Air cleaning equipment virtual chimney [YUKA yantra]

A dual-stage air purification system efficiently removes particulate and gaseous pollutants using a cyclone dust collector and UV photocatalysis, addressing urban pollution hotspots with rapid and continuous air cleaning capabilities.

WO2026013685A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-15TECHKNOWGREEN SOLUTIONS LTD (TSL)
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IN2025/050772
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-09
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2026-01-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Urban areas, particularly major traffic junctions and construction sites, experience high concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2, and VOCs, posing significant health and environmental risks due to vehicular emissions and dust resuspension, necessitating improved air purification strategies.

Method used

A dual-stage air purification system utilizing a cyclone dust collector with an electric field for particulate matter removal and a UV-based photocatalysis stage for gaseous pollutant decomposition, enhanced by self-regenerative TiO2, capable of cleaning 2 lakh liters of air in 7 minutes and replacing the atmosphere every 4.11 hours.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively captures and decomposes pollutants within a 15-meter radius, ensuring rapid and continuous improvement of air quality, reducing harmful contaminants by up to 50% and mitigating health risks.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses an innovative solution designed to comprehensively address air pollution source influenced hotspots by targeting both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants Utilizing advanced purification techniques, this technology efficiently removes dust particles, suspended particulate matter, and respirable suspended particulate matter from the air, ensuring the generation of dust free clean air. Additionally, through secondary purification stages, harmful gaseous compounds such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide are decomposed, further improving air quality. With its ability to operate within an influence zone of 15 meters with maximum influence area of 30m radius under calm wind condition and a remarkable capacity to clean large volumes of air in a short timeframe, this technology offers a sustainable and effective solution to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and promote a healthier living environment.
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Description

AIR CLEANING EQUIPMENT VIRTUAL CHIMNEY [Yuka Yantra]TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of air purification, and more particularly to a system and method for removal of pollutants and dust from air.BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In urban centers worldwide, the intersection between urbanization and transportation infrastructure presents a pressing challenge: the exacerbation of air pollution. Among the myriad pollutants, PM2.5 and PM 10 particulate matter, along with nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides (SO2), and Volatile Organics stand out for their detrimental impact on human health and the environment. Nowhere is this issue more acute than at major traffic junctions and along bustling thoroughfares within cities. In these congested corridors, vehicular emissions and the resuspension of roadside dust combine to create a toxic atmospheric cocktail, posing significant health risks to residents and commuters alike.

[0004] At the heart of this issue lies the dispersion of high concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and SO2 pollutants, primarily emanating from vehicular tailpipes along with VOC’s and the resuspension of dust particles along busy roadways. The convergence of these factors, especially at major traffic junctions and along city highways, amplifies the intensity of air pollution, with repercussions stretching far beyond immediate urban boundaries. This situation not only jeopardizes public health, contributing to respiratory ailments and 30 cardiovascular diseases, but alsoundermines environmental integrity, threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. To mitigate these dire consequences, concerted efforts are essential to curb emissions, implement effective dust control measures, and foster a paradigm shift towards sustainable urban mobility and air quality management.

[0005] There are elevated levels of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and SO2 in the air, indicating poor air quality in these areas that is augmented by presence of VOC which in many cases lead to secondary reactions and pollutants therein. This poses significant health risks to residents and commuters exposed to these pollutants both immediate & over extended periods. The issue is particularly pronounced at major traffic junctions within the city and along busy roadside areas, including city highways. These locations typically experience heavy traffic flow and congestion, leading to higher emissions from vehicles and increased dust resuspension from the road surface. Tailpipe emissions from vehicles are a major contributor to the high levels of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2 & VOC in these areas. This includes both gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

[0006] The movement of vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks and buses, can stir up dust particles from the road surface [resuspension], contributing to particulate matter levels in the air. The pollutants emitted from these sources are dispersed into the surrounding atmosphere, affecting air quality in a broader area beyond just the immediate vicinity of the traffic junctions and busy roadside areas. Exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5, PM 10, NOx, and SO2 is associated with various adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Elevated levels of air pollutants can also have detrimental effects on the environment, including damage to vegetation, ecosystems, and wildlife.

