Processing device for processing a moisture-laden gas stream and method for reducing the liquid content of a gas stream

Abstract

Processing device (100) for processing a moisture-laden gas stream, comprising the processing device (100): a flow channel (110) for guiding a moisture-laden gas stream, a liquid separator (300) configured for mechanically separating a liquid from the moisture-laden gas stream to provide a pre-processed moisture-laden gas stream in a processing area (130) of the flow channel, and a microwave system (200) for vaporizing a liquid from the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream within the processing area (130) by means of microwave radiation, a liquid separator (131) which is arranged within the processing area (130) for at least partial separation of a liquid from the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream.

Description

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a processing device for processing a moisture-laden gas stream and a method for reducing the liquid content of a gas stream.

[0002] In general, when handling a gas in a technical system, it can happen that the gas becomes laden with liquid. This liquid loading (also known as liquid loading) can have various causes. For example, vapors may partially condense due to local supercooling, and / or liquids may evaporate incompletely. Examples include vapor condensation on supercooled walls and / or the evaporation of a liquid due to a pressure drop, which can also be referred to as flash evaporation. The resulting or remaining moisture (also called humidity or the proportion of condensed liquid) can be transported further in the form of droplets with a gas stream (e.g., as a heterogeneous gas-liquid mixture, as a fluid stream).Furthermore, droplet carryover can occur if a highly turbulent gas flow at liquid interfaces detaches droplets from a liquid phase, for example through shear forces.

[0003] In some processes, the liquid volume fraction in a gas can be small, e.g., not greater than 10% by volume (e.g., not greater than 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, or 0.25% by volume). However, liquid content in gases can be an undesirable component of a process (e.g., condensation due to unwanted heat losses, liquid entrainment in compressors) or an inherent component of a process (e.g., flash evaporation and condensation in cooling circuits). In many cases, however, it can be important to separate a liquid-gas mixture after its formation. For example, subsequent process stages may only be designed for the processing (e.g., treatment) of either gases or liquids. The presence of one of the two phases (liquid or gaseous) may be undesirable for other reasons. The following are representative examples: 1. Droplet formation can occur in the low-pressure section of a steam turbine. Even if their volume fraction is very small, these droplets can damage the turbine blades. 2. In a distillation column, a multi-component mixture can be partially evaporated by flash evaporation. It may be desirable for the process to ensure that the mixture enters the column with a predetermined vapor-liquid ratio. However, it may be undesirable for droplets to be carried along in the vapor phase, as the droplet-laden vapor can carry heavier components into the top of the column. 3. Long-chain hydrocarbons can condense in natural gas pipelines. At the end of the pipeline, it may be necessary to separate these condensates.

[0004] When a component of a system, such as a process plant, is subjected to a flow of liquid-laden gas (e.g., in the form of a fluid stream), some of the liquid may be deposited on components (e.g., walls, such as pipe walls) and adhere to them in the form of droplets or thin films. Another portion of the liquid may be transported in the gas phase as droplets. The ratios of wall-borne liquid amount, gas-borne liquid amount, and / or droplet size distribution can depend on geometric, fluid-mechanical, and / or thermodynamic conditions. The wall-borne portion can be mobilized, for example, by the effects of gravity and / or shear forces at high fluid flow velocities (e.g., gas flow velocities). Separating the wall-borne portion of the liquid is usually technically straightforward.For example, the layered flow at the wall can be diverted using suitable drainage channels. However, efficiently separating the gas-carrying liquid components can be more difficult.

[0005] The separation of gas-carrying liquid components can be achieved using mechanical separation methods. In these methods, material structures with the largest possible specific surface area can be arranged in the flow path. These structures are designed to change the flow direction at as many points as possible. Examples include lamella separators, where the flow lines can periodically change direction, and cyclone separators, where the flow lines can be circular. Larger droplets (e.g., heavier droplets) cannot follow the flow due to their inertia and collide with the wall, from where they are drained away (e.g., via drainage channels). For the effective separation of smaller droplets, the specific surface area of ​​the separating structure should be large, as these droplets preferentially interact diffusely.For this purpose, for example, so-called knitted separators with a large surface area may be suitable.

[0006] The mechanical separation of droplets from the gas phase can have physical limitations. For example, progressive wetting of the separating structure can lead to the formation of wall-borne liquid accumulations within the separating structure. These wall-borne liquid accumulations cannot be efficiently removed by drainage systems, particularly in highly porous separators (e.g., knitted mesh separators). Consequently, the accumulating liquid can be remobilized by the gas flow and carried further. This can significantly limit the separation efficiency. One way to counteract this is by connecting several separation devices (e.g., separator elements) in series. However, this can have the disadvantage of increasing the pressure drop due to the multiple separation devices (e.g., separator elements).

[0007] Post-evaporation of liquid can be a conventional method for removing liquids from gases. This can be achieved, for example, in heated channels. Since the droplets in the flowing gas can be fast in some applications, and thus have a short residence time in the heated channels, the heated channels should be long and significantly superheated to ensure sufficient heat transfer to the liquid. Heating a liquid separator by heating the walls surrounding it, for example, may not be sufficiently efficient, as the heat would have to be conducted through the thin solid structures of the liquid separator and / or the pipes. The solid structures of a liquid separator can themselves exhibit high thermal resistance due to their small cross-section. If the liquid separator were made of metal, it could also be heated directly by electricity.For this to work, its structure should exhibit a well-defined electrical resistance to ensure sufficiently homogeneous heating. However, this can be technically challenging to achieve, for example, with a highly porous body.

[0008] Relevant prior art includes US 3 816 689 A, DE 25 35 476 A1, EP 2 609 981 A2, JP H06 - 341 622 A and KR 10 0 775 948 B1.

[0009] The processing device described herein in various embodiments can be relevant, for example, for all applications where a fluid stream (e.g., a moisture-laden gas stream) or a fluid needs to be freed from moisture (e.g., in the form of droplets), or where at least a certain moisture content or quantity of droplets (e.g., the number of droplets and / or droplet volume) needs to be reduced. Fields of application include, for example, processes and plants in the chemical, environmental, energy, and food processing industries, natural gas and oil production, and / or in air conditioning and medical technology. Examples include steam drying during steam turbine operation or droplet separation in process plants.

[0010] Various embodiments relate to a processing device that is designed to be as technically simple as possible and by means of which a moisture-laden gas stream (e.g., without excessive pressure loss) can be effectively dehumidified to produce a moisture-free gas stream with low energy consumption. Plant safety and occupational safety can be ensured because the amount of heated surface area is small compared to conventional systems.

[0011] Various aspects pertain to a processing device that enables the efficient processing (e.g., reducing and / or removing a liquid fraction, removing droplets, reducing the number of droplets, reducing droplet density, reducing droplet size, reducing absolute humidity, reducing residual moisture, separating a liquid-gas mixture, drying a gas) of a fluid stream. Various aspects pertain to a processing device that, for example, comprises a combination of a coarse liquid separator, configured for mechanical liquid pre-separation, and a heated liquid separator (e.g., a fine liquid separator), configured for the post-evaporation of droplets in the fluid stream. The liquid separator can, for example, be heated by microwave heating.This type of heating allows, for example, an effective and highly selective heat transfer into the liquid phase within the liquid separator. This type of heating also allows the evaporation rate to be directly determined for control and regulation purposes.

[0012] For example, the combination of fine separation and post-evaporation can efficiently enable the drainage of wall-borne liquid from liquid separators. For instance, post-evaporation of the droplets separated in the liquid separator can require moderate heating power and thus moderate costs, generating a gas stream with a reduced droplet count. Various aspects relate to a processing device that incorporates a microwave system (e.g., in the form of a microwave heater). The microwave system can also be referred to as a microwave evaporator. The microwave system can, for example, enable highly selective heating of a liquid separator and / or a liquid. Various aspects relate to a processing device that incorporates a liquid separator.The liquid separator can, for example, have a microwave-absorbing material, be made of such material, or have a microwave-absorbing coating. Various aspects concern a processing device, which may, for example, include a liquid separator and a microwave applicator. The microwave system can, for example, be configured to irradiate the microwave applicator. The liquid separator and the microwave applicator can, for example, be configured to achieve a uniform temperature distribution within the processing area of ​​the liquid separator.

