Orientation insensitive combined liquid reservoir and gas/liquid separator
US6942718B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D19/0031
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a system for separating gas and liquid phases from a mixed phase system is provided. Furthermore, the present invention provides for the reliable separation of liquid and gas phases, regardless of the orientation of the system with respect to a gravitational field, and in low or zero gravity environments. The system of the present invention generally provides a reservoir having a variable volume that is formed from a gas permeable, hydrophobic, microporous, polymer material. Material confined within the reservoir is maintained under pressure, to expel any gases introduced to the interior of the reservoir as part of a mixed phase inlet stream. The liquid phase component of the mixed phase inlet stream may be removed from the reservoir through an outlet located within the reservoir volume.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.