Porous brick with biological system reduces suspended particles in dry climates

Abstract

Porous brick with biological system for reducing suspended particles in arid climates is a special invention to improve air quality in arid and semi-arid climates. This brick has an internal structure consisting of air channels that allow air flow through the brick and increase the contact surface with the active biofilm. The biofilm consists of microorganisms immobilized in a silicate nanogel bed that are capable of absorbing and degrading suspended particles PM2.5 and PM10. The brick shell is made of porous materials with high mechanical resistance and allows moisture to penetrate to maintain biological activity. This invention provides a sustainable and effective performance in reducing air pollution without the need for external energy.

Description

Description of the invention Note: Items must be written only inside [ ], otherwise they will not be reviewed. Title of the invention (as stated in the declaration) Porous brick with biological system reduces suspended particles in dry climates Technical background of the relevant invention The present invention relates to the field of advanced building materials and sustainable architecture, and specifically falls into the category of functional porous materials and biotechnological air purification systems. By combining materials engineering technologies, environmental biotechnology, and climate-oriented architectural design, this invention develops a brick that, in addition to its structural and covering role, has the ability to absorb, trap, and biodegrade suspended particles (PM2.5 and PM10) in the ambient air. In recent years, air pollution in arid and semi-arid regions has become a serious environmental challenge. In these regions, due to lack of vegetation, natural dust, and pollution from traffic and industries, concentrations of particulate matter reach dangerous levels. Most of the available technologies for reducing particulate matter, such as electrostatic precipitators, purified ventilation systems, or green walls, require energy consumption, humidity supply, or continuous maintenance, which are not practical and economical in arid climates. The technical field of this invention is innovation in the manufacture of porous bricks with a network of air-permeable channels, inside which there is a stabilized biological system (Bio-Active System) consisting of harmless microorganisms and natural adsorbents. This system is able to absorb, stabilize and decompose fine dust, dust and suspended particles without the need for energy and using natural air flow. This product is included in the group of passive smart building materials and is especially suitable for dry climates and areas with dust storms. Technical problem and stating the objectives of the invention Technical problem of the invention In arid and semi-arid climates, due to lack of humidity, lack of sufficient vegetation, dust-carrying winds, wind erosion and urban-industrial activities, the concentration of suspended particles (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air reaches very high levels. These particles enter the human respiratory system and increase asthma, allergies, lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the importance of controlling these pollutants, most of the existing technologies such as mechanical filters, air purifiers, green walls and fogging systems have the following problems: 1. Requires continuous energy for operation (especially for purification devices). 2. The need for humidity and irrigation, which cannot be provided in arid climates (green wall). 3. High maintenance costs and the need to replace parts or filters. 4. Inability to provide wide urban coverage (regional limitations of active technologies). 5. Common building materials do not play any active role in air purification. Therefore, the main technical problem is the lack of passive, low-cost, energy-efficient, and dry climate-compatible building materials that can help reduce particulate matter on a large scale (facades, walls, blades, and partitions). Statement of the purposes of the invention This invention aims to provide a new, sustainable and arid climate-compatible solution, and seeks to achieve the following goals: 1. Made of porous brick with a network of internal channels that allow for natural air passage and filtration. 2. Using an established biological system (safe microorganisms, biosorbents, and mineral nanogels) to absorb, trap, and degrade suspended particles. 3. Creating passive building materials that do not require electricity, humidification, or special maintenance. 4. Significant reduction of PM10 and PM2.5 in urban spaces, especially in facades facing the prevailing wind. 5. Providing a sustainable product that combines climate architecture, biotechnology, and materials engineering. 6. Possibility of widespread use in building facades, urban walls, central courtyards, new windbreaks, and semi-open walls. 