Inertial gas liquid separator

Abstract

A gas liquid separator includes a housing, a cover coupled to the housing, such that the cover and the housing define an internal volume, an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume, an inlet tube extending through the cover, into the internal volume, and towards the impactor plate, and an outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the cover.

Description

Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379INERTIAL GAS LIQUID SEPARATORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This PCT Application claims the benefit and priority to Indian Provisional Application No. 202541009264, filed February 4, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD[00021 The present invention relates generally to impactor-based gas liquid separators.BACKGROUND[00031 A gas-liquid separator may be used to separate a liquid from a gas in a fluid. For example, in a system that uses hydrogen gas (e.g., a hydrogen internal combustion engine or a hydrogen fuel cell system), it may be desirable to separate water from the hydrogen gas prior to using the hydrogen gas as fuel.SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment relates to a gas liquid separator. The gas liquid separator includes a housing. The gas liquid separator includes a cover coupled to the housing such that the cover and the housing define an internal volume. The gas liquid separator includes an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume. The gas liquid separator includes an inlet tube extending through the cover, into the internal volume, and towards the impactor plate. The gas liquid separator includes an outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the cover.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a gas liquid separator. The gas liquid separator includes a housing defining an internal volume, an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume, an inlet tube extending through the housing in a radial direction, into the internal volume, and towards the impactor plate, and an outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the housing in the radial direction.-1- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0006} Yet another embodiment relates to a gas liquid separator. The gas liquid separator includes a housing defining an internal volume, an inlet tube extending through the housing in lateral direction, into the internal volume, a nozzle plate positioned in the internal volume, the nozzle plate curved away from the inlet tube, an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume downstream of the nozzle plate, the impactor plate having a central portion that is curved such that the central portion has a complementary shape to the nozzle plate, and an outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the housing in an axial direction.[0007| Still another embodiment relates to a gas liquid separator. The gas liquid separator includes a housing including an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber includes an outer wall that at least partially defines an internal volume, an inner wall positioned radially inward from the outer wall and defining a spiral flow path, and an end wall positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the end wall defining one or more end wall openings therethrough. The one or more end wall openings configured to allow a separated liquid to flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The gas liquid separator includes one or more hooks positioned within the upper chamber. Each hook of the one or more hooks extends into the spiral flow path from the inner wall or the outer wall and is positioned above a corresponding end wall opening of the one or more end wall openings.

[0008] These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[0009} FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gas liquid separator, according to an example embodiment.[0010} FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view showing a portion of the gas liquid separator of FIG. 1.-2- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a gas liquid separator, according to another example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing a portion of the gas liquid separator of FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a gas liquid separator, according to yet another example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a gas liquid separator, according to still another example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the gas liquid separator of FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gas liquid separator, according to yet another example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective cross sectional view of a gas liquid separator, according to still another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top cross sectional view of the gas liquid separator of FIG. 9.[0019} FIG. 11 is a perspective cross sectional view of a gas liquid separator, according to yet another embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a top cross sectional view of the gas liquid separator of FIG. 11.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a top cross sectional view of a gas liquid separator, according to still another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a top sectional view of a gas liquid separator, according to yet another embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to the Figures generally, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a gas liquid separator. More specifically, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an -3- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379impactor-based gas liquid separator. The gas liquid separator includes a filter housing, an impactor plate, and one or more nozzles positioned to direct a fluid (e.g., an unseparated fluid) towards the impactor plate. In some embodiments, the gas liquid separator may optionally include at least one filter media disposed on the impactor plate.|0024| In one example implementation, the gas liquid separator is used to separate a fluid that includes water and hydrogen gas. In some operating conditions of the gas liquid separator the fluid can include up to 50% water by mass. In other operating conditions of the gas liquid separator the fluid can include more than 50% water by mass. The gas liquid separator may be used to remove a desired amount of the water from the fluid (e.g., at least 90% of the water, at least 95% of the water, at least 98% of the water, etc.). Additionally, the housing of the gas liquid separator may be sized to accommodate other, nearby components. As such a volume of the housing may be at or below a desired volume.

