Abstract:
A structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid is disclosed. The structure may include a reservoir for holding a liquid. The reservoir may have an open end, and an enclosure mounted about the open end of the reservoir for entrapping a fluid evaporated from the reservoir. The enclosure may include a support structure, and a tensionable covering supported by the support structure. The structure also may include a collector for collecting condensate from the covering, the collector being mounted to the support structure, intermediate the support structure and the covering, and oriented to receive condensate moved by gravity along the covering. A tensioning apparatus may be employed for tensioning the covering about the collector to encourage the condensate to engage the collector. The condensate may then be transported within the collector to a desired location.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a structure and method for the collection of an evaporated fluid, and is concerned with treating fluids, for example by distillation, to make them potable or usable for the production of foodstuffs. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There may be an over abundance of carbon dioxide in some or all of the planet. For example, glaciers may be melting faster than desired with the possibility of world wide flooding in some coastal areas. Additionally, there may be water shortages for drinking and agricultural irrigation, and deforestation which may cause less carbon dioxide to be absorbed by vegetation. Further, a reduction in arable land may compound difficulties in food production. Similarly, overgrazing of existing land may in turn expands the desert area world wide. 
         [0003]    Fluids, in particular water, have been processed and cleaned through a variety of known processes. For example, water has been purified or desalinated by the use of distillation. 
         [0004]    Existing systems of treatment of water have tended to be expensive when large amounts of water are to be treated or collected. Difficulty has also been found in collecting any fluid that has been evaporated in an attempt to purify it. 
         [0005]    Other systems that have been built may lack portability and/or the ability to locate such systems in unforgiving environments, such as in a desert. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for alternative structures and methods for the collection of an evaporated fluid. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure and method for the collection of an evaporated fluid. The apparatus may include a structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid having a reservoir for holding a liquid, the reservoir having an open end, and an enclosure mounted about the open end of the reservoir for entrapping a fluid evaporated from the reservoir. The enclosure may have a support structure; and a tensionable covering supported by said support structure. A collector for collecting condensate from the covering may also be included. The collector may be mounted to the support structure, intermediate the support structure and the covering, and oriented to receive condensate moved by gravity along the covering. A tensioning apparatus for tensioning the covering about the collector to encourage the condensate to engage the collector may be included as well. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the collector may include at least one side defining a trough for receiving the condensate. 
         [0009]    The collector may also include a mount attached to the at least one side, and the collector is made of a resilient material, wherein the collector may resiliently exert a force against the covering when the covering is tensioned against the collector by the tensioning apparatus. 
         [0010]    Conveniently, the collector side defining a trough may be arcuate and may have at least one edge defining an opening for receiving the condensate, and the trough may be mounted to the support structure in an orientation to encourage the movement of condensate into the opening. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, a spacer may be included to inhibit significant movement of the arcuate trough when the tensioning apparatus is tensioned, and a portion of the edge may be encouraged to abut the tensionable covering to facilitate transmission of condensate from the covering into the collector. 
         [0012]    In a further embodiment, the tensioning apparatus may be a ratchet and may be mounted to the support structure. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the components of the structure may be collapsible. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the structure may include at least one fan for encouraging formation of the condensate upon the covering. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the structure may also include a movable sunlight concentrator mounted to the support structure on a side opposite to the covering. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the reservoir has a depth, and the enclosure may be shaped to encourage condensate formed on an inside surface of the covering to move by gravity from an upper portion of the covering to a lower portion of the covering and into the collector which is positioned outside of the reservoir and below the depth of the reservoir. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, an inlet for introducing a fluid to the reservoir may be included, and the reservoir is made of a continuous membrane which does not permit the transmission of a fluid therethrough. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the reservoir may be generally rectangular and the enclosure may be generally arcuate, spanning at least two opposite sides of the reservoir. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the collector may include a protrusion located adjacent to the covering for encouraging condensate traversing the cover to enter the collector. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, the protrusion may be configured to extend to touch the covering. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the protrusion may be configured to bias against the covering. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, the protrusion may form a lip that extends along an edge of the opening. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the lip may curve away from the opening for engagement with the cover. 
         [0024]    Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0025]    The present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates in a perspective drawing, a structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section of the building structure of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  2 - 2 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates the building structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , providing further detail of a reservoir; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a foundation of the building; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 3B  and C illustrate alternative arrangements for the foundation; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of the reservoir; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isolated isometric view of a fluid collection apparatus; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5A  illustrates an isolated side view of an alternative embodiment of the fluid collection apparatus of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isolated side view of the fluid collection apparatus; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an isolated isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the fluid collection apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates an isolated isometric view of the fluid collection apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates an additional feature of the structure for encouraging the evaporation of liquid. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components. 
