System and method for efficient multi-stage air dehumidification and liquid recovery
US8685145B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2317/06
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing humidity gradients in a plurality of dehumidification units, which are arranged in series and/or in parallel. Water vapor from air entering each stage of the plurality of dehumidification units is extracted by the dehumidification units without substantial condensation into low pressure water vapor chambers. For example, in one embodiment, the water vapor is extracted through water vapor permeable membranes of the dehumidification units into the low pressure water vapor chambers. As such, the air exiting each of the dehumidification units is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification units. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently compressed to a slightly higher pressure (i.e., just high enough to facilitate condensation), condensed, and removed from the system at ambient conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.