WO2017010952A1

WO2017010952A1 - Modular hydroponic tower

Info

Publication number: WO2017010952A1
Application number: PCT/SV2016/000001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Eduardo SOLÓRZANO RIVAS
Original assignee: Solórzano Rivas Daniel Eduardo
Priority date: 2015-07-14
Filing date: 2016-07-12
Publication date: 2017-01-19

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular apparatus formed by a plurality of containers, structures, machines and channels, grouped together in a plurality of cooperating systems for growing plants using a vertical hydroponic culture technique of the drip irrigation type. Each module is characterised in that it groups together a plurality of irrigation columns around a central structure, forming a tower which supports the crop above floor level, and allows heavy fruit to be held so as to relieve the stress of the plants. Each irrigation column of the tower is formed by stacking containers which receive and support the plant pots where the plants are sown, as well as guiding the nutritive solution inside the column, ensuring that all of the plant pots are irrigated even when part of the body thereof is outside the column. This model shares the hydric resource between all of the columns of all of the towers, forming a single irrigation system for the entire crop, where the operator can use hydroponic techniques such as nutrient film technique or discharge to the substrate, with both manual feeding and automated feeding. The aim of the invention is to facilitate the implementation of said culture techniques that have demonstrated efficient consumption of resources such as space, water, fertilisers and energy, reducing the impact of the crop on the environment and the environment on the crop, while increasing production per floor area and allowing the user to control the hygiene of the products.

Description

MODULAR HYDROPONIC TOWER

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular apparatus, formed by a plurality of containers, structures, machines and pipes, grouped into a plurality of cooperating systems suitable for growing plants using a vertical hydroponic drip irrigation technique. Where each module is characterized by grouping a plurality of irrigation columns around a central structure, forming a tower which sustains the crop above the floor level, and allows the heavy fruits to be held to relieve plant stress. Each tower irrigation column is formed by stacking containers that support and support the pots where the plants are planted, in addition to conducting the nutrient solution inside the column, ensuring that all pots are irrigated even when part of their body is outside of the column. This model shares the water resource between all the columns of all the towers forming a single irrigation system for the entire crop. Where the operator will be able to use hydroponic techniques of recirculating nutrient solution or discharge to the substrate, both with manual and automated feeding. The invention aims to facilitate the implementation of these cultivation techniques that have been shown to efficiently consume resources such as space, water, fertilizers and energy, reducing the impact of the crop on the environment as well as the environment on the crop, while increasing production by area of floor, and allows the user to control the hygiene of the products.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

The hydroponic culture technique has been exploited for a long time, however, this is not a widely disseminated technique due to the high cost of installing and operating the devices necessary to develop this technique, even though many studies have demonstrated the benefits of this branch of agriculture, where cultures are traditionally carried out on devices that use a single horizontal plane to grow plants.

In recent years some models have emerged that exploit the benefits of hydroponics arranged on vertical structures, either in a rigid plane frame, as well as within complex machines with mobile levels, improving the plot performance per floor area. But these models lack space to circulate and inspect the plants, in addition to limiting the variety of plants that can be grown, since their structure lacks tutors. In addition, its installation costs are excessively high, limiting its use to small plots of high value or to laboratories dedicated to research. However, within this branch of vertical hydroponics, some self-supporting irrigation column-shaped models have emerged that are similar to the model proposed by the invention.

One of these uses a mesh or cylindrical bag full of substrate and hung from one end, the bag is provided with holes in its body that serve as access points for the plants, and usually a discharge irrigation technique (not recirculating) ), this has the disadvantage of the low variability in the type of substrate used, the bag is not reusable, many varieties of plants cannot be grown and a robust external structure is needed to support the crop.

Another model consists of a single multi-level modular column with several spaces to house plants on each level, using several large stackable containers to house the roots of all the plants in the level, supporting the weight of the device and the plants on the walls of the container, whose perforated base distributes the nutrient solution, placing the nutrient solution tank directly below the self-supporting structure. This equipment requires a significant investment since a mold large enough to form the sturdy wall column, and this uses an irrigation system for each column, in addition it is not capable of supporting heavy fruit crops without an additional structure. Another modular column model uses square containers stacked and rotated 45 degrees, achieving 4 growth sites per level and also sharing the irrigation system for the entire crop, but this model does not recirculate the nutrient solution and is not able to support large plants or heavy fruit crops without an additional external structure. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1. Set of 6 modular hydroponic towers, where each tower holds 3 irrigation columns (300). The towers are arranged in double row in a three-pin configuration, sharing the irrigation system to form a single crop.