[0013] Several aspects concern a processing device in which, for example, microwave radiation in the frequency range between 0.3 GHz and 30 GHz can be used to process a fluid flow. Several aspects concern a processing device comprising a microwave system (which can also be referred to as a microwave generation and transmission unit). The microwave system can, for example, generate or provide microwave radiation by means of a magnetron, klystron, gyrotron, and / or a high-power microwave amplifier.

[0014] Several aspects concern a processing device where microwave radiation can be directed into a processing area. The processing area can be arranged, for example, in a cavity resonator or a traveling wave applicator. For instance, a cavity resonator configuration can be advantageous if microwave absorption (i.e., the absorption of microwave radiation power and / or microwave intensity) in the liquid separator, for example, in a modified traveling wave applicator, is low (e.g., less than 10% or less than 5% of the microwave radiation power is absorbed). For example, microwave absorption can result from a required field strength and material-specific losses of microwave radiation power and / or microwave intensity (e.g., effective dielectric losses) in the liquid separator.For example, the required field strength can be predetermined by the design of the microwave applicator and / or the traveling wave applicator (e.g., a microwave applicator design and / or a traveling wave applicator design). For example, tuning elements can be arranged in the cavity resonator or implemented by a pin tuner in the transmission line, thereby achieving (e.g., optimal) matching of a resonant frequency and an impedance (e.g., an output impedance) of the cavity resonator with the contained liquid separator to the microwave source, thus enabling maximum transfer of microwave energy into the liquid separator. Furthermore, critical losses of microwave radiation power into the fluid flow channel can be reduced or minimized, for example, by the use of microwave filters. The control (e.g.,Adjustment of the microwave radiation power of the microwave source can be based, for example, on measurements within the flow channel, the microwave applicator, and / or the microwave system of temperature, microwave radiation power, and / or humidity.

[0015] The measurement can be done, for example, using special sensors.

[0016] Depending on various aspects, a processing device for processing a fluid stream may include: a flow channel for guiding a fluid stream, a liquid separation device set up for mechanically separating a liquid from the fluid stream to provide a pre-processed fluid stream in a processing area of ​​the flow channel, and a microwave system for vaporizing a liquid within the processing area by means of microwave radiation.

[0017] According to various aspects, a processing device for processing a fluid flow can comprise: a flow channel for guiding a fluid flow, and a microwave system configured such that microwave radiation is radiated into a processing area of ​​the flow channel for processing the fluid flow.

[0018] According to various aspects, a process for processing a gas stream can include: guiding a gas stream in a processing area of ​​a flow channel, wherein the gas stream is loaded with a liquid, providing microwave radiation in the processing area, and heating and at least partially evaporating the liquid by means of the microwave radiation provided in the processing area.

[0019] According to various aspects, a process for processing a gas stream can include: guiding a gas stream in a processing area of ​​a flow channel, wherein the gas stream is loaded with a liquid, providing microwave radiation in the processing area to heat the liquid portion, mechanically separating at least a portion of the liquid within the processing area, and heating and at least partially evaporating the at least part of the liquid that is separated from the gas stream within the processing area.

[0020] Several aspects relate to components that generate (or emit, provide) microwave radiation (e.g., a microwave source, a microwave generator). A microwave can have a frequency or wavelength and an energy. Microwave radiation refers to one or more microwaves. Microwave radiation can have a radiated power (a so-called microwave radiated power). The microwave radiation can correspond to the sum of all energies of the one or more microwaves during a unit of time (e.g., one second). The microwave radiated power corresponds to the power of the electromagnetic field emitted by the microwave source (e.g., an output power). Microwave radiation can be described in terms of irradiance (also called microwave intensity).Microwave intensity can be expressed as a quotient of the microwave radiation power and the area of ​​an irradiated body.

[0021] Several aspects relate to building components that can be transparent (also referred to as permeable) to microwave radiation, such as windows, wall elements, etc. A component described as transparent to microwave radiation can, for example, have a transmittance of more than 50%, e.g., more than 70% or even more than 90%. A component described as transparent to microwave radiation can, for example, be made of a material in which the decrease in microwave intensity and / or microwave radiation power upon penetration is less than 50% per centimeter of penetration depth, e.g., less than 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or even < 5% per centimeter of penetration depth. A component described as transparent to microwave radiation can, for example, have a transmission factor or transmission coefficient of more than 50%, e.g., more than 70% or even more than 90%.

[0022] Several aspects relate to components that can filter microwave radiation (also known as microwave filters). Microwave filters can be configured to be opaque only to specific types of microwave radiation (e.g., with a particular wavelength, frequency, or wavelength range). For example, microwaves below a certain frequency, the so-called cut-off frequency (or above the cut-off wavelength), can be blocked. The cut-off frequency can be defined, for instance, by the cross-sectional area (e.g., a minimum or maximum aperture) of the microwave filter's opening. Microwave filters can be configured to be completely opaque to microwave radiation.

[0023] Various aspects relate to components that absorb microwave radiation (also referred to as microwave-absorbing), e.g., microwave loads, microwave reactive loads, wall elements, etc. A component described as microwave-absorbing can, for example, have an absorption coefficient of more than 30%, e.g., more than 50%, more than 70%, or even more than 90%. A component described as microwave-absorbing for microwave radiation can, for example, be made of a material in which the decrease in microwave intensity and / or microwave radiation power upon penetration is greater than 50% per centimeter of penetration depth, e.g., greater than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or greater than 95% per centimeter of penetration depth. A component described as microwave-absorbing may, for example, have a degree of attenuation (or absorption) of more than 30%, e.g., more than 50%, more than 70%, or even more than 90%.The linear attenuation coefficient can correspond to a load. Microwave-absorbing components can contain or consist of dielectric materials. Microwave-absorbing materials can contain or consist of magnetic materials (e.g., ferromagnetic materials). Microwave-absorbing components can contain and / or consist of electrically conductive materials. Microwave-absorbing components can, for example, be opaque to microwave radiation.

[0024] Several aspects relate to components that are porous (also referred to as porous). A component described as porous has a large number of pores (e.g., holes and / or cavities). A component described as porous may, for example, have a ratio of cavity volume to total volume (e.g., the sum of the solid volume and the cavity volume) of more than 20%, e.g., more than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or even more than 90%. A component described as porous may, for example, have a ratio of bulk density to pure density of less than 90%, e.g., less than 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or even less than 5%. For example, the bulk density can be a ratio of a component's mass to a geometric volume of that mass (i.e., the component's volume including the volumes of all pores) (e.g., under standard conditions).For example, the pure density can be the absolute density of the component. Alternatively, the pure density can correspond to the sum of the individual mass densities of the respective pure materials in the component, according to the mass ratios of these materials. For example, a volume of a porous body can be determined to ascertain its bulk density, and a second volume can be determined to ascertain the pure density of the porous body, after the porous body has been so extensively crushed and / or compressed that it no longer exhibits any pores. For example, the total volume fraction of all solids in a porous component can be less than 90% of the component's total volume, e.g., less than 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or even less than 5%. The total volume of the component can be the sum of the void volumes and the volumes of all solids.

[0025] Several aspects relate to components that are "open." A flowing fluid can pass through an open component, or a fluid flow can pass through an open component. For example, the fluid flow can pass through the open component under standard conditions, laboratory conditions, etc. For instance, the fluid flow can pass through the open component when applied at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 20 bar, e.g., 0.5 bar, 1 bar, 2 bar, 5 bar, 10 bar, 15 bar, or 20 bar. An open component can have one or more openings (e.g., pores) that connect a first side to at least one other side of the open component.

