Patent · US Expired

Atmosphere membrane humidifier and method and system for producing humidified air

US5348691A · kind A · utility

57Cited by
9References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 11, 1993
Grant dateSep 20, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 11, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S261/46
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A membrane humidifying device is disclosed that can operate with normal potable quality water without a demineralizer and which prevents the transport of microbes, particulates, dissolved salts and liquid water to the airstream. It is positioned in the flow path of air to be humidified and comprises at least one membrane cell and a means for introducing water into each cell. The membrane cell is comprised of at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane and at least one screen. Ambient or low pressure water is introduced into the membrane cell(s); at least a portion of which contacts or passes through the screen(s); contacts the hydrophilic membrane(s); and is osmotically transported across the membrane(s) where it evaporates into the airstream.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.