Liquid separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid separator (10) for separating liquid from a gas-liquid mixture, the liquid separator (10) having a housing (12), an inlet (28), an outlet (30), a flow path (34) connecting the inlet (28) to the outlet (30), and a separation device (36) arranged within the flow path (34) and for performing the liquid separation. A wall (38) is connected to an inner side of a housing portion (44) adjoining the outlet (30), surrounds an annular collar (46) protruding from the outlet (30) into the housing (12), and extends towards a liquid outlet (32). The wall (38) together with a wall (48) of the housing (12) defines a flow channel (50) such that liquid collected at the outlet (30) can be discharged via the liquid outlet (32) through the flow channel (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid separator for separating liquid from a gas-liquid mixture, the liquid separator having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid separators are known in the prior art. These separators can operate according to different functional principles, such as by condensation, centrifugal force (cyclone separator), adsorption (using adsorbents), or by baffles.

[0003] Liquid separators can be used, for example, in fuel cells to increase efficiency, where a liquid separator is used on the cathode side to separate water from oxygen (O2), and on the anode side (another) liquid separator to separate water from hydrogen (H2). Liquid separators can also be used in compressed air systems or air conditioning systems.

[0004] DE 102014013372A1 illustrates a centrifugal water separator for a fuel cell system. In this separator, a gas-liquid mixture is tangentially introduced into the separator through an inlet line. Within the separator, the liquid is agglomerated by centrifugal force, accumulating on the inner wall and flowing downwards through a discharge pipe. Meanwhile, the gas (potentially carrying residual moisture) is discharged upwards through an outlet line. This separator features a low pressure differential but is limited in separation efficiency because a high proportion of residual moisture may be "carried away" through the outlet line.

[0005] WO 2021 / 083486A1 discloses a liquid separator in which a gas-liquid mixture is introduced into the separator through an inlet, passes through a baffle separator equipped with multiple fabric sections, and is discharged through an outlet. This separator allows for high separation efficiency with a compact design. Depending on the liquid ratio in the gas-liquid mixture, an increased pressure differential may occur.

[0006] Each of US2009 / 0242481A1, US2011 / 0048696A1, DE 1262288A, and US2005 / 0044825A1 illustrates a liquid separator having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to facilitate reliable liquid separation using a simple construction method and compact design. Ideally, high separation efficiency should be achieved at relatively low pressure differentials.

[0008] The present invention achieves this objective by means of a liquid separator having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The liquid separator is used to separate liquid from (flowing), particularly vapor or mist-like gas-liquid mixtures (liquid-carrying gas streams).

[0010] A gas-liquid mixture is specifically a mixture in which a gas is used as a carrier medium and the liquid exists in the form of finely dispersed droplets.

[0011] The liquid separator has a housing, an inlet (gas-liquid mixture inlet) leading into the housing, an outlet (gas outlet) exiting from the housing, and a flow path (flow connection) connecting the inlet and the outlet. A separation device is arranged in the flow path, in which the actual separation of the liquid and the gas-liquid mixture occurs. The liquid being separated can be a pure liquid or a liquid mixture (a mixture of two or more different liquids).

[0012] The liquid separator is characterized in that a wall is connected to the inner side of the housing portion adjacent to the outlet, surrounds (radially outward) an annular collar protruding from the outlet into the housing, and extends toward the liquid outlet (part) of the liquid separator. The wall, together with the wall of the housing (the housing wall in the relevant housing portion), defines a flow channel. A gap, particularly an annular gap, connecting the interior of the housing to the flow channel, is maintained between the wall and the annular collar at the outlet. Therefore, liquid collected at the outlet can be discharged from the interior through the gap and the flow channel to the exterior (outside the liquid separator) via the liquid outlet.

[0013] It has been recognized that relatively high efficiency can be achieved using a liquid separator according to the present invention; however, the high velocity of the gas (mostly free of liquid) can prevent the liquid from flowing back to the liquid outlet. It has been recognized that, in cases of high liquid content, the mass flow rate of the gas can be greater than the mass of the liquid (e.g., water) separated by the separator. The liquid therefore cannot flow to the liquid outlet due to gravity and is forced by the mass flow of the gas into problem areas, for example, into corner areas adjacent to the outlet of the liquid separator. These corner areas can be filled with liquid until they are completely filled. Once this filling occurs, the mass flow of the gas again carries away the liquid, and thus liquid separation is no longer sufficiently achieved.