[0026] Various aspects relate to components that are porous and open (also referred to as open-pored, openly porous, effectively porous or flow-effectively porous).

[0027] Several aspects relate to components suitable for processing a moisture-laden gas or fluid stream. Moisture (or absolute humidity, humidity, moisture content) can be the quantity (for example, in grams or moles) of a liquid phase present relative to a volume of the moisture-laden gas. The liquid phase present can consist of one or more substances. The liquid phase present can be in the form of droplets within the moisture-laden gas stream. The droplets can have a number and a volume. The quantity of the liquid phase can be described by the size and / or number of droplets. A ratio of the number of droplets per unit volume can be called droplet density. A mean value (e.g., arithmetic mean, median, harmonic mean, geometric mean, etc.) can be used to express the quantity of the liquid phase.The average drop volume can be defined as the volume distributed across a multitude of droplets. Any moisture remaining in the moisture-laden gas stream after processing (e.g., complete or partial processing) can be referred to as residual moisture.

[0028] Several aspects concern components that have a large specific surface area. For example, in components with a large specific surface area, the actual (macroscopic or three-dimensional) surface area can be at least 50% larger (e.g., 100%, 150%, 200%, 300%, or 500%, etc.) than a cross-sectional area (or a two-dimensional projection) of the surface. For example, a liquid separator and / or an evaporation element described herein may contain or consist of an open-pore solid.

[0029] Some examples of implementation are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows exemplary aspects of a processing device for processing a fluid flow, according to different aspects. Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows exemplary aspects of a processing device for processing a fluid stream with a liquid separation device, according to various aspects.

[0030] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following description is therefore not to be interpreted restrictively, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims.

[0031] A fluid stream (e.g., a liquid-laden gas stream) can be guided within a flow channel. The fluid stream can contain droplets of one or more fluids in the liquid phase. Various devices can be used to process the fluid stream (e.g., separating a two-phase mixture, drying a gas, reducing and / or removing the liquid fraction, droplet count, droplet density, droplet volume, mean droplet volume, absolute humidity of the fluid stream, and / or absolute residual moisture of the fluid stream). For example, a droplet separator can be used for the mechanical separation of droplets. Droplets can have one or more sizes. For example, a first type of droplet can be larger than a certain size. For example, a second type of droplet can be smaller than and / or equal to the certain size. The certain size can be, for example, a specific radius.The specified size can, for example, be a specific weight. Droplets of the first type can be described as large or larger drops. Droplets of the second type can be described as small or smaller drops. A first droplet separator can be suitable for separating droplets of the first type. The first droplet separator can be described, for example, as a coarse droplet separator or liquid coarse separator. A second droplet separator can be suitable for separating droplets of the second type. The second droplet separator can be described, for example, as a fine droplet separator or liquid fine separator. Depending on various aspects, a microwave system, which is set up to provide (e.g., irradiate) microwave radiation into the flow channel (e.g., in the microwave applicator), can be used to process the fluid flow.Microwave radiation can be used, for example, to reduce and / or remove the liquid content of a fluid stream, to remove droplets from the fluid stream, to reduce the number of droplets in the fluid stream, to reduce the droplet density of the fluid stream, to reduce the droplet size of the fluid stream, to reduce the absolute humidity of the fluid stream, to reduce the residual moisture of the fluid stream, to separate a two-phase mixture (e.g., a liquid-gas mixture), and to dry a gas. The liquid phase within the fluid stream can, for example, be partially or completely converted into a gaseous phase (e.g., directly and / or indirectly using microwave radiation).

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream. The fluid stream can contain droplets of one or more fluids. The fluid stream can contain smaller and larger droplets. The gas stream can be loaded with one or more liquids. The fluid stream can flow through the flow channel 110 with a flow direction, represented by an arrow, and a flow velocity.

[0033] The flow channel 110 can be designed to be pressure-tight with respect to the fluid flow (e.g., to withstand a pressure difference of at least 0.5 bar between the pressure inside and outside the flow channel 110). The flow channel 110 can have a processing area 130. The flow channel 110 can have a pipe axis. The pipe axis can run perpendicular to a minimum cross-section through the flow channel 110. For example, the flow channel 110 can be designed as a pipe with a diameter of [diameter value missing in original text]. The pipe axis would then be perpendicular to the diameter of the pipe. The processing area 130 can, for example, be arranged in a microwave applicator. The microwave applicator can, for example, be a device designed to allow microwaves to act on the fluid flow within or through it (e.g., to interact with the fluid flow).For example, a region of the microwave applicator in which microwaves can interact with the fluid flow can be processing region 130. A microwave load, onto which microwave radiation can be directed, can be positioned in processing region 130.

[0034] The processing device 100 can include a microwave system 200. The microwave system 200 can be arranged on the flow channel 110. The microwave system 200 can be configured to emit microwave radiation into the processing area 130 for processing the fluid flow. The microwave radiation can have a frequency greater than or equal to 0.3 GHz and less than or equal to 30 GHz. For example, microwave radiation can be used at one or more frequencies in the frequency range of the ISM bands, e.g.The microwave radiation may have one or more frequencies within the ranges from 433 MHz to 435 MHz inclusive, from 902 MHz to 928 MHz inclusive, from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz inclusive, from 5.7 GHz to 5.9 GHz inclusive, from 24 GHz to 24.25 GHz inclusive, from 61 GHz to 61.5 GHz inclusive, from 122 GHz to 123 GHz inclusive and / or from 244 GHz to 246 GHz inclusive.

[0035] Microwave filters can be used to reduce the loss of microwave radiation into the flow channel. These microwave filters can be configured to allow a fluid flow to pass through, but not microwave radiation. For example, the microwave filters can be completely opaque to microwave radiation. Alternatively, they can be configured to be opaque only to microwaves with one or more predetermined wavelengths (or frequencies). Similarly, microwave filters can be configured to be opaque only to microwaves with wavelengths exceeding (or frequencies below) a predetermined threshold.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2a shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid flow according to various aspects, which includes one or more microwave filters 121. The one or more microwave filters 121 can be arranged in the flow channel 110. The one or more microwave filters 121 can be permeable to the fluid flow. At least one of the one or more microwave filters 121 can be arranged such that the at least one microwave filter limits the processing area 130.

[0037] The one or more microwave filters 121 can be configured to limit the propagation of microwave radiation. For example, the microwave radiation power downstream of one or more microwave filters 121 can be at least 90% lower (e.g., 93%, 95%, 97%, or more than 99%) than upstream of the at least one or more microwave filters 121. Similarly, the microwave intensity downstream of one or more microwave filters 121 can be at least 90% lower (e.g., 93%, 95%, 97%, or more than 99%) than upstream of the at least one or more microwave filters 121. The one or more microwave filters 121 can be arranged in the flow channel 110 to limit the escape of microwave radiation along the axis of the flow channel 110 from the processing area 130.

[0038] For the application of microwave radiation, the flow channel 110 can have one or more passage sections (e.g., one or more microwave transmission windows). The one or more passage sections 122 are permeable to microwave radiation. The one or more passage sections can be pressure-tight (e.g., withstand a pressure difference of at least 0.5 bar between the pressure inside the flow channel 110 and the pressure outside the flow channel 110).

[0039] Fig. Figure 2b shows an example of a processing device 100 for processing a fluid flow according to various aspects, which has one or more passage sections 122. The one or more passage sections 122 can be arranged on the flow channel 110. The one or more passage sections 122 can be arranged on the flow channel such that microwave radiation can pass through at least one of the one or more passage sections 122 into the processing area 130.

[0040] The permeable one or more passage sections 122 can have an inlet and an outlet direction. With respect to the inlet and outlet direction, the permeable one or more passage sections 122 can be transparent to microwave radiation.