7. Reducing environmental and health costs caused by air pollution and helping to improve the quality of life in arid regions. A description of the state of the prior art and the history of developments related to the claimed invention. In recent years, there have been advances in the field of functional building materials, but most of these innovations have focused on improving thermal, mechanical and self-healing properties and have no application for reducing airborne particulate matter. Existing porous bricks and blocks are only used for weight reduction and improved insulation and lack the ability to filter air due to the lack of an organized channel structure and active biological system. TiO₂-based photocatalytic coatings are also suitable only for the decomposition of gaseous pollutants in the presence of UV light and have no effect on PM. Biotechnologies such as green walls and biological filters, despite their limited effectiveness, are not widely used in arid climates due to the need for moisture, energy and constant maintenance. Although limited research has been conducted on biomaterials such as mortars and bricks containing microorganisms for purposes such as increasing strength or CO₂ fixation, none have addressed the design of porous bricks with an internal biological system to absorb and reduce particulate matter.Therefore, in the prior art, there is no product that simultaneously offers controlled air passage channels and an active biolayer for absorbing and degrading suspended particles in the form of a building brick, and the present invention bridges this technological gap for the first time. Providing a solution to an existing technical problem along with an accurate, sufficient, and integrated description of the invention The main technical problem in arid and semi-arid climates, especially in open and semi-open urban spaces, is the increase in the concentration of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in the air. These particles accumulate especially near building facades, and common architectural materials such as compressed bricks or clay lack effective mechanisms for reducing or purifying these pollutants. The lack of an appropriate internal structure for the passage of air flow, sufficient contact surface for the absorption or decomposition of particulate matter, and a biological substrate for natural pollution reduction processes are among the main weaknesses of existing materials. The present invention, entitled “Porous Brick with Biological System for Reducing Suspended Particles,” offers an innovative solution that overcomes these problems. This brick has an engineered internal structure with three hollow cylindrical channels with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm that extend from the beginning to the end of the brick. These channels provide a natural passage for the air flow and significantly increase the contact area of ​​the air with the inner lining of the brick. The inner surface of the channels is covered with a coating of immobilized biocatalyst microorganisms and active materials that are capable of effectively absorbing, degrading, and settling suspended particles. Also, the outer shell of the brick has controlled porosity, which, in addition to allowing a portion of the air flow to pass through, provides suitable conditions for moisture penetration and maintaining the activity of the biological layer. The overall dimensions of the brick according to industrial production standards are: length 250 mm, width 120 mm, and height 70 mm. It is also possible to produce versions with dimensions of 20 x 10 x 7 and 30 x 15 x 10 cm. The description of the brick structure and technical details are as follows: 1. Outer shell: The outer shell is 10 mm thick and consists of a clay mixture with microporous additives such as pumice or perlite. In addition to maintaining the mechanical strength of the brick, this shell allows for controlled air flow. 2. Air duct network: Inside the brick, there are 3 to 5 cylindrical or elliptical channels with a diameter of between 20 and 25 mm and a center-to-center distance of 30 mm. These channels are located along the length of the brick and form the main path of air flow. If needed, a version with a zigzag arrangement (S-Shape) of channels can also be designed. 3. Biolayer and biostabilizing layer: This key part of the invention consists of two substrates that are placed in the space between the shell and the walls of the channels. Bioastable layer: A porous and breathable layer with a thickness of about 2 mm, which is composed of natural biopolymer compounds (such as biogel) and plays the role of binding and stabilizing biocatalyst microorganisms on the walls of the channels. This layer prevents the washing and destruction of microorganisms in the passing air flow and allows for the maintenance of stable biological activity. Also, this layer creates optimal conditions for gas exchange and moisture penetration, which is necessary for the survival of the active biological layer. Active biolayer: A porous, spongy layer about 5 mm thick, made of bioactive silica substrate, which hosts microorganisms that absorb, decompose, and settle suspended particles. This layer is in direct contact with the air flow and biological air purification processes are carried out in it. To allow for maintenance and recharge of this bio-layer, a 50 x 30 mm access cover is installed on the back of the brick, which is secured with a friction fit lock or small latch. 4. Back of Brick Access Cap: The cap dimensions are 50 mm wide by 30 mm high and 8 mm thick. This cap is located in the center of the back sides of the brick and provides easy access for replacing or renewing the bio-layer. 