[0025] The gas liquid separator described herein utilize an impaction-based inertial separator for continuous separation of water from a hydrogen-water mixture (e.g., the “fluid”). The gas liquid separator may be used as a fuel cell anode side water separator (e.g., to separate water from hydrogen). The gas liquid separator may be used as a fuel cell cathode side water separator (e.g., to separate water from air).

[0026] In various embodiments described herein, the housing may have different shapes or configurations. For example, the housing can have a circular, square, rectangular, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. In any of these embodiments or configurations a distance between the impactor plate and the housing (e.g., the inner surface of the housing), is at or above a predefined distance. This arrangement advantageously mitigates water creeping against gravity along the inner surface of the housing.

[0027] In various embodiments described herein, the housing may have a cylindrical housing having a housing axis that is aligned with axis of impaction (e.g., the axis passing through the impactor plate). This arrangement results in an equal or approximately equal distance between housing wall and impactor plate. In other embodiments, when the housing has a cylindrical shape, the housing axis is not aligned with axis of impaction, and the distance between housing -4-4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379wall and impactor plate is not equal. In still other embodiments, the housing has a different shape (e.g., a shape other than a cylindrical shape), and the distance between housing wall and impactor plate is not necessarily equal.

[0028] In various embodiments described herein, the nozzle plate has one or more nozzles. Each nozzle has an orifice diameter of approximately 4 millimeters. A chamfer angle of each nozzle is approximately 45° and a chamfer depth is approximately 1.5 mm, which is approximately half of the thickness of nozzle plate. In other embodiments, the size, shape, and / or other features of the nozzles are different, as described herein.

[0029] In various embodiments described herein, an inlet tube of the gas liquid separator has a conical tube shape, where the tube diameter is based on a number of nozzles in the nozzle plate (which, in turn, is based on a desired pressure change across the gas liquid separator) and the housing cross sectional dimension (e.g., to prevent water movement towards outlet by flow drag and creep). In one example embodiment, the angle of the conical tube shape is between 6° and 14°, inclusive, such as approximately 14° relative to a vertical direction (e.g., the direction of gravity). In other embodiments, the inlet tube has a different shape, such as a stepped shape.

[0030] In an example implementation, a fluid containing a mixture of hydrogen and water is accelerated passing through the nozzles and impacts on an impaction surface and / or on the filter media. Water particles are trapped by the filter media, forming larger and heavier particles of water.

[0031] In various embodiment described herein, an outlet tube of the gas liquid separator extends in a substantially axial direction, opposite the direction of gravity. Advantageously, this arrangement may mitigate water particle movement towards the outlet.

[0032] In some embodiments, a gas-water separator and assembly is located in the anode (gas inlet) flow path of a gas-powered fuel cell. The gas-water separator provides continuous inertial separation of water from gas by means of static impaction. Additionally and / or alternatively, a variable impactor and / or a duckbill impactor is / are used (e.g., rather than a static impactor).-5- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379

[0033] In an example embodiment, a housing that is generally cylindrical and employs a planar, circular shaped static impactor plate that can be used with or without filtration media. In the case of the presence of filtration media, the impactor plate supports and locates a section of filtration media that serves the water separation function.

[0034] The planar impactor plate also includes an interrupted annular collar or ring (e.g., skirt) with one or more open channels generally oriented toward the water collection sump to achieve water drainage and avoid collection of water on the impactor plate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the gas inlet to the impactor is located at a top of the housing. In other embodiments, however the inlet is oriented at any angle between fully vertical (0° with respect to the direction of gravity) to nearly horizontal (75° with respect to the direction of gravity) or substantially horizontal (e.g., approximately 90° with respect to the direction of gravity). In other embodiments, the inlet is located at a side of the housing.

[0036] Water separation is achieved by the pressure from the flow of gas through the inlet directed towards the impactor plate. The separated water collects on the impactor plate and passes through the channels of the interrupted annular ring. Then gravity directs the separated water to collect in the bottom of the housing in a sump area located at the lowest part of housing where the water can be drained out of the housing.

[0037] The gas outlet may be in a vertical orientation or horizontal orientation.