[0041] The one or more passage sections 122 can restrict or limit the processing area 130. For example, at least one of the one or more passage sections 122 can be arranged between the processing area 130 and the microwave system 200. For example, at least one of the one or more passage sections 122 can be arranged on a side of the processing area 130 facing away from the microwave system 200. For example, at least one of the one or more passage sections 122 can be configured such that the microwave radiation can be radiated into the processing area 130 through the at least one passage section, for example in an inlet direction.

[0042] The processing device 100 for processing a fluid flow according to various aspects may further include a sensor device. The sensor device may be configured to detect and / or determine at least one moisture content (e.g., a number of drops, a drop volume) of the fluid flow within the flow channel 110 (e.g., upstream of the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or downstream of the processing area 130).

[0043] The sensor device can be configured to detect and / or determine at least one temperature within the flow channel 110 (e.g., before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130) and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g., a temperature of the fluid flow, an ambient temperature, and / or the temperature of one or more components, etc.).

[0044] The sensor device can be configured to detect and / or determine at least one velocity of the fluid flow within the flow channel (e.g. upstream of the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or downstream of the processing area 130).

[0045] The sensor device can be configured to detect and / or determine at least one microwave radiation power and / or microwave intensity inside and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g. inside and / or outside the processing area 130).

[0046] The sensor device can be configured to detect and / or determine at least one microwave radiation power and / or one microwave intensity inside and / or outside the microwave system 200 (e.g. between individual components of the microwave system 200).

[0047] The sensor device can include one or more sensors arranged inside and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g., upstream of the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or downstream of the processing area 130). The sensor device can include one or more sensors integrated into the microwave system 200. For example, at least one of the sensors can be integrated into a power controller of the microwave source 200. For example, at least one of the sensors can be arranged in a radiation channel of the microwave system 200.

[0048] The processing device 100 may include a liquid separator for processing droplets. This separator may be configured, for example, for processing, in particular for separating, liquid in the form of droplets from the fluid stream. For example, due to the liquid separator, the droplets may be exposed to microwave radiation and / or heat within the processing area 130 for a longer period (e.g., compared to an analogous processing device 100 that does not include a liquid separator). The liquid separator may be configured such that microwave radiation can interact with the liquid separator and / or with the droplets separated by the liquid separator (e.g., be absorbed). The liquid separator may have or be a microwave load within the processing area 130.The separated droplets can be heated by microwave radiation, thereby reducing their size and / or removing them (e.g., by diverting and / or evaporating them). The liquid separator can also be designed to mechanically separate the droplets.

[0049] The processing device 100 may further include or be a liquid separator, for example an evaporation element for heating droplets. The evaporation element may be designed such that droplets are thermally processed (e.g., heated, warmed, evaporated).

[0050] The processing device 100 can have one or more liquid separators and / or one or more evaporation elements. The one or more liquid separators and the one or more evaporation elements can be arranged in series (e.g., alternately and / or sequentially). The functions of the liquid separator and the evaporation element can also be implemented in a combined component. For better understanding, the design of the liquid separator ( Fig. 3a) or the evaporation element ( Fig. 3b) described separately.

[0051] Fig. Figure 3a shows an example of a processing device 100 for processing a fluid flow according to various aspects, which includes a liquid separator 131. The liquid separator 131 can, for example, be arranged within the processing area 130.

[0052] The liquid separator 131 can be configured to slow down (e.g., stop) droplets moving with the fluid flow and / or to separate droplets from the fluid flow. The liquid separator 131 can be configured, in particular, to slow down (e.g., stop) droplets moving with the fluid flow and / or to separate droplets from the fluid flow. The liquid separator 131 can be designed to hinder (e.g., prevent) the remobilization of the slowed and / or separated droplets by the fluid flow. The liquid separator 131 can, for example, have a large specific surface area.

[0053] The slowed and / or separated droplets can adhere (at least temporarily) to the liquid separator 131. The stopped or separated droplets can be heated by the microwave radiation. As a result of this heating, the droplets can partially or completely evaporate (i.e., change into a gaseous phase).

[0054] The liquid separator 131 can be designed to be transparent to microwave radiation. Alternatively, the liquid separator 131 can be designed to be made of a non-microwave-absorbing material so that it is heated only minimally or not at all by the microwave radiation. The liquid separator 131 can, for example, be made of or consist of a ceramic (e.g., an inorganic, non-metallic substance that is sparingly soluble in water and is at least 30% crystalline (e.g., at least 50%, 70%, or 90%)) and / or a glass (e.g., a transparent, amorphous solid).

[0055] Fig. Figure 3b shows an example of a processing device 100 for processing a fluid flow according to various aspects, which includes an evaporation element 132. The evaporation element 132 can, for example, be arranged within the processing area 130.

[0056] The evaporating element 132 can be designed such that it is heated by microwave radiation. For example, the evaporating element 132 can have or consist of one or more microwave-absorbing materials. For example, the evaporating element 132 can be coated with or consist of one or more microwave-absorbing materials. For example, the evaporating element 132 can have or consist of a ceramic and / or one or more metals and / or an alloy and / or glass.

[0057] The evaporation element 132 can have a large specific surface area over which the fluid stream can flow. Droplets moving with the fluid stream can, for example, adhere to the surface of the evaporation element 132. Such adhered droplets can be heated by means of the evaporation element 132. For example, the evaporation element 132 can have or consist of an open-pored solid.

[0058] The functionalities of the liquid separator 131 and the evaporation element 132 can also be implemented together in a combined component.

[0059] The microwave system 200 of the processing device 100 can include further components. These components can be used, for example, to adjust the microwave radiation. For example, one or more properties of the microwave radiation (e.g., microwave radiation power, wavelength, etc.) can be adapted to at least one property of the fluid flow (e.g., velocity and / or humidity). For example, at least one property of the microwave radiation (e.g., microwave radiation power, wavelength, etc.) can be adapted to at least one property of the flow channel 110, for example, to a property of the process area 130 (e.g., cross-sectional area of ​​the process area 130, volume of the process area 130, and / or properties of one or more substances within the process area 130).

[0060] Fig. Figure 4a shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream according to various aspects, wherein the microwave system 200 comprises a microwave source 210 and one or more microwave conductors 220.

[0061] The microwave source 210 can have an electromagnetic output. The microwave source 210 can be configured to generate microwave radiation with a specific (e.g., predetermined) frequency, wavelength, energy, microwave radiation power, and / or microwave intensity.

[0062] The one or more microwave conductors 220 can be configured to conduct microwave radiation. For example, the one or more microwave conductors 220 can be made of a material that is transparent to microwave radiation. For example, the one or more microwave conductors 220 can include or consist of one or more waveguides and / or one or more coaxial conductors. At least one of the one or more microwave conductors 220 can be arranged at the processing area 130, for example, such that microwave radiation can be provided in the processing area 130. At least one of the one or more microwave conductors 220 can be arranged between the microwave source 210 and the processing area 130.

[0063] Fig. Figure 4b shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid flow according to various aspects, wherein the microwave system 200 comprises the microwave source 210, one or more microwave conductors 220, a microwave circulator 230, and one or more microwave reactive loads 240. The one or more microwave reactive loads 240 can be microwave loads. The one or more microwave reactive loads 240 can be permanently installed in the processing device 100. The one or more microwave reactive loads 240 are designed such that they can absorb microwave radiation.

[0064] The microwave circulator 230 can, for example, be arranged between the microwave source 210 and the processing area 130. The microwave circulator 230 can, for example, have a plurality of connections. A first connection of the plurality of connections can be connected to the microwave source 210. A second connection of the plurality of connections can be connected to the processing area 130. A third connection of the plurality of connections can be connected to at least one of the one or more microwave reactive loads 240. The microwave circulator 230 can be configured to redirect microwave radiation traveling through the microwave circulator 230 towards the microwave source 210 into the microwave load 240, i.e., to reduce or completely suppress the microwave intensity in the direction of the microwave source by at least 50% (e.g., at least 70% or at least 90%).For example, the microwaves traveling through the microwave circulator 230 towards the microwave source 210 can be redirected to the at least one microwave reactive load. The microwave circulator 230 can be configured not to attenuate microwaves traveling through the microwave circulator 230 from the microwave source 210 to the processing area 130 (i.e., not to reduce the microwave intensity by less than 90% (e.g., less than 95% or 99%)).

