Air-Wall Room System Using Pneumatic Curtain for Toxic Gas Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current work area enclosures in the cannabis sector, used for oil extraction, face hazards due to explosive and toxic gas risks within the combustible air-gas ratio, necessitating physical walls that are costly and limit flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An air-wall room system without structural walls, utilizing a suspended compressed air discharge duct and frames with air openings and vacuum ports to create an air curtain for gas containment, allowing for safe gas ventilation and odor management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical walls and explosion-proof enclosures are used to contain toxic and explosive gases, then safety and gas containment are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to create an air curtain barrier that contains toxic and explosive gases. The system uses air supply ducts to deliver compressed air that forms a visible barrier, and vacuum ducts to maintain negative pressure, eliminating the need for physical explosion-proof walls and complex structural enclosures while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and pressure parameters of air to create containment. By pressurizing air and introducing it at specific locations, the system creates a high-velocity air curtain that physically blocks gas escape. Simultaneously, vacuum pressure is applied to maintain containment, transforming the approach from static physical barriers to dynamic pressure-controlled containment
2Reliability
If physical walls and hard enclosures are used for gas containment, then gas containment effectiveness is improved, but adaptability and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain system is dynamic and adjustable rather than static. The compressed air flow rate, velocity, and distribution can be modified to adapt to different workspace configurations and gas generation rates. The vacuum pressure can also be adjusted, providing flexibility that rigid physical walls cannot offer
Solution Approach 2:
The air curtain system serves multiple functions: it contains toxic gases, prevents explosive gas accumulation, provides worker protection, and can be adjusted for different workspace configurations. This single pneumatic system replaces multiple specialized physical barriers, demonstrating multi-functionality and adaptability
3Reliability
If compressed air is circulated to create an air-wall barrier, then toxic gas containment is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous compressed air flow through the air supply ducts to sustain the air curtain barrier. This continuous action ensures uninterrupted gas containment without requiring periodic reinforcement or intervention. The vacuum system also operates continuously to maintain negative pressure and prevent gas leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates gas sensors that continuously monitor for the presence of toxic or explosive gases. When gases are detected, the system can adjust compressed air flow rates and vacuum pressure levels in response, creating a feedback-controlled containment system that optimizes energy consumption based on actual contamination levels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The air-wall system effectively prevents toxic gas escape and provides a safe work environment by circulating compressed air to create a gas-tight barrier, reducing the risk of explosions and fires while eliminating the need for physical walls, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing infrastructure costs.
Implementation Method 1
compressed air is circulated into a hollow, four sided, upper air-wall frame
Implementation Method 2
The air exhaust duct is used for drawing a vacuum in the hollow lower air-wall frame and exhausting the air-wall out a vacuum air exhaust duct
Data Source
AI summary
An air-wall room system, suspended from a room ceiling, having a compressed air discharge duct. The air discharge duct is used for circulating compressed air into a hollow, four sided, upper air-wall frame with air openings. The air from the upper air-wall frame is circulated into a work space. The hollow upper air-wall frame includes air discharge ports for creating an air-wall. The air-wall, similar to a curtain, prevents toxic gases from escaping outside the work space. Corners of the upper air-wall frame are attached to vertical frame members. A bottom of the vertical frame members is attached to corners of a hollow, four sided, lower air-wall frame. The lower air-wall frame includes vacuum ports for receiving the bottom of the air-wall. A side of the lower air-wall frame is connected to a vacuum air exhaust duct. The air exhaust duct is used for drawing a vacuum in the hollow lower air-wall frame and exhausting the air-wall out a vacuum air exhaust duct.