[0038] In some embodiments, a non-planar, non-circular impaction feature in the form a multicurved surface and a curved parabolic surface which is complementary to the shape of the multi-curved impaction surface. This curved parabolic surface contains inlet flow nozzles aimed directly at the multi-curved surface. Both curved surfaces are permanently attached to a substantially horizontal planar surface attached to the inside of the housing at a vertical distance above the water sump. The horizontal planar surface contains flow passages for the separated water, which is impacted onto the curved surface to drain, due to gravity, into a sump at the lowest area of the housing. The curved impaction surface directs the flow of gas vertically upward then horizontally toward a baffle oriented vertically and attached to the topmost surface -6- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379of the housing at a parallel distance from the upper section of the curved impactor plate. The baffle separates the remaining water from the gas. The separated water will collect on the impactor plate and be directed vertically downward to the sump. The gas is directed vertically downward, under and around the baffle then vertically upward to the gas outlet.[00391 In other embodiments, the housing may have different geometries including conical, square, rectangular, or a combination of geometries and impactor plate or nozzle plate geometric forms to accommodate specific configurations and / or space requirements.

[0040] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view of a gas liquid separator 100 and a cross sectional view showing a portion of the gas liquid separator 100, according to an example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 100 includes a cover 110, a housing 120, an inlet tube 130, a nozzle plate 140, an impactor plate 150, and an outlet tube 170. The gas liquid separator 100 includes a filter media 160 disposed on the impactor plate 150. The gas liquid separator 100 includes a drain 190 (e.g., a water drain) disposed at or proximate a bottom of the housing 120.[00411 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cover 110 and the housing 120 are shown as transparent to show the components contained therein. However, it should be understood that the housing 120 and the cover 110 are not necessarily transparent.[00421 The housing 120 has a substantially rectangular shape. The housing 120 includes a housing wall 122 that at least partially defines an internal volume 124. The cover 110 is coupled to the housing 120. The cover 110 and the housing 120 cooperate to define the internal volume 124. The cover 110 includes the inlet tube 130 and the outlet tube 170. That is, the cover 110, the inlet tube 130, and the outlet tube 170 may be unitarily formed as a single part. In other embodiments, inlet tube 130 is coupled to the cover 110, and the outlet tube 170 is coupled to the cover 110.

[0043] The inlet tube 130 extends through a first surface 112 of the cover 110, into the internal volume 124, and towards the impactor plate 150. The first surface 112 of the cover 110 is positioned opposite the housing 120. That is, the first surface 112 of the cover 110 is positioned away from the housing 120. The inlet tube 130 extends through the cover 110 in an axial -7- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379direction (e.g., parallel to the direction of gravity). A first portion 132 (e.g., an upstream portion) of the inlet tube 130 is at least partially positioned outside of the internal volume 124, and a second portion 134 (e.g., a downstream portion) of the inlet tube 130 is at least partially inside the internal volume 124. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 132 at least partially extends into the internal volume 124, while the second portion 134 is completely inside the internal volume 124. The inlet tube 130 is configured to provide a fluid (e.g., a hydrogen-water mixture) to the internal volume 124 of the gas liquid separator 100 and towards the impactor plate 150. For example, a first end 133 (e.g., an upstream end) of the inlet tube 130, proximate the first portion 132 of the inlet tube 130, receives the fluid, and a second end 135 (e.g., a downstream end) of the inlet tube 130, proximate the second portion 134 of the inlet tube 130, provides the fluid. In this way, the inlet tube 130 is configured to provide the fluid in a substantially axial direction, parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first portion 132 has a cylindrical shape, and the second portion 134 has a conical shape. In other embodiments, each of the first portion 132 and the second portion 134 of the inlet tube 130 has a cylindrical shape.