Figure 2. A complete modular hydroponic tower composed of 3 irrigation columns (300) including the leaf support (900), as well as the individual part of the distribution system (200) and the drainage system (400), in this shows the pumping system (100) or the storage system (500)

Figure 3. A basic modular hydroponic tower composed of 3 irrigation columns (300), without the leaf support (900). This type of configuration is only used with those crops that do not require guides or tutors in their development. Figure 4. 6-level irrigation column (300) consisting of the 3 basic units: spray unit (310), irrigation and housing unit (320), collection unit (330). In this you can see the deviations that have the alignment of the accommodation cavities, where each accommodation unit is rotated with respect to the axis of the column. This improves the distribution of plants, increasing the distance between them, which reduces both the relative humidity in the environment of the plant, and the amount of shade it generates on adjacent plants.

Figure 5. Set of spray units (310) for a tower composed of 3 irrigation columns (300), including the spray ring (260), the tower valve (251) and the secondary distribution line (250) .

Figure 6. Housing unit (320) including the pot (810).

Figure 7. Set of collection units (330) supported by the vertical support (730), this configuration is used exclusively in towers with 3 irrigation columns (300).

Figure 8. Hydraulic diagram of the irrigation system for a 6-tower crop.

Figure 9. Schematic diagram of claims 1 to 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The modular hydroponic tower is a modular device that provides the necessary means to grow and propagate plants using a drip irrigation vertical hydroponic cultivation technique, but unlike existing models, this device individually houses the root mass of plants that it supports within a plurality of stacked containers, forming an irrigation column (300) that channels the fall of the nutrient solution, allowing its elements to be adapted to create both open discharge circuits to the substrate and closed circuits that allow the recirculation of the nutrient solution . The complete apparatus groups and supports the containers and their plants in a plurality of vertical structures, which preferably, will be aligned forming a double row in a three-pin arrangement, oriented from North to South (figure 1), although other alignments and orientations can be used without altering the spirit of the invention. Each structure supports a plurality of stacked containers forming a group of irrigation columns (300) of equal size, grouped and supported around the central support (700); the union of the columns with this support structure forms a basic tower (figure 3).

The central support axis (710) that supports the irrigation columns (300), is also capable of supporting a foliar support (1000) above the basic tower, this structure distributes and supports the vertical guides (1020) that makes the Tutors function for plants. Each guide supports one or more plants according to the configuration of the pots (810) in the irrigation column (300). In this way, a complete tower is created (figure 2), capable of providing ideal conditions to support a greater amount of plant life species, without the need to rely on an external structure for foliar support.

However, the entire device shares the water resource among all the towers. These share both the feed, as well as the drainage, as well as the storage and filtering of the nutrient solution, adapting the feed to be automatic or manual as decided by the operator. The device is capable of increasing the number of modular hydroponic towers it feeds, provided it has sufficient capacity to provide the necessary nutrient solution flow rate for the entire crop.

For this reason, the complete modular hydroponic lining is best explained by grouping its elements into 2 main systems which can be adapted to perform the desired configuration: 1. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

2. SUPPORT SYSTEM

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM The hydraulic system is responsible for managing the nutrient solution for the entire crop. Irrigation is done discontinuously and centrally. This creates a feeding cycle where the nutrient solution that feeds all the towers is recirculated and thus subsequently to all the plants that house the device. The feeding cycle is carried out by means of 6 subsystems:

1. PUMPING SYSTEM

2. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

3. IRRIGATION AND ACCOMMODATION SYSTEM

4. DRAINAGE SYSTEM

5. STORAGE SYSTEM

6. BACKUP SYSTEM

PUMPING SYSTEM

The pumping system (100) is responsible for boosting the nutrient solution at the scheduled time. This is achieved by driving a hydraulic pump (120) that drives the fluid towards the plants. The pump is controlled by a timer (130) to create the irrigation cycles. Where the nutrient solution is conducted from the main tank (530) to the hydraulic pump (120) by means of the suction line (1 10). The nutrient solution is discharged into the distribution system (200). The operation of the manual feed will be explained when the backup system (600) is described. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The distribution system (200) is responsible for distributing the nutrient solution evenly in each of the towers of the device. This delivers the fluid at the top of the towers to start the journey within the irrigation system, raising the fluid at a single point and distributing it into a series of suspended ducts that reach each tower.

This is achieved by driving the fluid driven by the hydraulic pump (120) into a duct supported vertically on the pump discharge mouth. This duct called vertical line (210), has two tees in its body separated by a non-return valve (230). The first te, allows to derive a smaller part of the flow within the return line (220) and delivers the rest of the flow in the main distribution line (240). The return line (220) allows you to control the pressure in the rest of the system, regulating the flow you handle with a valve (221). The return line (220) discharges the fluid into the main tank (530) to oxygenate the nutrient solution and re-enter the fluid into the feeding cycle, other methods can be used to control the pressure and oxygenate the nutrient solution without altering the spirit of the invention. The second tee of the vertical line (210), has 2 non-return valves (230) in its body, the first located in the main body of the vertical line (210), allows the passage of the feeding of the pumping system (100) , but stops the flow of entering the backup system (600). The second one is located in the secondary branch that connects to the manual discharge line (620), which allows the backup system (600) to pass through, but stops the flow to the pumping system (100).