[0014] It has been recognized that the mass flow velocity of the gas must be reduced so that the separated liquid can flow from the inside of the shell to the liquid outlet due to gravity. For this purpose, a flow channel or water channel separate from the (main) gas mass flow is provided. This is achieved by a wall surrounding an annular collar that protrudes from the outlet into the shell and extends toward the liquid outlet. The wall, together with the shell wall, defines the flow channel, and a gap is maintained at the outlet between the wall and the annular collar, allowing the liquid collected at the outlet to be discharged from the inside through the gap and the flow channel via the liquid outlet.

[0015] The flowing gas / liquid mixture, already partially dehumidified by the separator, is delayed at the gap by impact, with the liquid portion being pressurized and forced through. The airflow is deflected in the outlet direction. The airflow calms down behind the gap (i.e., in the flow channel). Although the flow velocity inside the liquid separator can be 40 m / s to 50 m / s, the flow velocity in the flow channel is only about 5 m / s.

[0016] Advantageously, a discharge gap can be formed between the inlet and the separator, connecting the interior of the inlet to the portion of the housing located outside the separator (flow connection). The discharge gap thus constitutes a "drainage channel." Liquid can thus be discharged from the inlet through the discharge gap via the liquid outlet. In a liquid separator, this allows the liquid portion, such as liquid water, to be separated as early as possible. The discharge gap allows the liquid portion of the gas-liquid mixture (e.g., liquid water) to flow out to the liquid outlet before the gas-liquid mixture is supplied to the separator. Therefore, this liquid portion does not need to be separated by the separator and will not enter problematic areas, such as the corner area at the outlet.

[0017] The wall has an annular portion (collection section) surrounding a protruding annular collar, with a tongue-shaped portion (discharge section) connected to and extending from the annular portion to the liquid outlet. Thus, an assembly or component is provided by which liquid can be collected at the outlet or separated from the gas-liquid mixture flow (annular portion) and can be guided to the liquid outlet (tongue-shaped portion) by gravity. The wall, together with the relevant portion of the liquid separator housing, forms a calm (“quiet”) region where liquid can be collected and then flow by gravity in the flow channel to the liquid outlet. The tongue-shaped portion can extend generally in a cuboid shape or be designed as part or a section of a shell-shaped rotating body.

[0018] The flow channel can have two channel parts: an annular channel (the channel part between the shell wall and the annular portion) and a discharge channel (the channel part between the shell wall and the tongue-shaped portion).

[0019] The wall can consist of an annular portion and a tongue-shaped portion (“built-in wall” or component). Alternatively, the wall can also be integrally molded (parts made of the same material). In the case of designing a plastic wall, injection molding can be used, for example. In the case of designing a metal wall, sand casting can be used.

[0020] Advantageously, the annular portion can taper from a first axial end (facing the separation device) to a second axial end (facing away from the separation device) toward the outlet, wherein the gap connecting the interior of the housing and the flow channel is maintained between the second axial end of the annular portion and the inwardly projecting annular collar of the outlet, and wherein the annular portion, at least on a portion of its circumference, particularly in the upper half of the circumference relative to the direction of gravity, is sealed against the interior of the housing by the first axial end of the annular portion. Therefore, liquid, for example, flowing to the outlet via a gas mass flow, can flow from the interior of the housing into the flow channel, and thus out to the liquid outlet. Accidental leakage of liquid from the flow channel can be largely prevented. The gap is specifically oriented parallel to the central longitudinal direction of the housing of the liquid separator (axial gap). The gap is formed at least partially or completely along the circumference (annular gap).

[0021] Advantageously, two (lateral) wall portions may extend inside the housing, with the two wall portions at least to a large extent surrounding the tongue-like portion between them along their extension direction. Therefore, liquid that has entered the flow channel can be reliably guided to the liquid outlet, as accidental leakage of liquid from the flow channel is largely avoided. The walls of the liquid separator housing (housing wall), the tongue-like portion, and the two side wall portions together define a portion of the flow channel.

[0022] Preferably, the wall portion terminates at a defined distance before the annular portion of the wall body, so that in each case, a channel is maintained between the wall portion and the annular portion. In other words, the wall portion is not continuously formed to the annular portion. Therefore, liquid discharged along the direction of gravity on the inner side of the shell wall in the form of droplets or liquid films can enter the flow channel or the discharge portion of the flow channel through the channel.