[0045] The outlet tube 170 is spaced away from the inlet tube 130 and extends through the first surface 112 of the cover 110 in the axial direction. The outlet tube 170 extends in the axial direction through the cover 110. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet tube 170 extends into the internal volume 124 of the gas liquid separator 100. Accordingly, a first portion 172 (e.g., an upstream portion) of the outlet tube 170 is inside of the internal volume 124 and a second portion 174 (e.g., a downstream portion) of the outlet tube 170 is outside the internal volume 124. The outlet tube 170 is configured to direct a separated fluid (e.g., a hydrogen gas) from the internal volume 124 and out of the gas liquid separator 100. For example, a first end 173 (e.g., an upstream end) of the outlet tube 170, proximate the first portion 172 of the outlet tube 170, receives the fluid, and a second end 175 (e.g., a downstream end) of the outlet tube 170, proximate the second portion 174 of the outlet tube 170, provides the fluid outside of the gas liquid separator 100. In this way, the outlet tube 170 is configured to provide the fluid in a substantially axial direction, parallel to the direction of gravity. In other embodiments, the outlet tube 170 does not include the first portion 172.-8- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0046} In some embodiments, the nozzle plate 140 is coupled to the inlet tube 130. In other embodiments, the nozzle plate 140 may be unitarily formed with the inlet tube 130. In either case, as shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 140 is positioned at the second end 135 (e.g., a downstream end) of the inlet tube 130.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 140 includes one or more nozzles 142. Each of the one or more nozzles 142 has a nozzle profile. An example nozzle profile usable in the nozzle plate 140 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in FIG. 4. The nozzle plate 140 is positioned within the housing 120, such that the nozzles 142 direct the fluid flowing therethrough in the axial direction (e.g., parallel to the direction of gravity).}0048| The impactor plate 150 is positioned within the internal volume 124. For example, the impactor plate 150 may be coupled to the housing 120, within the internal volume 124. In another example, the impactor plate 150 is unitarily formed with the housing 120. As shown in FIG. 2, the impactor plate 150 includes a plate portion 152 that extends in a substantially lateral direction (e.g., a horizontal direction, a radial direction, perpendicular to the direction of gravity) and a skirt portion 154 extending away from the plate portion 152 and towards the nozzle plate 140 and the inlet tube 130. The impactor plate 150 is configured to facilitate separating the unseparated fluid (e.g., the hydrogen- water mixture). For example, the hydrogenwater mixture is directed to impact the plate portion 152, and an inertial force facilitates separating the water from the hydrogen.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the skirt portion 154 has one or more slots 156 (e.g., channels) extending there through. The one or more slots 156 may be oriented toward a bottom surface 126 of the housing 120 (e.g., angled downward, below a horizontal direction) to achieve water drainage and avoid collection of water on the plate portion 152. In this way, the one or more slots 156 are configured to allow separated water to flow away from the plate portion 152. For example, the separated water may flow away from the plate portion 152 (e.g., towards the drain 190) via the one or more slots 156.

[0050] The filter media 160 may be positioned on the impactor plate 150. As shown, the filter media 160 is positioned on the plate portion 152 and radially inward from the skirt portion 154.-9- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379In this way, the skirt portion 154 retains the filter media 160 on the plate portion 152. In the embodiment shown, the skirt portion 154 extends above the filter media 160. In other embodiments, the filter media 160 may extend above the skirt portion 154. The filter media 160 is configured to receive the unseparated fluid (e.g., the hydrogen-water mixture) and facilitate separating the water from the hydrogen (e.g., by trapping the water therein).

[0051] In some embodiments, the gas liquid separator may include more than one filter media 160. For example, two or more filter media 160 may be stacked on the plate portion 152.

[0052] The drain 190 is positioned at a bottom of the housing 120, below the impactor plate 150. Water separated from the hydrogen- water mixture flows downward (e.g., due to gravity) in the housing 120 and out of the gas liquid separator via the drain 190.

[0053] FIGS. 3 and 4 are a cross-sectional view showing a gas liquid separator 100 and a portion of the gas liquid separator 100, respectively, according to another example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is substantially similar to or the same as the gas liquid separator 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The differences between the gas liquid separator 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the gas liquid separator 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are described below. However, it should be understood that any of the features of the gas liquid separator 100 of FIGS. 3 and 4 may be combined with or substituted with any of the features of the gas liquid separator 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 120 is separated into a first housing portion 210 (e.g., a lower housing portion) and a second housing portion 220 (e.g., an upper housing portion). In some embodiments, the impactor plate 150 is coupled to the first housing portion 210. In other embodiments, the impactor plate 150 is unitarily formed with the first housing portion 210. In still other embodiments, the impactor plate 150 is coupled to or unitarily formed with the second housing portion 220. The drain 190 is positioned at a bottom of the first housing portion 210.

[0055] The first housing portion 210 has a first housing portion wall 212. The first housing portion wall 212 at least partially defines the internal volume 124.-10- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0056} The first housing portion 210 includes a housing flange 214 (e.g., a “step”). The housing flange 214 extends inward from the first housing portion wall 212, into the internal volume 124. In other embodiments, the housing flange 214 extends outward from the first housing portion wall 212, away from the internal volume 124. The housing flange 214 is positioned at a first end 216 (e.g., a top end) of the first housing portion wall 212, above the impactor plate 150. The housing flange 214 breaks a continuous path of liquid film creeping towards outlet tube 170. In other embodiments, the housing does not include the housing flange 214.[0057| The second housing portion 220 is coupled to the first housing portion 210. More specifically, a first end 221 (e g., bottom end) of the second housing portion 220 is coupled to the first end 216 of the first housing portion 210. The second housing portion 220 is positioned between the first housing portion 210 and the cover 110. For example, the second housing portion 220 is positioned above the first housing portion 210 and below the cover 110. The second housing portion 220 is positioned above the housing flange 214. The second housing portion 220 includes a second housing portion wall 222 that at least partially defines the internal volume 124. As shown in FIG. 3, a width of the second housing portion wall 222 is substantially the same as or at least as large (e.g., equal to or greater than) as the width of the first housing portion wall 212 and the housing flange 214, combined.

[0058] The cover 110 is coupled to the housing 120 at the second housing portion 220. More specifically, the cover 110 is coupled to a second end 224 (e.g., a top end) of the second housing portion 220, opposite the first end 221 of the second housing portion 220.[0059} As shown in FIG. 3, the first portion 132 of the inlet tube 130 is at least partially positioned outside of the internal volume 124, and the second portion 134 of the inlet tube 130 is at least partially inside the internal volume 124. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 132 is outside of the internal volume 124 (e.g., above the cover 110), while the second portion 134 is completely inside the internal volume 124.-11- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0060} In the embodiment shown, the first portion 132 has a cylindrical shape, and the second portion 134 has a conical shape. In other embodiments, each of the first portion 132 and the second portion 134 of the inlet tube 130 has a cylindrical shape.

[0061] In some embodiments, a depth of the nozzle plate 140 is between 2 and 4 millimeters (mm), such as approximately 3 mm. As shown in FIG. 4, each nozzle 142 in the nozzle plate 140 has a first nozzle portion 144 (e g., an upstream nozzle portion) that is frustoconical in shape and a second nozzle portion 146 (e.g., a downstream nozzle portion) that is cylindrical in shape. The second nozzle portion 146 is positioned downstream of the first nozzle portion 144. The second nozzle portion 146 has a diameter y that is between 2 mm and 10 mm (inclusive), such as approximately 4 mm. An angle 8 of the frustoconical shape of the first nozzle portion 144 is between 30 degrees and 90 degrees (inclusive) relative to a horizontal direction, such as approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. In other embodiments, each nozzle 142 is cylindrical in shape.

[0062] The nozzle plate 140 may be spaced away from the filter media 160 by a distance that is between 0 mm and 12.5 mm (inclusive), such as approximately 4 mm. The nozzle plate 140 may be spaced away from the impactor plate 150 by a distance a that is between 2.5 mm and 15 mm, such as approximately 9 mm. Thus, the filter media 160 may be approximately 5 mm thick in the axial direction.

[0063] In some embodiments, the filter media 160 may have a different thickness such as greater than 2.5 mm. For example, the filter media 160 may have a thickness of between approximately 7 mm and approximately 15 mm, inclusive. In these embodiments, the nozzle plate 140 may be spaced away from the filter media 160 by between 0 and 12.5 mm, such as approximately 4 mm. To space the nozzle plate 140 away from the filter media 160, the inlet tube 130 may be shortened, or the impactor plate 150 may be moved away from the inlet tube 130.