[0007] Addressing this problem would require comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing emissions from vehicles, controlling dust resuspension from roadsides, and improving overall air quality management in the affected areas.

[0008] Contributions emanating from such concentrated areas seem to contribute substantially to the overall ambient conditions and are wholly responsible forextremely high AQI terming these locations as hotspots. These hotspots not only exist at traffic junctions only but also represent similar air quality at most of the source influence ambient air quality including & not limited to industrial premises, construction areas, shop floors, areas near chimneys, basements, etc.

[0009] In light of these challenges and drawbacks, there exists a compelling opportunity for innovative solutions that address the limitations. As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art and more particularly for a more efficient way especially for ambient air quality treatment.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In response to the escalating challenges of urban air pollution, the development of Clean Air Technology for Dust & Gas Removal represents a pivotal innovation. This advanced technology offers a multifaceted approach to combatting air pollution by simultaneously targeting particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants such as NOx, SO2, VOCs, and CO. With a focus on improving air quality in urban environments, this invention promises to revolutionize air purification strategies, particularly in areas where fugitive emissions from vehicles, construction activities, and industrial stacks, high density parking lots in basements, contribute significantly to poor ambient air quality.

[0011] At the heart of this technology lies its exceptional efficiency in removing pollutants from the air significantly within a 15 -meter radius from the inlet [maximum influence zone beyond 30m for the last particle to be affected is also achievable by cascading the basic structure and design principle], the system adeptly captures and eliminates particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, ensuring a localized improvement in air quality. This targeted approach allows for effective pollution control in areas most affected by urban pollution hotspots, such as major traffic junctions and construction sites as for other source influenced ambient air.

[0012] One of the most remarkable features of this technology is its impressive capacity and speed of purification. Each unit has the capability to clean a substantial volume of air — approximately 2 lakh liters — within a mere 7minute timeframe, even under peak flow rates of 1000 cubic feet per minute (cfim). This rapid purification process enables swift mitigation of air pollution, contributing to the immediate improvement of air quality in urban environments. To ensure the continual effectiveness of the technology, it incorporates a unique feature whereby, after every 4.11 hours of operation, a volume equivalent to the entire atmosphere within a 30x30x30-meter cube (27,000m3) is replaced by a new parcel of air. This regular air replacement mechanism guarantees the continuous purification of incoming air, maintaining optimal air quality levels over prolonged 10 periods of operation.

[0013] The technology employs a dual-stage purification process to comprehensively address air pollution challenges. Initially, it targets dusty air from sources such as roadside pollution and construction sites & other fugitive ambient air influencing sources, providing primary purification to deliver dust-free clean air. Subsequently, it focuses on the decomposition of noxious compounds, including NOx, SO2, VOCs, and CO, through secondary purification processes and hence further to this integration of carbon capture mechanism at the very outlet of the device. This integrated approach ensures the removal and capture of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants and carbon capture mechanism, resulting in significantly improved air quality standards.

[0014] The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention. The invention may reside in a subcombination of the disclosed features. The various combinations and subcombination are fully described in the detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 a block diagram illustrating the components of the air purification system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the primary and secondary purification stages of the air purification system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram illustrating the working principle of the air purification system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting the process of air purification, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] The Clean Air Technology for Dust & Gas removal is an advanced solution designed to address air pollution by targeting both particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM 10) and gaseous pollutants (noxious, soxious & volatile organic compounds). This innovative technology aims to improve air quality by effectivelyremoving harmful contaminants from the atmosphere. One of the key features of this technology is its ability to operate within an influence zone of 15 meters radially from the inlet extended upto 30m under calm air conditions. Within this zone, the technology efficiently captures and removes pollutants, ensuring that the surrounding air is cleansed of both particulate matter and gaseous impurities. By focusing on the removal of dust particles and gaseous pollutants such as VOC’s, Hydrocarbons [HC’s] nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SO2), this technology contributes significantly to the reduction of air pollution in urban environments. By improving air quality, it helps to mitigate health risks associated with inhaling polluted air and promotes a healthier living environment for communities.

