Title - PASSIVE IRRIGATION SYSTEM USING INTERCONNECTED POROUS CERAMIC HOLLOW PIECES IN A WATER OR NUTRIENT SOLUTION CIRCUIT

Abstract

A passive, subterranean irrigation system characterized by hollow, porous ceramic pieces embedded in the soil or growing medium. The design of the ceramic pieces allows them to be connected in an irrigation circuit using water or hydroponic nutrient solution. It is applicable to cultivation using mulch or closed containers, although not airtight, as this system operates under open atmospheric pressure. Its operation is based on the physical laws of the planet: gravity, atmospheric pressure, capillary action in the soil, and the suction of plant roots.

Description

“Passive irrigation system using porous hollow ceramic pieces interconnected in a water or nutrient solution circuit.” II. Technical Field of the Invention: “The application is intended for use in the technical-agricultural field specifically as an irrigation system in productive or domestic horticultural or landscaping crops” III. State of the art and problems to be solved: Irrigation using ceramic pots and flood irrigation, whether in furrows or on the surface, dates back to ancient times. Of these two techniques, irrigation with ceramic pots fell into disuse centuries ago in modern agriculture. Gravity-fed flood irrigation persists worldwide for crops, operating through ditches and furrows, taking advantage of the terrain's topography and the force of gravity. Therefore, the most common industrial irrigation systems today are sprinkler, micro-sprinkler, and drip irrigation. These systems operate with pumps and pressurized circuits, requiring motors that consume energy from fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) or electricity, which can produce carbon dioxide emissions or utilize alternative energy sources. In all cases—except for the ancient gravity-fed flood irrigation still used in many regions with snowmelt, groundwater pumping, or water from reservoirs—these systems rely on alternative energy sources. 1747191 of 15 water systems - are the most widespread and current systems that require the consumption of energy for their active mechanical operation. The latter characterize the dominant irrigation in large-scale extensive and intensive agricultural production; with energy expenditure. Micro-sprinkler irrigation systems for lawns and flowerbeds have also become widespread in homes. Drip irrigation is also common for vegetable gardens, flower gardens, parks, terraces, and balconies. "Passive irrigation systems using interconnected porous ceramic pieces in a water or nutrient solution circuit" are an energy-efficient irrigation option. III.1. - The first innovation is that it is a passive system with rational use of water resources, as it largely avoids evaporation, which represents a considerable loss of water supply. The irrigation water is applied directly to the roots of the plants, thus increasing efficiency and water conservation, with consumption closely matching the physiological needs of the irrigated plant. This passive irrigation system harnesses the planet's physical laws, but with the innovative addition of interconnected ceramic pieces that can be configured to form a modular system. This allows for its application to larger areas, rather than being limited to an isolated application like a simple container. III.2. - The second novelty is that this system opts for the manufacture of ceramic pieces by the mold process and with clays in liquid colloidal suspensions, which allow for industrial, standardized production, with a uniform, measurable performance and with the consequent low unit cost of the pieces, versus the old artisanal manufacture with clays in paste that limits the levels of production and its correlation in the higher unit cost of the pieces. III.3. - The fact that performance is measurable is not a minor issue, since knowledge of its reliable performance allows a 1747191 of 15 planning and implementation of the irrigation system, according to the needs, which are unrelated to artisanal methods. III.4. - It is innovative in the sense that, being a modular circuit, it allows adaptations to different needs and magnitudes of domestic or productive cultivation of low investment and scale. III.5. - Another novel issue is the self-dosing of irrigation water; which is governed by the principle of "communicating vessels" of the water circuit and the suction exerted by the capillary action of the cultivated soil and the suction of the plant roots. III.6. - In contrast to current irrigation techniques, this system is innovative in that it produces no carbon dioxide emissions or environmental pollutants, as it uses water or nutrient solution close to the specific physiological consumption of the plants. It does not use motors or fuels. The components themselves are also manufactured with biodegradable materials. IV. Brief description of the invention. A passive, subsurface irrigation system using porous, hollow ceramic pieces in contact with the soil or growing medium. The design of the ceramic pieces allows them to be connected in an irrigation circuit with water or hydroponic nutrient solution and is applicable to cultivation with mulch or in closed containers, although not airtight, as this system operates under open atmospheric pressure. Its operation is based on the physical laws of the planet: gravity, atmospheric pressure, capillary suction of the soil, and the suction of plant roots. It is applicable to crops with plastic soil cover or mulch, or in closed containers, as well as in intensive production, domestic, or landscape cultivation. 