Method and apparatus for the recovery of water from atmospheric air

US4285702A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Maschinenfabrik Augsberg-Nurnberg Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Helmut Michel · Hannover, DE
• Wolfgang Bulang · Eichenau, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 8, 1979
• Grant date: Aug 25, 1981
• Expiry date: Mar 8, 1999

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/44
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of recovering water from atmospheric air wherein during an adsorption phase, cool, humid air is transported through a water-adsorbent material for adsorption of water vapor therefrom and wherein during a desorption phase warmer, drier air is transported through the adsorbent material for pickup of water from said adsorbent material, said desorption phase comprising the steps of generating a first air stream in a closed-loop path through a heater for heating the first air stream and thence to the adsorber material and back through heater, continuing step (a) for a predetermined time, generating a second air stream by divering a portion of the first air stream for circulation from the adsorber material through a condenser for yielding water therefrom by condensation, and joining the second air stream to the first air stream after passage of the second air stream through the condenser, whereby the second air stream may be heated by the heater and passed through the adsorbent material.