At the end of the vertical line (210) is an adapter elbow, this delivers the fluid to the main distribution line (240). This line fulfills the function of a manifoid and distributes the flow between all the towers of the system. This line has tea junctions in its body that derive the fluid within the line that reaches each tower, called secondary distribution line (250), other distribution methods can be used without altering the spirit of the invention. The latter have a valve called: tower valve (251) that controls the flow that reaches each tower, maintaining a constant pressure along the main distribution line (240).

At the end of the secondary distribution line (250) is a te that connects both ends to a single line called the spray ring (260). This distributes and discharges the nutrient solution into the irrigation and housing system, through a series of holes that allow the uninterrupted dripping of the nutrient solution into each irrigation column (300). The spray ring (260) is held in the tower using a group of spray units (310) as a guide and support. The spray ring (260) can be held in other ways without altering the spirit of the invention. IRRIGATION AND ACCOMMODATION SYSTEM

The irrigation and accommodation system is responsible for irrigating and housing the roots of all the plants grown in each tower. This forms the main body of the tower, grouping and supporting a plurality of irrigation columns (300) of various levels around the central support (700). Where each level leads the fall of the nutrient solution, ensuring the irrigation of each pot (810) located at different levels. Each level of the column is formed by stacking a plurality of opaque containers in 2 possible ways:

1. Cylindrical container with a base of smaller diameter than the walls.

2. Concave cylindrical funnel with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the container.

With these 2 elements 6 of the 7 pieces necessary to create the irrigation column (300) are formed Spray S ñ (31 1)

Spray Chamber (312)

Irrigation Pipe (321)

Cot (322)

Collector funnel (331)

Retention Dome (332)

The difference between the 6 will be the wall height, as well as additional cuts in case the piece requires them. The structure of the irrigation column (300) works thanks to the difference in diameter that exists between the convexity of the base and the rest of the container, which causes a seal to be generated when a base is assembled with the wall of a container . The wall serves as a guide for verticality and provides the structural strength necessary to support the weight of the plants that are housed in the irrigation column (300). These 6 elements are grouped to obtain 3 different types of units: spray unit (310)

accommodation unit (320)

collection unit (330)

The spraying unit (310) is responsible for collecting the nutrient solution so that it can be discharged onto the pot (810) of the housing unit (320) located at the lower level immediately below. This unit consists of 2 similar containers, the spray seal (31 1) and the spray chamber (312).

The spray seal (31 1) only serves to prevent the entry of organic material and water into the spray chamber (312), therefore this piece must not have an additional process. The wall should preferably be low to avoid accumulating dirt. Only the base is assembled with the wall of the spray chamber (312), the spray chamber (312) can be closed in other ways without altering the spirit of the invention.

On the other hand, the spray chamber (312) serves to capture and conduct the nutrient solution in addition to supporting the spray ring (260). Therefore, this piece must have a wall of moderate or low height. This should allow the cutting of 2 holes parallel to the edge of the wall of equal or greater diameter than the conduit used for the spray ring (260). The spray chamber (312) also has a hole in its base to allow the nutrient solution to discharge to the lower level, this hole is located above the housing cavity of the housing unit (320) of the lower immediate level. The accommodation unit (320) is responsible for housing and directing the pot (810) where the plant grows, housing the root mass of the plant, and also driving the nutrient solution to the lower level without causing substantial losses of the fluid. Allowing these units to stack up to the desired height, creating levels to accommodate more plants. This unit is formed by the assembly of a funnel, the cradle (322); and a container, the irrigation pipe (321).