1747191 of 15 Ceramic pieces can be manufactured through various processes, where the design of the piece and its manufacturing procedures allow, through the type of raw material; chosen size; shape and measurements; the ceramic thickness and the molding and casting times; to meet the requirements and functional properties necessary for the purpose of pieces for passive irrigation. V. Brief description of the figures: For greater clarity and understanding of the object of the invention, it is illustrated with several figures in which it has been represented in some of its forms of embodiment, all for the simple purpose of illustrative and non-limiting example. Figure 1 shows a side view of the ceramic piece, the subject of claim 2, which allows the liquid inside the piece to communicate with the soil through the porosity of the piece, which in turn is drawn up by the soil. The water circulates passively through the hoses until it flows in a mist of micro-droplets that are transported and moisten the root zone of the plants. Reference number 1 in this figure represents a hollow, tubular section 215 mm long and 28 mm wide. Towards the ends, the piece remains hollow, but its surface area and size decrease, forming a conical tubular shape, as shown in reference number 3. Finally, at its ends, there is a toothed section to facilitate the insertion of hoses, as shown in reference number 2. The opening has an internal width of 9 mm and a thickness of 4 mm, with an external width at this end of the piece of 13 mm. Figure 2 is a front view of the ends of the ceramic piece. It shows the opening through which the liquid flows, identified as reference number 1. Figure 2 then represents the section with a serrated relief, to facilitate the insertion of hoses, and the number 1747191 of 15 reference 3 represents the narrowing of the piece in a tubular conical shape, which extends to reference number 1 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the ceramic piece, where reference number 1 represents a hollow tubular section. Towards the ends, it forms a conical tubular shape, as shown in reference number 2. At its ends, there is a section with a serrated relief to facilitate the insertion of hoses, as shown in reference number 3. Figure 4 is a side view, schematically showing the pieces that make up the assembly. Reference number 1 corresponds to the ceramic piece indicated in Figure 1, and reference number 2 to a half-inch T-fitting. Number 3 corresponds to a half-inch elbow fitting. Number 4 represents a half-inch stop valve, and reference numbers 5, 6, and 7 illustrate 12 x 17 non-toxic silicone hoses in 50 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm segments, respectively. Figure 5 is an elevated perspective view, schematically depicting a vertical irrigation system. Reference number 1 corresponds to the ceramic piece shown in Figure 1, reference number 2 to a half-inch T-fitting, and number 3 to a half-inch elbow fitting. Number 4 represents a half-inch stop valve, and reference numbers 5, 6, and 7 illustrate 12 x 17 non-toxic silicone hoses in 50mm, 100mm, and 150mm segments, respectively. Figure 6 is a side view, schematically illustrating a linear or horizontal irrigation system. Reference number 1 corresponds to the vegetation to be irrigated. Number 2 represents the root of the vegetation. Number 3 corresponds to the ceramic piece shown in Figure 1. Reference number 4 corresponds to the liquid / moisture to be absorbed, while number 5 represents the soil level. Reference number 6 corresponds to non-toxic silicone hoses. Number 7 corresponds to a half-inch elbow fitting. 1747191 of 15 Finally, reference number 8 illustrates a rigid or semi-rigid plastic tube that feeds the system. Figure 7 is a side view, schematically illustrating a linear or horizontal irrigation system. Reference number 1 corresponds to a rigid or semi-rigid plastic pipe that feeds the system. Number 2 illustrates a half-inch elbow joint. Reference number 3 corresponds to a half-inch T-joint. Number 4 illustrates 12 x 17 non-toxic silicone hoses. Number 5 corresponds to the ceramic piece shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a side view, schematically illustrating a linear or horizontal irrigation system. Reference number 1 corresponds to the ceramic piece shown in Figure 1. Reference numbers 2 and 3 illustrate non-toxic silicone hoses. Reference number 4 corresponds to the liquid / moisture to be absorbed. Reference number 5 corresponds to the half-inch elbow joint, and number 6 to the half-inch T-joint. Figure 9 is a side