         [0040]    The disclosed structure may use energy, for example of the sun, to resolve the problem of the need for usable water by taking advantage of what occurs in nature to incur a limited or no detrimental effect to the environment. 
         [0041]    The present structure may be employed in a hot desert with proximity to salt or unusable water, and convert desert or poor land, to farm and/or forest land. Water collected through condensation may be captured by the structure canopy, and can be used to irrigate as well as produce potable water. 
         [0042]    The structure may be positioned at an edge of a desert near a water source, and slowly recapture the desert land by converting unusable or poor water to usable water. Based on the vegetation chosen, once sustainable growth is achieved, the structure may be relocated to the next area for treatment. 
         [0043]    For example, at a constant average temperature of 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit one structure measuring, for example, 30 by 100 feet may produce usable water for irrigation. It is hoped that enough water may be produced to irrigate at least one or more acres for growing of suitable vegetation for the area. 
         [0044]    It is expected that the structure, if suitable materials are used, may have a life expectancy of up to 40 years, or more. In a preferred embodiment, the structure may easily be assembled and dismantled. 
         [0045]    Ideally, more vegetation will absorb more carbon dioxide, and may in turn lower the effect of green house and global warming a more natural way. If ocean water is used, some of the excess water due to global warming might be reduced, and if used in mass production around the world might lower the possibility of flooding around costal areas. 
         [0046]    Evaporation is a natural phenomenon. The disclosed structures may capture the vapor which turns into liquid when it comes in contact with a canopy, and/or it encounters a lower or colder temperature. In general, the structure may:
       1. Capture water   2. Distil water   3. Capture salt (for example, in a salt pond to attempt to improve hygiene).   4. Accelerate the process of evaporation by creating a shallow area of water.   5. Accelerate the condensation process by introduction of fans in the structure.   6. Facilitate an increase in the air velocity over the surface of the water by agitation or by fanning the water surface.   7. Increase the salinity of the water by leaving the accumulated sale solute in the tank to lower the latent heat of the solution and thus attempt increase the evaporation rate.   8. Increase the temperature of the water in the structure, for example, by using a darker or black tank.   9. Decrease the vapour pressure (dew point) by creating a cooling effect at the top of the structure. For example, by employing a double layer with air circulation between the layers.       
 
         [0056]    Wq=evaporation rate of water, lb/h. 
         [0057]    Ap=area of pool surface ft2. 
         [0058]    C 1 =69.4 BTU(h*ft2)*in·Hg. 
         [0059]    C 2 =30.8 BTU(h*ft2)*in·Hg. 
         [0060]    V=air velocity over water surface, MPH. 
         [0061]    Y=latent heat required to change water vapor at surface water temperature, BTU/lb 
         [0062]    Pdp=saturation pressure at room air dew point, in HG 
         [0063]    Pw=saturation vapor pressure taken at the surface water temperature, in Hg. 
         [0064]    The above equation is a general formula to calculate the evaporation rate of water surface. 
         [0065]      FIG. 1  illustrates a structure for purifying a fluid. The structure is relatively easy to build, and is particularly suited to construction in remote locations, such as a desert. Accordingly, such structure typically does not require a foundation or any significant preparation prior to construction thereof. For example, a structure using the components disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,107,775 issued to Jack Slater on Jun. 20, 2000 may be suitable (the entirety of this reference is herein incorporated by reference). Other structures and methods of construction embodying the principles and goals defined herein, may also be suitably employed. 
         [0066]      FIG. 1  shows a building structure  10  in the disclosed embodiment. Building structure  10  may be relatively large, for example, between about 20 and 100 feet long, or more. Larger and smaller structures may also be suitable. Building structure  10  is preferably made to be relatively water-tight to inhibit the uncontrolled escape of a fluid, or evaporated fluid contained therein. 
         [0067]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section of the building structure  10  of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  2 - 2 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a general principle of operation of the subject structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid. Building structure  10  may contain a reservoir  12  (shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 ) which holds a liquid  14  to be processed. Liquid  14  may be evaporated by the introduction of energy. A energy source such as sunlight  16 , or some other energy source such as a heater (not shown), or thermal energy from the ground. Preferably, sunlight is used due to its general abundance and low cost. 
         [0068]    As the liquid  14  receives energy from an energy source, liquid  14  begins to evaporate, leaving undesirable particulates and solutes dissolved with fluid  14  behind in reservoir  12 . Building structure  10  may include a roof  18 , canopy, or some other structure above reservoir  12  for capturing evaporated fluid  14 . 