The cradle (322) serves as a boost to support and direct the pot (810), in addition to allowing an uninterrupted passage of the nutrient solution. Therefore, this piece does not need a wall. The cradle (322) performs its function when inserted into the irrigation duct (321) with the funnel nozzle in the direction of the base of the container, creating a rise inside the duct (Figure 6). The upper edge of the cradle (322) is in contact with the wall of the irrigation duct (321), which allows it to not tip over, however this joint does not generate a seal, as it has a low contact pressure. The concavity of the cradle (322) will allow an inclined level to support the weight of the pot (810), even when this weight is transferred to the base of the irrigation pipe (321). The cradle (322) has several holes in its body to allow a easy drainage of the nutrient solution and allow the roots of the plants to pass through. The roots of the plant are housed in the space formed between the cradle (322) and the irrigation pipe (321). The irrigation pipe (321) serves to house and support the cradle (322), house, support and direct the pot (810), house the roots of the plant and conduct the nutrient solution on the pot (810) of the immediate lower level . Therefore, this piece must have a wall with full height to very high, depending on the type of plant that is grown, and the size of the pot (810) used. The wall of the irrigation duct (321) must allow the cutting of an oval hole, called the housing cavity. This cavity allows the pot (810) to have access to the interior of the irrigation pipe (321), where the nutrient solution flows. The wall of the cavity serves as support to support and direct the pot (810) so that it has part of its body outside the irrigation pipeline (321), allowing the plant to have an outlet from the pipeline. Therefore, the lowest part of the cavity is located above the upper edge of the cradle (322). The irrigation pipe (321) also has a hole in its base that allows the flow of the nutrient solution to the housing unit (320) of the next level. For this reason, this hole should be aligned with the lower level housing cavity, in order to ensure the discharge of fluid onto the pot (810) of the next level.

To obtain the highest yield per unit area, the largest number of housing units (320) that the environmental conditions allow for cultivation is stacked.

The collection unit (330) is responsible for collecting and unloading the nutrient solution at the end of the irrigation column (300), getting the fluid from its turbulent state of free fall to a flow channeled into the drainage system ( 400). In addition, this unit also serves as a guide and support for the irrigation column (300), supporting and directing its weight on the vertical support (730). As well as helping to prevent the clogging of the drainage system (400). This is achieved using 2 funnel-shaped pieces called, collector funnel (331) and retention dome (332), together with a cap called: manifold seal (333). The collecting funnel (331) serves to capture all the nutrient solution that receives an irrigation column, concentrating the liquid at the narrowest point to facilitate its discharge. This is achieved by assembling the base of the last housing unit (320) with the wall of the collecting funnel (331), leaving the nozzle of the container towards the floor, capturing the nutrient solution in the dome and driving it towards the collector seal (333). The height of the wall is not a determining factor for the correct operation of this unit. However, it is preferred that the wall height be moderate to high.

The collecting funnel (331) channels the weight of the irrigation column (300) over one of the rings of the vertical support (730). This supports the wall of your dome freely, because the weight that supports and the geometry of the element allow to hold the irrigation columns (300) in place. The collecting funnel (331) does not suffer deformations because it uses the most rigid part of its body to support and distribute the weight.

The retention dome (332) serves to prevent the entry of solid matter into the drainage system (400). This is achieved by inserting a funnel in an inverted manner into the collecting funnel (331), that is, with the mouth wide in the direction of the floor. This causes the nutrient solution to pass between the 2 walls or until reaching the overflow level given by the funnel nozzle.

The collector seal (333) is the last piece of the irrigation column (300), this serves to prevent the spillage of the nutrient solution at the discharge point, channeling the fluid inside the drainage system (400). This piece serves as a connector to the drain hose (410), creating a drain point with a hose coupler. The drainage system (400) is responsible for conducting the nutrient solution from the exit of the irrigation and housing system to the storage system (500). This is achieved by draining the nutrient solution of each irrigation column (300) into its respective drain hose (410), while the other end of this hose is connected to pressure within the collection line (420). All drainage hoses (410) of a tower will have different lengths, since the hose section is intended to be as short as possible to prevent stagnation of the nutrient solution.

The collection line (420) is the tube that passes under each tower, following the alignment with a downward inclination towards the storage system (500), creating a flow in that direction. This functions as an intake manifold, collecting the nutrient solution of all the drain hoses (410) of all the irrigation columns (300) of all the towers. The collection line (420) is sized making sure that the volume of the fluid does not occupy the entire cavity of the pipeline to avoid overflowing by any of the contact points between the lines. The collection line (420) is held in place by tying its body on each central support axis (710).

STORAGE SYSTEM

The storage system (500) is responsible for cleaning and storing the nutrient solution that the crop has used in its irrigation cycle. This is located at one end of the alignment of the towers below the floor level, where its highest part should be below the lowest part of the collection line (420). The system has no moving parts, so it works thanks to the effect of gravity and atmospheric pressure.

The system collects the nutrient solution at a single point called sedimentation tank (510), this tank has 2 identical bedrooms, separated by a plate with perforations near its base, damping the relative speed of the fluid entering the first bedroom, allowing the settlement of suspended solids at the bottom of the container and the flow of the less heavy but clean solution into the second bedroom, preventing abrasive particles from the substrate from reaching the main tank (530).

The cleanest nutrient solution flows from the second bedroom of the sedimentation tank (510) to the main tank (530) thanks to a pipeline that connects both tanks called: overflow line (520).

The main tank (530) is responsible for storing the nutrient solution free of sediments and keeping it available for the use of the pumping system (100). This is located next to the sedimentation tank (510). This should have easy access as this is the deposit where the nutrient solution is replenished at the desired concentration.