[0065] Fig. Figure 4c shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream according to various aspects, wherein the microwave system 200 comprises the microwave source 210, one or more microwave conductors 220, and a microwave matching device 250.

[0066] The microwave adaptation device 250 can be arranged between the microwave source 210 and the processing area 130.

[0067] The microwave matching device 250 can be configured to vary (e.g., control) an impedance (e.g., an output impedance) of the microwave system 200. The microwave matching device 250 can be configured to vary (e.g., control) the microwave radiation power coupled into the processing area 130. The microwave matching device 250 can be configured to vary (e.g., control) the microwave intensity coupled into the processing area 130.

[0068] The microwave matching device 250 can, for example, be configured to match (or adjust) at least one property of the microwave radiation (e.g., an impedance, a microwave radiation power coupled into the processing area 130, and / or a microwave intensity, etc.) to the fluid flow, the liquid separator, and / or at least one substance that may be located within the processing area 130. By matching, the energy efficiency of the processing device 100 can, for example, be optimized. By matching the output power of the microwave source 210, a predetermined temperature can be generated in the processing area 130. By matching the output power of the microwave source 210, the humidity in the flow channel 110 can, for example, be reduced. The humidity can be reduced by a predetermined value.By adjusting the settings, for example, the droplet volume in flow channel 110 can be reduced. By adjusting the settings, for example, the number of droplets in flow channel 110 can be reduced.

[0069] The microwave matching device 250 can, for example, have one or more tuning elements. The microwave matching device 250 can, for example, have one or more short-circuiting sliders. The microwave matching device 250 can, for example, have a pin tuner with one or more pins.

[0070] The processing device 100 may further comprise a control device (e.g., for controlling the microwave system 200 and / or the fluid flow). The control device may, for example, be configured to control at least a portion of the fluid within the flow channel 110 (e.g., within the processing area 130 and / or downstream of the processing area 130). The control device may, for example, be configured to control the microwave system 200 such that the microwave system 200 emits microwave radiation with at least one specific property (e.g., with one or more specific wavelengths, with a specific microwave radiation power, and / or with a specific microwave intensity). The control device may, for example, be configured to control the output power of the microwave system 200.The control device can, for example, be configured to control at least one temperature inside and / or outside the microwave system 200. The control device can, for example, be configured to control at least one temperature inside and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g., inside and / or outside the processing area 130).

[0071] The sensor device can, for example, be configured to transmit (e.g., send) at least one of the determined properties to the control device. The control device can be configured to receive the at least one determined property from the sensor device. The control device can be configured to trigger control of the microwave radiation in response to receiving this information.

[0072] Moisture reduction can be made more effective by combining moisture-reducing devices arranged in series. For example, larger droplets can be separated before they reach processing area 130. For example, larger droplets can be separated mechanically.

[0073] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream according to various aspects, wherein the processing device 100 further comprises a liquid separation device 300.

[0074] The liquid separator 300 can be configured for processing or preprocessing a fluid (e.g., a fluid stream or a gas stream). For example, the liquid separator 300 can be configured to provide a preprocessed fluid stream (e.g., a preprocessed flowing fluid, a preprocessed gas stream) that flows as a fluid stream into the processing area 130.

[0075] The liquid separator 300 can, for example, be configured to separate liquid in the form of droplets. For example, the liquid separator 300 can be configured to separate droplets larger than a certain value (large droplets). The liquid separator 300 can include a coarse liquid separator for separating droplets (e.g., large droplets). The liquid separator 300 and / or the coarse liquid separator can, for example, be configured to mechanically separate large droplets from the fluid stream. The coarse liquid separator can, for example, be a lamella separator. The coarse liquid separator can, for example, be a cyclone separator.

[0076] The liquid separator 300 can have one or more drainage channels for removing liquid (e.g., mechanically separated liquid) from the flow channel 110. The liquid separator 300 can have one or more liquid outlets for releasing liquid (e.g., separated liquid) from the processing device 100. The coarse liquid separator can be connected to the processing area 130 via a gas outlet.

[0077] Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream with a liquid separation device.

[0078] The processing device 100 can include a flow channel 110, a microwave system 200 and a liquid separation device 300.

[0079] The processing device 100 is designed such that the fluid flow from the flow channel 110 can first flow into the liquid separation device 300.

[0080] The liquid separator 300 may include or be a liquid coarse separator 310. The liquid separator 300 or the liquid coarse separator 310 may be configured to separate droplets (e.g., with a droplet size of) from the fluid flow (e.g., by mechanical separation). The liquid separator 300 may be configured to discharge the separated liquid (e.g., the mechanically separated liquid) from the flow channel 110 via one or more drainage channels 330. Liquid outlets 320 may be configured to discharge the separated liquid from the processing device 100.

[0081] The fluid flow, now free of larger droplets, can be referred to, for example, as a pre-processed fluid flow. The pre-processed fluid flow can flow from the liquid separator 300 into the flow channel 110, particularly into the processing area 130. The processing area 130 is limited, for example, downwards with respect to the pipe axis by one or more microwave filters 121. The processing area 130 is also limited, for example, upwards with respect to the pipe axis by one or more microwave filters 121. The processing area 130 is bounded along the walls of the flow channel 110 by one or more passage sections 122. The processing area 130 can include a liquid separator 131. For example, instead of the liquid separator 131, the processing device 100 can also include an evaporation element 132 or a combined component consisting of the liquid separator 131 and the evaporation element 132.

[0082] The microwave system 200 can comprise a microwave source 210, one or more microwave conductors 220, a microwave circulator 230, one or more microwave reactive loads 240, and a microwave matching device 250. Furthermore, the microwave system 200 comprises a microwave coupling gate 260. The microwave coupling gate 260 can be closed, for example, so that microwave radiation cannot be coupled into (or interact within) the processing area 130. The microwave coupling gate 260 can also be opened, for example, so that microwave radiation can be coupled into (or interact within) the processing area 130.

[0083] In processing area 130, the liquid separator 131 can be heated using microwave radiation. The liquid separated by the liquid separator 131 can also be heated in processing area 130 using microwave radiation.

[0084] By means of the microwave adaptation device 250, the microwave radiation can be adapted, for example, by a wavelength, so that a resonance chamber 135 can be created in the processing area 130.

[0085] The processing device 100 may further comprise a sensor device. The sensor device may comprise one or more sensors 140. At least one of the one or more sensors 140 may, for example, be arranged in at least one of the one or more liquid outlets 320 for detecting and / or determining the quantity of liquid discharged. At least one sensor of the one or more sensors 140 may, for example, be arranged in the processing area 130, for example, for detecting and / or determining at least a temperature, at least a microwave radiation power, at least a microwave intensity, at least a fluid flow velocity, at least a number of drops, and / or at least a droplet size, etc.

[0086] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows various exemplary designs of a microwave applicator in the processing area 130, particularly with regard to its microwave design.

[0087] Fig. Figure 7 shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream with a liquid separation device according to Fig. 6, wherein a microwave applicator in the processing area 130 further comprises a short-circuiting slider 251.

[0088] The bypass valve 251 can be located on the opposite side of the flow channel 110 from the microwave source 210. The microwave radiation can be reflected by the bypass valve 251. As a result of this reflection, standing waves can form in the process area. By moving the bypass valve 251 (indicated by a double arrow), the standing waves can be shifted to any desired position within the microwave applicator.