         [0069]    Roof  18  is preferably constructed to be relatively impervious to the evaporated liquid  14 . If sunlight  16  is used as an energy source, then roof  18  is preferably made to be transparent to the solar energy to enable the sunlight to be absorbed by fluid  14  in reservoir  12 . Alternatively, translucent or even opaque coverings may be used to absorb the energy of the sun to increase the thermal content building structure  10 , though this arrangement may make it more difficult for the evaporated fluid to condensate. 
         [0070]    Roof  18  may include an internal surface  20  for permitting the condensation of any evaporated fluid  14 . Internal surface of roof  20  is preferably made of a sheet of plastic or poly as may be used in a greenhouse. As fluid  14  evaporates it forms a condensate upon surface  20 . Surface  20  is preferably shaped to encourage the condensate to move by gravity back towards reservoir  12 . Accordingly, surface  20  preferably has a generally arcuate shape, and may bridge reservoir  12 . Other shapes may be suitable for surface  20  provided that such shapes encourage movement of any condensate by operation of gravity. 
         [0071]    To encourage formation of a condensate, a cooling apparatus, such as one or more fans  22  may be included within building structure  10 . The cooling apparatus may serve to increase the volume of condensate which forms on surface  20  and/or the rate at which condensate forms. The area of internal surface  20  furthest from reservoir  12  is preferably cooler than the temperature of fluid  14  within reservoir  12 . This difference in temperature may serve to increase the formation of a condensate on surface  20 . 
         [0072]    Reservoir  12  is preferably made to be about two to three feet deep. The extent roof  18  is preferably much greater relative to the depth of reservoir  12 . For example, roof  18  may be 12 feet high above reservoir  12 , but collection apparatus  38  is preferably lower relative to the full depth of reservoir  12 . As noted, roof structure  18  is preferably gently sloped, so that any condensate forming will be encouraged slide along internal surface  20 , and not form droplets that simply drop back into reservoir  12 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an alternative embodiment structure  10 ′. In particular, structure  10 ′ may include a solar panel  21  which is movable in response to the position of the sun  16 . Fluid source  23  in the nature of a hose or spray, may also be included to introduce a fluid to the reservoir and to encourage evaporation of the fluid. The reservoir may have a foundation  25  instead of membrane walls, with portions of roof  18  (or sidewall structures) providing the sides of reservoir  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , foundation  25  may include sand. Plywood or other support  27  may be used to support a track  29  for receiving and retaining an end of building structure  10 .  FIGS. 3B and 3C  illustrate alternative arrangements for the foundation, shown as foundation  25 ′ 
         [0074]      FIG. 3  illustrates a building structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , and provides further detail of reservoir  12 . Reservoir  12  may include an internal membrane or liner  24 . Liner  24  may be made of a dark or black material in order to encourage absorption of energy. Liner  24  may be snapped together or otherwise attached in sections, or it may be similar to liners used for swimming pools or other reservoir-type applications. For example, liner  24  may be made in sections (for example of one or several feet wide, such as twenty feet wide) of a rollable rubber or vinyl, and may be joined by adhesion on site. Reservoir  12  may also include an external liner  26 . External liner  26  may provide additional support and/or protection, and may be rollable like carpet in sections (for example 10 to 40 foot sections). Fluid  14  may be introduced to reservoir  12  by any convenient means, such by using a pump (such as a solar-powered pump (not shown)), or by a series of trenches or canals so that fluid  14  is provided by a natural local water source. 
         [0075]      FIG. 4  provides a schematic view of reservoir  12 , showing that it may be constructed in sections of about 20 feet each. This may permit the convenient transportation of the components of building structure  10 . One or more tension cables  15  may be employed to strengthen or to provide rigidity to reservoir  12 . Of course, other dimensions may be suitably employed. 
         [0076]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isolated perspective view of a fluid collection apparatus  28  for collecting the condensate.  FIG. 6  illustrates an isolated side-view of the fluid collection apparatus. (Fluid collection apparatus  28  is also shown in  FIG. 2 .) 
         [0077]    Referring primarily to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , fluid collection apparatus  28  may include a roof cover  30  of which internal surface  20  forms a part thereof. Cover  30  preferably traverses a portion of roof  18  and preferably most of roof  18 . Building  10  is preferably sealed so that condensate does not escape to the external environment. 
         [0078]    In the present embodiment, cover  30  bridges reservoir  12 , originating at or about the ends of roof portion  18  at a meeting point with sidewalls  32 . It should be noted that sidewalls  32  may be minimized or eliminated, permitting roof  18  to form the sidewalls as well, for example, as one continuous arch. 