Both tanks must be covered to prevent the entry of unwanted material and the growth of algae in the nutrient solution, however, these should not be sealed because they must be easily accessible for routine maintenance and cleaning, other methods of filtering and storage without altering the spirit of the invention.

BACKUP SYSTEM The backup system (600) is responsible for providing the nutrient solution to the distribution system (200) in the event that the pumping system (100) fails. This system works by gravity, so it requires that its main element, the elevated tank (610), be at a higher level than the main distribution line (240), this is achieved with a tank support elevated (1100). The raised tank (610) is filled and discharged manually, said tank is connected to the vertical line (210) by means of a duct called discharge line (620). This line has a valve in its body, called a discharge valve (621), it is actuated to discharge the nutrient solution and closes to seal the line, preventing the growth of algae and the proliferation of insects.

SUPPORT SYSTEM

The support system forms the necessary structures to allow vertical support and radial fixation of both the irrigation elements of the tower and the plants that are housed in them, providing the necessary stability so that all the systems of the apparatus are supported even under adverse conditions such as winds and tremors.

The support system is divided into 5 composite structures: 7. CENTRAL SUPPORT

8. RADICULAR SUPPORT

9. SUPPORT OF THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

10. FOLIAR SUPPORT

11. LIFTED TANK SUPPORT

CENTRAL SUPPORT

The central support (700) is the main support structure for the irrigation elements of this apparatus. Here the irrigation columns (300) are fixed and distributed in an upright position, supporting said elements above the floor level and leaving enough space below them to hold the drainage system (400). This system also holds the foliar support (1000) in case the type of crop requires it.

The support system consists of 2 static elements and 2 adjustable elements. The main one of the static elements is the central support axis (710), this is nothing more than a vertically arranged support. This element is inserted into a waterproof shirt buried at the site, closed only from the buried end. Said shirt called protector (720), serves as a guide for the central support e / e (710) and also serves as protection against the attack of the elements. The vertical support (730) is the element that supports all the irrigation columns (300) vertically, this element is formed by a plurality of support rings attached to a short section of pipe. This element is guided and held in the central support shaft (710), therefore the tube used is larger in diameter than the one used for the central support shaft (710). The vertical support (730) is attached to the central support axis (710) thanks to a bolt that functions as a prisoner, making the vertical support (730) can be moved and adjusted to the appropriate height. The support rings hold the irrigation columns in place, and group them around the central support axis (710).

To fix the irrigation columns (300) to the central support shaft (710), 3 radial fasteners (740) are distributed evenly over the body of the irrigation columns (300). These elements composed of 2 metal hooks joined with an elastic band, must embrace all the irrigation columns (300) at the same time, making them behave as a single body before unbalanced efforts, but allowing easy decoupling for maintenance purposes .

RADICULAR SUPPORT The root support (800) is responsible for maintaining and supporting the root mass of each plant within a confined space, providing the necessary conditions to allow the roots to develop until they reach their usual size and achieve the necessary traction to adhere also this It must be able to retain moisture without reaching the tightness of the nutrient solution. The root support system is composed of 2 elements: the pot (810) and the substrate (820).

The pot (810) is an opaque container of less capacity than those used in the irrigation columns (300), where its open end forms an angular plane with respect to the base, so that it describes a horizontal plane when located within the irrigation column (300). The pot (810) has grooves in the wall near its base to allow drainage of the nutrient solution and enough space to let out the roots and that they achieve a good development. The substrate (820) is the element in which the plant is planted, it must be suitable for the species that you want to grow. This is inserted into the pot (810) following the angular plane.

The pot (810) is inserted into the housing unit (320), supporting its weight both in the cradle (322) and in the wall of the housing cavity, leaving part of the body outside the housing unit (320) . The angular plane is in the direction of the fall of the nutrient solution so that the pot (810) captures the free fall of the fluid. This configuration allows the pots (810) (and therefore the plants) to be exchanged in the same housing cavity in a simple and fast way. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SUPPORT

The support of the distribution system (900), is the composite structure responsible for supporting the weight of the main distribution line (240), especially when it is full of nutrient solution. This system becomes critical as the design of the crop increases the spacing between the towers, since this separation creates a gap in the growing line.

The system consists of a series of support struts (910) arranged vertically below the main distribution line (240). Each support strut (910) is buried at a height such that its other end manages to touch the main distribution line (240), the air end is provided with a hole to be able to thread the support line (920). The main distribution line (240) is attached to the support line (920) so that it rests all its weight. It is preferred that the support line (920) has retained anchorages to prevent bending of the support struts (910).