[0023] In a preferred design, the liquid separator housing may have a partition wall that divides the interior of the housing between the separating device and the outlet into two regions, with the partition wall abutting against both the separating device and the wall itself. Therefore, the separating device is supported relative to the wall or outlet in the counter-flow direction. This design maintains stability even at high flow velocities within the liquid separator. Furthermore, the flow within the liquid separator housing can be smoothed, for example, by reducing turbulence. The partition wall may contact the tongue-shaped portion and the annular portion.

[0024] Advantageously, the partition walls and the wall body can be connected to each other and, in particular, integrally formed. This facilitates the assembly of the liquid separator and may also facilitate its production, as the number of parts can be kept low and the partition walls and the wall body can be treated as a single component.

[0025] The partition wall can advantageously extend along a central longitudinal plane, and particularly between the end of the separating device facing away from the inlet and the wall. A retainer can be formed on the end of the partition wall facing the separating device, at which the separating device can abut against the partition wall using its inlet-facing end. The retainer can have a central longitudinal plane oriented orthogonal to the central longitudinal plane of the partition wall. The retainer provides an additional baffle against which the gas-liquid mixture that has passed through the separating device and is therefore partially dehumidified. Thus, the liquid portion from the gas-liquid mixture can adhere to the retainer and flow out specifically towards the liquid outlet along the direction of gravity (downward). A region of slow flow (“leeward zone”) can therefore be formed behind the retainer or on the partition wall. In these regions, the liquid can condense and flow towards the liquid outlet, for example, in the form of a liquid film or droplets.

[0026] The retainer can advantageously have lateral ends that are curved or angled toward the separating device. Therefore, the gas / liquid mixture that has passed through and exited the separating device experiences increased deflection when it impacts the retainer and its ends. This improves the separation rate. The ends can be designed as planar portions angled relative to the retainer or its central longitudinal plane, or as curved wing portions or blades.

[0027] Preferably, the dimensions of the retaining portion, together with its lateral ends, can be designed such that it protrudes beyond the cross-section of the separating device at its free end (facing the retaining portion or partition wall), and thus "exceeds" that cross-section. This increases the flow-smoothing area formed at the retaining portion or partition wall, thereby improving the separation rate.

[0028] The partition wall may have one or two partition wall sections that extend laterally beside the retaining portion of the partition wall near the separation device (the partition wall sections and the separation device overlap axially). The partition wall sections help to smooth the flow within the housing of the liquid separator.

[0029] Specifically, the inlet may have an annular collar, particularly axially projecting into the interior of the housing, wherein the separating device has an annular connecting portion engaging around the annular collar, wherein the annular collar and the annular connecting portion surround the discharge gap between the annular collar and the annular connecting portion, wherein the inner cross-section of the annular collar (the net cross-section of the annular collar) widens toward the discharge gap. Therefore, a region (“leeward zone”) can be provided before the discharge gap starting from the inlet, in which the flow velocity decreases due to the increased cross-section. This facilitates the outflow of the liquid portion because the reduced flow velocity lowers the risk of the liquid portion being swept into the separating device. The inner cross-section can widen at the annular collar because the inner profile of the annular collar approaches the outer profile of the annular collar towards the free end of the annular collar (the inner cross-section increases toward the free end of the annular collar).

[0030] Advantageously, the inner cross-section of the separator can increase towards the discharge gap. Therefore, the liquid separated in the separator (the liquid portion) can be discharged, for example, towards the discharge gap. Optionally or additionally, a discharge opening facing the liquid outlet can be formed in the separator.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the inner cross-section of the separating device and / or the inner cross-section of the annular collar (the net cross-section of the annular collar) can be largest at the discharge gap. In other words, the largest free cross-section is located at the discharge gap or drain channel. Due to the increased cross-section, the flow velocity present there is relatively low. This facilitates the outflow of liquid through the discharge gap.

[0032] Advantageously, the separation device can be designed as a fabric separator having at least one fabric section for liquid separation. This contributes to high liquid separation efficiency.

[0033] The separating device may have a separator housing having an annular connection (see above) and a fabric holding portion, the fabric portion being held by the fabric holding portion. In the region of the fabric portion, the separator housing may have a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section, the cross-section being closed at the free end (away from the annular connection portion) by, for example, a corresponding end wall.

