Modular Air and Particulate Filtration Apparatus

Abstract

A modular air and particulate filtration system for capturing emissions and particulates from an agricultural burn comprises a particulate filtration system with a series of panels that create a shute-like containment areas. In another embodiment the system forms a tent-like structure having an inner filtration layer and an outer containment layer overlapping the inner filtration layer, a plurality of vents in the outer containment layer and a particulate waste removal element. The particulate filtration element, the plurality of vents and the particulate waste removal element operates in combination with a ventilation system to substantially absorb effluence or smoke and particulate matter or debris produced by the agricultural burn. The vents may be completely or partially closed based on the need for airflow and oxygen to maintain the burn.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A system for controlling burning agricultural waste and for capturing emissions and particulates from the burn, the system comprising:
 a tent-like structure arranged over an area defining at least a portion of the burn, the tent-like structure having at least one panel member comprising an inner filtration layer and an outer containment layer overlapping the inner filtration layer and at least one structural element disposed between the inner and outer layers;   an airflow management system arranged on a portion of the tent-like structure;   a ventilation system comprising at least one vent disposed on the outer containment layer; and arranged to enable airflow into the burn; and   a particulate waste removal system comprising at least one particulate filtration element disposed on the tent-like structure the filtration element arranged to enable effluent from the burn to pass therethrough; and   whereby the at least one particulate filtration element, at least one vent and the particulate waste removal element substantially absorb smoke and particulate matter produced by the agricultural burn.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the airflow management system comprises:
 any one of a number of known systems such as a fan or blower with or without directional capabilities and variable force settings, that manually or self regulates the flow of air into the system to provide continuous circulation at optimal levels to maintain burn rates and convection and which is operable to change the circulation of air in the interior of the system; 
 the fan or blower further comprising one or more entry points of airflow into the tent-like structure wherein the one or more entry points being operable in tandem or autonomously to selectively manage a total volume and rate of airflow a particular section of the interior of the system. 
 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the at least one panel member comprises an outer containment layer consisting of one or more of a high-temperature polymer matrix composites such as any combination of the following industry standard materials: T650-35/AFR-PE-4 or T650-35/RP46; a high-temperature resin such as AFR-PE-4 or RP46; a uni-directional laminate; a cross-ply laminate; a 4-ply eight-harness satin (8HS)-weave laminate; materials made of polybrominated anionic styrenic polymers in combination with fiber-forming thermoplastic polymers; or a 10-ply eight-harness satin (8HS)-weave laminate. 
 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a ground cover. 
 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 at least one spacing element arranged between the outer containment layer and the inner layer, the spacing element comprising a first attachment point coupled to a first and a second second attachment point by means of a corresponding linking element. 
 
     
     
         6 . A system for controlling the burning of agricultural waste and for capturing emissions and particulates from the burn, the system comprising:
 a tent-like structure arranged over an area defining at least a portion of the burn, the tent-like structure a single or plurality of panel members wherein each panel member comprises an inner filtration layer and an outer containment layer overlapping the inner filtration layer and at least one structural element disposed adjacent to and underneath the outer layer and wherein the structural element couples to a corresponding structural element on an adjacent panel member;   at least one particulate filtration waste removal element disposed on the tent-like structure the filtration element arranged to enable effluent from the burn to pass therethrough;   at least one vent disposed on the outer containment layer; and arranged to enable airflow into the burn; and   at least one attachment mechanism arranged between adjacent panels and coupled to each adjacent panel.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  further comprising:
 a central structural element coupling to at least one panel member. 
 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6  further comprising:
 one or more panel members arranged to create a somewhat circular footprint. 
 
     
     
         9 . A modular and scalable system for controlling burning of agricultural waste and for capturing emissions and particulates from the burn, the system comprising:
 at least one panel member arranged over an area defining at least a portion of the burn.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the at least one panel member comprises:
 a front panel member, 
 a top panel member, and 
 a back panel member wherein the front and back panel members each respectively couple to opposite edges of the top panel member and; 
 an airflow management system arranged on a portion of the any at least one panel member; 
 a ventilation system comprising at least one vent disposed on any at least one panel member; and arranged to enable airflow into the burn; and 
 a particulate waste filtration system comprising at least one particulate filtration element disposed on the tent-like structure the filtration element arranged to enable effluent from the burn to pass therethrough; and 
 whereby the at least one particulate filtration element, the at least one vent and the particulate waste filtration element substantially absorb smoke and particulate matter produced by the agricultural burn. 
 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a filtration substance arranged over each ventilation element. 
 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein:
 the first panel comprises a substantially flat front panel; 
 the second panel comprises a substantially flat top panel; and 
 the third panel comprises a substantially flat back panel. 
 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  wherein:
 a single curved panel with filtration elements covers in a semi circular and tube-like formation at least one section of a segmented modular system.