FOLIAR SUPPORT

The foliar support (1000) is the composite structure responsible for supporting and distributing the leaf system of the plants that are housed in each tower. This structure is not essential for the operation of the tower, but it does allow us to increase the amount of plant species that the tower is capable of housing, since this attachment allows to sustain the growth of indeterminate species or heavy fruits without damaging the structure of the plant and without the need of an additional structure (greenhouses, exoskeletons or stakes) to support the weight of the plant.

The system is based on a rigid and light structure called support cone (1010), this element is formed by a plurality of rings and a short section of tube arranged concentrically. Both pieces are separated in the horizontal plane by a series of support rods that join all these pieces. The short tube section also has a clamping element that functions as a prisoner, with which the support cone (1010) is fixed to the central support axis (810). This element is supported with the upper ring as far as possible from the floor, forming an inverted cone. A series of ropes called vertical guides (1020) are attached to the upper ring, these guides have knots in their body, forming rings on which the fasteners (1030) rest. Each bra (1030) shaped like a bead ring, supports a section of the plant forming a kind of easy-to-attach clamping basket for the plant, joining 2 ends of the ring on the floor, attaching them to the vertical guide (1020) with a hook (1040).

The radial guide (1050) is the last element of this system, said rope has the function of joining all the vertical guides (1020), so that the union of these elements creates a mesh attached to the support cone (1010)

ELEVATED TANK SUPPORT

The elevated tank support (1100) is the composite structure responsible for supporting the weight of the elevated tank (610) above the level of the main distribution line (240). This is achieved by forming an elevated platform (1110) with steps (1120) to have better access to the elevated tank (610). Said platform must have a rail (1130) to fix the tank and prevent overturning. It is preferred to use retainers (1140) to fix the platform on site, other methods can be used to fix the platform on site without altering the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1 - A vertically arranged modular apparatus, used to grow plants using a drip irrigation hydroponic cultivation technique, characterized by grouping a plurality of vertical pipes around a central support structure (700), forming an irrigation and housing system suitable to house plants which is sustained on the floor level. Wherein said central support structure (700) comprises: a) a central support axis (710);

b) a protector (720) inserted in the floor, which functions as a mechanical jacket, guiding and protecting said central support shaft (710) when installed on site;

c) a vertical support (730) coupled to said central support shaft (710) that functions as the basis for said irrigation and housing system; Y

d) a plurality of radial supports (740) that hold said vertical pipes against said central support axis (710).

Said irrigation and housing system is fed with a nutrient solution at its upper end by means of a distribution system (200), wherein said distribution system (200) comprises: a) a sprinkler an / 7 / ο (260) functioning as a distributor manifold for the nutrient solution that feeds said vertical channels, other methods can be used to distribute the nutrient solution within the vertical channels without altering the spirit of the invention;

b) a secondary distribution line (250) that leads the nutrient solution towards said spray ring (260);

c) a tower valve (251) coupled to said secondary distribution line (250) that controls the flow that reaches said spray ring (260); Y

d) a main distribution line (240) that serves as a manifold for the nutrient solution that feeds said secondary distribution line (250) 2- A complementary device that automatically supplies the nutrient solution to the apparatus described in claim 1. Characterized by adding elements to the distribution system (200) described in claim 1, and coupling said distribution system (200) to a pumping system (100) that automatically drives the nutrient solution from a storage system (500) to said system of irrigation and accommodation. This apparatus includes a backup system (600) that feeds the nutrient solution to said distribution system (200) in the event that said pumping system (100) fails.

Wherein the complement of said distribution system (200) comprises:

a) a vertical line (210) that conducts the nutrient solution from the pumping system (100) to the main distribution line (240); Y

b) a return line (220) with a valve (221) to regulate the flow it conducts. Where said return line (220) is coupled to the vertical line (210), discharging the fluid that leads into the storage system (500). Said line functions as a pressure-relieving device and oxygenation of the nutrient solution, other methods can be used to control the pressure and oxygenate the nutrient solution without altering the spirit of the invention.

The pumping system (100) is responsible for supplying the nutrient solution to the entire crop at the scheduled time, where said pumping system (100) comprises:

a) a hydraulic pump (120) where the vertical line (210) of said distribution system (200) is coupled;

b) a timer (130) which controls the operation of said hydraulic pump (120); Y

c) a suction line (1 10) that connects the hydraulic pump (120) with the storage system (500). The storage system (500) located at a lower level than the hydraulic pump (120) is responsible for storing the nutrient solution. Said storage system (500) comprises: a) a main tank (530) that functions as an open cistern for storing the nutrient solution, accessible to allow easy replacement of the spent nutrient solution. Said main tank \ (530) provides the nutrient solution to the pumping system (100).

