Gas / liquid separator and method of use
The compact gas/liquid separator system addresses the inefficiencies of existing systems in microgravity by using a combination of pressure management, pre-separation, and hydrophobic membranes to efficiently separate gas and liquid phases, enhancing separation efficiency and water recovery.
WO2025072655A1 Publication Date: 2025-04-03OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL INC
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Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2024/048832
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-27
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing gas/liquid separation systems in microgravity environments are large, complex, and prone to clogging, making them inefficient for separating small quantities of liquid from large quantities of gas.
Method used
A compact gas/liquid separator system comprising an enclosure with a pressure management system, a pre-separator, and a condensing heat exchanger, utilizing hydrophobic membranes to separate gas and liquid phases, and brine bags for efficient water recovery.
Benefits of technology
The system effectively separates large volumes of gas from small volumes of liquid in microgravity, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of clogging, while also facilitating water recovery and easy operation.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Abstract
A gas / liquid separator comprises an enclosure, comprising a pressure fluid port, a liquid / gas separator bag comprising a non-porous bag a large-surface hydrophobic membrane disposed within the non-porous bag and configured to pass only gas and trap liquid behind; a sweep gas fluid inlet in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure; and a mixed fluid inlet in fluid communication with the non-porous bag. A pressure management system is in fluid communication with the enclosure. A pre-separator comprises a membrane disposed at least partially within a housing and a condensing heat exchanger. Fluid is provided from a fluid source to the condensing heat exchanger and the condensing heat exchanger used to resolve a temperature of the fluid to a predetermined temperature range.
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