Sphere based fluid systems
US4846370A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC01B3/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems are described for using multiple closely-packed spheres. In one system for passing fluid, a multiplicity of spheres lie within a container, with all of the spheres having the same outside diameter and with the spheres being closely nested in one another to create multiple interstitial passages of a known size and configuration and smooth walls. The container has an inlet and outlet for passing fluid through the interstitial passages formed between the nested spheres. The small interstitial passages can be used to filter out material, especially biological material such as cells in a fluid, where the cells can be easily destroyed if passed across sharp edges. The outer surface of the spheres can contain a material that absorbs a constitutent in the flowing fluid, such as a particular contamination gas, or can contain a catalyst to chemically react the fluid passing therethrough, the use of multiple small spheres assuring a large area of contact of these surfaces of the spheres with the fluid. In a system for storing and releasing a fluid such as hydrogen as a fuel, the spheres can include a hollow shell containing the fluid to be stored, and located within a compressable con…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.