TRANSPORTABLE SARGASSUM DRYING MACHINE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transportable sargassum drying machine that comprises several subsystems incorporated to achieve the objective of the invention. These subsystems consist of transportation and stabilization, a solar heating system that includes cylindrical parabolic solar heaters that heat thermal oil up to a temperature of 330 C.; hot air generation, which is directed to the conveyor belt and buckets to dry the sargassum; a drying process in which hot air from the radiators passes through the conveyor belt, evaporating moisture from the sargassum as it is transported; a multi-stage conveyor belt system with three conveyor belts, achieving a moisture content of 14% or less; a packing process where the sargassum is transported to a packing machine for shipping and transport; and power supply, where the machine's electrical devices are powered by photovoltaic solar panels attached to the side walls of the trailer.

Claims

1. A transportable sargassum drying machine comprising a trailer or housing (1), wherein inside said trailer (1), specifically at the rear part of said trailer (1), there is a feed hopper (7) that receives wet or damp sargassum; downstream of said feed hopper (7) and toward the front part of said trailer (1), there is a first conveyor belt (6) that receives said sargassum, wherein said first conveyor belt (6) is inclined and moves upward. Said conveyor belt (6) is equipped with a plurality of buckets (8) that transport the sargassum to the top of said conveyor belt (6), where, as the sargassum ascends the conveyor belt (6) and when it reaches the top of said conveyor belt (6), the sargassum is dried by hot air currents. Adjacent to said first conveyor belt (6) is a second conveyor belt (6) arranged and equipped with the same characteristics as the aforementioned first conveyor belt (6), where the sargassum that reaches the top of the first conveyor belt (6) continues its trajectory and falls onto the second conveyor belt (6), where, as the sargassum ascends the second conveyor belt (6) and also when it reaches the top of said second conveyor belt (6), the sargassum is dried by hot air currents, just as it was during its passage on said first conveyor belt (6). Adjacent to said second conveyor belt (6) is a third conveyor belt (6) arranged and equipped with the same characteristics as the aforementioned first and second conveyor belts (6), where the sargassum that reaches the top of the second conveyor belt (6) continues its trajectory and falls onto the third conveyor belt (6), where, as the sargassum ascends the third conveyor belt (6) and also when it reaches the top of said third conveyor belt (6), the sargassum is dried by hot air currents, just as it was during its passage on said first and second conveyor belts (6). The sargassum that reaches the top of the third conveyor belt (6) continues its trajectory and falls into a discharge hopper (9); adjacent to the discharge hopper (9) is another conveyor belt (10) that transports the sargassum to a packing machine (11). This transportable sargassum drying machine also comprises, on the top and above the trailer or housing (1), a plurality of cylindrical parabolic solar heaters (3) arranged to heat thermal oil; characterized in that within the trailer or housing (1) and positioned below each of the three conveyor belts (6), a fan (12) is arranged to blow air toward the conveyor belt (6); and a radiator (5) positioned between the fan (12) and the conveyor belt (6), through which the thermal oil from the plurality of cylindrical parabolic solar heaters (3) flows. The air blown by the fan (12) absorbs heat from the thermal oil, forming the hot air stream that dries the sargassum as it ascends the conveyor belt (6) and buckets (8). Also, positioned above each of the three conveyor belts (6) and above the highest point of the conveyor belt, a fan (12) is arranged to blow air toward the top of the conveyor belt (6); and a radiator (5) positioned between the fan (12) and the conveyor belt (6), through which the thermal oil from the plurality of cylindrical parabolic solar heaters (3) flows, causing the air blown by the fan (12) to absorb heat from the thermal oil, forming another hot air stream to dry the sargassum that has reached the top of the conveyor belt (6).

2. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels (13), which are attached to the side walls of the trailer or housing (1). These panels can be folded up onto the roof of the trailer (1); in other words, when the machine is in a resting or non-operational state, these panels are positioned vertically, forming the side walls of the trailer (1), and when the machine is in operation, these photovoltaic solar panels (13) are positioned horizontally or at an optimal angle.

3. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that both the conveyor belts (6) and the buckets (8) are made of a perforated material that allows the hot air from the radiators (5) to pass through them.

4. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the stabilization of the machine is achieved using telescopic stabilizers (2) located on the lower part of the trailer or housing (1), either at the rear and/or front of the machine, in conjunction with the trailer's wheels.

5. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical parabolic solar heaters (3) that heat the thermal oil can raise the temperature of the thermal oil to 330 C.

6. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the air is heated to a temperature of 140 to 150 C.

7. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the packing machine (11) is mounted on the trailer (1) using a detachable steel ramp.