[0023] FIG. 1 a block diagram illustrating the components and processes of the air purification system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The invention operates on the principle of centrifugal force and is built upon the foundation of industrial cyclone technology, complemented by the integration of negative electric ions emitter to enhance its efficiency. Some of the components for working of the system are mentioned below:

[0024] Inlet (102): This is the entry point for contaminated air into the air purification system. It directs polluted air into the cyclone dust collector.

[0025] Cyclone Dust Collector with Electric Field (104): In this primary stage, the contaminated air enters the cyclone dust collector, where centrifugal force separates particulate matter from the air stream. The incorporation of an electric field applies negative static charges to the particles, making them heavier [agglomerate] and aiding in their removal.

[0026] Bipolar Charge Field (106): This component applies negative static charges to particles within the separation chamber, enhancing agglomeration and facilitating their settlement. This component applies negative static charges to particles suspended within the air stream as it passes through the chamber. By inducing a negative charge on these particles, the field enhances their agglomeration, causing them to clump together and become heavier. As a result ofthis enhanced agglomeration, the particles are more effectively separated from the air stream and facilitated in their settlement within the separation chamber. The negatively charged particles are attracted to surfaces within the chamber, aiding in their removal from the airflow. This process contributes to the overall purification of the air, as the heavier particles settle out, leaving behind cleaner air to continue through the purification system.

[0027] Separation Chamber (108): Here, the heavier particles settle down due to centrifugal force, while cleaner air moves towards the clean air outlet. In the Separation Chamber, the heavier particles present in the air stream settle down due to the centrifugal force generated within the cyclone system. This force causes the larger and denser particles to move towards the outer wall of the cyclone chamber, where they accumulate and spiral down into a collection hopper located at the bottom of the cyclone. Meanwhile, the cleaner air, depleted of larger particulate matter, continues its flow towards the clean air outlet situated at the bottom of the cyclone. This outlet allows the purified air, largely free from inhalable particulate matter, to exit the cyclone and contribute to improved air quality in the surrounding environment.

[0028] Clean air Outlet (110): Purified air, freed from most of the inhalable particulate matter, exits the system through this outlet.

[0029] Secondary Stage (112): UV based semiconductor Photocatalysis: Following the primary purification process, the air enters the secondary stage, which involves UV photocatalysis. In this stage, a semiconductor photocatalysis chamber utilizes UV light to initiate a redox reaction based on the input air pollutant type using electron-hole mechanism. This reaction breaks down harmful gases, including NOx, SO2, VOCs, and CO, into harmless end products. By targeting gaseous pollutants, the UV photocatalysis stage further enhances the purification process, ensuring that the air is free from a wide range of harmful contaminants.

[0030] Clean Air Output (114): The final output of the system is clean air, purified from both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, suitable for release back intothe environment. After undergoing both primary and secondary purification stages, the final output of the system is clean air is then fed into the carbon capture mechanism for CO2 absorption and hence making it suitable for release back into the environment. The clean air output represents the culmination of the air purification process, providing a healthier and safer living environment for communities.

[0031] In response to the pressing need for cleaner air in urban environments, the invention of this advanced air purification system represents a significant breakthrough. Designed to combat air pollution at major traffic junctions and busy roadside areas, where vehicular emissions and road dust resuspension are predominant sources of pollution, this technology offers a comprehensive solution. By targeting air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM 10, NOx, SO2 & VOC’s, it aims to improve air quality and safeguard public health in densely populated areas. The two Stage of Air Purification involves the below steps:

[0032] Primary Stage: Cyclone Dust Collector with Electric Field of Negative Static Charge. The primary stage of this air purification system utilizes a cyclone dust collector enhanced with an electric field of negative static charge. Inspired by the principles of cyclonic separation, this mechanism harnesses centrifugal force to separate particulate matter from the air stream. As contaminated air enters the cyclone, it undergoes acceleration, causing particles to move towards the outer wall. An electric field of static charges, generated by a bipolar ionizer, is then applied, inducing a static charge on the particles. This process transforms them into charged entities, facilitating enhanced agglomeration and making them heavier. Consequently, the charged particles settle within the primary stage of the equipment, ensuring the removal of even the finest particulate matter and contributing to a significantly cleaner air output.