The backup system (600) located at a higher level than the main distribution line (240) is responsible for providing the nutritive solution to the irrigation and housing system in the event that the pumping system (100) fails. Wherein said backup system (600) comprises:

a) an easily accessible raised tank (610) that allows it to be filled manually, said tank is installed on site on an elevated tank support (1 100) that locates said tank in the proper position; b) a discharge // 7? ea (620) connecting said raised tank (610) with the vertical line \ (210), said discharge line (620) is coupled to the vertical line (210) by means of a te, where the latter has non-return valves (230) at 2 of its 3 ends. Where the first valve allows the flow of the solution to the main distribution line (240) but blocks the flow to the elevated tank (610), and the second valve allows the flow of the elevated tank (610) to the main distribution line (240) but blocks the flow to the return line (220); Y

c) a discharge valve (621) coupled in said discharge line (620) which allows controlling the discharge rate of the nutrient solution from the elevated tank (610) to the main distribution line (240)

3- A complementary apparatus that manually supplies the nutrient solution to the apparatus described in claim 1, characterized in that the fluid is fed from a backup system (600) directly coupled to the distribution system (200) described in claim 1. Wherein said backup system (600) comprises:

á) an easily accessible raised tank (610) that allows it to be filled manually, said tank is installed on site on an elevated tank support (1 100) that locates said raised tank (610) in the proper position;

b) a discharge line (620) connecting said raised tank (610) with the main distribution line (240); Y

c) a discharge valve (621) coupled to said discharge line (620) which allows controlling the discharge rate of the nutrient solution from the elevated tank (610) to the main distribution line (240)

4- A complementary device that collects and cleanses the nutrient solution used by the apparatus described in claim 2, achieving that this apparatus closes the circuit to recirculate the nutrient solution, characterized by collecting the nutrient solution used by the irrigation and housing system inside of a drainage system (400) held in the central support system (700), wherein said drainage system (500) conducts the fluid to a storage system (500) which captures the suspended solids carried by the nutrient solution . Wherein said drainage system (400) comprises: a) a plurality of drainage hoses (410), wherein each of them is coupled only to one of said vertical pipes of the irrigation and housing system; Y

b) a collection line (420) attached to the shaft central support (710) inclined towards the storage system (500), which functions as a collector manifold where this allows _^ to be inserted and subjection to pressure said hoses drainage (410).

The storage system (500) receives the discharge from the drainage system (400). Where said collection line (420) discharges the nutrient solution directly into the main tank (530). However, it is preferred to complement this arrangement with elements that allow the settlement of suspended solids carried by the nutrient solution. Wherein said complement of said storage system (500) comprises:

a) a conical bottom sedimentation tank (510), with a sludge evacuation valve at the bottom. Where said tank has a perforated plate that divides it into 2 permeable bedrooms whose attera ete ruiiüúi iaiiiiu ilu se cnaju itiu at a level greater than that of said main tank (530) but still below said collection line (420), where said sedimentation tank (510) functions as a trap where they settle suspended solids due to the reduction of the relative velocity of the flow, achieving the settlement of solids in the chamber that receives the discharge and making the clean nutrient solution flow to the second bedroom; Y

b) an overflow line (520) connecting said settling tank (510) with the main tank (530), where said overflow line (520) defines the level of operation of the settling tank.

5- A complementary device that collects the nutrient solution used by the apparatus described in claim 3, enabling the reuse of the nutrient solution to create a closed circuit, characterized by collecting the nutrient solution used by the irrigation and housing system within a drainage system (400) held in the central support system (700), wherein said drainage system (500) conducts the fluid to a storage system (500). Wherein said drainage system (400) comprises:

a) a plurality of drain hoses (410), wherein each of them is coupled only to one of said vertical pipes of the irrigation and housing system; Y

b) a collection line (420) attached to the central support axis (710) inclined in the direction of the storage system (500), which functions as a manifold manifold, where it allows said hoses to be inserted and pressurized drainage (410).

The storage system (500) receives the discharge from the drainage system (400). Where said collection line (420) discharges the nutrient solution directly into the main tank (530). The nutrient solution can be filtered before discharging it into the system without altering the spirit of the invention. 6- A complementary device that provides guidance and mechanical support for the foliar system of the plants housed in the apparatus described in claims 1-5, which makes it possible to grow indeterminate or heavy fruit plants without the need for a heavy support structure , characterized by holding a foliar support (1000) above said irrigation and housing system based solely on said central support (700). Wherein said foliar support (1000) comprises:

a) a support cone (1010) formed by joining at least one ring and a guide with a prisoner to be held on the central support shaft (710), wherein these concentric elements are vertically separated by a series of radially arranged supports that they join these elements, forming a light structure similar to a cone, where the largest ring is located farthest from the irrigation and housing system, forming an inverted cone;

b) a plurality of vertical guides (1020) formed by ropes attached to the ring of said support cone (1010), where each guide has knots in the body to form a kind of chain;

c) a plurality of fasteners (1030), where each fastener (1030) in the form of a rope ring, supports a section of the plant forming a kind of easily attachable fastening basket for the plant, joining 2 ends of the ring on the plant;

d) a double type S hook (1040) that joins the 2 ends of said fastener (1030) at one end, and is attached to the vertical guide (1020) at the other end; Y

e) a radial guide (1050) that joins all vertical guides (1020), so that the union of these elements forms a mesh attached to the support cone (1010)

