US20030211826A1 - Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings Download PDFInfo
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- US20030211826A1 US20030211826A1 US10/142,543 US14254302A US2003211826A1 US 20030211826 A1 US20030211826 A1 US 20030211826A1 US 14254302 A US14254302 A US 14254302A US 2003211826 A1 US2003211826 A1 US 2003211826A1
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- air
- buildings
- pipeline
- transported
- ship
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F7/00—Ventilation
- F24F7/007—Ventilation with forced flow
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/44—Protection from terrorism or theft
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
- CB weapons include chemical agents such as phosgene, nerve agents such as Sarin, and biological agents such as anthrax, botulism, plaque, tularemia, and small pox.
- CB weapons may be delivered to occupants of a building in any number of ways, including the release of agents in or around the building.
- the building's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to help deliver the released agent into the building. Agents may also be released within public spaces of a building, and dispersed to other, private areas of the building via the buildings HVAC system.
- HVAC heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
- smog or other environmental contaminates can be present in and around buildings. Smog may be generated from cars, industrial plants, and other sources. To this end, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often issues smog alerts when high concentrations of ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) are predicted in a given geographical area. Chemical spills or leaks may also be a source of released contaminates. Despite filtration, a building's HVAC system can deliver some of the smog and/or other contaminates into the building.
- EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
- the present invention provides methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
- relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air is retrieved from a remote location and transported to one or more buildings.
- the air is provided to the one or more buildings to enhancing the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
- the air is transported through a pipeline.
- the pipeline may be a pipeline specifically built for transporting air, or may be adapted from an existing, perhaps abandoned, pipeline. In either case, the air is preferably retrieved from a remote location, pumped through the pipeline, and ultimately delivered to the one or more buildings.
- the remote location may be a substantial distance from the one or more buildings, such as greater than one mile.
- the pipeline may extend out from a city to a location outside of the city, and may transport relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air from the location outside of the city to the one or more buildings in the city.
- one or more air movers e.g. high velocity fans
- the pipeline may be above ground, below ground, or a combination of both.
- the air may be transported through a system of pipelines.
- the pipeline system may have multiple pipelines that extend out in various directions. Air may be transported through all of the pipelines to the one or more buildings, or selected pipelines. Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to only select those pipelines that have access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air.
- One or more valves, dampers and/or feeder conduits may be provided to direct the air through the pipeline system, and into the one or more buildings.
- relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air may be transported from a remote location to one or buildings via a ship.
- the ship may have one or more holds for holding air, one or more compressors for compressing air into the one or more holds, and one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the one or more holds.
- the one or more holds may include a sealing layer to help improve the air-tightness of the one or more holds.
- one or more air bladders may be provided in the one or more of holds.
- the air bladders may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the holds of the ship. The holds may provide support to the air bladder, particular when the air bladder is pressurized with air.
- the ship may sail out into a body of water that is adjacent one or more buildings.
- the compressor of the ship may pump air into the one or more holds.
- the ship may sail back to a location near the one or more buildings, wherein the one or more valves on the ship may release the compressed air from the one or more holds, preferably into one or more conduits that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings.
- the one or more conduits may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit.
- the ship When the ship is stationed near the buildings, the ship may become contaminated, particular during a chemical and/or biological attack.
- decontamination equipment When the ship sails back into the body of water to retrieve more relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air, decontamination equipment may be used to decontaminate the ship before the holds are filled again.
- relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air is transported from a remote location to one or buildings via a truck.
- the truck may have a tank for holding air, one or more compressors for compressing air into the tank, and one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the tank.
- the tank of the truck is preferably an air-tight tank that is capable of holding compressed air.
- one or more sealing layers may be provided in the tank of the truck to help increase the air-tightness of the tank.
- the tank may include an air bladder.
- the air bladder may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the tank of the truck, and the tank of the truck may provide support to the air bladder, particular when the air bladder is pressurized.
- the truck may drive out to a remote location, which has relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air.
- the compressor of the truck may pump air into the tank.
- the truck may then drive back to a location near the one or more buildings, wherein the one or more valves on the truck may release the compressed air, preferably into one or more conduits that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings.
- the one or more conduits may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit.
- FIGS. 1 A- 1 B show a schematic view of an illustrative system that uses a pipeline to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative system that uses a pipeline system to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a ship that has been adapted to store air in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a truck that has been adapted to store air in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 A- 1 B show a schematic view of an illustrative system that uses a pipeline to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels.
- a pipeline 10 is shown that extends from a remote location 12 to one or more buildings 14 .
- the pipeline 10 may be a pipeline specifically built for transporting air, or may be adapted from an existing, perhaps abandoned, pipeline. In either case, the air is preferably retrieved from a remote location 12 , pumped through the pipeline 10 , and ultimately delivered to the one or more buildings 14 .
- the remote location 12 may be a substantial distance from the one or more buildings 14 , such as greater than one mile or greater than five miles. This separation distance may increase the likelihood that the air retrieved at the remote location 12 is of higher quality than in or around the one or more buildings 14 .
- the remote location 12 may be sufficiently far from the one or more buildings 14 such that smog that is present around the one or more buildings 14 is substantially reduced or non-existent at the remote location 12 .
- the remote location 12 may be sufficiently far from the one or more buildings 14 such that chemical and/or biological agents released in or around the one or more buildings 14 is substantially reduced or non-existent at the remote location 12 .
- the pipeline 10 may extend from a city to a remote location 12 outside of the city.
- the pipeline 10 may then transport relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air from the remote location 12 outside of the city to the one or more buildings 14 in the city.
- one or more air movers 16 a - 16 c may be provided at spaced locations along the pipeline 10 .
- the air movers may be any suitable air mover, including for example high velocity fans, air compressors, or the like.
- the air movers 16 a - 16 c are similar to those air movers currently used to pressurize and move large volumes of gasses through existing gas pipelines.
- a number of additional air movers 18 may be provided at the remote location to compress the received air into the pipeline, preferably in stages, to raise the velocity of the air moving through the pipeline 10 .
- One or more sensors 20 may be provided in fluid communication with the pipeline 10 , preferably near the inlet 22 , to detect chemical and/or biological agents and/or air quality at the remote location 12 .
- the pipeline may be above ground, below ground, or a combination of both.
- One or more valves and/or feeder conduits 24 may be provided to direct the air from the pipeline 10 into the one or more buildings 14 .
- the valves 24 may be activated when one or more of the buildings 14 become exposed or potentially exposed to air of reduced air quality.
- Feeder conduits may be used to distribute the air provided by the pipeline 10 to distinct buildings.
- both the air intake 26 and air exhaust 28 of the building 14 may be closed.
- the clean air supply from the pipeline 10 may be accepted, and a positive air pressure may be maintained in the building. Maintaining a positive pressure in building 14 may help keep external contaminates from entering the building 14 . This may be particularly useful when a chemical and/or biological attack is suspected or underway.
- the clean air from the pipeline 10 may be directed into the ventilation system of building 14 to help improve the air quality in the building 14 .
- the air intake 26 of the building 14 may be left open, partially closed, or closed altogether.
- the clean air supply from pipeline 10 may be used to replace or supplement the air that is normally drawn from the air intake 26 .
- the remainder of the building's HVAC system may operate in a conventional manner, if desired.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative pipeline system that may be used to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels.
- the illustrative pipeline system is generally shown at 40 , and includes multiple pipelines 42 a - 42 f that extend out in various directions from a city 44 . Air may be transported through all of the pipelines 42 a - 42 f to the one or more buildings in the city 44 , or selected pipelines. Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to only select those pipelines 42 a - 42 f that have access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air at their remote ends 46 a - 46 f. A sensor, such as sensor 20 of FIG. 1A, may be used to determine which pipelines 42 a - 42 f have access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air. One or more valves, dampers and/or feeder conduits may be provided to direct the air through the pipeline system 40 , and into the one or more buildings in the city 44 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a ship that has been adapted to store air in accordance with the present invention.
- ship 50 is used to transport relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air from a remote location to one or buildings.
- the ship may have one or more holds 52 a - 52 e for holding air, one or more compressors 54 for compressing air into the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e, and one or more valves 56 for releasing the compressed air from the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e.
- one or more sealing layers may be provided in the holds 52 a - 52 e.
- the sealing layer may be an elastomeric sealing layer, or any other type of sealing layer that will provide an air-tight surface or seal.
- an air bladder such as air bladder 58
- the air bladder 58 may be provided in the one or more of holds 52 a - 52 e.