[0064] In some embodiments, the gas liquid separator 100 may include two or more filter media 160. For example, the two or more filter media 160 may be staked in the axial direction.-12- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379In these embodiments, the total axial thickness of the stacked fdter media may be greater than 2.5 mm, such as between approximately 7 mm and approximately 15 mm, inclusive.

[0065] In some embodiments, the nozzles 142 may be configured as duckbill nozzles.

[0066] In some embodiments, the nozzle plate 140 is configured as a variable impactor nozzle plate where one or more nozzles 142 may be closed (e g., such that the gas-liquid mixture cannot flow therethrough) selectively. For example, the one or more nozzles 142 may be closed based on a flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture. The one or more nozzles 142 are closed, for example, by a spring loaded poppet valve (not shown).

[0067] It should be understood that the arrangement of the nozzle plate 140, the impactor plate 150 , and the filter media 160 described with respect to FIG. 4 may be used in any of the other embodiments described herein, unless otherwise noted.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the gas liquid separator 100, according to another example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 100 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially similar to or the same as the gas liquid separators 100 of FIGS. 1-4. The differences between the gas liquid separator 100 shown in FIG. 5 and the gas liquid separators 100 of FIGS. 1-4 are described below. However, it should be understood that any of the features of the gas liquid separator of FIGS. 5 may be combined with or substituted with any of the features of the gas liquid separator 100 of FIGS. 1-4.

[0069] The housing 120 includes the housing flange 214. The cover 110 is coupled directly to the housing 120, above the housing flange 214. A width of the cover 110 is substantially the same as or at least as large as the width of the housing wall 122 and the housing flange 214, combined. In other embodiments, the housing 120 does not include the housing flange 214, and the width of the cover 110 is substantially the same as or at least as large as the width of the housing wall 122.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the gas liquid separator 100 also includes a drain sensor assembly 192 positioned proximate the drain 190. The drain sensor assembly 192 includes a drain conduit 194 configured to receive a fluid (e.g., a separated liquid, such as water) from the -13- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379housing 120 via the drain 190 and a drain sensor 196 configured to acquire data regarding the fluid passing through the drain conduit 194. For example, the drain sensor 196 may acquire data regarding a flow rate of the fluid, an amount of the fluid (over a predefined period of time), and / or other suitable information regarding the fluid.[00711 FIGS. 6 and 7 are a perspective view of a gas liquid separator 300 and a cross sectional view showing a portion of the gas liquid separator 300, according to an example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 300 includes a housing 310, an inlet tube 320, a nozzle plate 330, an impactor plate 340, and an outlet tube 350. The gas liquid separator 300 includes a filter media 360 disposed on the impactor plate 340. The gas liquid separator 300 includes a drain 390 (e.g., a water drain) disposed at or proximate a bottom of the housing 310.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the housing 310 is shown as transparent to show the components contained therein. However, it should be understood that the housing 310 is not necessarily transparent.