[0034] The fabric portion can be formed of a metal fabric, wherein a heating device may be optionally provided to heat the metal fabric. Alternatively, the fabric portion can be formed of a plastic fabric. Regardless of the fabric material, the fabric portion may optionally have a hydrophilic coating.

[0035] Preferably, the separation device may have two fabric sections arranged symmetrically with respect to the main flow direction, wherein the fabric sections together form an angle of 2° to 30°, preferably 2° to 20°, and more preferably 4° to 8°. This allows for a relatively large separation surface to be manufactured in a compact design. Any resulting pressure differential can be kept at a low level.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the housing may have a first housing portion and a second housing portion, with an inlet arranged in the first housing portion (inlet-side housing portion) and an outlet arranged in the second housing portion (outlet-side housing portion), wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion abut against each other at the dividing plane when connected.

[0037] This facilitates access to the interior of the respective housing components, thereby promoting the production of the liquid separator. The housing components are designed such that the dividing plane is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid separator housing along its central extension. Each housing component may have a connecting flange at the dividing plane, allowing the housing portions to be connected via flange connections (e.g., by threaded connections). Each housing component may be designed as a half-shell. A liquid outlet may be formed on a second housing portion, and particularly adjacent to the connecting flange. In the installation position of the liquid separator, the liquid outlet is arranged downwards in the direction of gravity, allowing liquid or a portion of liquid to be discharged through the liquid outlet due to gravity.

[0038] Specifically, the housing of the liquid separator can extend along a central longitudinal direction, with the inlet and outlet arranged aligned with each other. This contributes to a compact design of the liquid separator and facilitates low pressure differentials. Each of the central longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet can be arranged parallel to or aligned with the central longitudinal direction of the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical or functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals, but are provided only once where applicable. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 A half-sectional view showing one embodiment of a liquid separator;

[0041] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A half-sectional view of the liquid separator in the outlet area;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the gap between the wall and the outlet of a liquid separator;

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the discharge gap between the inlet and the separation unit of the liquid separator;

[0044] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 The liquid separator, in which half of the casing has been removed, exposes the interior of the liquid separator; and

[0045] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 A half-sectional view of the liquid separator, with Figure 1 In contrast, the cross-section is rotated 90° around the central longitudinal axis (observed from top to bottom along the direction of gravity). Specific Implementation

[0046] Figure 1A liquid separator is shown for separating liquid from a flowing gas-liquid mixture, wherein the liquid separator as a whole is indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0047] The liquid separator 10 in the example has a housing 12 extending along a central longitudinal direction 14. The housing 12 has a first housing portion 16 (inlet-side housing portion) and a second housing portion 18 (outlet-side housing portion). In the connected state, the first housing portion 16 and the second housing portion 18 abut against each other at the dividing plane 20.

[0048] The housing portions 16 and 18 are designed to orthogonalize the dividing plane 20 to the central longitudinal direction 14. At the dividing plane 20, each of the housing portions 16 and 18 has connecting flanges 22 and 24, allowing the housing portions 16 and 18 to be joined by flange connectors (via threaded connection in this example). For this purpose, corresponding channels 26 are formed on the connecting flanges. In this case, the housing portions 16 and 18 are designed as half-shells of substantially the same size.

[0049] An inlet 28 is formed on the first housing portion 16, opening into the interior 13 of the housing 12. An outlet 30 is formed on the second housing portion 18, exiting from the interior 13 of the housing 12. In this example, as described above, the inlet 28 and outlet 30 are arranged aligned with each other. A liquid outlet 32 ​​is formed on the second housing portion 18, adjacent to the connecting flange 24. In the installation position of the liquid separator 10, the liquid outlet 32 ​​is arranged downward in the direction of gravity. Therefore, liquid or a portion of liquid can be discharged from the interior of the housing 12 via the liquid outlet 32 ​​due to gravity. The direction of gravity g is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0050] Inlet 28 and outlet 30 are connected to each other via flow path 34, in which a separation device 36 for liquid separation is arranged, the flow path 34 being shown in its entirety by an arrow marked with reference numeral 34, the flow path leading from inlet 28 to outlet 30. Additionally, the liquid separator 10 has a wall 38, a partition wall 40, and a discharge gap 42 within the interior 13 of the housing 12. This will be described in more detail below.