5. Brick cross-section: The brick cross-section, drawn in dimensions of 120 x 70 mm, consists of a 10 mm thick outer shell around the brick. In the center, three air channels with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm and a distance of 15 mm from each other are located. A 2 mm thick biostabilizing layer is embedded in strips in the inner wall of the channels and a 5 mm thick bioactive layer is placed on it to provide maximum contact surface and biological performance. The description of the geometric structure and function of the bioactive brick is presented in three different technical views, each of which accurately illustrates part of the technical and mechanical features of the invention. In Figure 1 (horizontal section plan), the arrangement of three hollow cylindrical channels along the length of the brick is clearly shown. The position and center-to-center distance of these channels are designed to allow air flow to enter the brick from the building facade and pass through the channels. The thickness of the outer shell around the channels, which is 10 mm, allows controlled air passage and the establishment of the active biolayer, while maintaining adequate mechanical strength. Figure 2 (longitudinal section) provides a complete view of the longitudinal extension of the channels from the inlet to the outlet of the brick. In this view, the depth of the channels and the way in which they are coated internally with a stabilizing and bioactive layer are specified. The air flow path along the channels is designed in such a way that the contact time of the air with the coating of biocatalyst microorganisms is increased, thus improving the efficiency of adsorption, decomposition and sedimentation of suspended particles. The thickness of the outer shell, stabilizing layer and bioactive layer are 10, 2 and 5 mm, respectively, which can be seen in this section. Figure 3 (cross-section) shows a circular arrangement of three air channels with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm and a distance of 15 mm from each other. The 10 mm thick outer shell, the 2 mm biostabilizing layer and the 5 mm thick biofilm strips around the channels are also clearly visible. This cross-sectional structure ensures uniform distribution of mechanical stresses, maintains structural integrity and provides sufficient space for biological activity. In addition, the location of the access cover behind the brick for recharging the biofilm is also visible in this view. The combination of these three views provides a comprehensive and complete picture of the geometry, performance, and technical mechanism of bioactive brick, which, while maintaining the same strength and usability as conventional bricks, acts as a structural-environmental component in effectively reducing urban air pollution. Explanation of shapes, maps and diagrams Figure 1 – Horizontal section plan of bioactive brick Figure 2 – Longitudinal cross-section of bioactive brick Figure 3 – Cross section of bioactive brick Figure 4 – 3D bioactive brick A clear and precise statement of the advantages of the claimed invention over prior inventions. The invention of "Porous Brick with Biological System for Reducing Suspended Particles" has outstanding and unique advantages over previous architectural technologies and materials, as follows: 1. Active function in reducing air pollution: Unlike conventional bricks that are used solely as structural and cladding materials and have no effective role in purifying or reducing suspended particles, the present bioactive brick is equipped with an active biolayer that is capable of effectively absorbing, decomposing, and settling suspended particles in the air. This function creates a passive-biological system that continuously improves the air quality around the facade. 2. Hollow channel structure with natural air flow: The presence of hollow cylindrical channels embedded throughout the brick allows for natural air flow, while traditional materials do not have such a structure. This feature increases the air contact area with the activated bio-layer and significantly increases the efficiency of particulate matter purification. 3. Outer shell with controlled porosity: In this invention, the brick shell not only has the desired mechanical strength, but also has a controlled porosity that allows moisture penetration and gas exchange, helping to maintain favorable biological conditions in the biolayer. Such a feature is not common in conventional brick materials. 4. Possibility of maintaining and recharging the biological layer: Another advantage of this invention is the presence of an access cover behind the brick that allows for recharging or maintaining the biological layer. This possibility increases the useful life and stability of the biological performance of the brick, while such access is not available in similar materials. 5. Ease of production with standard dimensions: This brick is designed with standard industrial dimensions that enable mass production and easy replacement with common materials, thus adding environmental performance to urban facades without the need for major changes in construction and installation processes. 