published on the 23rd of October 2006, the big companies related with the obtainment, treatment, transport and distribution of water often progressively abandon the few poor countries where they have previously been installed.

It is of course even worse for those millions of people living in rural areas that have minimal or no infrastructure such as pipes, deposits or adequate reserves, and who therefore have to rely on dirty or contaminated water.

It is due to these and other complications that only approximately 26 per cent of the world's population has running water available that is "drinkable". In addition to this, approximately only 0.036 per cent of the world's water is naturally drinkable, meaning that almost all drinking water is, or should be, treated in one way or another. Unfortunately, the largest portion of the systems, methods and apparatus for the creation of drinking water use potent chemical products, many of which have, or may have, harmful secondary effects on health and the environment, though this is little investigated The situation is also aggravated by the fact that water reserves, in areas both with and without infrastructure, can easily become contaminated, especially in the case of disasters such as floods, hurricanes, sandstorms or landslides.

There are currently few practical alternatives available on a wide scale, in fact the global situation is worsening and the scarcity of drinking water is currently one of the greatest problems facing humanity, particularly in under- developed countries.

This invention answers a fundamental need for a simple, portable, realistic and practical apparatus and process that can be used in any area of the world and under any conditions for the filtration, separation and storage of water (and other liquids) for subsequent treatment and distribution,

It will greatly improve the quality of existing supplies which may otherwise be too contaminated for use or treatment and ensures that even people in the most isolated areas, as well as those affected by disasters, have access to useable water.

Statement of invention

The Portable Pyramid is an apparatus for filtering water or liquids of any origin, in any condition. It can be used for the separation of silt, impurities and solid materials from any class of liquid. It can be used to extract water from substances such as mud and wet sand and can also be used to dry materials.

It is in the shape of a pyramid with a base, which is left open, of any polygon and with sides of isosceles triangles. It is situated in an inverted position and filled to approximately 1/3 of its capacity with sand or other similar fine materials. The sand, along with the semi-permeable material that the invention is constructed of, acts as a filter; separating the solids from the liquid.

It can be fabricated from 100 per cent natural and biodegradable products (e.g. leather and wood) and can also be mass produced using any non- contaminant semi-impermeable material. Waters that have been filtered can be immediately treated in a separate process for the elimination of bacteria and viruses etc; the filtering process being necessary as the elimination of bacteria isn't effective if the water contains solid particles over a certain size. Advantages

The Portable Pyramid offers great advantages over similar inventions due to its convenience of introduction and operation in any area or country or under any circumstances, especially where other inventions or systems are not suitable or available.

It is portable, foldable, easily transported, assembled, dismantled and maintained in any area, climate or country and by any one person; without the need for specialist training or knowledge, or literacy skills.

A version can be made that is 100% biodegradable that can be constructed in situ, under any conditions, using easily obtainable materials and without the need of any specialist training. The apparatus and procedure are completely environmentally friendly and natural as they don't, either directly or indirectly, produce any pollution or contamination.

The biodegradable version can be fabricated, installed and maintained by anyone, literate or not, and either male or female (something that is very important in poor countries), without the need for specialist training. Both the 100 per cent biodegradable and an industrial version produced from semi-impermeable materials are easily transported, installed, dismantled and maintained by a single person, under any conditions whatsoever, in any area of the world and in any climate, without the need for combustible fuels, mechanical apparatus or electricity. The invention is simple, practical and easily adapted to any circumstances. The portable pyramid can be fabricated for use in any industry, including agriculture and domestic industries, particularly in underdeveloped countries.

Either version can be installed in any area, on a small or large scale and is appropriate for every day use or just in the case of emergencies; being particularly useful in cases of serious prolonged or repeated flooding.

The impurities that are separated from the water are also put to use as fertilizers, making use of the rich mud and silt found in water from ponds, lakes and rivers, which enrich the cultivable earth in the surrounding area in a simple, natural, progressive and environmentally friendly process, or which can be used as materials in construction and filling for example.