view, schematically illustrating a linear or horizontal irrigation system. Reference number 1 corresponds to the ceramic piece shown in Figure 1, reference number 2 illustrates the liquid / moisture to be absorbed, reference number 3 illustrates a half-inch elbow joint, and reference number 4 represents non-toxic silicone tubing. Reference number 5 illustrates a water source, which is a 20,000-milliliter plastic container. Reference numbers 6 and 7 correspond to the height of the water column. Reference number 9 illustrates a rigid or semi-rigid plastic vertical pipe. Finally, reference number 10 corresponds to a half-inch T-shaped elbow joint. Figure 10 is a top perspective view schematically depicting a vertical irrigation system mounted within a container. Reference number 1 corresponds to a rigid or semi-rigid plastic vertical tube, reference number 2 illustrates the container lid, and numbers 3 and 6 illustrate non-toxic hoses. 1747191 of 15 silicone 12 x 17 in segments. Reference number 4 corresponds to a half-inch stop valve. 5 corresponds to a vertical mounting system according to the diagram in figure 5. Finally, reference number 7 corresponds to a half-inch “T” fitting. Figure 11 is an elevated perspective view of Figure 10, assembled, where reference numbers 1 and 4 represent non-toxic silicone hoses. Number 2 illustrates a half-inch stopcock, while number 3 corresponds to a container holding the vertical assembly as shown in the diagram in Figure 8. Finally, reference number 5 corresponds to a half-inch T-fitting. Figure 12 is an elevated perspective view, detailing the interconnection of the elements in Figures 15 and 16 in a chain system. This shows the interconnection of a vertically mounted irrigation system (Figures 5, 10, 11, and 13), where reference numbers 1, 3, 4, and 11 represent the height of the water column. Number 2 represents a 20,000-milliliter plastic container. Number 5 represents the vegetation to be irrigated, while number 6 represents a vertical irrigation system as illustrated in Figures 5, 10, 11, and 13. Reference numbers 7 and 9 represent a half-inch T-fitting. Numbers 8 and 10 correspond to 12 x 17 non-toxic silicone hoses. Finally, reference number 5 represents a half-inch T-fitting. Figure 13 is an elevated perspective view of Figure 11, assembled, with the vegetation shown, corresponding to reference number 2. Number 1 corresponds to a rigid or semi-rigid plastic pipe. Reference number 3 corresponds to the water column. Reference numbers 4 and 7 illustrate schematic 12 x 17 non-toxic silicone hoses. Number 6 illustrates the container holding the vertical assembly of Figure 5. Finally, reference number 5 corresponds to a half-inch T-fitting. 1747191 of 15 Figure 14 describes the manufacturing parameters for Part 1. Figure 15 describes the manufacturing parameters for Part 2. It is an elevated perspective view of Figure 11, assembled, with the vegetation shown, corresponding to reference number 2. Number 1 corresponds to a rigid or semi-rigid plastic pipe. Reference number 3 corresponds to the water column. Reference numbers 4 and 7 schematically represent 12 x 17 non-toxic silicone hoses. Number 6 illustrates the container holding the vertical assembly of Figure 5. Finally, reference number 5 corresponds to a half-inch T-joint. Figure 16 is a comparative table of parts 1 and 2, along with their respective manufacturing processes. Figure 17 illustrates the performance of both parts, resulting from the different manufacturing processes. The vertical or "y" axis represents the flow rate of the liquid, while the horizontal or "x" axis represents the height of the water column. This is observed over a 24-hour period. Reference number 1 corresponds to the manufacturing process for part 1, as shown in Figures 14 and 16. Reference number 2 corresponds to the manufacturing process for part 2, as shown in Figures 17 and 16. VI. Detailed description of the invention. This is a passive, gravity-fed, capillary, and subterranean irrigation system, whose functional dosing unit is a hollow piece of porous ceramic (as illustrated in figures 1, 2, and 3) connected in a water circuit and in direct contact with the soil in the root exploration zone of the plants (as shown in figures 9 and 13); only with mulching or a closed container, although not airtight because this system works at open atmospheric pressure. 