[0051] The wall 38 is adjacent to the outlet 30 and connects to the inside of the housing portion 44 (part of the second housing portion 18) (see [link]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The wall 38 surrounds the annular collar 46 that protrudes from the outlet 30 into the housing 12 and extends toward the liquid outlet 32. The wall 38, together with the wall 48 of the housing (the wall of the second housing portion 18), defines a flow passage 50, so that liquid collected at the outlet 30 can be discharged to the outside through the flow passage 50 via the liquid outlet 32.

[0052] The wall 38 has an annular portion 38' surrounding an inwardly projecting annular collar 46 of the outlet 30, wherein a tongue portion 38' is connected to the annular portion 38' and extends from the annular portion 38' to the liquid outlet 32 ​​(see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example described, the wall 38 is integrally formed.

[0053] In the example described, the flow channel 50 has two channel portions: an annular channel 50' (the channel portion between the housing wall 48 and the annular portion 38') and a discharge channel 50' (the channel portion between the housing wall 48 and the tongue portion 38').

[0054] The annular portion 38' faces the outlet 30 from the first axial end 38a (facing the separation device 36) to the second axial end 38b (facing away from the separation device 36; see also) Figure 2 The housing 12 tapers, with the interior 13 of the housing 12 connected to the gap 52 of the flow channel 50 (see...). Figure 3 The annular portion 38' is retained between the second axial end 38b and the inwardly projecting annular collar 46 of the outlet 30. Therefore, liquid, for example, flowing to the outlet 30 via a gas mass flow, can flow from the interior 13 of the housing 12 through the gap 52 into the flow channel 50, and from there out to the liquid outlet 32 ​​(see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The gap 52 is specifically oriented in a longitudinal direction 14 parallel to the center of the housing 12. The gap 52 is formed entirely circumferentially (annular gap). In the example described, the annular portion 38' at least on a portion of the circumference, particularly in the upper half of the circumference in the direction of gravity g (not shown in detail), abuts against the inside of the housing 12 at its first axial end 38a.

[0055] Two sidewall portions 54 extend inside the housing 12, and the two sidewall portions 54 at least substantially surround the tongue portion 38 along their direction of extension (see See). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The wall 48 (shell wall 12), the tongue portion 38”, and the two side wall portions 54 together define a portion of the flow channel 50.

[0056] In the example described, the wall portion 54 terminates at a defined distance prior to the annular portion 38' of the wall 38, such that in each case, a channel 55 is maintained between the wall portion 54 and the annular portion 38' (see [reference]). Figure 6 Therefore, liquid discharged from the inside of the housing wall 48, such as liquid discharged in the form of droplets or liquid film, can enter the flow channel 50 or the discharge section 50 of the flow channel 50 through the channel 55.

[0057] The partition wall 40 divides the interior 13 of the housing 12 between the separation device 36 and the outlet 30 into two regions 56 and 58. The partition wall 40 abuts against the separation device 36 and the wall 38 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 6 ).

[0058] The partition wall 40 extends along a central longitudinal plane 60 between the wall 38 and the end 62 of the separating device 36 facing away from the inlet 28, or which is a free end. A retaining portion 40' is formed on the end of the partition wall 40 facing the separating device 36, at which the separating device 36 abuts against the partition wall 40 with its end 62 facing away from the inlet 28. The retaining portion 40' has a central longitudinal plane 64 oriented orthogonal to the central longitudinal plane 60 of the partition wall 40.

[0059] In the example described, the partition wall 40 has a partition wall portion 40”, which extends laterally adjacent to the retaining portion 40' of the partition wall 40 next to the separating device 36 (see [link]). Figure 1 The partition wall 40 and the wall 38 can be designed to be connected to each other, especially integrally connected.

[0060] The retaining part 40' has two lateral ends 41, which are bent or angled toward the separating device 36 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example described, the end portion 41 is formed as an arc-shaped wing relative to the retaining portion 40' or the central longitudinal plane 64 of the retaining portion.

