Continually optimized, variable flow rate ventilation system
First Claim
1. A method for processing ventilation air from a work area contaminated with hazardous constituents or air pollutants comprising the steps of:
- 1) monitoring concentrations of the hazardous constituents or air pollutants in air within a recirculation duct;
2) inputting monitor data to a central controller;
3) continually adjusting first and second flow varying means by said central controller for the air to atmosphere and the air to the recirculation duct to both deliver a selected flow rate through the work area and optimize the recirculation flow rate to ensure safe concentration levels in the recirculation duct according to monitor data and allowable concentration levels set in said central controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A ventilation system for use, in example, on a spray booth or paint stripping enclosure, in which variable speed fans (or equivalent) are employed, and controlled by a sensor so that the flow rate exhausted from the booth (and directed either to an emission control device or vented to atmosphere) is continually adjusted to minimize the exhaust flow rate from the enclosure. The remainder of the ventilation air is recirculated back into the enclosure. An analyzer located in the recirculation duct continuously monitors the concentration of hazardous constituents present in the recirculation stream, and transmits this data to a central controller, which controls the ventilation fan systems. The central controller controls the recirculation duct and exhaust duct fan systems to achieve the highest recirculation rate possible, yet also maintain constituent concentrations in the recirculation duct at a safe level. The monitor senses concentrations in the recirculation duct on a virtually continuous basis, and the central controller continually adjusts the flow rate through the recirculation duct and exhaust duct to maintain a constant flow rate through the enclosure.
24 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for processing ventilation air from a work area contaminated with hazardous constituents or air pollutants comprising the steps of:
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1) monitoring concentrations of the hazardous constituents or air pollutants in air within a recirculation duct; 2) inputting monitor data to a central controller; 3) continually adjusting first and second flow varying means by said central controller for the air to atmosphere and the air to the recirculation duct to both deliver a selected flow rate through the work area and optimize the recirculation flow rate to ensure safe concentration levels in the recirculation duct according to monitor data and allowable concentration levels set in said central controller.
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2. A method for processing ventilation air from a work area contaminated with hazardous constituents or air pollutants from a work area comprising the stages of:
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1) driving air through said work area; 2) directing a portion of the air through an exhaust duct and then to an air pollution control device or atmosphere; 3) directing balance of the air to a recirculation duct; 4) mixing the recirculation air with fresh make-up air; 5) monitoring concentrations of the hazardous constituents or air pollutants in the recirculation air; 6) inputting monitor data to a central controller; 7) continually adjusting first and second flow varying means to both deliver a constant flow rate through the work area and optimize the recirculation flow rate to ensure safe concentration levels in the recirculation duct; 8) reintroducing the recirculation air back into the work area after air is mixed with fresh make-up air. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A ventilation system for operating any solvent-based or other operation involving hazardous materials comprising:
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1) a work area, having a mixture of air, gas or particulate contained therein, said air having a flow rate; 2) an exhaust outlet in communication with said work area, through which a portion of said air mixture exiting said work area is driven; 3) a recirculation outlet, in communication with said work area, through which the remainder of said air mixture is driven; 4) a make-up air inlet in communication with said recirculation outlet having fresh make-up air within; 5) a means for optimizing said recirculation and exhaust flow rates continuously to achieve a minimum flow rate through the exhaust outlet and a maximum flow rate through said recirculation outlet, according to allowable contaminant concentrations in said recirculation air, and said work area air, said optimizing means in communication with said recirculation air, said exhaust air and said fresh make-up air; whereby a minimum volume is exhausted and the maximum volume of air containing the highest contaminant concentrations allowable is passed through said recirculation outlet and may be reintroduced safely back into said work area after being mixed with said fresh make-up air. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification