Coalescer support, filtration system, and method of use

Abstract

Disclosed are a support for a coalescer filter element, comprising a first and second end and a fluid flow bar having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, a filtration system including a coalescer filter element disposed on the support, and a method for removing undesirable contaminants and / or fluids from a gas using the filtration system.

Description

Background Art

[0001]

[0001] Some systems for enabling industrial efforts towards decarbonization use an anode, a cathode, and a liquid electrolyte solution containing water and, for example, a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution or a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which can then be released (as in the case of oxygen), stored, or liquefied, and in the case of hydrogen, used to power the device. These gases often contain undesirable contaminants and / or fluids, such as residual KOH or NaOH, that must be removed from the gas before further processing or use.

[0002]

[0002] There is a need for improved devices and systems for removing undesirable contaminants or fluids and / or recovering desirable components from gases before the gases are further processed and / or used. The present invention provides for improving at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description set forth below.

Summary of the Invention

[0003]

[0003] One aspect of the present invention provides a support for a coalescer filter element comprising: (a) a first end including a first end piece, the first end piece having a first end annular channel having an outer surface and an inner surface and connected to the inner surface, having first and second channel sidewalls, and having at least three fluid channel openings penetrating the outer surface and the inner surface; and (b) a second end including a second end piece, the second end piece having a second end annular channel having an outer surface and an inner surface and connected to the inner surface, having first and second channel sidewalls, the second end piece comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a second end having at least two openings, the at least two openings penetrating the sidewall, and the outlet end extending outward from the outer surface. The first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow bar having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end. The fluid flow bar and at least three fluid channels have a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. Each of the at least three fluid channels has first and second solid sidewalls, each of which has an inner and outer side. The inner side of the first solid wall is connected to the inner side of the second solid wall, and the outer side of the first solid wall is spaced apart from the outer side of the second solid wall. Each of the at least three fluid channels communicates separately with its respective fluid channel opening at the first end, and the hollow fitting and at least two openings communicate fluidly with at least three fluid channels at the second end.

[0004]

[0004] In another embodiment, a filtration system is provided comprising a form of support for a coalescer filter element and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element positioned on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, with one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element being received in a first end annular channel and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element being received in a second end annular channel.

[0005]

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a coalescer assembly is provided, comprising a housing having an outlet and an inlet defining a fluid flow path from inlet to outlet, and including an embodiment of a filtration system that crosses the fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the coalescer assembly includes two or more filtration systems within the housing that crosses the fluid flow path.

[0006]

[0006] In another embodiment, a method is provided for removing undesirable contaminants and / or fluids from a gas, the method comprising passing the gas through one embodiment of a filtration system and separating the gas from the undesirable contaminants and / or fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises separating hydrogen from KOH droplets. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1A] This figure shows an exploded view of a support for a coalescer filter element according to one aspect of the present invention, comprising first and second ends having end pieces, a fluid flow bar having a fluid channel, and a hollow mounting fixture. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows the assembled support structure. [Figure 2] Figure 1A is an exploded view of a filtration system comprising a support for a coalescer filter element and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element configured to be positioned on the support. The figure also shows a filtration system further comprising a hollow mounting fixture for the support for the coalescer filter element and a fluid receiving container in fluid communication. [Figure 3] This figure shows a perspective view of the fluid flow bar of the support shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 4A] This figure shows a top view of the first end piece of the support shown in Figure 1A, and also shows the outer surface of the first end piece. [Figure 4B] This figure shows a bottom view of the first end piece of the support shown in Figure 1A, and also shows the inner surface of the first end piece. [Figure 5A] This figure shows a perspective view of the hollow mounting bracket for the support shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 5B] This figure shows a cross-sectional view of the hollow mounting fixture for the support shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 6A] This figure shows a bottom view of the second end piece of the support shown in Figure 1A, and also shows the inner surface of the second end piece. [Figure 6B] This figure shows a top view of the second end piece of the support shown in Figure 1A, and also shows the outer surface of the second end piece. [Figure 7A] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the assembled filtration system, which further comprises a hollow mounting fixture for a support for the coalescer filter element and a fluid receiving container that communicates with the fluid. [Figure 7B] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled filtration system, which further comprises a hollow mounting fixture for a support for the coalescer filter element and a fluid receiving container that communicates with the fluid. [Figure 7C] This figure shows a perspective view of a part of the filtration system shown in Figure 7A, excluding the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element. [Figure 8] Figures 7A and 7B show the flow of gas and liquid through the filtration system. [Figure 9A] Figure 7 shows a coalescer assembly comprising one or more filtration systems according to one aspect of the present invention, and the coalescer assembly is configured to accept a single filtration system. [Figure 9B] Figure 7 shows a coalescer assembly including one or more filtration systems according to one aspect of the present invention, and the coalescer assembly is configured to accept multiple filtration systems. [Figure 10A] This figure shows two (first and second) filter plates for use in a coalescer assembly configured to accept multiple filtration systems according to another aspect of the present invention. [Figure 10B]This figure shows two (first and second) filter plates for use in a coalescer assembly configured to accept multiple filtration systems according to another aspect of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008]

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a support for a coalescer filter element is provided, comprising: (a) a first end having a first end annular channel having an outer and inner surface and connected to the inner surface, with first and second channel sidewalls, and a first end piece having at least three fluid channel openings penetrating the outer and inner surfaces; and (b) a second end having a second end annular channel having an outer and inner surface and connected to the inner surface, with first and second channel sidewalls, wherein the second end piece includes a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a sidewall having at least two openings, the at least two openings penetrating the sidewall, and the outlet end extending outward from the outer surface, comprising a second end piece. The first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow bar having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end. The fluid flow bar and the at least three fluid channels have a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. Each of the at least three fluid channels has first and second solid sidewalls, each of which has an inner and outer side. The inner side of the first solid wall is connected to the inner side of the second solid wall, and the outer side of the first solid wall is spaced apart from the outer side of the second solid wall. Each of the at least three fluid channels communicates separately with its respective fluid channel opening at a first end, and the hollow fitting and at least two openings communicate fluidly with at least three fluid channels at a second end.

[0009]

[0018] In some embodiments of the support, the hollow mounting fixture has a threaded outer surface.

[0010]

[0019] In another aspect, there is provided a filtration system including one aspect of a support for a coreless filter element and a hollow cylindrical coreless filter element disposed on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coreless filter element and one end of the hollow cylindrical coreless filter element is received in a first end annular channel and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coreless filter element is received in a second end annular channel.

[0011]

[0020] In a preferred aspect, the filtration system further includes a fluid receiving container disposed at an outlet end of the hollow fitting and in fluid communication with the hollow fitting. In some aspects, a fluid receiving tube is inserted between the outlet end of the hollow fitting and the fluid receiving container, and preferably, the fluid receiving tube has a first tube end with a threaded outer surface, and the filtration system includes at least one, preferably two, threaded nuts for connecting the threaded hollow fitting to the threaded fluid receiving tube.

[0012]

[0021] In another aspect, there is provided a method for removing undesirable contaminants and / or fluids from a gas, the method including passing the gas through one aspect of a filtration system and separating the gas from the undesirable contaminants and / or fluids. In a preferred aspect, the method includes separating hydrogen and / or oxygen from a KOH solution or water droplets.

[0013]

[0022] In yet another aspect, there is provided a coreless assembly including a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet and defining a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, and at least one filtration system within the housing transverse to the fluid flow path.

[0014]

[0023] In one embodiment, a coalescer assembly comprises a housing having a housing outlet and a housing inlet defining a fluid flow path from a housing inlet to a housing outlet, and includes at least one filtration system within the housing. The at least one filtration system comprises a support for a coalescer filter element, comprising: (a) a first end including a first end piece, the first end piece having a first end annular channel having an outer and inner surface and connected to the inner surface, having first and second channel sidewalls, and having at least three fluid channel openings penetrating the outer and inner surfaces; and (b) a second end including a second end piece, the second end piece having a second end annular channel having an outer and inner surface and connected to the inner surface, having first and second channel sidewalls, the second end piece comprising a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a second end having a sidewall with at least two openings, the at least two openings penetrating the sidewall, and the outlet end extending outward from the outer surface. The first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow bar having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end. The fluid flow bar and the at least three fluid channels have a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. Each of the at least three fluid channels has first and second solid sidewalls, each of the first and second solid sidewalls having an inner and an outer side. The inner side of the first solid wall is connected to the inner side of the second solid wall, and the outer side of the first solid wall is spaced apart from the outer side of the second solid wall. Each of the at least three fluid channels communicates separately with its respective fluid channel opening at the first end. The hollow fitting and at least two openings communicate fluidly with the at least three fluid channels at the second end.At least one filtration system also includes a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, where a support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element and one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in a first end annular channel and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in a second end annular channel, a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element disposed on the support, and a fluid receiving container disposed at an outlet end of the hollow fitting and in fluid communication with the hollow fitting. At least one filtration system crosses a fluid flow path.

[0015]

[0024] In some embodiments, the coalescer assembly includes two or more filtration systems within a housing that crosses a fluid flow path.

[0016]

[0025] Embodiments of the coalescer assembly include a filter plate that holds an embodiment of at least one filtration system within the housing, and some embodiments include first and second filter plates that hold an embodiment of at least one filtration system (some embodiments hold two or more filtration systems) within the housing.

[0017]

[0026] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention effectively remove undesirable contaminants and / or fluids, such as KOH or NaOH, from the electrolyte at a low differential pressure. Other advantages include the ability to use filter elements that are smaller than the filter elements typically used for these applications, the ability to provide a smaller installation footprint, and the ability to retrofit or install in existing systems that require larger size filter elements.

[0018]

[0027] The components of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with like components having like reference numerals.

[0028] Using the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, FIG. 2, FIGS. 7B, and FIG. 7C for reference, the illustrated support 500 of the coalescer filter element is

[0029] (a) A first end 100 including a first end piece 101, the first end piece having a first end annular channel 102 having an outer surface 101A and an inner surface 101B and first and second channel sidewalls 102A, 102B connected to the inner surface, and a central opening 107 penetrating the outer and inner surfaces, the central opening providing at least three fluid channel openings 103, 104, 105 penetrating the outer and inner surfaces (see Figures 1B, 2, 7A-7B, which also show a fourth fluid channel opening 106 resulting from the insertion of the fluid flow bar 300),

[0030] (b) A second end 200 including a second end piece 201, the second end piece having an outer surface 201A and an inner surface 201B and a second end annular channel 202 having first and second channel sidewalls 202A, 202B connected to the inner surface and a central opening 207 penetrating the outer and inner surfaces, the second end piece including a hollow fitting 210 penetrating the central opening 207, the hollow fitting having an inlet end 211 and an outlet end 212 and a sidewall 215 having at least two openings 215A, 215B penetrating the sidewall, the outlet end extending outward from the outer surface, the first end comprising a first end 301 and a second end 302 (indicated as a central slot 310 and notches 312(312A, 312B, 312C, see Figure 3) (If present, the notch may allow the fluid flow to continue flowing from the support if one or more openings of the hollow fixture are blocked) and connected to the second end by a fluid flow bar 300 having at least three arms 351, 352, 353 providing at least three fluid channels 303, 304, 305 extending from the first ends 100, 301 to the second ends 200, 303 (the embodiment of the fluid flow bar 300 shown in Figures 1A and 3 shows a fourth arm 354, a fourth fluid channel 306, and a fourth notch 312D), the fluid flow bar, illustrated arms, and illustrated fluid channels have a longitudinal axis from the first end 301 to the second end 302, and each of the illustrated fluid channels has first and second solid sidewalls (303A,The first and second solid sidewalls have inner and outer sides (313A, 313A', 313B, 313B', 314A, 314A', 314B, 314B', 315A, 315A', 315B, 315B', 316A, 316A', 316B, 316B'), and the inner side of the first solid wall is connected to the inner side of the second solid wall (as shown in figure 323 (313A is 31 The channels are connected (e.g., welded to each other), with the outside of the first solid wall spaced apart from the outside of the second solid wall (e.g., 313A' is spaced apart from 313B', and the spaces are shown as 333, 334, 335, 336, and generally forming a "V-shaped" fluid channel. (Also shown), each of the four arms in the illustration has a solid sidewall on one side for one fluid channel and a solid sidewall on the other side for a different fluid channel (for example, using Figure 3 for reference, arm 352 has a solid wall 303B for fluid channel 303 on one side and a solid wall 306A for fluid channel 306 on the other side), and each of the illustrated fluid channels communicates separately with its respective fluid channel opening at the first end (303 is connected to 103). The hollow fitting 210 and at least two openings (215A, 215B, and a third and fourth additional opening 215C and 215D are further shown in Figure 5B) are in fluid communication with the illustrated fluid channel at the second end 200, and the hollow fitting 210 is positioned in the slot 310 at the end 302 of the fluid flow bar 300 adjacent to the second end 200.

[0019]

[0031] The use of at least two openings 215A, 215B (and at least one of 215C and 215D) is desirable to allow the discharge of liquid from the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element into the fluid receiving container 700.

[0020]

[0032] Typically, seals such as knife-edge seals 103C, 203C are positioned within the annular channels 102, 202 to contact and seal the ends of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, as shown in Figure 7B.

[0021]

[0033] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7B, the outer side wall 108 of the first end piece 101 includes a groove 109 for receiving an elastic annular member 115, such as an O-ring, which can reduce or prevent bypass between the first end 100 and a filter plate, for example, a filter plate 2015 or a first filter plate 2015A used in a coalescer assembly (see, for example, Figures 9A-9B).

[0022]

[0034] In these illustrated embodiments, the hollow mounting fixture 210 has a threaded outer surface 216, and the illustrated embodiments have two sets of threads (see Figures 5A and 5B).

[0023]

[0035] Typically, the first end piece 101 (shown with a flange) may be sandwiched between filter plates, or optionally include two or more slots for retainers such as screws or pins (not shown) for connection to, for example, a coalescer assembly housing (see, for example, Figures 1A-1B, 9A-9B, and 10A-10B).

[0024]

[0036] Using the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2, 7A–7B, and 8 for reference, the illustrated filtration system 1000 includes an embodiment of a support 500 for a coalescer filter element described with respect to Figures 1A–1B and 7C, and a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element 600 positioned on the support such that the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, with one end 601 of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element being received in a first end annular channel 102 and the other end 602 of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element being received in a second end annular channel 202.

[0025]

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the filtration system further comprises a fluid receiving container 700 (shown as a pipe with a closed end) positioned at the outlet end of a hollow fitting that is in fluid communication with the hollow fitting. If necessary, the fluid receiving container can function as a “liquid lock”. In some embodiments, a fluid receiving tube 701 is inserted between the outlet end 212 of the hollow fitting and the fluid receiving container 700, preferably the fluid receiving tube having a first tube end 701 with a threaded outer surface 716, and the filtration system includes at least one 705, preferably two threaded nuts 705A, 705B for connecting the threaded hollow fitting to the threaded fluid receiving tube. In some embodiments, the fluid receiving tube is attached to the fluid receiving container by a retainer such as a pin or screw 726 passing through a through hole 715.

[0026]

[0038] In some embodiments, the fluid receiving container functions as a "liquid lock" as follows: The liquid receiving container is primed / pre-filled with liquid (e.g., water, see Figure 8) before startup to prevent gas from entering the bottom of the liquid lock and bypassing the coalescer filter element 600 through the inner tube.

[0027]

[0039] After pre-filling, the system then operates to allow the liquid-containing gas to pass through the system. The liquid discharged from the filter coalescer element 600 collects in the second end piece 201. The liquid is then discharged through the openings (215A, 215B, 215C, 215D) and discharged down the first tube 701, collecting in the fluid receiving container 700. Once the water has collected in the liquid lock (which already contains the pre-filled liquid), the water overflows from the top, as shown in Figure 8. This liquid is discharged to the bottom of the housing (see, for example, sump 2020 for receiving the overflow in Figure 9B).

[0028]

[0040] Using the embodiment shown in Figure 8 for reference, a method for removing undesirable contaminants and / or fluids from a gas (indicated as "green" hydrogen (obtained by electrolysis of water)) includes passing a gas containing liquid (indicated as KOH droplets) through an embodiment of a filtration system, and separating the clean gas (indicated as green hydrogen) passing upward through a fluid channel opening at a first end from undesirable contaminants and / or fluids (indicated as KOH droplets that combine along the fluid channels of a fluid flow bar and are discharged downward) through a hollow fitting and a fluid receiving tube into a fluid receiving container.

[0029]

[0041] In yet another embodiment, a coalescer assembly is provided comprising a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet, defining a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, and having at least one filtration system within the housing that crosses the fluid flow path.

[0030]

[0042] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a coalescer assembly 2000 comprising a housing 2050 having one or more filtration systems 1000, shown in Figure 7A according to one embodiment of the present invention, which have outlets 2001 and inlets 2002 defining a fluid flow path from inlet to outlet, and crossing the fluid flow path; Figure 9A shows a coalescer assembly 2000 configured to accept a single filtration system 1000, and Figure 9B shows a coalescer assembly configured to accept multiple filtration systems 1000 (shown as 1000A and 1000B). In these illustrated embodiments, each assembly includes a filter plate 2015 that holds the system within the housing.

[0031]

[0043] Using Figures 9B, 10A, and 10B for reference, in some embodiments of a coalescer assembly configured to accept multiple filtration systems, filtration systems 1000A, 1000B (and additional filtration systems) can be held within the housing 2050 by using first and second filter plates 2015A and 2015B, for example, by "sandwiching" a first end 100 between the first and second plates. As an example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the first end plate 2015A is shown having a through hole 2016A for receiving an end 601 of a hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element 600, and the second end plate 2015B is shown having a through hole 2016B and an inner surface having a recess 2017B for receiving a first end piece 101, and the plates 2015A and 2015B are configured to fix the first end 100 to the housing 2050.

[0032]

[0044] Various filter elements that function as coalescers, and filters containing such filter elements, can be used according to aspects of the present invention. Suitable filter elements include, for example, those configured as hollow cylindrical depth filter elements without a core.

[0033]

[0045] A filter / filter element may include additional elements, layers, or components that have different structures and / or functions, such as at least one of any one or more of pre-filtration, support, drainage, spacing, and buffering. For example, a filter may also include at least one additional element such as a mesh and / or screen.

[0034]

[0046] The coalescer assembly housing can be manufactured from any suitable rigid impermeable material, including any impermeable thermoplastic material compatible with the fluid being processed. For example, the housing can be manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel, or from a polymer.

[0035]

[0047] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if they were included herein in their entirety, provided that each reference is individually and specifically indicated as being incorporated herein by reference.

[0036]

[0048] In the context describing the present invention (in particular in the context of the following claims), the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one,” as well as similar references, should be interpreted as encompassing both singular and plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B”) should be interpreted as meaning one item (A or B) selected from the enumerated items or any combination of two or more enumerated items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context. The terms “equip,” “have,” “include,” and “incorporate” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., “include, but not limited to”) unless otherwise indicated herein. The descriptions of ranges of values ​​herein are intended merely as a simple way to refer individually to each distinct value that falls within that range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each distinct value is incorporated herein as if it were individually described herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or unless it is clearly inconsistent with the context. Any use of any examples or illustrative language provided herein (e.g., "etc.") is intended solely to better illustrate the invention and does not imply any limitation of the scope of the invention unless otherwise specified in the claims of this application. Nothing in this specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0037]

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention, are described herein. Modifications of these preferred embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will appropriately use such modifications, and the inventors intend that the invention may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the claims appended herein, as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein, or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of any possible modifications of the elements described herein is incorporated into the invention.

Claims

1. A support for a coalescer filter element, (a) A first end including a first end piece, wherein the first end piece has an outer surface and an inner surface, and has a first end annular channel having first and second channel sidewalls connected to the inner surface, and has at least three fluid channel openings penetrating the outer surface and the inner surface, (b) A second end including a second end piece, wherein the second end piece has an outer surface and an inner surface, and has a second end annular channel having first and second channel sidewalls connected to the inner surface, and the second end piece includes an inlet end, an outlet end, and a hollow fitting having a sidewall having at least two openings, the openings penetrating the sidewall, and the outlet end extending outward from the outer surface, The first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow bar having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow bar and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having first and second solid sidewalls, each of the first and second solid sidewalls having an inner and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid wall being connected to the inner side of the second solid wall, the outer side of the first solid wall being spaced apart from the outer side of the second solid wall, and each of the at least three fluid channels communicating separately with its respective fluid channel opening at the first end. A support for a coalescer filter element, wherein the hollow mounting fixture and at least two openings are in fluid communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end.

2. The hollow mounting fixture has a threaded outer surface, A support for a coalescer filter element according to claim 1.

3. A support for a coalescer filter element according to claim 1 or 2, A hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, wherein the support passes through the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel, and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel, and the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is disposed on the support. A filtration system equipped with the following features.

4. The hollow mounting fixture is further comprising a fluid receiving container located at the outlet end of the hollow mounting fixture, which is in fluid communication with the hollow mounting fixture. The filtration system according to claim 3.

5. A method for removing undesirable contaminants and / or fluids from a gas, comprising passing the gas through a filtration system according to claim 3 or 4, and separating the gas from the undesirable contaminants and / or fluids.

6. The method according to claim 5, comprising separating hydrogen from a KOH droplet.

7. A coalescer assembly comprising a housing having a housing outlet and a housing inlet that define a fluid flow path from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, and including at least one filtration system within the housing, The aforementioned at least one filtration system is A support for a coalescer filter element, (a) A first end including a first end piece, wherein the first end piece has a first end annular channel having an outer surface and an inner surface, and connected to the inner surface, having first and second channel sidewalls, and having at least three fluid channel openings penetrating the outer surface and the inner surface, (b) A second end including a second end piece, wherein the second end piece has a second end annular channel having an outer surface and an inner surface, and connected to the inner surface, having first and second channel sidewalls, and the second end piece includes a hollow fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end, and the sidewall having at least two openings, the openings penetrating the sidewall, and the outlet end having a second end extending outward from the outer surface, The first end is connected to the second end by a fluid flow bar having at least three fluid channels extending from the first end to the second end, the fluid flow bar and the at least three fluid channels having a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end, each of the at least three fluid channels having first and second solid side walls, each of the first and second solid side walls having an inner and an outer side, the inner side of the first solid wall being connected to the inner side of the second solid wall, the outer side of the first solid wall being spaced apart from the outer side of the second solid wall, and each of the at least three fluid channels communicating separately with its respective fluid channel opening at the first end. The hollow mounting fixture and at least two openings are in fluid communication with the at least three fluid channels at the second end of the support for the coalescer filter element, A hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, wherein the support penetrates the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element, one end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the first end annular channel, and the other end of the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is received in the second end annular channel, and the hollow cylindrical coalescer filter element is disposed on the support, The hollow fitting comprises a fluid receiving container located at the outlet end of the hollow fitting, which is in fluid communication with the hollow fitting, A coalescer assembly in which at least one of the aforementioned filtration systems crosses a fluid flow path.

8. The coalescer assembly according to claim 7, comprising a first filter plate and a second filter plate for holding the at least one filtration system within the housing.

9. The coalescer assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first filter plate and the second filter plate hold at least two filtration systems within the housing.

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