[0033] Secondary Stage: UV-Based Photocatalysis with Self-Regenerative doped TiO2. Moving beyond particle removal, the system incorporates a secondary stage focused on gaseous purification. In this stage, a semiconductor photocatalysis chamber employs advanced self-regenerative technology. Utilizing asemiconductor material, typically based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) doped with various permutation & combination of metals, and activated by ultraviolet (UV) light, this chamber initiates a redox reaction upon contact with contaminated air. Harmful gases, including VOCs, NOx, NH3, SO2, CO, and others, are effectively broken down into harmless end products. Notably, this mechanism exhibits self- regenerative capabilities due to electron-hole mechanism, ensuring sustained efficiency over time without compromising performance. The integration of semiconductor photocatalysis enables the purification of a wide spectrum of gases, resulting in comprehensive and efficient air purification.

[0034] The Clean Air Technology for Dust & Gas removal is highly efficient, capable of cleaning a significant volume of air within a short timeframe. Each unit of this technology can clean 2 lakh liters of air, which includes trapping and removing dust, suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), and purifying gases. At its peak flow rate of 1000 cubic feet per minute (cfim), the unit can accomplish this task in just 7 minutes. This rapid cleaning capability ensures that large volumes of air can be effectively purified in a short amount of time, contributing to the improvement of air quality in urban environments. By efficiently trapping and removing pollutants from the air, including both particulate matter and gaseous impurities along with integrated carbon capture mechanism at the outlet of the device, this technology helps to reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere. This, in turn, helps to mitigate health risks associated with air pollution and creates a cleaner and healthier environment for communities.

[0035] The Clean Air Technology for Dust & Gas removal features an innovative operational strategy to ensure continuous and effective air purification. After every 4.11 hours of operation, the technology initiates a complete air exchange process. During this exchange, a volume equivalent to the entire atmosphere within a space of 30x30x30 = 27000mA3 is replaced by a fresh parcel of air. This means that the technology can refresh the air within its operational environment with a completely new volume of air, effectively resetting the air quality and preparing to cleanincoming parcels of air. By implementing this periodic air exchange, the technology ensures that it maintains optimal performance levels and continues to effectively remove pollutants from the atmosphere. This approach helps to sustainably improve air quality over extended periods of operation, creating a healthier environment for inhabitants and promoting overall well-being.

[0036] The air purification system disclosed includes sensors that monitor air quality parameters and adjust the operation of purification components accordingly. These sensors continuously assess factors such as pollutant levels and particulate matter concentrations in the incoming air stream. By providing realtime data, they enable the system to adapt its purification process dynamically to changing environmental conditions. This adaptive capability ensures optimal performance and consistent purification efficiency, ultimately maintaining high air quality standards tailored to specific pollutants present in the air stream. The air purification system integrates various types of sensors to monitor air quality parameters. Examples of these sensors include:

[0037] Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors: These sensors measure the concentration of particulate matter in the air, including PM2.5 and PM10 particles. They provide real-time data on airborne particle levels, allowing the system to adjust purification settings accordingly. This system measure and compare the quality of ambient air versus the purified air released into the atmosphere, thereby provides data-driven insights into the device’s performance.

[0038] Gas Sensors: Gas sensors detect the presence and concentration of specific gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO). By continuously monitoring gas levels, the system can target and remove harmful pollutants from the air stream.

[0039] Humidity Sensors: Humidity sensors measure the moisture content in the air. They help the system regulate humidity levels to prevent the formation 15 of mold and mildew, which can affect indoor air quality.

[0040] Temperature Sensors: Temperature sensors monitor the ambient temperature of the air. They contribute to maintaining comfortable indoorconditions and may also assist in optimizing the performance of purification components.

[0041] Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors measure air pressure within the purification system. They help ensure proper airflow and ventilation, which are essential for effective air purification.