[0073] The housing 310 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The housing 310 includes a housing wall 312 that at least partially defines an internal volume 315. The housing wall 312 includes an end wall 314 positioned at a first end 311 (e.g., a top end) of the housing 310. The housing wall 312 includes a side wall 316 extending axially from the first end wall 314, towards a second end 313 (e.g., a bottom end) of the housing 310, opposite the first end 311. The housing wall 312 includes an angled wall 318 extending from the side wall 316 away from the end wall 314 at a first angle 319 with respect to the extending direction of the side wall 316, and inward towards the drain 390. In other embodiments, the housing wall 312 does not include the angled wall 318. For example, the housing wall 312 may include a second end wall (not shown) positioned at the second end 313 of the housing 310, opposite the first end 311. In some embodiments, the housing 310 includes the inlet tube 320 and the outlet tube 350. That is, the housing 310, the inlet tube 320, and the outlet tube 350 may be unitarily formed as a single part. In other embodiments, inlet tube 320 is coupled to the housing 310, and the outlet tube 350 is coupled to the housing 310.-14- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0074} In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the inlet tube 320 extends substantially radially through the housing 310, into the internal volume 315, and towards the impactor plate 340. A first portion 322 (e.g., an upstream portion) of the inlet tube 320 is at least partially positioned outside of the internal volume 315, and a second portion 324 (e.g., a downstream portion) of the inlet tube 320 is at least partially inside the internal volume 315. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 322 is outside of the internal volume 315, while the second portion 324 is inside the internal volume 315. The inlet tube 320 is configured to provide a fluid (e.g., a hydrogen-water mixture) to the internal volume 315 of the gas liquid separator 300 and towards the impactor plate 340. For example, a first end 321 (e.g., an upstream end) of the inlet tube 320, proximate the first portion 322 of the inlet tube 320, receives the fluid, and a second end 323 (e.g., a downstream end) of the inlet tube 320, proximate the second portion 324 of the inlet tube 320, provides the fluid. In this way, the inlet tube 320 is configured to provide the fluid in a substantially radial direction.[0075| As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first portion 322 has a cylindrical shape, and the second portion 324 has a conical shape. In other embodiments, each of the first portion 322 and the second portion 324 of the inlet tube 320 has a cylindrical shape.[0076} In other embodiments, the inlet tube 320 may be angled with respect to a horizontal direction (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of gravity). For example, the inlet tube 320 can be angled between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, such as between 15 and 45 degrees, inclusive, such that the first end 321 of the inlet tube 320 is above the second end 323 of the inlet tube 320.[0077} The outlet tube 350 is spaced away from the inlet tube 320 and extends substantially radial through the housing 310. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet tube 350 extends into the internal volume 315 of the gas liquid separator 300. Accordingly, a first portion 352 (e.g., an upstream portion) of the outlet tube 350 is at least partially inside of the internal volume 315 and a second portion 354 (e.g., a downstream portion) of the outlet tube 350 is at least partially outside the internal volume 315. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 352 extends in a substantially axial direction and is fully within the housing 310. The -15- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379second portion 354 extends in a substantially radial direction and is partially inside the housing 310 (e.g., inside the internal volume 315) and partially outside of the housing 310 (e.g., outside the internal volume 315). The first portion 352 and the second portion 354 are connected by a third portion 356 (e.g., a curved portion).

[0078] In other embodiments, the outlet tube 350 does not include the first portion 352. For example, the outlet tube 350 may be positioned outside the internal volume 315. In some embodiments, the second portion 354 does not extend inside the housing 310. That is, the second portion 354 is positioned outside of the housing 310.

[0079] In still other embodiments, the outlet tube 350 does not include the first portion 352 and the second portion 354. Instead, the outlet tube 350 is a tube that extends from the housing wall 312, away from the internal volume 315 of the gas liquid separator 100 in a substantially radial or horizontal direction.

[0080] The outlet tube 350 is configured to direct a separated fluid (e.g., a hydrogen gas) from the internal volume 315 and out of the gas liquid separator 100. For example, a first end 351 (e.g., an upstream end) of the outlet tube 350, proximate the first portion 352 of the outlet tube 350, receives the fluid (e.g., in the axial direction, opposite gravity), and a second end 353 (e.g., a downstream end) of the outlet tube 350, proximate the second portion 354 of the outlet tube 350, provides the fluid outside of the gas liquid separator 100, in a substantially radial direction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the nozzle plate 330 is coupled to the inlet tube 320. In other embodiments, the nozzle plate 330 may be unitarily formed, with the inlet tube 320. In either case, as shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle plate 330 is positioned at the second end 323 (e.g., a downstream end) of the inlet tube 320.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle plate 330 includes one or more nozzles 332. Each of the one or more nozzles 332 has a nozzle profde. The nozzle profile is substantially the same as or similar to the nozzle profile of the nozzles 142 of FIG 4. The nozzle plate 330 is positioned-16- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379within the housing 310, such that the nozzles 332 direct the fluid flowing therethrough in a radial direction (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity).