1747191 of 15 The ceramic pieces can be used individually or in combination, in groups, arranged in lines within the soil or vertically in containers with growing substrates. Figure 8 illustrates a vertical arrangement, and Figure 10 illustrates a linear or horizontal arrangement. In all cases the pieces are buried and interconnected with a flexible plastic hose in a communicating water circuit, which must be clean and free of suspended solid sediments. The composition of the irrigation system begins with the water source, a tank with a volume of 20,000 milliliters, arranged at a variable height, chosen with respect to the level of burial of the pieces, which allows for the administration of different irrigation heights. The circuit of interconnected parts must be located beneath a layer of mulch and buried in the ground in self-contained 10,000-millimeter sections, each with a 20,000-millimeter dosing tank. A rigid, vertical, transparent plastic pipe emerges at the surface in each section, allowing observation of the water column height and the release of gas bubbles within the circuit. The circuit in question is illustrated in Figure 13. The conditions and forces that drive the system are the open atmospheric pressure, which, by the physical principle of communicating vessels, allows the water circuit to be in a state of equilibrium or "resting state." There must be no gas bubbles present, as these would affect the proper functioning of the system. The variable height of the water tank is directly proportional to the hydrostatic pressure inside the hollow parts. This causes variations in the hydrostatic pressure of the water within the components of the irrigation system. The water circuit generates hydrostatic pressure due to the column of water within it and the porosity of the components, which are drawn in by the ground. The water circulates passively through the hoses until it flows in a micro-sweat. 1747191 of 15 drops that are transported and moisten the root zone of the plants, as illustrated in figure 12. The term “soil suction” is used to represent the “pressure deficiency” in the pore water of some saturated or unsaturated soils, which have the ability to absorb water if water is added to them at atmospheric pressure. Matric suction is the component of total suction associated with capillarity in the porosity of the soil or growing substrate, due to surface tension at the water-air interface and colloidal adsorption developed on the surface of the particles and the telluric solution of the water. The underground path produces a continuous zone of moisture in the soil outside the pieces, with a gradual flow that is continuously released from the pieces, due to the difference between the water potential of the piece filled with water, and the external suction that the soil exerts as the plants absorb it from it. Plants absorb the water they need. Through their roots, they draw water from the soil and surrounding tissues, replenishing the water their plant tissues lost to the atmosphere through leaf transpiration. Therefore, this system is: continuous, permanent and self-regulated irrigation, based on the water consumption of the crop. The biophysical behavior of the system will depend on the composition of the components and their raw materials. Their porous quality will determine a standardized capacity for water drainage into the soil once it has reached moisture levels. This is only applicable with mulching or in a closed, though not airtight, container. This system works at the rhizospheric tension of the soil / substrate matric potential, the gradient, and the colligative properties of the telluric water solution with respect to the internal properties in the piece, whether water or 1747191 of 15 hydroponic solution, which circulate and are powered by the pulse of the plant's foliar transpiration. The ceramic piece to be installed within the system, as shown in Figure 1, is a cylindrical ceramic piece with a hollow, tubular section, 215 mm long and 28 mm wide. Towards the ends, the piece remains hollow, but its surface area and size decrease, forming a conical tubular shape. At its ends there is a section with a serrated relief, to facilitate, as mentioned, the insertion of hoses. The hole has an internal width of 9 mm and a thickness of 4 mm, with an external width of 13 mm at this end of the piece. The surface of the piece is porous, and its capillary irrigation characteristics vary depending on the manufacturing process. This piece can be used individually or in combination, in groups, or arranged in lines. Its chosen size facilitates molding and safer handling of the fresh piece during manufacturing. The shape of the piece's ends allows for interconnection with standard hoses used in functional irrigation systems. Its internal tubular shape prevents the accumulation of harmful gas bubbles when positioned horizontally. The ceramic thickness, achieved through the settling time in the mold, provides resistance to light impacts, while maintaining an average thickness of approximately three to four millimeters, ensuring appropriate strength and porosity. The raw material for its manufacture is "ceramic slip" which is a colloidal suspension of liquid clay. These pieces must meet specific density and viscosity conditions, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. Once these two values ​​are met, the material is poured into plaster molds for a standardized time, during which the process occurs. 