Separation of chemical species of a mixture using vortex separation
US5476537A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2205/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method for separating chemical species of a mixture. A partially liquefied mixture having a mass fraction of less than 30% liquid is provided. This mixture is introduced in a tangential direction relative to and adjacent an inner surface of an elongated enclosure. The enclosure has a first end, an opposite second end, and a longitudinal axis. The inner surface has a substantially circular cross-section. The introduction of the mixture is at a sufficient velocity to form a vortex region in the enclosure. The vortex region contains at least two phases which interact. A first of the phases is a gas comprising a relative volatile chemical species, and the second of the phases is a relatively less volatile chemical species. The relatively volatile first gas phase exits from the first end of the enclosure and the relatively less volatile second phase exits from the second end of the enclosure. The present invention provides separation in an inexpensive, lightweight, low maintenance environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.