8. The transportable sargassum drying machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the energy to power the electric motors of the conveyor belts (6), the motors of the fans (12), the thermal oil pumping equipment, and the packing machine (11), as well as the control and monitoring equipment, is obtained from the photovoltaic solar panels (13).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The figures accompanying this patent specification are as follows, which are illustrative and not limiting:

[0025] FIG. 1 A general view of the transportable sargassum drying machine of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 A view of the machine of the present invention showing solar panels arranged on the side walls of the trailer and the thermal oil heaters on the roof of the trailer of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 A view of the interior of the trailer of the present invention showing the drying system of the transportable sargassum drying machine of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 A detailed view of the sargassum conveyor belts of the drying machine of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention aims to make the most of the waste from our seas and oceans that has caused significant pollution on our beaches, specifically the algae known as sargassum.

[0030] The increase in sargassum on our beautiful coasts is not just a fleeting concern; it is a growing challenge that demands our attention. Some companies are dedicating substantial budgets of $4 to $6 million annually to keep our beaches pristine, yet the problem persists. The question of what to do with the collected biomass remains unanswered.

[0031] Staggering figures reveal the magnitude of the sargassum challenge we face. According to NASA images, this year, an astounding 13 million tons of the notorious foul-smelling algae have accumulated in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, highlighting the urgency of finding effective and sustainable solutions. This is not just a local problem; it is a global concern that demands our collective action. Through innovation and collaboration, we can transform this challenge into an opportunity for positive change.

[0032] Recent studies have revealed a troubling discovery within the sargassum phenomenon. Researchers have found elevated levels of bacteria in sargassum algae, raising concerns about its potential impact on marine ecosystems and public health. These findings underscore the complex nature of the sargassum challenge and reveal the need for comprehensive approaches that address both its ecological implications and its potential consequences for human interactions with coastal environments.

[0033] The transportable sargassum drying machine is designed to be mobile, functioning similarly to a trailer or semi-trailer. Its transportability allows it to be taken directly to beaches affected by sargassum, ensuring immediate processing and preventing the algae from decomposing. This also removes the water content, making transportation more efficient and less cumbersome.

[0034] In a first aspect of the invention, a transportable sargassum drying machine is described, which comprises several subsystems incorporated to achieve the objective of the invention. These subsystems consist of: [0035] Transport and Stabilization: The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, consists of a trailer or semi-trailer (1) that functions as the housing for the transportable sargassum drying machine of the present invention. This trailer is towed by a standard 10-wheel or more tractor or truck (not shown), allowing the drying machine to be transported to any location to work in situ and process the necessary sargassum. The stabilization of the machine is achieved using telescopic stabilizers (2) located on the lower part of the trailer or housing (1), either at the rear and/or front of the machine, in conjunction with the trailer's wheels. These stabilizers are conventional stabilizers used by trailers when uncoupling from the tractor or truck. [0036] Solar Heating System: As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top part of the trailer (1), meaning the roof of the machine, is equipped with cylindrical parabolic solar heaters (3) that heat thermal oil (Paratherm) in a central tube, where the thermal oil can reach temperatures of up to 330 degrees Celsius. [0037] Hot Air Generation: The heated thermal oil then passes through radiators (5) known as hot air producers, which are very similar to large-scale truck radiators, with an electric motor (not shown) and a fan (12). The air is heated to a temperature of 140 to 150 degrees Celsius. There are three radiators located just above the conveyor belts (6), meaning above the highest point of the conveyor belt, and another three radiators (5) below these conveyor belts (6), each radiator (5) equipped with a fan (12), as explained further below. [0038] Drying Process: As shown in FIG. 1, a tractor with a front loader loads wet or damp sargassum from the beach into a rear hopper or feed hopper (7) located at the back of the trailer or housing (1). The feed hopper (7) discharges the sargassum onto the conveyor belt system (6); the conveyor belt system (6) is equipped with perforated buckets (8), and both the conveyor belts (6) and the buckets (8) are made of a perforated material that allows hot air from the radiators (5) to pass through them. This process evaporates the moisture from the sargassum as it is transported from one conveyor belt (6) to another, drying the sargassum and then depositing it into a discharge hopper (9) located at the front of the trailer (1). In this way, the hot air escapes from the trailer through the rear, above the feed hopper (7). [0039] Multi-Stage Conveyor Belt System: As shown in the figures, the transportable sargassum drying machine is equipped with at least three conveyor belts (6), which are perforated and have perforated buckets (8). As the sargassum is deposited into the feed hopper (7), it passes from the first conveyor belt (6) to the second conveyor belt (6), and since it is exposed to a stream of hot air, the sargassum loses moisture and continues to dry. After passing through at least three conveyor belts (6), the sargassum is finally deposited into the discharge hopper (9), reaching a moisture content of 14% or less. [0040] Packing Process: As shown in FIG. 1, the dried sargassum falls into the discharge hopper (9), where it is carried by a discharge conveyor belt (10) to a packing machine (11). The packing machine (11) compresses the dried sargassum into high-pressure bales with uniform dimensions, ready for shipping and transport. The packing machine (11) is mounted on the trailer using a detachable steel ramp. [0041] Power Supply: The conveyor belts (6) are powered by electric motors, conventional belts, and pulleys (not shown), as well as the fans (12), which are driven by conventional electric motors, and the packing machine (11) are powered by photovoltaic solar panels (13) attached to the side walls of the trailer or housing (1). These panels can be folded up onto the roof of the trailer (1); that is, when the machine is in a non-operational state, these panels are positioned vertically, forming the side walls of the trailer (1), and when the machine is in operation, the photovoltaic solar panels (13) are positioned horizontally or at an optimal angle to better capture sunlight for improved solar energy utilization. This design ensures that the machine is designed to be carbon-neutral, always using solar energy.