1747191 of 15 sedimentation of the solid phase of the clay particles on the inner face of the mold. The settling process is stopped at the standardized time, and the mold is emptied by opening a bottom outlet. The remaining liquid slip is drained off and discarded. The mold is then left to rest vertically, with the piece still damp and soft inside. It is then left to air dry within the mold for a standardized time. After this period, the fresh piece is carefully removed and stored. They are stored for the times established in figures 14 and 15; at room temperature, close to 20 degrees Celsius, with a range of 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, in the drying room. Once the piece is dry, a non-toxic liquid vitreous enamel is applied to both ends of the piece, and then, once dry, it is baked in a single firing under standardized temperatures and curves. These two different types of baking produce two types of pieces, with different capacities to manage irrigation flows at the same hydrostatic height of the water column. Figure 14 describes the manufacturing parameters for Part 1, while Figure 15 describes the manufacturing parameters for Part 2. It can be observed that Part 1 requires a density of 1.72 grams per milliliter, with an acceptable range of 1.70 to 1.74 grams per milliliter; and a viscosity of 48 seconds per 100 milliliters, with an acceptable range of 45 seconds to 51 seconds per 100 milliliters. The molding of these parts requires a settling time of 15 minutes after pouring the mold. The internal drying time in the mold is 60 minutes, followed by 48 hours of drying outside the mold at 20°C (between 18°C ​​and 23°C) and 70% RH (65%-75%). Two pours are performed per shift, with a 72-hour mold rest period. 1747191 of 15 The firing is done in an electric kiln, placing the pieces in the middle third and leaving the upper and lower thirds free. Connectors require a prior application of transparent, alkaline, non-toxic glaze. The specified firing temperature is 1020°C, with a 6-hour heating and 6-hour cooling cycle. Part 2 has the same parameters as Part 1 except for its cooking process. In this case, the indicated cooking temperature is 1060°C and the curve is 8 hours of heating followed by 8 hours of cooling. The comparative table of these parts and their respective manufacturing processes is shown in Figure 16. From it, it can be seen that, with the same height of water column, part 1 provides a lower flow rate than part 2, since the latter provides a flow rate that is 15% higher. This difference in flow rates between the two parts translates to various applications. For example, part 1 is suitable for indoor irrigation due to its lower water requirement, while part 2 is suitable for outdoor use. This distinction is merely illustrative and not exhaustive. Figure 17 illustrates the performance of both parts, resulting from the different manufacturing processes. The vertical or "y" axis represents the flow rate of the liquid, while the horizontal or "x" axis represents the height of the water column. This is observed over a period of 24 hours. Two different types of baking produce two types of pieces, with different capacities to manage irrigation flows at the same hydrostatic height of the water column. This technology is adaptable to small-scale irrigation of productive or domestic crops for self-consumption; agricultural, peri-urban, or urban. It is suitable for crops grown under mulch in greenhouse coverings or in closed, non-hermetic containers, for intensive productive or landscaping crops, both outdoors and indoors. 1747191 of 15 VII. - Example of application of the invention. VII.1.-Linear or Horizontal Cultivation. The ceramic pieces can be interconnected with flexible hoses arranged in lines with three pieces per 1000 millimeters of circuit and buried in self-contained 10,000-millimeter sections with a 20,000-millimeter water source. In all cases, the water must be clean and free of suspended solids. An example is illustrated in Figure 13. VII.2 - Cultivation in reusable indoor / outdoor containers, using a vertical mounting. Here, the vertical assembly of parts, illustrated in Figure 8, is used inside a container to prevent internal heat gain from solar radiation, which would affect the health of the vegetation, as illustrated in Figures 10, 11, and 13. The container has two bottom inlets: one for irrigation water or nutrient solution, and an optional second inlet for air injection or gaseous growth regulators. This container is filled with growing medium and can be connected in series. The example in Figure 13 consists of a 20,000-milliliter white plastic container with a manually operated, self-sealing lid. Inside, it houses the vertical irrigation system shown in Figure 8, installed with four fixed, vertical ceramic pieces interconnected by half-inch flexible silicone hoses.

Claims

1. A passive, subterranean irrigation system characterized in that it comprises porous hollow pieces in a water circuit and in direct contact with the soil, buried and interconnected by a flexible plastic hose in a communicating water circuit whose source is a 20,000-milliliter tank, at a variable height with respect to the burial level of the pieces, these being buried in the soil in 10,000-milliliter lengths, each self-contained with a 20,000-milliliter dosing tank, and in turn interconnected and emerging through a rigid, vertical, transparent plastic pipe. Three claims follow.