[0042] In this system, the deployment strategy is tailored to target specific locations prone to high levels of air pollution, such as major traffic intersections, construction sites, other hotspots such as basements of high-rise buildings and city highways. By strategically situating the air purification system in these areas, it effectively addresses the adverse effects caused by fugitive emissions spoiling the ambient air & thereby the exposure to humans. This proactive approach contributes to the improvement of local air quality, thereby fostering a healthier urban environment for residents and commuters alike.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the primary and secondary purification stages of the air purification system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Dust (202): Roadside dust is commonly generated along roads and highways, primarily due to vehicular activities and road surface wear. Friction between tires and road surfaces, as well as braking actions, produces dust particles from tire and brake pad wear. Additionally, the degradation of road surfaces over time, particularly in high-traffic zones, contributes to the release of fine dust particles into the air. Roadside activities such as construction, maintenance, and landscaping further exacerbate dust generation, adding to the overall airborne particulate matter load. Construction sites represent another significant source of airborne dust. Activities such as excavation, demolition, and material handling disturb soil and construction materials, releasing substantial amounts of dust into the atmosphere. The operation of heavy machinery and equipment on construction 15 sites also contributes to dust emissions, further intensifying air pollution levels. While roadside dust tends to be finer in nature due to tire and brake wear, construction site dust typically consists of coarser particles resulting fromexcavation and material handling activities. Despite these differences, both types of dust pose significant health risks, particularly to individuals with respiratory conditions, and can impair visibility and environmental quality. Effective dust control measures are crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of airborne particulate matter. Techniques such as dust suppression, the use of barriers, and proper construction site management play vital roles in minimizing dust emissions and maintaining acceptable air quality standards. By implementing these measures, communities can reduce the health and environmental risks associated with dusty air from roadside and construction site sources.

[0045] Dust generation is not limited to just roadside and construction sites; numerous other hotspots contribute to airborne particulate matter, impacting air quality and public health. Urban areas are significant sources of dust due to high- density traffic zones, roadside activities, and pedestrian movement. Vehicular traffic contributes significantly to dust through tire and brake pad wear, as well as road surface degradation. Roadside activities such as repairs, maintenance, landscaping, and pedestrian movement further add to the dust load. Industrial sites, including manufacturing and processing plants, mining operations, and power plants, are major dust generators. These sites produce dust during material handling, processing, storage, drilling, blasting, and transporting materials.

[0046] Additionally, coal and other raw material handling, along with ash disposal in power plants, contribute to dust emissions. Agricultural areas also contribute to dust generation, particularly during plowing and harvesting when soil is disturbed. Livestock farming activities, such as the movement of animals and feeding, generate dust from dry feed and bedding materials. Residential zones see dust generation from home construction, remodeling, and landscaping activities. Gardening and yard work, including mowing, trimming, and leaf blowing, disturb soil and release dust into the air. Dust from these various hotspots poses significant health risks and environmental challenges. Inhalation of dust can exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions, leading to severe respiratory issues. Fine particulate matter can affect heart health, increasing the risk of heartattacks and other cardiovascular problems. Additionally, dust can reduce visibility, leading to transportation hazards and accidents. Settling dust can also degrade the environment by affecting vegetation, water bodies, and buildings.

[0047] Primary Purification (Dust Free Clean Air) (204): Primary purification marks the initial stage in the air purification process, focusing on the removal of particulate matter to generate "Dust Free Clean Air." This stage is crucial for ensuring that the air entering the purification system is free from visible dust particles and other coarse particulate matter. The diagram illustrates the primary purification process:

[0048] Inlet: Contaminated air enters the purification system through the inlet.

[0049] Particle Trapping: Specialized purification technologies, such as cyclone dust collectors, capture and trap particulate matter present in the air stream.

[0050] Dust Removal: The captured dust particles are removed from the air stream, leaving behind cleaner air.

[0051] Clean Air Outlet: Purified air, now free from dust particles, exits the purification system through the clean air outlet.