- the air bladder 58 may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the holds 52 a - 52 e of the ship 50 .
- the holds 52 a - 52 e of the ship 50 may provide support to the air bladder 58 , particular when the air bladder 58 is pressurized.
- the compressor 54 may be used to pressurize the air that is stored in the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e. Pressurizing the air may increase the amount of air that is available by several times.
- a controller 62 may be used to control the compressor 54 and/or valve 56 . The controller 62 may, for example, control the valve 56 so that the pressure of the air that is released from the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e remains relatively constant over time.
- a pressure sensor 64 may be provided for measuring the air pressure of the released air through the valve 56 . The output of the pressure sensor 64 may be provided to the controller 62 , which can then adjust the valve 56 accordingly.
- the controller 62 may shut down the compressor 54 when the air at the inlet 66 of the compressor 54 has a chemical and/or biological agent or when the air quality drops below unacceptable levels.
- One or more sensors 68 may be provided in fluid communication with the inlet 66 of the compressor 54 to detect chemical and/or biological agents and/or air quality.
- the controller 62 may also receive control signals via interface 70 , which may, among other things, indicate a chemical and/or biological attack and/or poor air quality.
- Shutting down the compressor 54 may help prevent the air in the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e from becoming contaminated.
- Shutting down the compressor 54 may include turning off the compressor 54 completely, disengaging the air pump of the compressor from the power source (e.g.
- the space containing the compressor 54 may have a filtered air supply to keep the space positively pressured and free from contamination.
- a filter 68 may also be provided on the inlet 66 of the compressor 54 to filter the air that is provided by the compressor 54 to the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e.
- One or more air movers 72 may be provided along an output conduit 76 to help increase the air velocity in the conduit 76 , if desired.
- the air movers referred to herein may be any suitable air mover, including for example, high velocity fans, air compressors, etc.
- the number of air movers that are provided may depend on a number of factors, including the length and cross-section of the conduit 76 .
- the ship 50 may sail out into a body of water that is adjacent one or more buildings.
- FIG. 2 shows a body of water 80 that is situated adjacent a city 44 .
- the compressor 54 may pump air into the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e.
- the ship may sail back to a location 46 d near the one or more buildings, wherein the one or more valves 56 on the ship 50 may release the compressed air from the one or more holds 52 a - 52 e, preferably into one or more conduits 42 d that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings.
- the one or more conduits 42 d may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit.
- the ship 50 When the ship 50 is stationed near the buildings, the ship 50 may become contaminated, particular during a chemical and/or biological attack. When the ship 50 sails back into the body of water to retrieve more relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air, the ship 50 may use decontamination equipment 60 to decontaminate the ship 50 before the holds 52 a - 52 e are filled again.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a truck 90 that has been equipped to store air in accordance with the present invention.
- the illustrative truck 90 has a tank 92 for holding air, one or more compressors 94 for compressing air into the tank, and one or more valves 96 for releasing the compressed air from the tank 92 .
- the tank 92 of the truck 90 is preferably an air-tight tank that is capable of holding compressed air.
- the truck 90 may be a tanker truck, or any other truck that can store air or can be adapted to store air.
- One or more sealing layers may be provided in the tank 92 of the truck 90 to help improve the air sealing capabilities of the tank, if desired.
- the tank 92 may include an air bladder.
- the air bladder may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the tank 92 of the truck 90 .
- the tank 92 of the truck 90 may provide support to the air bladder, particular when the air bladder is pressurized.
- the compressor 94 may be used to pressurize the air that is stored in the tank 92 . Pressurizing the air may increase the amount of air that is available by several times.
- a controller (not shown) may be used to control the compressor 94 and/or valve 96 , as described above with respect to FIG. 3.
- the controller 62 may, for example, control the valve 96 so that the pressure of the air that is released from the tank remains relatively constant over time.
- a pressure sensor (not shown) may be provided for measuring the air pressure of the released air through the valve 96 . The output of the pressure sensor may be provided to the controller, which can then adjust the valve 96 accordingly.
- the controller may also shut down the compressor 94 when the air at the inlet 100 of the compressor 94 has a chemical and/or biological agent or when the air quality drops below unacceptable levels.
- One or more sensors 102 may be provided in fluid communication with the inlet 100 of the compressor 94 to detect chemical and/or biological agents and/or air quality.