[0089] Fig. Figure 8 shows an exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream with a liquid separation device according to Fig. 6, wherein a microwave applicator in the processing area 130 further comprises a microwave reactive load 240.

[0090] The second microwave reactive load is located on the opposite side of the flow channel 110 from the microwave source 210. The microwave radiation can be absorbed in this second microwave reactive load. This can, for example, reduce or prevent the formation of standing waves. For instance, the reactive load can completely or partially prevent fluctuations in the temperature distribution of the materials located within the processing area 130 that can interact with microwave radiation.

[0091] Fig.Figure 9 shows another exemplary processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream. The processing device 100 has a flow channel 110, a liquid separator 300, and an evaporator 400. The evaporator 400 is configured to heat a liquid portion of the fluid flowing in the flow channel 110. For example, the evaporator 400 can be configured to heat a liquid portion of the fluid stream within a processing area 130. For example, the evaporator can have or be a microwave system 200.

[0092] The evaporator 400 can have a wire for heating the processing area 130. For example, the heating wire can be designed as a heating coil. The evaporator 400 can, for example, contain an open-pore solid. The open-pore solid can, for example, be heated by the evaporator 400. The evaporator 400 can, for example, contain a ceramic and / or one or more metals and / or an alloy. For example, the open-pore solid can contain or consist of a ceramic and / or one or more metals and / or an alloy.

[0093] Depending on various aspects, the device (e.g., a system) described herein, which uses mechanical liquid pre-separation via the coarse liquid separator, can produce a small quantity (e.g., mass fraction) of droplets separated in the droplet separator (e.g., less than 100 ml, 75 ml, 50 ml, 25 ml, or even 10 ml per minute). Due to its small quantity, the separated liquid can be effectively converted into the gas phase with minimal energy expenditure by heating (e.g., using microwave radiation). This allows for the generation of a virtually liquid-free (or droplet-free) gas stream. The microwave system 200 (e.g., in the form of a microwave heater) enables effective, highly selective, and homogeneous (or uniform) heating of the liquid separator (including its interior) and / or the liquid, thus facilitating the effective conversion of the liquid into a gas phase.Microwave heating can also enable sensor-based power control (e.g., regulation of electrical power) of the microwave source (or microwave generator) according to specific requirements. Due to the uniform temperature distribution and power control, it can be ensured, for example, that individual system components do not overheat, which contributes to both system safety and occupational safety.

[0094] In this description, various components are described singularly. However, the components can also be used multiple times, for example, sequentially, alternately, or in a specific, predetermined order in the processing device 100. For example, a first component A, a second component B, and a third component C can be arranged arbitrarily (e.g., ABC, ACB, BAC, BCA, CAB, or CBA). In this description, enumerations (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used for linguistic identification only and do not imply any order, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, a processing device 100 can have one or more microwave systems according to the descriptions above for microwave system 200. The one or more microwave systems can be identical.At least two of the one or more microwave systems can be designed differently from each other.

[0095] This description describes an application of the processing device 100 for processing a liquid-laden fluid stream. The fluid stream can be, for example, a heterogeneous mixture of one or more flowing gases and a liquid, as previously described. For example, the liquid can consist of one or more different liquids. The fluid stream can contain one or more different gases and one or more different liquids. Each of the one or more liquids can have a boiling point. To completely remove the one or more different liquids, the evaporator 400 or the microwave system 200 can be adjusted (e.g., set) to the highest boiling point of the one or more liquids.For example, the fluid stream can optionally consist of two or more liquids, at least one of which has a lower boiling point than a second liquid. At least the first liquid can be vaporized, thus generating a gas stream from at least the first liquid. Subsequently, the resulting gas stream can still contain at least the second liquid in the form of droplets, which can be reduced or removed by means of the described device.

[0096] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention according to various aspects.

[0097] Example 1 is a processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream (e.g., separating a two-phase mixture, drying a gas, reducing and / or removing the liquid fraction, number of drops, drop density, drop volume, mean drop volume, absolute humidity of the fluid stream, and / or absolute residual moisture of the fluid stream) comprising: a flow channel 110, a liquid coarse separator 310 having one or more drainage channels, one or more liquid outlets and a gas outlet, a liquid separator 131 arranged downstream of one or more pressure-tight microwave passage windows 122 in the flow channel 110, wherein the liquid separator 131 consists of an open-pored solid with a large specific surface area,and wherein either the material of the liquid separator 131 itself is microwave-absorbing or the liquid separator 131 is coated with a microwave-absorbing material, one or more microwave reactive loads 240, a microwave system 200 comprising a microwave source 210, one or more microwave conductors 220 forming a microwave transmission path, a microwave circulator 230, at least one first microwave reactive load of the one or more microwave reactive loads 240, a pin tuner for matching the microwave source 210 to the liquid separator 131, a microwave applicator extending through the flow channel 110, the one or more pressure-tight microwave penetration windows arranged in the wall of the flow channel 110 inside the microwave applicator, and one or more microwave filters,which are arranged within the flow channel 110 in the microwave applicator to reduce losses of microwave radiation into the flow channel 110.

[0098] In Example 2, the processing device 100 according to Example 1 can alternatively be designed such that the microwave applicator is designed as a cavity resonator by being connected to the microwave system 200 by means of a microwave coupling gate 260, wherein a volume located between the one or more microwave filters 121 forms a resonance chamber for microwave radiation and the microwave radiation forms a standing wave field within the resonance chamber and within the liquid separator 131.

[0099] In Example 3, the processing device 100 according to Example 1 can alternatively be configured such that the microwave applicator is configured as a traveling wave applicator and the microwave applicator has one or more microwave conductors 220, at least one of the one or more pressure-tight microwave transmission windows, a bypass valve, and / or at least one second microwave reactive load of the one or more microwave reactive loads 240. For example, microwave radiation from the microwave system 200 can be directed through the at least one pressure-tight microwave transmission window into the liquid separator 131, pass through the liquid separator 131, and be reflected at the bypass valve or absorbed in the at least one second microwave reactive load 240.

[0100] Example 4 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the liquid coarse separator 310 comprises or is a lamella separator or cyclone separator. The liquid coarse separator 310 can have flow-guiding elements configured such that the fluid flow can be guided alternately or uniformly in a curved path by means of the flow-guiding elements. Larger liquid droplets can collide with the flow-guiding elements due to their inertia and form a thin layer (e.g., of liquid) on the flow-guiding elements. The thin layer can, for example, be guided to a wall of the flow channel 110 via the drainage channels 330. The thin layer can, for example, be discharged from at least one of the one or more liquid outlets from the flow channel 110.

[0101] Example 5 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the fluid stream leaving the liquid coarse separator 310, which is still loaded with small liquid droplets, enters the liquid separator 131, in which the residual liquid is retained.

[0102] Example 6 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the microwave radiation propagating in the microwave applicator penetrates the liquid separator 131 via the pressure-resistant microwave windows, and wherein the microwave radiation is absorbed in a solid structure of the liquid separator 131 and in the liquid retained in the liquid separator 131, thereby evaporating the liquid.

[0103] Example 7 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the gas flow exiting the liquid separator 131 is discharged into the flow channel 110 via a steam outlet.

[0104] Example 8 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein one or more sensors 140 of a sensor device are arranged within the liquid separator 131 and / or downstream of the liquid separator 131 within the flow channel 110, which are configured to determine the evaporation rate and / or the temperature in the liquid separator 131. In response to the determination of the evaporation rate and / or the temperature, the microwave radiation power of the microwave source 210 can, for example, be varied (e.g., regulated, controlled).

[0105] Example 9 is a processing device 100 for processing (e.g. reducing and / or removing a liquid component, removing droplets, reducing a number of droplets, reducing a droplet density, reducing a droplet size, reducing an absolute humidity, reducing a residual moisture, separating a liquid-gas mixture, drying a gas) a fluid stream, the device comprising: a flow channel 110 (e.g. a pipe, a hose, a hollow body, etc.) for guiding a fluid stream (e.g. a fluid, a flowing gas, a liquid-laden gas, a heterogeneous gas-liquid mixture), and a microwave system 200, which is configured such that microwave radiation is radiated into a processing area 130 of the flow channel 110 for processing the fluid stream.

