Condensing heat exchanger with hydrophilic antimicrobial coating
US8763682B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31507
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-layer antimicrobial hydrophilic coating is applied to a substrate of anodized aluminum, although other materials may form the substrate. A silver layer is sputtered onto a thoroughly clean anodized surface of the aluminum to about 400 nm thickness. A layer of crosslinked, silicon-based macromolecular structure about 10 nm thickness overlies the silver layer, and the outermost surface of the layer of crosslinked, silicon-based macromolecular structure is hydroxide terminated to produce a hydrophilic surface with a water drop contact angle of less than 10°. The coated substrate may be one of multiple fins in a condensing heat exchanger for use in the microgravity of space, which has narrow channels defined between angled fins such that the surface tension of condensed water moves water by capillary flow to a central location where it is pumped to storage. The antimicrobial coating prevents obstruction of the capillary passages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.