[0061] In this example, the dimensions of the retaining portion 40', together with its lateral end 41, can be designed such that the retaining portion protrudes beyond the cross-section of the separating device 36 at the free end 62 (facing the retaining portion 40' or the partition wall 40), and thus "exceeds" that cross-section (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0062] A discharge gap 42 is formed between the inlet 28 and the separation device 36, the discharge gap 42 connecting the interior 68 of the inlet 28 with the portion of the interior 13 of the housing 12 located outside the separation device 36 (see [reference]). Figure 1 and Figure 4 Therefore, the discharge gap 42 constitutes a "drainage channel". The discharge gap 42 is oriented in the downward orientation portion between the inlet 28 and the separator 36 along the direction of gravity g. The discharge gap 42 allows the liquid portion of the gas-liquid mixture (e.g., liquid water) to flow out to the liquid outlet 32 ​​(as shown by dashed line 70) before the gas-liquid mixture is supplied to the separator 36.

[0063] Inlet 28 has an annular collar 72 that projectes axially into the interior 13 of housing 12, wherein the separating device 36 has an annular connecting portion 74 that engages around the annular collar 72, wherein the annular collar 72 and the annular connecting portion 74 surround the discharge gap 42 between the annular collar 72 and the annular connecting portion 74, wherein the inner cross-section (net cross-section of the annular collar 72) of the annular collar 72 widens toward the discharge gap 42. Therefore, as described above, a region with a low flow rate (“leeward zone”) can be provided before the discharge gap 42, starting from inlet 28. This facilitates the outflow of the liquid portion. The inner cross-section widens at the annular collar 72, and the inner profile 76 of the annular collar 72 approaches the outer profile 78 of the annular collar 72 toward the free end of the annular collar 72 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0064] In the example described, the separating device 36 is designed as a fabric separator having two fabric sections 80 for liquid separation (see [link]). Figure 1 (Since it is a half-sectional view, only one fabric portion 80 is shown). The separating device 36 has a separator housing 82, which has an annular connecting portion 74 and a fabric holding portion 84, through which the fabric portion 80 is held (see...). Figure 1 In the region of the fabric portion 80, the separator housing 82 has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section, which is closed by an end wall 86 at the free end 62 (away from the annular connection 74). The fabric portion 80 can be designed as described above.

[0065] The fabric portion 80 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the main flow direction 88 in the separation device 36, wherein the fabric portions 80 together form an angle of, for example, 2° to 30°. The internal cross-section of the separation device 36 increases toward the discharge gap 42. Therefore, the liquid separated in the separation device 36 can flow out toward the discharge gap 42. Optionally or additionally, a discharge opening facing the liquid outlet 32 ​​(not shown) may be formed in the separation device 36.

[0066] The operation of liquid separator 10 is as follows.

[0067] A flowing gas-liquid mixture (liquid-carrying gas flow) is introduced into the liquid separator 10 through inlet 28. The gas-liquid mixture is then guided from inlet 28 into the separation unit 36.

[0068] At the transition point from inlet 28 into separator 36, the gas-liquid mixture passes through discharge gap 42. Due to the presence of discharge gap 42, liquid portions, such as those accumulated on the inner surface of inlet 28, can flow downwards towards liquid outlet 32 ​​under gravity. Because the inner cross-section of the annular collar 72 widens towards the free end at inlet 28, a region (“leeward zone”) is formed in which the flow velocity of the gas-liquid mixture decreases. Therefore, the liquid portion can be guided to liquid outlet 32 ​​through discharge gap 42 before entering separator 36, where the liquid portion is diverted before entering separator 36.

[0069] The actual separation of the liquid occurs in the separation device 36. For this purpose, the gas-liquid mixture is guided through the fabric section 80, where the liquid remains on the fabric section 80, and the gas flow (possibly still partially carrying the liquid) passes through the fabric section 80. The liquid remaining on the fabric section 80 can flow to the liquid outlet 32 ​​via the discharge gap 42 and / or via a discharge opening (not shown) formed in the separation device and facing the liquid outlet 32, and can be discharged to the outside via the liquid outlet 32.

[0070] The airflow passing through the fabric section 80 (possibly carrying residual moisture) is split into two streams, one of which is directed to region 56 on one side of the partition wall 40, and the other is directed to region 58 on the other side of the partition wall 40. This splitting of the airflow into two streams is supported by the retaining section 40' and its end section 41.

[0071] Each of the diverters flows from regions 56 and 58 to outlet 30, through which the diverter is guided out of liquid separator 10. In this case, the diverter moves from separator 36 to outlet 30 in an approximately arcuate path, wherein a portion of the diverted liquid (e.g., in droplet form) is deposited on the inner surface of housing 12, and particularly on second housing portion 18.