[0106] Example 10 is a processing device 100 according to Example 9, optionally further comprising one or more microwave filters 121 for filtering the microwave radiation, which are arranged at least sectionally in the flow channel 110 to limit the processing area.

[0107] Example 11 is a processing device 100 according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the flow channel 110 has one or more passage sections 122 for introducing microwave radiation into the flow channel 110, wherein the one or more passage sections 122 of the flow channel 110 are permeable to microwave radiation in at least one direction.

[0108] Example 12 is a processing device 100 according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the flow channel 110 has one or more passage sections 122 for admitting microwave radiation into the flow channel 110 and for releasing microwave radiation from the flow channel 110. It is understood that the one or more passage sections 122 of the flow channel 110 are transparent to microwave radiation.

[0109] Example 13 is a processing device 100 according to Example 11 or 12, wherein the microwave system 200 and the flow channel 110 are arranged such that the microwave radiation is radiated into the processing area 130 through the one or more passage sections 122.

[0110] Example 14 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the one or more passage sections 122 limit the processing area 130.

[0111] Example 15 is a processing device 100 according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the microwave system 200 and the flow channel 110 are arranged such that the microwave radiation is radiated into the processing area 130 through at least one microwave-permeable wall section of the flow channel 110.

[0112] Example 16 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 15, optionally further comprising a sensor device configured to detect and / or determine one or more of the following properties: at least one moisture content of the fluid flow within the flow channel 110 (e.g., before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130), at least one temperature (e.g., a temperature of the fluid flow, an ambient temperature, and / or a temperature of one or more components, etc.) within and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g., before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130), at least one temperature (e.g., of one or more components of the microwave system 200, and / or an ambient temperature, etc.).) within and / or outside the microwave system 200, at least one velocity of the fluid flow within the flow channel 110 (e.g. before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130), at least one microwave radiation power within and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g. within and / or outside the processing area 130), at least one microwave radiation power within and / or outside the microwave system 200 (e.g. between individual components of the microwave system 200), at least one microwave intensity within and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g. within and / or outside the processing area 130), at least one microwave intensity within and / or outside the microwave system 200 (e.g. between individual components of the microwave system 200).

[0113] Example 17 is a processing device 100 according to Example 16, wherein one or more sensors 140 of the sensor device are arranged inside and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g. upstream of the processing area 130, inside the processing area 130, and / or downstream of the processing area 130).

[0114] Example 18 is a processing device 100 according to Example 16 or 17, wherein one or more sensors 140 of the sensor device are integrated into the microwave system 200 (e.g. in a power control, or in a radiation channel of the microwave system 200, etc.).

[0115] Example 19 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 18, optionally further comprising a liquid separator 131 for processing droplets. For example, the liquid separator 131 can be arranged partially or completely within the processing area 130.

[0116] Example 20 is a processing device 100 according to Example 19, wherein the liquid separator 131 is configured for the mechanical separation of liquid.

[0117] Example 21 is a processing device 100 according to Example 19 or 20, wherein the liquid separator 131 is configured to generate a liquid accumulation (e.g., a droplet accumulation). For example, the liquid separator 131 can be configured so that the liquid accumulation can be heated by means of microwave radiation. For example, the liquid accumulation can be partially or completely vaporized by means of microwave radiation.

[0118] Example 22 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 19 to 21, wherein the liquid separator 131 comprises or consists of a ceramic (e.g. an inorganic, non-metallic substance that is sparingly soluble in water and may be crystalline to at least 30% (e.g. at least 50%, 70% or 90%)) and / or a glass.

[0119] Example 23 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 19 to 22, wherein the liquid separator 131 is configured to absorb at least part of the microwave radiation for heating the liquid separator 131. For example, the liquid separator 131 is optionally further configured to evaporate at least part of the mechanically separated liquid.

[0120] Example 24 is a processing device 100 according to any one of Examples 19 to 23, wherein the liquid separator 131 has or is formed from an open-pore solid (i.e. a solid that is both porous and open).

[0121] Example 25 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 24, optionally further comprising an evaporation element 132 for heating droplets. For example, the evaporation element 132 can be arranged partially or completely within the processing area 130. The evaporation element 132 can, for example, be configured to thermally separate droplets from the liquid-carrying fluid stream. For example, the evaporation element 132 can be configured to partially or completely evaporate liquid from the fluid stream.

[0122] Example 26 is a processing device 100 according to Example 25, wherein the evaporation element 132 comprises or consists of a ceramic and / or one or more metals and / or an alloy.

[0123] Example 27 is a processing device 100 according to Example 25 or 26, wherein the evaporating element 132 is configured to be heated by microwave radiation for heating, partial evaporation and / or complete evaporation of droplets within the fluid stream.

[0124] Example 28 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 25 to 27, wherein the evaporation element 132 has or consists of one or more microwave-absorbing materials and / or wherein the evaporation element 132 is in particular coated with a microwave-absorbing material.

[0125] Example 29 is a processing device 100 according to any one of Examples 25 to 28, wherein the evaporation element 132 comprises or is formed from an open-pore solid (i.e., a solid that is both porous and open).

[0126] Example 30 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 29, wherein the microwave system 200 is configured to directly heat, partially evaporate and / or completely evaporate droplets within the fluid stream by means of microwave radiation in the processing area 130.

[0127] Example 31 is a processing device 100 according to any one of Examples 9 to 30, wherein the microwave system 200 comprises a microwave source 210 for generating microwaves and one or more microwave conductors 220 for guiding microwave radiation.

[0128] Example 32 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 31, wherein the microwave system 200 optionally further comprises a microwave circulator 230 and one or more microwave dead loads 240.

[0129] Example 33 is a processing device 100 according to Example 31 or 32, wherein the microwave system 200 optionally further comprises a microwave matching device 250 for matching an impedance of a microwave line to an impedance of the microwave applicator in the processing area 130.

[0130] Example 34 is a processing device 100 according to Example 33, wherein the microwave matching device 250 has one or more tuning elements.

[0131] Example 35 is a processing device 100 according to any one of Examples 33 to 35, wherein the microwave matching device 250 has or is a pin tuner with one or more pins.

[0132] Example 36 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 35, wherein the microwave system 200 has a microwave coupling gate 260 for coupling in and / or coupling out microwave radiation into the flow channel 110 (e.g. into the processing area 130).

[0133] Example 37 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 36, optionally further comprising: a control device configured to control (e.g., adjust, change) one or more of the following properties: at least one moisture content of the fluid flow within the flow channel 110 (e.g., before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130), at least one temperature (e.g., a temperature of the fluid flow, or the temperature of one or more components, etc.) within the flow channel 110 (e.g., before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130), at least one temperature inside and / or outside the microwave system 200 (e.g., of one or more components inside and / or outside the microwave system 200, etc.).), at least a fluid flow velocity within the flow channel (e.g., before the processing area 130, within the processing area 130, and / or after the processing area 130), at least a microwave radiation power and / or a microwave intensity within and / or outside the flow channel 110 (e.g., within and / or outside the processing area 130), of at least a microwave radiation power and / or a microwave intensity within and / or outside the microwave system 200 (e.g., between individual components of the microwave system 200).

[0134] Example 38 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 9 to 37, optionally further comprising a liquid separator 300 configured for separating (e.g., mechanically separating) a liquid from the fluid stream before the fluid stream is introduced into the processing area 130. For example, separating the liquid before the processing area 130 can be referred to as preprocessing. For example, the fluid introduced by the liquid separator 300 into the processing area 130 can be referred to as the fluid stream or preprocessed fluid stream.