- Shutting down the compressor 94 may help prevent the air in the tank 92 from becoming contaminated.
- Shutting down the compressor 94 may include turning off the compressor 94 completely, disengaging the air pump of the compressor from the power source (e.g. engine), or redirecting the air provided by the compressor to somewhere other than the tank 92 .
- the truck 90 may drive out to a remote location to gain access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air.
- the compressor 94 of the truck may pump air into the tank 92 .
- the truck 90 may then drive back to a location near one or more buildings, wherein the one or more valves 96 on the truck 90 may release the compressed air, preferably into one or more conduits that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings.
- the one or more conduits may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit.
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels. Preferably, relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air is retrieved from a remote location and transported to one or more buildings using, for example, a pipeline, a ship, a truck or any other suitable method. The air is provided to the one or more buildings to enhancing the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
Description
- This invention is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, entitled “Methods And Apparatus For Storing And Delivering Air To Buildings”, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
- The recent demise of the cold war and decline in super-power tensions has been accompanied by an increase in concern over the viability of weapons of mass destruction such as chemical and biological (CB) weapons. CB weapons include chemical agents such as phosgene, nerve agents such as Sarin, and biological agents such as anthrax, botulism, plaque, tularemia, and small pox. CB weapons may be delivered to occupants of a building in any number of ways, including the release of agents in or around the building. In some cases, the building's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to help deliver the released agent into the building. Agents may also be released within public spaces of a building, and dispersed to other, private areas of the building via the buildings HVAC system.
- In addition, and especially in urban settings, smog or other environmental contaminates can be present in and around buildings. Smog may be generated from cars, industrial plants, and other sources. To this end, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often issues smog alerts when high concentrations of ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) are predicted in a given geographical area. Chemical spills or leaks may also be a source of released contaminates. Despite filtration, a building's HVAC system can deliver some of the smog and/or other contaminates into the building.
- What would be desirable, therefore, are methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings, and more specifically, methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
- The present invention provides methods and apparatus for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels. In a preferred embodiment, relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air is retrieved from a remote location and transported to one or more buildings. The air is provided to the one or more buildings to enhancing the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.
- In one illustrative embodiment, the air is transported through a pipeline. The pipeline may be a pipeline specifically built for transporting air, or may be adapted from an existing, perhaps abandoned, pipeline. In either case, the air is preferably retrieved from a remote location, pumped through the pipeline, and ultimately delivered to the one or more buildings. In some embodiments, the remote location may be a substantial distance from the one or more buildings, such as greater than one mile. In one example, the pipeline may extend out from a city to a location outside of the city, and may transport relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air from the location outside of the city to the one or more buildings in the city. To increase the amount of air that can be passed through the pipeline, one or more air movers (e.g. high velocity fans) may be provided at spaced locations along the pipeline. The pipeline may be above ground, below ground, or a combination of both.
- Rather than retrieving the air using a single pipeline, it is contemplated that the air may be transported through a system of pipelines. The pipeline system may have multiple pipelines that extend out in various directions. Air may be transported through all of the pipelines to the one or more buildings, or selected pipelines. Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to only select those pipelines that have access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air. One or more valves, dampers and/or feeder conduits may be provided to direct the air through the pipeline system, and into the one or more buildings.
- In another illustrative embodiment, relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air may be transported from a remote location to one or buildings via a ship. The ship may have one or more holds for holding air, one or more compressors for compressing air into the one or more holds, and one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the one or more holds. In some cases, the one or more holds may include a sealing layer to help improve the air-tightness of the one or more holds. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more air bladders may be provided in the one or more of holds. The air bladders may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the holds of the ship. The holds may provide support to the air bladder, particular when the air bladder is pressurized with air.
- During use, the ship may sail out into a body of water that is adjacent one or more buildings. Once at a remote location, which has relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air, the compressor of the ship may pump air into the one or more holds. Once filled, the ship may sail back to a location near the one or more buildings, wherein the one or more valves on the ship may release the compressed air from the one or more holds, preferably into one or more conduits that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings. The one or more conduits may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit.
- When the ship is stationed near the buildings, the ship may become contaminated, particular during a chemical and/or biological attack. When the ship sails back into the body of water to retrieve more relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air, decontamination equipment may be used to decontaminate the ship before the holds are filled again.