7- A vertical pipe to form an irrigation and housing system as those mentioned in claims 1-6, characterized by forming an irrigation column (300) of variable height which consists of stacking 3 possible elements: spray unit (310 ), irrigation and accommodation unit (320), collection unit (330). Wherein said units are formed by assembling opaque containers of 2 basic forms: a container, or a funnel whose major radius coincides with the radius of the container.

Wherein said spraying unit (310) comprises: a) a spray chamber (312), where this container located at the top of the irrigation column (300) collects the nutrient solution spilled by said spray ring (260) and discharges it in the place determined by a hole in its base, where said spray chamber (312) also functions as a fulcrum to support the weight of said spray ring (260); Y

b) a spray seal (311), where this container is located on said spray chamber (312) to prevent objects from entering that obstruct the flow of the nutrient solution. The spray chamber (312) can be closed in other ways without altering the spirit of the invention.

The body of said irrigation column (300) is formed by stacking a plurality of irrigation and housing units (320), where each unit captures and discharges the nutrient solution in addition to providing the conditions to house a pot (810) with a plant, also said irrigation and housing unit (320) provide space to house the roots. Wherein said irrigation and housing unit (320) comprises:

a) an irrigation pipe (321) formed by a container with an oval cut in its wall called a housing cavity; Y

b) a cradle (322) formed by a perforated funnel to allow the uninterrupted passage of the nutrient solution, this element serves as an elevation to rest said pot (810) in an inclined manner, where said cradle (322) is inserted into the duct of irrigation (321) with the narrow mouth towards the floor. The base of said irrigation column (300) is formed by a collection unit (330) which supports the weight of all the elements that are in said column, in addition to collecting the excess of the nutrient solution that the crop did not absorb on its way. Wherein said collection unit (330) comprises:

a) a collecting dome (331) formed by a funnel coupled with the base of the last irrigation and housing unit (320), wherein said collecting dome (331) is located with the nozzle in the direction of the floor, by way of channeling the fall of the nutrient solution.

b) a retention dome (332) formed by a funnel which is inserted into said collecting dome (331) with the nozzle in the opposite direction to the floor, so as to form a barrier that prevents the entry of material that can obstruct said drainage system (400), but that allows to drain the nutrient solution overflowing through the nozzle, or flowing between both walls.

c) a collecting seal (333) which is coupled to the end of said collecting dome (331) to retain the nutrient solution that the crop did not absorb. Wherein said collector seal (333) is kept closed to create an open discharge circuit to the substrate as in claims 2 and 3, or it can be modified by adding a discharge point to create a closed circuit of recirculating nutrient solution such as those mentioned in claim 4 and 5, wherein the modification manages to press said drain hose (410) where the nutrient solution is discharged.

Within each irrigation and accommodation unit (320) a root support (800) is located where the roots of a plant are housed. Said root support (800) is located in an inclined plane, resting both on the cradle (322) and on the wall of the housing cavity of said irrigation and housing unit (320). Wherein said root support (800) comprises:

a) a pot (810) formed by a container with grooves in its body, in which the opening in its upper part describes an angle with respect to the base, ensuring that when said pot (810) is inserted into the irrigation unit and housing (320), the upper part of said pot (810) is parallel to the floor, leaving part of the body of said pot (810) outside said irrigation and housing unit (320)

b) a type of substrate (820) according to the type of crop to be harvested, assessing drainage qualities and stiffness. 8- A vertical pipe as described in claim 7, wherein a PET plastic container of 2 liters or larger volume is used, painting its exterior with a first black layer, followed by a white layer. Where said container is cut in half forming a container and a funnel with the requirements of form, conduction and rigidity necessary to create all the elements efe tffra irrigation column (300). Likewise, a pot (810) formed by a PET plastic container of 500 milliliters or of smaller machined volume to comply with the form described in claim 7.

9 - A vertical canalization as described in claim 1, formed by a bag with perforations in its body to allow the plants to access the substrate (820) and the nutrient solution. It is preferred to use a light substrate without sharp edges such as rock wool or coconut fiber to prevent bag breakage. Said bag is tied at the bottom to create an open circuit as described in claim 2 and 3, or the bag is tied to a drain hose (410) to create a closed circuit as described in claim 4 and 5.