[0072] In any case, the liquid portion flows proportionally from here onto the wall 38 arranged at the outlet 30. The liquid portion flows along the annular portion 38' and enters the flow channel 50 through the gap 52 connecting the interior 13 and the flow channel 50, that is, into the annular channel 50'. From there, the liquid portion flows into the discharge channel 50' below the tongue-shaped portion 38' due to gravity, reaching the liquid outlet 32, from which the liquid portion is guided out of the liquid separator 10.

Claims

1. A liquid separator (10) for separating liquid from a gas-liquid mixture, the liquid separator (10) comprising a housing (12), an inlet (28), an outlet (30), a flow path (34) connecting the inlet (28) to the outlet (30), and a separation device (36) arranged in the flow path (34) for performing liquid separation, wherein, A wall (38) is connected to the inside of a housing portion (44) adjacent to the outlet (30), wherein the wall (38) surrounds an annular collar protruding from the outlet (30) into the housing (12) and extends toward a liquid outlet (32), wherein the wall (38) together with the wall (48) of the housing (12) defines a flow channel (50), and wherein a gap (52) connecting the interior of the housing (12) to the flow channel (50) is maintained at the outlet (30) between the wall (38) and the annular collar, such that liquid collected at the outlet (30) can be discharged from the interior through the gap (52) and the flow channel (50) and via the liquid outlet (32). Its features are: The wall (38) has an annular portion (38') of the annular collar that protrudes inward around the outlet (30), wherein a tongue portion (38'') is connected to the annular portion (38') and extends from the annular portion (38') to the liquid outlet (32).

2. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust gap (42) is formed between the inlet (28) and the separation device (36), and connects the interior of the inlet (28) to a portion of the interior of the housing (12), the portion of the interior of the housing (12) being arranged outside the separation device (36).

3. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The annular portion (38') tapers from a first axial end (38a) to a second axial end (38b) toward the outlet (30), wherein a gap (52) is maintained at the outlet (30) between the second axial end (38b) of the annular portion (38') and the annular collar, and connects the interior of the housing (12) to the flow channel (50), and wherein the annular portion (38') abuts against the interior of the housing (12) in a sealing manner at least on a portion of the circumference of the annular portion (38') using the first axial end (38a) of the annular portion (38').

4. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two wall portions (54) extend on the inner side of the housing (12), and the two wall portions (54) at least to a large extent surround the tongue (38'') between the two wall portions (54) along the direction of extension of the two wall portions (54).

5. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid separator (10) further includes: A partition wall (40) divides the interior of the housing (12) into two regions (56, 58) between the separation device (36) and the outlet (30), wherein the partition wall (40) abuts against the separation device (36) and the wall (38).

6. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The partition wall (40) and the wall body (38) are connected to each other and are formed integrally.

7. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The partition wall (40) extends along the central longitudinal plane; A retaining part (40') is formed at the end of the partition wall (40) facing the separating device (36), and the separating device (36) can abut against the partition wall (40) at the retaining part (40') by means of the end of the separating device (36) facing away from the inlet (28); as well as The retaining part (40') has a central longitudinal plane, which is oriented orthogonal to the central longitudinal plane of the partition wall (40).

8. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The retaining part (40') has a lateral end (41) which is bent or angled toward the separating device (36).

9. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inlet (28) has an annular collar protruding into the interior of the housing (12); The separating device (36) has an annular connecting portion (74) that engages around the annular collar, wherein the annular collar and the annular connecting portion (74) surround the discharge gap (42) between the annular collar and the annular connecting portion (74); and The inner cross-section of the annular collar widens toward the discharge gap (42).

10. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The separation device (36) is designed as a fabric separator having at least one fabric portion (80) for liquid separation.

11. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The separation device (36) has two fabric portions (80) which are arranged symmetrically in the separation device (36) relative to the main flow direction (88), wherein the two fabric portions together form an angle of 2° to 30°.

12. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner cross-section of the separation device (36) increases toward the discharge gap (42).

13. The liquid separator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing (12) has a first housing portion (16) and a second housing portion (18), the inlet (28) is arranged in the first housing portion (16), and the outlet (30) is arranged in the second housing portion (18), wherein the first housing portion (16) and the second housing portion (18) abut against each other at the dividing plane (20) in the connected state.

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