- In another illustrative embodiment, relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air is transported from a remote location to one or buildings via a truck. The truck may have a tank for holding air, one or more compressors for compressing air into the tank, and one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the tank.
- The tank of the truck is preferably an air-tight tank that is capable of holding compressed air. In some cases, one or more sealing layers may be provided in the tank of the truck to help increase the air-tightness of the tank. Alternatively, or in addition, the tank may include an air bladder. The air bladder may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the tank of the truck, and the tank of the truck may provide support to the air bladder, particular when the air bladder is pressurized.
- During use, the truck may drive out to a remote location, which has relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air. Once at the remote location, the compressor of the truck may pump air into the tank. The truck may then drive back to a location near the one or more buildings, wherein the one or more valves on the truck may release the compressed air, preferably into one or more conduits that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings. The one or more conduits may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit.
- FIGS.1A-1B show a schematic view of an illustrative system that uses a pipeline to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative system that uses a pipeline system to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a ship that has been adapted to store air in accordance with the present invention; and
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a truck that has been adapted to store air in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS.1A-1B show a schematic view of an illustrative system that uses a pipeline to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels. A
pipeline 10 is shown that extends from aremote location 12 to one ormore buildings 14. Thepipeline 10 may be a pipeline specifically built for transporting air, or may be adapted from an existing, perhaps abandoned, pipeline. In either case, the air is preferably retrieved from aremote location 12, pumped through thepipeline 10, and ultimately delivered to the one ormore buildings 14. - In some embodiments, the
remote location 12 may be a substantial distance from the one ormore buildings 14, such as greater than one mile or greater than five miles. This separation distance may increase the likelihood that the air retrieved at theremote location 12 is of higher quality than in or around the one ormore buildings 14. For example, theremote location 12 may be sufficiently far from the one ormore buildings 14 such that smog that is present around the one ormore buildings 14 is substantially reduced or non-existent at theremote location 12. In another example, theremote location 12 may be sufficiently far from the one ormore buildings 14 such that chemical and/or biological agents released in or around the one ormore buildings 14 is substantially reduced or non-existent at theremote location 12. - In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the
pipeline 10 may extend from a city to aremote location 12 outside of the city. Thepipeline 10 may then transport relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air from theremote location 12 outside of the city to the one ormore buildings 14 in the city. - To increase the amount of air that can be passed through the
pipeline 10, one or more air movers 16 a-16 c may be provided at spaced locations along thepipeline 10. The air movers may be any suitable air mover, including for example high velocity fans, air compressors, or the like. In some embodiments, the air movers 16 a-16 c are similar to those air movers currently used to pressurize and move large volumes of gasses through existing gas pipelines. A number ofadditional air movers 18 may be provided at the remote location to compress the received air into the pipeline, preferably in stages, to raise the velocity of the air moving through thepipeline 10. One ormore sensors 20 may be provided in fluid communication with thepipeline 10, preferably near theinlet 22, to detect chemical and/or biological agents and/or air quality at theremote location 12. The pipeline may be above ground, below ground, or a combination of both. - One or more valves and/or
feeder conduits 24 may be provided to direct the air from thepipeline 10 into the one ormore buildings 14. Thevalves 24 may be activated when one or more of thebuildings 14 become exposed or potentially exposed to air of reduced air quality. Feeder conduits may be used to distribute the air provided by thepipeline 10 to distinct buildings. - When receiving air from the
pipeline 10, it is contemplated that both theair intake 26 andair exhaust 28 of thebuilding 14 may be closed. The clean air supply from thepipeline 10 may be accepted, and a positive air pressure may be maintained in the building. Maintaining a positive pressure in building 14 may help keep external contaminates from entering thebuilding 14. This may be particularly useful when a chemical and/or biological attack is suspected or underway. - Alternatively, or in addition, the clean air from the
pipeline 10 may be directed into the ventilation system of building 14 to help improve the air quality in thebuilding 14. In this embodiment, theair intake 26 of thebuilding 14 may be left open, partially closed, or closed altogether. The clean air supply frompipeline 10 may be used to replace or supplement the air that is normally drawn from theair intake 26. The remainder of the building's HVAC system may operate in a conventional manner, if desired. - Rather than retrieving and transporting air through a single pipeline, it is contemplated that air may be transported through a system of pipelines. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative pipeline system that may be used to transport air from a remote location to one or more buildings to enhance the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around the buildings drops to unacceptable levels.
- The illustrative pipeline system is generally shown at40, and includes multiple pipelines 42 a-42 f that extend out in various directions from a
city 44. Air may be transported through all of the pipelines 42 a-42 f to the one or more buildings in thecity 44, or selected pipelines. Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to only select those pipelines 42 a-42 f that have access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air at their remote ends 46 a-46 f. A sensor, such assensor 20 of FIG. 1A, may be used to determine which pipelines 42 a-42 f have access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air. One or more valves, dampers and/or feeder conduits may be provided to direct the air through thepipeline system 40, and into the one or more buildings in thecity 44. - FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a ship that has been adapted to store air in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment,
ship 50 is used to transport relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air from a remote location to one or buildings. The ship may have one or more holds 52 a-52 e for holding air, one ormore compressors 54 for compressing air into the one or more holds 52 a-52 e, and one ormore valves 56 for releasing the compressed air from the one or more holds 52 a-52 e. To make the holds 52 a-52 d more air-tight, one or more sealing layers may be provided in the holds 52 a-52 e. The sealing layer may be an elastomeric sealing layer, or any other type of sealing layer that will provide an air-tight surface or seal. Alternatively, or in addition, an air bladder, such asair bladder 58, may be provided in the one or more of holds 52 a-52 e. Theair bladder 58 may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit the holds 52 a-52 e of theship 50. The holds 52 a-52 e of theship 50 may provide support to theair bladder 58, particular when theair bladder 58 is pressurized. - The
compressor 54 may be used to pressurize the air that is stored in the one or more holds 52 a-52 e. Pressurizing the air may increase the amount of air that is available by several times. Acontroller 62 may be used to control thecompressor 54 and/orvalve 56. Thecontroller 62 may, for example, control thevalve 56 so that the pressure of the air that is released from the one or more holds 52 a-52 e remains relatively constant over time. Apressure sensor 64 may be provided for measuring the air pressure of the released air through thevalve 56. The output of thepressure sensor 64 may be provided to thecontroller 62, which can then adjust thevalve 56 accordingly. - The
controller 62 may shut down thecompressor 54 when the air at theinlet 66 of thecompressor 54 has a chemical and/or biological agent or when the air quality drops below unacceptable levels. One ormore sensors 68 may be provided in fluid communication with theinlet 66 of thecompressor 54 to detect chemical and/or biological agents and/or air quality. Thecontroller 62 may also receive control signals viainterface 70, which may, among other things, indicate a chemical and/or biological attack and/or poor air quality. Shutting down thecompressor 54 may help prevent the air in the one or more holds 52 a-52 e from becoming contaminated. Shutting down thecompressor 54 may include turning off thecompressor 54 completely, disengaging the air pump of the compressor from the power source (e.g. engine), or redirecting the air provided by the compressor to somewhere other than the one or more holds 52 a-52 e. It is also contemplated that the space containing thecompressor 54 may have a filtered air supply to keep the space positively pressured and free from contamination. Afilter 68 may also be provided on theinlet 66 of thecompressor 54 to filter the air that is provided by thecompressor 54 to the one or more holds 52 a-52 e. - One or
more air movers 72 may be provided along anoutput conduit 76 to help increase the air velocity in theconduit 76, if desired. The air movers referred to herein may be any suitable air mover, including for example, high velocity fans, air compressors, etc. The number of air movers that are provided may depend on a number of factors, including the length and cross-section of theconduit 76. - During use, it is contemplated that the
ship 50 may sail out into a body of water that is adjacent one or more buildings. FIG. 2 shows a body ofwater 80 that is situated adjacent acity 44. Once at a remote location in the body ofwater 80, where the remote location has relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air, thecompressor 54 may pump air into the one or more holds 52 a-52 e. Once filled, the ship may sail back to alocation 46 d near the one or more buildings, wherein the one ormore valves 56 on theship 50 may release the compressed air from the one or more holds 52 a-52 e, preferably into one ormore conduits 42 d that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings. The one ormore conduits 42 d may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit. - When the
ship 50 is stationed near the buildings, theship 50 may become contaminated, particular during a chemical and/or biological attack. When theship 50 sails back into the body of water to retrieve more relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air, theship 50 may usedecontamination equipment 60 to decontaminate theship 50 before the holds 52 a-52 e are filled again. - FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a
truck 90 that has been equipped to store air in accordance with the present invention. Theillustrative truck 90 has atank 92 for holding air, one ormore compressors 94 for compressing air into the tank, and one ormore valves 96 for releasing the compressed air from thetank 92. - The
tank 92 of thetruck 90 is preferably an air-tight tank that is capable of holding compressed air. Thetruck 90 may be a tanker truck, or any other truck that can store air or can be adapted to store air. One or more sealing layers may be provided in thetank 92 of thetruck 90 to help improve the air sealing capabilities of the tank, if desired. Alternatively, or in addition, thetank 92 may include an air bladder. The air bladder may be a tough, elastic material that can be made to fit thetank 92 of thetruck 90. Thetank 92 of thetruck 90 may provide support to the air bladder, particular when the air bladder is pressurized. - The
compressor 94 may be used to pressurize the air that is stored in thetank 92. Pressurizing the air may increase the amount of air that is available by several times. A controller (not shown) may be used to control thecompressor 94 and/orvalve 96, as described above with respect to FIG. 3. Thecontroller 62 may, for example, control thevalve 96 so that the pressure of the air that is released from the tank remains relatively constant over time. A pressure sensor (not shown) may be provided for measuring the air pressure of the released air through thevalve 96. The output of the pressure sensor may be provided to the controller, which can then adjust thevalve 96 accordingly. - The controller may also shut down the
compressor 94 when the air at theinlet 100 of thecompressor 94 has a chemical and/or biological agent or when the air quality drops below unacceptable levels. One ormore sensors 102 may be provided in fluid communication with theinlet 100 of thecompressor 94 to detect chemical and/or biological agents and/or air quality. Shutting down thecompressor 94 may help prevent the air in thetank 92 from becoming contaminated. Shutting down thecompressor 94 may include turning off thecompressor 94 completely, disengaging the air pump of the compressor from the power source (e.g. engine), or redirecting the air provided by the compressor to somewhere other than thetank 92. - During use, the
truck 90 may drive out to a remote location to gain access to relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air. Once at the remote location, thecompressor 94 of the truck may pump air into thetank 92. Thetruck 90 may then drive back to a location near one or more buildings, wherein the one ormore valves 96 on thetruck 90 may release the compressed air, preferably into one or more conduits that can delivery the air to the one or more buildings. The one or more conduits may be part of a pipeline system, as described above, or some other delivery conduit. - Numerous advantages of the invention covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.
Claims (32)
1. A method for providing air to a building that is exposed or potentially exposed to air of a reduced air quality, the method comprising the steps of:
transporting air to the building from a remote location that has enhanced air quality; and
providing the transported air into the building.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the air is transported via a pipeline.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the pipeline includes one or more air movers for moving the air through the pipeline.
4. A method according to claim 2 wherein the pipeline extends a substantial distance from the building.
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the pipeline extends greater than one mile from the building.
6. A method according to claim 4 wherein the pipeline extends greater than five mile from the building.
7. A method according to claim 2 wherein the pipeline is part of a pipeline system that extends out in multiple directions from the building.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the air is transported at least in part via a ship.
9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the air is transported at least in part via a truck.
10. A method for providing air to a number of buildings in a city, the method comprising the steps of:
transporting air to the city from a location outside of the city; and
providing the transported air into one or more of the buildings in the city.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the air is transported via a pipeline.
12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the pipeline includes one or more air movers for moving the air through the pipeline.
13. A method according to claim 11 wherein at least a portion of the pipeline is underground.
14. A method according to claim 10 wherein the air is transported at least in part via a ship.
15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the ship sails out into a body of water to collect the air, and transports the air to the city.
16. A method according to claim 14 wherein the air is compressed in the ship when collected.
17. A method according to claim 10 wherein the air is transported at least in part via a truck.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the truck drives out of the city to collect the air, and transports the air to the city.
19. A method according to claim 17 wherein the air is compressed in the truck when collected.
20. A system for providing air to a number of buildings in a city, the system comprising:
a pipeline for transporting air to the city from a location outside of the city; and
means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings in the city.
21. A system according to claim 20 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings includes one or more feeder conduits.
22. A system according to claim 21 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings includes one or more valves.