6. Integration of structural and environmental performance: This invention is designed in such a way that, while maintaining the strength and structural performance of the brick, it also provides an integrated active and passive biological system to reduce air pollution. This combination has been rarely seen in previous examples. Description of at least one implementation method for implementing the invention For the practical exploitation of the invention of "Porous Brick with Biological System for Reducing Suspended Particles", the proposed implementation method is as follows: 1. Production of bricks with specified technical specifications: In the first stage, bricks are produced based on standard dimensions (length 250 mm, width 120 mm, height 70 mm) and raw materials including clay mixture with microporous additives (such as pumice or perlite). Molding is done in such a way that three hollow channels with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm are created along the length of the brick. 2. Preparation and stabilization of the biolayer: After the main brick structure is produced, the inner surface of the channels and the space between the shell and the channels are covered with a porous biolayer consisting of a combination of biogel and silica substrate. At this stage, the biocatalyst microorganisms are stabilized within this layer and are ready to carry out the processes of adsorption and decomposition of suspended particles. 3. Installing an access cover behind the brick: An access cover measuring 50 x 30 mm is installed on the back of the brick, which allows for the maintenance and recharge of the bio-layer during operation. 4. Installing bricks in building facades: Bioactive bricks produced are used in rows on the exterior facades of buildings. The arrangement is such that the internal channels of the bricks are connected or aligned and the natural flow of air can enter and pass through the building facade through the channels. 5. Maintenance and recharge process: During the operation period, the biological layer is checked, recharged, or replaced through the caps installed behind each brick to maintain the performance of the biological system and maintain the efficiency of airborne particle purification. Explicit mention of the industrial application of the invention The invention of "Porous Brick with Biological System for Reducing Suspended Particles" is specifically designed for use in the construction industry and has wide applicability in the following fields: 1. New urban buildings in arid and semi-arid climates: Bioactive bricks are used as part of the exterior facades of buildings, in addition to providing structural and aesthetic features, to play an effective role in reducing air pollution and improving the environmental quality of open and semi-open urban spaces. 2. Repair and renovation of existing building facades: This brick is used as a replacement or supplement to facade materials in building renovation and renovation projects and adds the function of filtering suspended particles to existing facades. 3. Design and construction of separating walls, fences, and semi-open structures: Given its air permeability and biological performance, this brick is suitable for building green walls, urban fences, and semi-open spaces that require control and reduction of surrounding air pollution. 4. Improving air quality in urban and industrial environments: This biological system is widely used in environmental and development projects that aim to reduce suspended particles and improve air quality in urban, industrial, and high-traffic areas.

Claims

Claim What is claimed: (Items should be written only inside [ ], otherwise they will not be considered.) Claim 1: Porous brick with biological system for reducing suspended particles in dry climates consists of an outer shell made of clay mixture with microporous additives that, in addition to maintaining mechanical strength, create controlled porosity. Inside the brick, there are at least three hollow cylindrical channels with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm and a center-to-center distance of at least 30 mm, which extend from the beginning to the end of the brick and provide a path for the passage of air flow. The inner wall of these channels is covered with a porous and breathable biostabilizing layer that stably stabilizes non-pathogenic biocatalyst microorganisms. Also, a porous active biolayer consisting of microorganisms that absorb, decompose and settle suspended particles is located next to this layer. This structural and functional combination increases the contact surface of the air flow with the biofilm, stably stabilizes microorganisms, and effectively reduces the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter in the air.Claim 2: The brick according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the internal cylindrical channels is between 20 and 25 mm and the center-to-center distance of the channels is at least 30 mm. Claim 3: The brick of claim 1 or 2, wherein the biostabilizing layer is comprised of a silicate biogel that stably stabilizes microorganisms under air flow conditions and allows for gas exchange and moisture penetration. Claim 4: The brick according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer shell has controlled porosity and additives such as pumice or perlite are used therein to provide, in addition to maintaining mechanical strength, controlled air flow and moisture penetration for the activity of the biolayer. Claim 5: A brick according to claims 1 to 4, comprising an access cover on the back of the brick which allows for recharging or maintaining the active bio-layer and is secured by a friction fit lock or small latch. Claim 6: .. Claim 7: Claim 8: Claim 9: Claim 10: Claim 11: Claim 12: Claim 13: Claim 14: Claim 15: Claim 16: Claim 17: Claim 18: Claim 19: