Method and apparatus for controlling odors
AssigneeEnvironmental Purification, LLC
InventorsDon S. Sifers, Kent A. Pennybaker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling odors in an enclosed space, such as a pit latrine, include providing an oxidizer, such as a catalytic heater and an optional mechanical ventilation unit, such as an inline fan, both flow connected to a vault (pit) of the latrine. The heater is also connected to a source of fuel, for example, propane. Fresh air is drawn through vents in the latrine housing and thereafter through toilets in the latrine and through the vault, providing oxygen for the reaction. The fan and/or oxidation process draws both fresh air and accompanying odorous compounds directly from the latrine and into the oxidizer wherein the odorous components are substantially destroyed.
Claims17
A method of controlling gases in a vault, wherein the method comprises:
- providing a system for drawing air from the vault, the system comprising:
- a flameless heater;
- a first conduit positioned between the vault and the flameless heater, such that the flameless heater is in fluid communication with the vault via the first conduit;
- and
- a second conduit connected to the flameless heater, wherein the second conduit is configured to emit heated air from the flameless heater to an external environment;
- heating air with the flameless heater to lower an air pressure in the vault;
- exhausting the heated air upward through the exhaust vent stack;
- and
- passively drawing air from the vault to the flameless heater through the first conduit to replace the heated air.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.