[0052] Secondary Purification (Decomposition of Noxious Compounds) (206): Secondary purification represents the subsequent stage in the air purification process, focusing on the decomposition of noxious compounds such as NOx, SO2, VOCs, and CO. These harmful pollutants are neutralized to improve air quality and protect public health. The diagram illustrates the secondary purification process:

[0053] Noxious Compound Inlet: Air containing harmful pollutants, including NOx, SO2, VOCs, and CO, enters the secondary purification stage.

[0054] Photocatalysis Chamber: Advanced purification technologies, such as semiconductor photocatalysis chambers, facilitate the decomposition of noxious compounds. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) catalysts doped with various metals & activated by ultraviolet (UV) light, initiate redox reactions that break downpollutants into harmless end products.

[0055] Chemical Reactions: Within the photocatalysis chamber, chemical reactions occur, converting NOx, SO2, VOCs, and CO into non-toxic compounds like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, and mineralized forms of original organic molecules.

[0056] Clean Air Outlet: Purified air, now free from noxious compounds, exits the secondary purification stage through the clean air outlet, ready to be released back into the environment.

[0057] Together, primary and secondary purification stages ensure the comprehensive removal of airborne contaminants, resulting in cleaner and safer air for communities to breathe.

[0058] YUKA YANTRA (VIRTUAL CHIMNEY) is an Urban Clean Air Technology (UCAT) designed for dust removal and gas purification. The main objective of this technology is to collect respirable dust particles suspended up to the height of 3 meters and improve the ambient air quality within a radial influence zone of 15 meters. Air pollution due to traffic congestion is a critical issue in India's cities, exacerbated by increasing vehicle numbers, inadequate road infrastructure, and poor traffic management. Congested traffic significantly reduces fuel efficiency and increases pollutant emissions, worsening air quality and impacting public health, particularly in urban areas. To resolve air pollution, there is a demand for innovative and sustainable technologies like YUKA YANTRA to improve ambient air quality at pollution hotspots such as traffic junctions, construction sites, and areas where solid fuels are used.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram illustrating the working principle of the air purification system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. As discussed above, the air purification process of YUKA YANTRA (VIRTUAL CHIMNEY) comprises two stages: The Primary Stage (Cyclone Separator) and the Secondary Stage (Gas Purification Chamber). The details of the working principle along with the essential components.

[0060] Inlet blower (302): In the Primary Stage, air enters through the inlet blower (302). The cyclone, or cyclonic separator, removes dust and other particlesfrom the ambient air streams. The principle behind this is the centrifugal force generated by a spinning gas flow. As dusty air enters the cyclone through an inlet duct, the curved inlet forces the gas to spin rapidly, creating a vortex. Heavier dust particles are thrown outward by centrifugal force and collide with the cyclone wall.

[0061] Barrel section (304): A provision of a negative ion generator is made in the upper portion of the barrel section (304) to shower negative ions. These ions adhere to ultra-fine dust particles in the incoming stream, making them heavier and increasing the centrifugal force acting on them. The particles then fall downward and collect at the bottom of the cyclone, while the cleaned gas continues to spin upward.

[0062] Conical section (306): The clean gas, now free from dust, exits through a central outlet with a vortex finder to reduce the re-entrainment of collected particles. This stage effectively removes dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10) and eliminates harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses without using any filter media. The entire process occurs in the barrel (304) and conical (306) sections, where the air spins like a cyclone.

[0063] Dust collection unit (308): Heavier particles settle in the dust collection unit (308) due to the vortex flow. Ultrafine dust particles pass out from the conical and barrel sections due to the antivortex flow and enter the gas purification chamber through an overhead transfer tube (310).

[0064] Gas Purification Chamber (312): In the Gas Purification Chamber (312), the secondary purification stage begins. Noxious compounds, including NOx, SOx, VOCs, and CO, are treated using photocatalysis based on a TiO2 semiconductor (314 TiO2 coated Baffles Plates) activated by UV light (316 UV Tubes). This treatment targets finer pollutants and chemically breaks them down through a REDOX reaction.

[0065] Exhaust unit (318): Finally, the clean air is released into the environment through the exhaust unit (318), where an exhaust fan is used to aid the process. YUKA YANTRA operates with 220V mains and has a calculated load of 620W. The system features a two-way centrifugal suction and exhaust mechanismwith an impressive flow rate of 1000 cfm for the suction, powered by a 190W, 220V AC motor. The exhaust flow rate is 890 cfm, driven by a 55W, 220V AC motor, utilizing a Swirl flow system. The electric field generator and ionizer within the unit generate a density of 10-30 M / CC, operating at 220V AC and consuming 30 watts. It emits a brush-style, bipolar emitter.

[0066] The UV and photocatalysis module has a UV intensity ranging from 75 to 152 pW / cm2and utilizes UV-C light with wavelengths between 200280 nm. This module is powered by four 75W UV tubes, totaling 300W. It is designed with IP20 and IK02 protection and complies with the safety standard IEC61347-2-3. The display is an loT sensor-based module that includes a GPS sensor for latitude and longitude tracking and a Bosch BME280 sensor for temperature, pressure, and relative humidity measurements, covering ranges from -40°C to 80°C, 0-100% RH, and 300-1100 hPa, respectively. This module operates at 10W, 220V AC. Additionally, the system features a volume totalizer with a capacity of 3.4 * 107m3and a time totalizer capable of 20,000 hours of operation.

[0067] Operation and maintenance of the YUKA YANTRA require systematic attention to ensure optimal performance. The UV light needs replacement after approximately 10,000 hours, which equates to around 2.3 years of usage. The suction mechanical components should undergo operation and maintenance (O&M) quarterly. Routine dust cleaning can be handled by unskilled labor, with one worker assigned per junction. General security.

[0068] YUKA YANTRA is highly effective in reducing air pollution by up to 50% within its maintenance of the equipment is essential to keep the system running smoothly. Additionally, the equipment includes a safety control system that incorporates loT functionalities, a GPS tracker, and remote location access features to ensure comprehensive monitoring and specified area of influence. The system impacts an area with a radius of up to 15 meters and has the capacity to process 30,000 cubic meters of air per day. This significant treatment and processing capability makes YUKA YANTRA an invaluable tool for improving air quality, particularly at traffic junctions and in congested areas of the city.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting the process of air purification, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. This flowchart outlines the step-by-step process of the invention, from the entry of contaminated air into the cyclone to the final purification through secondary purification with TiO2 baffle plates for maximizing air exposure for treatment efficiency. Start: Initiates the air purification process.At Step 402, Inlet: Represents the entry point for contaminated air into the cyclone system. Dirty gas, laden with pollutants such as particulate matter and gaseous compounds, enters the cyclone through this inlet. The inlet directs the air tangentially into the cylindrical section of the cyclone, initiating the purification process.

[0070] At Step 404, Acceleration: Within the cyclone, the gas undergoes acceleration as it flows in a spiral pattern. This spiraling motion creates a vortex or cyclonic flow pattern, increasing the speed of the air stream. The centrifugal force generated by this rotation causes particles in the air stream to move towards the outer wall of the cyclone.

[0071] At Step 406, Bipolar Charge Field: As the air stream passes through the barrel of the cyclone cylinder, specialized components apply a negative or positive or bipolar charge field. This field induces a negative static charge on ultrafine particles (UFP) and PM2.5 particles present in the air stream. The adhesion of negative or positive or bipolar charge particles on the surface of these particles makes them heavier, facilitating their separation from the air stream in subsequent stages.

[0072] At Step 408, Separation: The centrifugal force generated within the cyclone causes larger and heavier particles to move towards the outer wall more rapidly than lighter particles. This differential movement results in the larger particles being forced against the cyclone wall and spiraling down into a collection hopper located at the bottom of the cyclone. Meanwhile, cleaner gas, depleted of larger particulate matter, continues its flow towards the clean air exit.

[0073] At Step 410, Clean air Exit: Purified gas, largely devoid of 20 inhalable particulate matter, exits the cyclone through an outlet at the bottom. While largerparticles have been removed, certain portions of ultra-fine particles (<PM1 category) and gaseous pollutants remain in suspension in the air stream.

[0074] At Step 412, Collection: Particles separated and collected in the hopper at the bottom of the cyclone can be periodically removed & used for plantation thereby adding circularity. This ensures the continuous effectiveness of the cyclone system by preventing the buildup of collected particles, which could impede its operation.

[0075] At Step 414, Secondary Purification: Following the cyclone separation process, the gas undergoes secondary purification. Photocatalyst-based doped TiO2 baffle plates, integrated into the system, purify the gas further by decomposing noxious compounds such as Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Sulphur Oxide (SO2), VOC, HC, NH3 and Carbon Monoxide (CO). These compounds are broken down into non-toxic end products, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, and mineralized forms of organic molecules.

[0076] At Step 416, Clean Air Release: Finally, the purified air is released back into the environment. This clean air contributes to improved air quality in the surrounding area, reducing health risks associated with inhaling pollutants and promoting environmental sustainability.

[0077] End: Concludes the air purification process.

[0078] Further, In this method, various sensors are designed to detect and monitor the levels of PM2.5, PM 10, NOx, and SO2 pollutants in the air along with other performance indicator systems such as pressure, RH, temp, location tracker, time / volume totalizer, etc. This specialized configuration allows for precise monitoring of these specific pollutants, which are commonly found in high concentrations in urban areas with heavy traffic. By accurately measuring the levels of these pollutants, the system can make targeted adjustments to the purification process, ensuring effective removal of harmful contaminants from the air in densely populated urban areas.

[0079] The invention doesn’t make use of HEPA filters or any other type of OEM filters or any filtration techniques in this process, which in-turn reduce theOperation and maintenance cost to a great extent. This is one of the advantage of using such process.

[0080] While the subject invention is described and illustrated with respect to certain preferred and alternative embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to those embodiments without departing from the subject invention, the scope of which is defined in the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An air purification system comprising: an inlet (102) for directing contaminated air into the system; a cyclone dust collector with electric field (104) configured to separate particulate matter from the air stream using centrifugal force and applying negative static charges to the particles to aid in their removal; a bipolar charge field (106) configured to further enhance agglomeration of particles suspended within the air stream; a separation chamber (108) where heavier particles settle due to centrifugal force, allowing cleaner air to move towards a clean air outlet (110); a clean air outlet (110) for releasing purified air depleted of inhalable particulate matter; a secondary stage (112) comprising semiconductor based UV photocatalysis technology for decomposing gaseous pollutants; and a clean air output (114) providing purified air free from both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants for release into the environment.

2. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the inlet is configured to direct contaminated air into the cyclone dust collector.

3. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the negative charge field applies negative static charges to particles suspended within the air stream as it passes through the separation chamber.

4. The air purification system of claim 1, further comprising sensors for monitoring air quality parameters and regulating the operation of purification components accordingly.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the air purification system is strategically deployed at various fugitive source-influenced hotspots, including major trafficintersections, city highways, urban areas, industrial sites, agricultural areas and residential zones to mitigate the adverse effects on local air quality, contributing to a healthier urban environment.

6. A method for comprehensive air purification using an ionizer augmented cyclone-based primary purification unit and a secondary purification component, comprising: directing dirty gas into the cyclone of the primary purification unit through an inlet; accelerating the gas into a vortex flow pattern within the cylindrical section of the cyclone; applying a negative charge field within the cyclone barrel to increase the weight of ultrafine particles (UFP) and PM2.5 particles; utilizing centrifugal force to separate larger particles, collecting them in a hopper at the bottom of the cyclone; releasing purified gas through a clean air exit located at the bottom of the cyclone; periodically removing separated particles from the hopper using a collection system; activating the secondary purification component, comprising photo catalyst-based metal doped TiO2 baffle plates, to decompose noxious compounds into non-toxic compounds.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the dirty gas is directed tangentially into the cylindrical section of the cyclone.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising generating negative charge particles using an ionizer in the bipolar charge field.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the clean or purified air exit is positioned at the bottom of the secondary purification chamber.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the sensors are configured to specifically detect and monitor concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and SO2, VOC, CO, NH3,enabling precise adjustments in the purification process along with process related parameters such as RH, temp, address these pollutants in all source influenced hotspots.

Citation Information

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