The invention constructed from animal skins is the ideal environmentally friendly piece of equipment and is an elemental and simple step that will contribute to the education of people worldwide about the enormous natural solutions that are available. It can be used and produced on a large scale in any area without the need of metals or other materials other than natural waste materials which are easy to attain in any country, no matter how undeveloped. Neither the environmentally friendly version, nor its process, require either directly or indirectly chemicals nor contaminating energies in any of its applications, not even transport, as it can be prepared and used wherever needed including in flooded areas, and in times of drought or disasters. It and its counterpart are necessary and applicable for any country, though in particular for isolated areas in underdeveloped countries.

Detailed description of the invention

The Portable Pyramid relates to the sector of the process of filtration of water and other liquids.

It is a semi-impermeable receptacle for the filtering of solids from any class of liquid and also for the drying of varied materials. It consists of a receptacle, made from a semi-impermeable material, in the form of an inverted pyramid. Sand or other fine particles are used to fill the receptacle to approximately 1/3 of its total capacity. Liquid to be filtered is added through the open top of the receptacle. The liquid is filtered through the sand and open pores of the semi-impermeable material and collects on the outside of the inverted pyramid receptacle before running down to the vertex where it can be collected for later use and treatment.

A standard shape for the receptacle would be an inverted pyramid with an equilateral triangle shaped open top with sides in the form of isosceles triangles, although the top can in fact be any polygon; though in all cases the sides will be isosceles triangles. This provides the ideal shape for later reinforcement with a suitable material if necessary. The filter can also be in the shape of a cone.

A biodegradable version of this invention provides the means of filtering water without the need of any contaminating energies or damaging chemicals. The three sides of the Pyramid for the above version are fabricated from the skins of domestic animals that have been cured using an environmentally friendly system such as plants, minerals or chamoising. The skin used must be hairless, without holes, perfectly clean, and preferably from a goat, cow or camel. Three isosceles triangles of an equal quality, shape and size are cut from the skins. These are then sewn or otherwise well joined to each other along their longest sides, forming a pointed, or funnel shaped, receptacle. The receptacle is reinforced using three wooden poles that are attached to the base of each triangle, as well as to each other. The three poles must be of a strong and durable wood and of an equal length. Said length can vary between 50cm and 150 cm or be even longer. The longer the poles are, the wider they should be. An example proportion would be; if the poles are 50 cm long, their diameter should be approximately 5cm, if their length is 150cm they should have a diameter of 15cm. The poles should be at least 10cm longer than the base of each isosceles triangle. For instance, if the length of the base of the isosceles triangles is 40cm the poles should be approximately 50cm.

However, if the base of the triangle were 150 cm the poles would have a minimum length of 180 cm and be approximately 15cm in diameter. On each of the ends of the poles parallel notches on both sides should be made to facilitate the attachment of cords for the positioning of the receptacle. The receptacle should be well secured to the poles which can be carried out by sewing or inserting cords of leather thicker and stronger than those used for the sewing of the borders of the recipient. It can also be achieved using rings of leather that are inserted in the receptacle, through which the poles are passed. The top, in the shape of an equilateral triangle, is left open, creating an opening for the introduction of water and other materials. The apparatus is attached to a tree or other available support using three cords or ropes that can also be made from leather or other suitable natural material. The ropes would also need to be strong enough to support the total weight of the apparatus and its contents.

The three ropes are tied securely, one each to the vertexes of the triangular top of the pyramid and / or around the notches on the poles. The length of the ropes will be adjustable according to the height of the apparatus and the height of the tree or support as the apparatus must be placed with the point or vertex close to the floor or other area where the filtered water can be collected in a separate receptacle for storage and later use and treatment.

Each apparatus made of the biodegradable materials would have a life of approximately 30 years.

A second version of the receptacle using industrial semi-impermeable materials can be manufactured. This would have the same form as the above version; that is an inverted pyramid with isosceles triangle sides and an open base of any polygon. Strengtheners of other lightweight materials can be used in the place of wooden poles. It can be hung and mounted using various combinations of ropes and fasteners.

The size of the pyramids can be increased when using industrial semi- impermeable materials. It is possible to manufacture a large number of similar pyramids that would be ready for installing as an industrial version and on a large scale. To filter the water either version is positioned in a level, inverted position, with the point down. Clean very fine sand is used to fill the inverted pyramid receptacle to approximately 1/3 of its total capacity. If sand is not available, fine rocks or other materials of a similar weight can be used. Water and other materials can then be introduced using whatever is available, though the supply of water must be regulated to ensure that water never overflows from the top of the receptacle.

As water is poured into the opening at the top of the receptacle it meets with the sand which impedes the passing of the impurities, but not the water. At the same time, owing to the weight of the sand, water and the materials contained in it, the pores of the animal skins or other semi-impermeable material expand slightly, also acting as a filter.

The pores only allow water to pass through, which flows without solids or impurities through to the exterior of the receptacle. The water or other liquid is filtered throughout the skin of the receptacle wherever the level of the liquid is, including, though not only, in the part that contains the sand.

The water naturally runs towards the lowest point of the receptacle where it can be collected, used and stored. The impurities remain in the receptacle for their later extraction and use as, for example, fertilisers.

The invention can be used for the filtering and separation of any type of water or other liquids and for any class of impurity contained in the liquid such as wet sand, mud, silt or mixes.

Impurities and sand, which will need to be extracted and changed, respectively, at regular intervals, can be extracted by taking hold of the point of the inverted pyramid and raising it up until the required contents have drained out through the upper opening.

If there is sufficient water available it is advisable, after the above emptying process, to run following water supplies through the receptacle various times until it comes out acceptably clean.

Materials can also be placed in the Portable Pyramid for drying, as any moisture contained in them will drain out.

Both the entrance of water and cleaning of the Portable Pyramid can be automated. Incoming water can be controlled by the use of a float method that ceases supplies when the water reaches a certain level; or by a regulating device such as a timer. A regulating device can also control an opening and closing system for the drainage of impurities at the level of the surface of the sand inside the pyramid.

Through this drainage opening it would be possible to insert and drain out water to clean the interior of the receptacle. The impurities will flow out of the receptacle where they can be collected and transferred to the place of storage and drying.

The wet sand, having being put under pressure from the weight of the water, will have formed a hard body and will barely exit with the impurities to the exterior when the cleaning process is undertaken.

After a determined time the cleaning systems can be closed and water introduced through the top opening once again, continuing the process of filtration and separation indefinitely.

Filtered water can be stored in deposits and the anti-bacteria ultrasound apparatus (patent number: ) can be positioned in the water for use. The water can also be treated with, preferably, other 100% environmentally friendly systems such as plants with disinfecting properties or boiling, though filtered water may also be treated with chemical systems for example.

Claims

1. The Portable Pyramid is a portable filtration unit and process for the filtration of water and other liquids and the separation of solids and impurities from water or damp materials; characterised by being made from semi- impermeable lightweight material in the shape of a pyramid with an open base of any polygon and sides of isosceles triangles, it is placed in an inverted position, filled to approximately 1/3 of its capacity with sand or other similar fine materials, that, along with the semi-permeable material, acts as a filter.

2. Portable filtration unit and process, according to claim 1, that is 100 per cent biodegradable and environmentally friendly, characterised by being made of cured animal skins in the form of isosceles triangles which are sewn or fixed together along their longest sides and that are reinforced at their base edge using wooden or other natural poles which are tied to the apparatus and a support with ropes of leather or plant material; and includes a filling of sand to approximately 1/3 of its capacity.

3. Portable filtration unit and process, according to claim 2, characterised by the fact that it can also be reinforced using rings of leather that are inserted in the body of the receptacle, through which the reinforcing poles are passed.

4. Portable filtration unit, according to claim 1, characterised by being made from lightweight semi-impermeable materials, reinforced using lightweight materials and that is totally portable and can be used, maintained, erected and dismantled by a single person.

5. Portable filtration unit, according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, that is characterised by the fact that it utilises the natural weight, which is shared out equally due to the apparatus being in the shape of an inverted pyramid, of the sand and water to be filtered, to dilate the openings of the semi-impermeable material, therefore creating a double action filter of sand and semi- impermeable material.

7. Portable filtration unit, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, that is characterised by its ability to be used for the treatment of highly contaminated waters if coupled with chemical or other strong disinfection systems.

8. Portable filtration unit, according to claim 1, can be adapted for mass production and can be enlarged in size or installed on a multiple scale. 9, Portable filtration unit, according to all previous claims, that is characterised by being the processes of filtration, collection, extraction of impurities and cleaning being completely automated.