         [0079]    Cover  30  is preferably taught over roof frame members  34  to permit any condensate to slide thereupon. Accordingly, hard, smooth-surfaced materials, such as plastics may be used. Alternatively, pliable and/or stretchable materials such as a vinyl or other plastic may also be used. If a stretchable plastic is employed, a tensioning apparatus  36  may be employed to stretch cover  30  over roof frame numbers  34  to encourage cover  30  to become smooth. Tensioning of cover  30  may also be done by using ropes and braces (not shown). Pulleys and/or ratchet mechanisms (not shown in detail) may also be used in conjunction with ropes to tension cover  30  about roof frame members  34 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates tensioning straps  37  which may also be employed to tension cover  30 . 
         [0080]    A collector  38  may be mounted to one or more frame members  34 . Collector  38  may be orientated to trap any condensate traversing internal surface  20 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a spacer  39  placed, bolted or otherwise secured to collector  38 . Spacer  39  may optionally be employed control or limit the amount of deflection of collector  38  when tensioned by cover  30 . 
         [0082]    Referring additionally to  FIG. 7 , collector  38  is shown in isolation. Collector  38  preferably has a mount  40  for attaching collector  38  to frame members  34  and/or support members  42 . Mount  40  may be in the nature of a brace having one or more mounting features such as holes  44  for receiving a fastener bracket (not shown). 
         [0083]    Collector  38  may include a receptacle  46  for receiving, and preferably transporting, any condensate. Receptacle  46  may be integrally formed with mount  40 , or may be attached separately. Receptacle  46  may be generally arcuate, but may also be squared or rectilinear, provided that it is capable of receiving condensate transported along internal surface  20  of cover  30 . As explained below, receptacle  46  is preferably made of a resilient or springy material, such as a plastic as is used for green houses, even flexible metal may be employed. 
         [0084]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 6 , collector  38  may be mounted to one or more frame members  34  and/or  42  so that it is orientated in abutting relationship with internal surface  20  of cover  30 . Receptacle  46  may include a mouth  48  for permitting passage of condensate from surface  20  either by dripping from surface  20 , or by flow from surface  20  directly to receptacle  46 . 
         [0085]    To encourage passage of condensate from surface  20  through mouth  48  and into receptacle  46 , surface  20  is preferably mounted upon receptacle  46  and adjacent mouth  48 . Mouth  48  therefore is preferably orientated generally upwards, but need not be level. For example, receptacle  46  may be mounted on an incline to permit further transportation of the condensate to a desired location. For example, a series of receptacles  46  may be aligned and inclined to encourage transportation of condensate under gravity to flow to a desired location for collection of the now purified fluid. Alternatively, one or both ends  50  of receptacle  46  may be closed so that receptacle  46  simply contains all of the collected condensate. The condensate may then be emptied or removed by other means, such as manually or by a tap or other feature mounted to receptacle  46  (not shown). 
         [0086]    In order to encourage flow of the condensate from internal surface  20  to receptacle  46 , cover  30  may be tensioned against collector  38  to the extent that collector  38  is flexible and/or resilient, it will resile against tensioned cover  30  to at least partially seal the interface between cover  30  and collector  38  at or about interface  50 . In this arrangement, condensate may flow along surface  20  to interface  50 , and then drip or flow into receptacle  46 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 5A and 6A  illustrate a variation of collector  38 , labeled  38 ′. Collector  38 ′ includes a extension or protrusion in the nature of a lip  41  at or adjacent to interface  50 . Lip  41  may extend or protrude towards or against cover  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, lip  41  curves away from receptacle  46 . This arrangement is intended to encourage lip  41  to be proximate to, to the extent that it may touch, cover  30 . Condensate traversing cover  30  may thereby be encouraged to enter receptacle  46 . Other variations of lip  41  may be employed. For example, lip  41  may simply be angled relative to receptacle  46 . Lip  41  may also be integral with collector  38  or it may be an added feature such as in the form of a foam or a flexible plastic. 
         [0088]    The present arrangement avoids or limits the need for any sealant such as a caulk along or about interface  50 . It also minimizes the requirement for fasteners to connect the various components of this assembly. 
         [0089]      FIG. 8  illustrates an additional feature of building  10  for encouraging the evaporation of liquid  14 . An energy magnifier  52 , such as a magnifying glass may be mounted to an inside or outside portion of roof  18 . In the present embodiment, magnifying glass  52  is slidingly mounted to the inside of roof  18 . Glass magnifying lens  52  may be automatically or manually moved to align with sunlight  16  to encourage evaporation. 
         [0090]    While the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that numerous modifications, variations, and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.