[0042] This design guarantees efficient and sustainable drying and packing of the sargassum, preparing it for further processing and transportation, while also halting the decomposition process and addressing the logistical challenges associated with transporting wet seaweed.

[0043] Returning to the technical features that make up the present transportable sargassum drying machine, as indicated above and more specifically in the presented figures, the sargassum, once collected from the beaches, is deposited into a feed hopper (7) located inside a trailer or housing (1). Due to gravity, the sargassum falls onto the first conveyor belt (6), which is driven by an electric motor, belts, and pulleys (not shown) and is positioned at an upward incline. This belt consists of a series of buckets (8) that scoop up the sargassum and elevate it via the conveyor belt (6), as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. While the sargassum is lifted by the buckets, a stream of hot air is circulated transversely through the perforated conveyor belt (6) and the buckets (8). This hot air comes from a fan (12) located below the conveyor belt (6). The fan (12) pushes the air through a radiator (5), also positioned below the conveyor belt (6), between the fan (12) and the conveyor belt (6). As mentioned earlier, the radiator (5) contains hot oil supplied by a series of cylindrical parabolic solar heaters (3) located on the top (roof) of the trailer (1) through a network of pipes. The air absorbs heat from the radiator (5) and flows through the perforations in the conveyor belt (6) and buckets (8), drying the sargassum as it is lifted. Once the sargassum reaches the top of the conveyor belt (6), another stream of hot air is circulated transversely directly toward the sargassum and through the conveyor belt (6) and buckets (8). This hot air comes from another fan (12) located above the conveyor belt (6), above the highest point of the conveyor belt (6). The fan (12) pushes air through another radiator (5), also positioned above the conveyor belt (6), between the fan (12) and the conveyor belt (6). As mentioned earlier, like the radiator positioned below the conveyor belt (6), this radiator (5) also contains hot oil supplied by the solar heaters (3) located on the top (roof) of the trailer (1) through a network of pipes. The air absorbs heat from the radiator (5) and flows through the sargassum, drying it as it moves along the top of the conveyor belt.

[0044] Once at the top of the conveyor belt (6), the sargassum continues its path along the belt and as shown in FIG. 1, falls by gravity to the base of a second conveyor belt (6) that is adjacent to the previously described conveyor belt (6). This second conveyor belt (6) is constructed and operates in the same manner as the previously described conveyor belt (6), where the sargassum again receives two new streams of hot air to continue the drying process. After traveling along the second conveyor belt (6), the sargassum falls by gravity onto the base of a third conveyor belt (6), which, like the first and second conveyor belts, is equipped with buckets (8), radiators (5), and fans (12), arranged as described for the first conveyor belt (6).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, once the sargassum reaches the top of the third conveyor belt (6), it falls, now dry, into a discharge hopper (9), where it is carried by another conveyor belt (10) to a packing machine (11). Finally, the sargassum is compacted under high pressure into bales with predetermined dimensions, ready to be transported and/or used for any industrial or commercial purpose.

[0046] It is important to note that to have hot oil within the radiators (5) of the present invention, the oil is supplied from a plurality of solar heaters (3) located on the top of the trailer (1). These heaters utilize solar energy to heat the thermal oil up to 330 C. This thermal oil is then circulated to the various radiators (5) through a piping system designed to distribute the oil to each radiator, maximizing its thermal energy throughout the entire sargassum drying process.

[0047] Additionally, it is essential to mention that since the transportable sargassum drying machine described in this application is committed to clean, CO2 emission-free technologies, and because it is a machine primarily intended for use directly on beaches where sargassum is abundant and where electrical power is often unavailable, this machine is equipped with a power supply system. This system provides energy to the motors of the various conveyor belts (6, 10), the different fans (12), the packing machine, the pumping equipment for circulating the thermal oil through the various radiators (5), as well as to the monitoring and control equipment (not shown) of the present invention. The power supply system consists of a series of photovoltaic solar panels (13) attached to the side walls of the trailer (1). These panels can be folded up onto the roof of the trailer (1); in other words, when the machine is in a resting or non-operational state, the panels are positioned vertically, forming the side walls of the trailer (1). When the machine is in operation, the photovoltaic solar panels (13) are positioned horizontally or at an optimal angle to better capture sunlight, thus optimizing solar energy use. As a result, the machine is designed to be CO2 neutral, always using solar energy.