Microgravity system phase separator
US11794138B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2259/4575
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and related methods to separate liquid from a liquid/gas mixture, particularly in a low gravity environment. The apparatus includes a chamber having a capillary channel around a perimeter of the chamber, a liquid/gas inlet to the chamber, a liquid outlet from the chamber, the liquid outlet being positioned at the perimeter of the chamber to remove liquid from the capillary channel, and a gas outlet from the chamber. The gas outlet is positioned in the chamber, away from the capillary channel, to remove gas from the chamber. The chamber is structured to be readily fabricated using traditional machining techniques or additive manufacturing techniques. The chamber may be fabricated from various materials, including, for example, polymers, metals, composites, and ceramics. The chamber may function as a heat exchanger so that the apparatus can remove condensable vapors from the gas in the mixture in addition to what is already liquid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.