[0135] Example 39 is a processing device 100 for processing a fluid stream, the device comprising a flow channel 110 for guiding the fluid, a liquid separation device 300 configured for separating (e.g., for mechanical separation) a liquid from the fluid stream and for providing a pre-processed fluid stream, and an evaporator 400 for heating, in particular for evaporating, the liquid of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (110) (e.g., in the form of a fluid stream).

[0136] Example 40 is a processing device 100 according to Example 39, wherein the evaporator 400 has or is a microwave system 200, wherein the microwave system 200 is configured to provide (e.g., irradiate) microwave radiation in a processing area 130 of the flow channel 110 for heating the preprocessed fluid flow.

[0137] Example 41 is a processing device 100 according to Example 39 or 40, wherein the evaporator 400 has a wire for heating (e.g., the flow channel 110 and / or components inside and / or outside the flow channel 110). For example, the wire can be configured as a heating coil.

[0138] Example 42 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 39 to 41, optionally further comprising an evaporation element 132 which is arranged in the processing area. For example, the evaporation element 132 can be configured in particular according to one of Examples 25 to 30.

[0139] Example 43 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 38 to 42, wherein the liquid separator 300 has one or more drainage channels 330 for draining separated liquid (e.g. mechanically separated liquid) and one or more liquid outlets 320 for releasing the separated liquid.

[0140] Example 44 is a processing device 100 according to one of Examples 38 to 43, wherein the liquid separation device 300 comprises or is a lamella separator and / or a cyclone separator.

[0141] Example 45 is a process for processing (e.g. reducing and / or removing a liquid component, removing droplets, reducing the number of droplets, reducing droplet density, reducing droplet size, reducing absolute humidity, reducing residual moisture, separating a liquid-gas mixture, drying a gas) a liquid component (e.g. in the form of droplets) of a gas stream, comprising: guiding a gas stream through a processing area within a flow channel, providing (e.g. introducing, applying, coupling) microwave radiation (e.g. by means of a microwave system) in the processing area for processing the liquid component.

[0142] Example 46 is a process according to Example 45, optionally further comprising evaporation of the liquid component. The liquid component can, for example, be partially or completely evaporated. For example, the droplet size and / or the number of liquid drops can be reduced by partial or complete evaporation (e.g., reduced to zero or eliminated by complete evaporation).

[0143] Example 47 is a process according to Example 45 or 46, optionally further comprising the separation of a liquid from the gas stream. The separation of the liquid may, for example, comprise or be a mechanical separation of the liquid.

[0144] Example 48 is a process according to Example 47, optionally further comprising collecting the separated liquid in the processing area.

[0145] Example 49 is a process according to Example 48, optionally further comprising heating and / or evaporating the collected liquid.

[0146] Example 50 is a method according to one of Examples 45 to 49, optionally further comprising detecting and / or determining one or more of the following properties within and / or outside the flow channel (e.g. upstream of the processing area, within the processing area, and / or downstream of the processing area, etc.): at least a moisture content of the gas stream, at least a temperature (e.g. of the gas stream, the flow channel, an ambient temperature, etc.), at least a velocity of the gas stream, at least a wavelength of the microwaves, at least a microwave radiation power, and / or at least a microwave intensity.

[0147] Example 51 is a method according to one of Examples 45 to 50, optionally further comprising detecting and / or determining a microwave radiation power and / or a power (e.g. an output power) of the microwave system.

[0148] Example 52 is a method according to one of Examples 45 to 51, optionally further comprising changing (e.g., adjusting, varying, or controlling) one or more properties inside and / or outside the flow channel of the following properties: at least one moisture fraction of the gas stream, at least one temperature (e.g., of the gas stream, of the flow channel, of an ambient temperature, etc.), at least one velocity of the gas stream, at least one microwave radiation power, and at least one microwave intensity.

[0149] Example 53 is a process for processing a moisture-laden gas stream, comprising separating a gas-carrying liquid in the form of a liquid phase (e.g., in the form of a multitude of droplets) from a gas phase. For example, a process according to Example 53 may optionally further comprise generating a dehumidified gas stream.

[0150] Example 54 is a method according to Example 53, optionally further comprising separating a liquid by means of a liquid coarse separator. For example, the separation of the liquid may include or be mechanical separation.

[0151] Example 55 is a process according to Example 54, optionally further comprising evaporation of the remaining gas-carrying liquid after separation. For example, evaporation can be carried out using a microwave-heated tropical condenser.

[0152] Example 56 is a process for processing a moisture-laden gas stream in which a gas-carrying liquid in the form of a liquid phase is separated from a gas phase and thus a dehumidified gas stream is produced, comprising the process of: mechanically separating a liquid by means of a liquid coarse separator, and evaporating the remaining gas-carrying liquid by means of a microwave-heated tropical fine separator (e.g. following the mechanical separation).

Claims

[1] Processing device (100) for processing a moisture-laden gas stream, comprising the processing device (100): a flow channel (110) for guiding a moisture-laden gas stream, a liquid separator (300) configured for mechanically separating a liquid from the moisture-laden gas stream to provide a pre-processed moisture-laden gas stream in a processing area (130) of the flow channel, and a microwave system (200) for vaporizing a liquid from the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream within the processing area (130) by means of microwave radiation, a liquid separator (131) which is arranged within the processing area (130) for at least partial separation of a liquid from the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream. [2] Processing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the liquid separator (131) is configured to generate a liquid accumulation in the processing area (130), and wherein the microwave system (200) is configured to at least partially vaporize the liquid accumulation by means of microwave radiation. [3] Processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid separator (131) comprises or consists of a ceramic and / or a glass. [4] Processing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid separator (131) has a microwave-absorbing material, consists thereof or has a microwave-absorbing coating for absorbing at least part of the microwave radiation for heating the liquid separator (131) and thereby evaporating at least part of the separated liquid. [5] Processing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an evaporation element (132) which is arranged within the processing area (130) for at least partially evaporating a liquid contained in the pre-processed moisture-laden gas stream within the processing area (130) of the flow channel (110). [6] Processing device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the evaporation element (132) is configured to be heated by microwave radiation for at least partial evaporation of liquid in the form of droplets within the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream. [7] Processing device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the evaporation element (132) comprises or consists of one or more microwave-absorbing materials, and / or wherein the evaporation element (132) is coated with a microwave-absorbing material. [8] Processing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid separator (131) and / or the evaporation element (132) comprises or is formed from an open-pore solid. [9] Processing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the microwave system (200) is configured to at least partially vaporize liquid in the form of droplets within the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream directly by means of microwave radiation in the processing area (130). [10] Processing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flow channel (110) has one or more passage sections (122) for admitting microwave radiation into the flow channel (110) and for releasing microwave radiation from the flow channel (110). [11] Using a processing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for at least partially removing a liquid from a moisture-laden gas stream. [12] Method for processing a gas stream comprising the method: Guiding a gas stream loaded with a liquid into a liquid separator (300), Pre-separation of a portion of the liquid from the liquid-laden gas stream in the liquid separator device (300) to provide a pre-processed moisture-laden gas stream, Guiding the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream into a processing area (130) of a flow channel (110), Providing microwave radiation in the processing area (130), and Heating and at least partially evaporating the liquid from the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream within the processing area by means of the microwave radiation provided in the processing area (130). [13] Method for processing a gas stream comprising the method: Guiding a gas stream into a liquid separator (300), Pre-separation of a portion of the liquid from the liquid-laden gas stream in the liquid separator device (300) to provide a pre-processed moisture-laden gas stream, Guiding the preprocessed moisture-laden gas stream into a processing area (130) of a flow channel (110), Providing microwave radiation in the processing area (130) to heat a liquid fraction of the liquid remaining in the preprocessed gas stream, mechanical separation of at least a portion of the liquid from the preprocessed gas stream within the processing area (130), and Heating and at least partial evaporation of at least part of the liquid separated from the preprocessed gas stream within the processing area (130).

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