23. A system according to claim 21 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings includes one or more fans.
24. A system according to claim 20 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings is activated when a chemical and/or biological attack is detected and/or suspected.
25. A system according to claim 20 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings maintains a positive air pressure in an interior of the one or more buildings.
26. A system for providing air to a building that is exposed or potentially exposed to air of a reduced air quality, the system comprising:
air transporting means for transporting air to the building from a remote location that has enhanced air quality; and
means for providing the transported air into the building.
27. A ship for transporting air, the ship comprising:
one or more holds for holding air;
one or more compressors for compressing air into the one or more holds; and
one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the one or more holds.
28. A ship according to claim 27 wherein the one or more holds include an air bladder.
29. A ship according to claim 28 wherein the air bladder is supported by the holds of the ship.
30. A ship according to claim 27 further comprising a decontamination system to decontaminate the ship.
31. A truck for transporting air, the truck comprising:
a tank for holding air;
one or more compressors for compressing air into the tank, the one or more compressors having a chemical and/or biological sensor on a compressor air inlet, whereby the compressor ceases to provide air into the tank if the sensor detects a chemical and/or biological agent; and
one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the tank.
32. A tanker truck trailer for transporting air, the tanker truck trailer comprising:
a tank for holding air;
one or more compressors for compressing air into the tank; and
one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the tank.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/142,543 US20030211826A1 (en) | 2002-05-08 | 2002-05-08 | Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings |
AU2003299475A AU2003299475A1 (en) | 2002-05-08 | 2003-05-07 | Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings |
PCT/US2003/014299 WO2004041682A2 (en) | 2002-05-08 | 2003-05-07 | Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/142,543 US20030211826A1 (en) | 2002-05-08 | 2002-05-08 | Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030211826A1 true US20030211826A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
Family
ID=29399923
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/142,543 Abandoned US20030211826A1 (en) | 2002-05-08 | 2002-05-08 | Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030211826A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003299475A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004041682A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7331852B2 (en) * | 2003-06-12 | 2008-02-19 | Ezell George D | Method and apparatus for sampling and controlling ventilation airflow into a structure |
US20100161135A1 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2010-06-24 | Helmut Nerling | Air density comparison control |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1731289A (en) * | 1923-04-26 | 1929-10-15 | Robert S Blair | Art of and apparatus for ventilation |
US5209286A (en) * | 1992-02-24 | 1993-05-11 | Schmidt James D | Ground open-air heat exchange, open-air conditioning system, and method |
US6293861B1 (en) * | 1999-09-03 | 2001-09-25 | Kenneth M. Berry | Automatic response building defense system and method |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH02242031A (en) * | 1989-03-14 | 1990-09-26 | Ohbayashi Corp | Air conditioner |
FR2742848B1 (en) * | 1995-12-26 | 1998-02-27 | Drevet Rene | PROCESS FOR PROVIDING FRESH AIR TO A POLLUTED AREA |
DE19604661C2 (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1998-05-20 | Gerhard Dipl Ing Pickelmann | Automatic compressed air storage system for low-pollutant fresh air supply without filtering the interior of vehicles |
-
2002
- 2002-05-08 US US10/142,543 patent/US20030211826A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2003
- 2003-05-07 WO PCT/US2003/014299 patent/WO2004041682A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-05-07 AU AU2003299475A patent/AU2003299475A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1731289A (en) * | 1923-04-26 | 1929-10-15 | Robert S Blair | Art of and apparatus for ventilation |
US5209286A (en) * | 1992-02-24 | 1993-05-11 | Schmidt James D | Ground open-air heat exchange, open-air conditioning system, and method |
US6293861B1 (en) * | 1999-09-03 | 2001-09-25 | Kenneth M. Berry | Automatic response building defense system and method |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7331852B2 (en) * | 2003-06-12 | 2008-02-19 | Ezell George D | Method and apparatus for sampling and controlling ventilation airflow into a structure |
US20100161135A1 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2010-06-24 | Helmut Nerling | Air density comparison control |
US8554375B2 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2013-10-08 | Delta Green Box Patent Gmbh & Co. Kg | Air density comparison control |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003299475A1 (en) | 2004-06-07 |
WO2004041682A2 (en) | 2004-05-21 |
AU2003299475A8 (en) | 2004-06-07 |
WO2004041682A3 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
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