[0083] In some embodiments, the nozzle plate 330 includes a drain opening 333 disposed at an axial end (e.g., a bottom end) of the nozzle plate 330. The drain opening 333 is configured to allow a separated liquid, such as water, to flow therethrough. For example, droplets of water may settle on the bottom surface of the inlet tube 320 (e.g., due to gravity), and flow through the drain opening 333 of the nozzle plate 330. Advantageously, the drain opening 333 may mitigate the water from flowing backwards through the inlet tube 320.

[0084] The impactor plate 340 is positioned within the internal volume 315. For example, the impactor plate 340 may be coupled to the housing 310, within the internal volume 315. In another example, the impactor plate 340 is unitarily formed with the housing 310. As shown in FIG. 7, the impactor plate 340 includes a plate portion 342 that extends in a substantially axial direction and a skirt portion 344 extending substantially radially from the plate portion 342 and towards the nozzle plate 330 and the inlet tube 320. The impactor plate 340 is configured to facilitate separating the unseparated fluid (e.g., the hydrogen-water mixture). For example, the hydrogen-water mixture is directed to impact the plate portion 342, and the inertial force facilitates separating the water from the hydrogen.

[0085] The filter media 360 may be positioned on the impactor plate 340. In particular, the filter media 360 is positioned on the plate portion 342 and inward from the skirt portion 344. In this way, the skirt portion 344 retains the filter media 360 on the plate portion 342. In the embodiment shown, the skirt portion 344 extends radially outward from the filter media 360 (e.g., such that at least a portion of the skirt portion 344 is positioned between the filter media 360 and the side wall 316). In other embodiments, the filter media 360 may extend radially outward from the skirt portion 344 (e.g., such that at least a portion of the filter media 360 is positioned between the skirt portion 344 and the side wall 316). The filter media 360 is configured to receive the unseparated fluid (e.g., the hydrogen-water mixture) and facilitate separating the water from the hydrogen (e.g., by trapping the water therein).-17- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0086} The lines 380 shown in FIG. 6 depict a simulated particle trajectory of particles (e.g., water particles) after impacting the impactor plate.

[0087] The drain 390 is positioned at a bottom of the housing 310, below the impactor plate 340. Water separated from the hydrogen- water mixture flows downward (e.g., due to gravity) in the housing 310 and out of the gas liquid separator 100 via the drain 390.[00881 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gas liquid separator 400, according to an example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 400 includes a housing 410, an inlet tube 420, a nozzle plate 430, an impactor plate 440, and an outlet tube 450. The gas liquid separator 400 includes a one or more flow veins 460 disposed on the impactor plate 440. The gas liquid separator 400 includes a drain 490 (e.g., a water drain) disposed at or proximate a bottom of the housing 410. The gas liquid separator 400 includes a baffle 470 (e.g., a vertical baffle) positioned downstream of the impactor plate 440. The gas liquid separator 400 includes one or more ribs 480 extending away from the baffle 470. In the arrangement shown, the gas liquid separator 400 includes a curved impaction feature 441. That is, the impactor plate 440 is a curved impactor plate.[0089| In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the housing 410 is shown as transparent to show the components contained therein. However, it should be understood that the housing 410 is not necessarily transparent.[0090) The housing 410 has a generally rectangular shape. The housing 410 includes a housing wall 412 that at least partially defines an internal volume 414. In some embodiments, the housing 410 includes the inlet tube 420 and the outlet tube 450. That is, the housing 410, the inlet tube 420, and the outlet tube 450 may be unitarily formed as a single part. In other embodiments, inlet tube 420 is coupled to the housing 410, and the outlet tube 450 is coupled to the housing 410.

[0091] The housing wall 412 includes a first side wall 510 positioned at a first side 502 (e.g., a front) of the housing 410. The first side wall 510 extends in a vertical direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the direction of gravity). The inlet tube 420 is defined through the first side wall 510.-18- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0092} The housing wall 412 includes a first end wall 512 positioned at a first end 504 (e.g., a top) of the housing 410 that extends in a substantially lateral direction (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of gravity). In some embodiments, the first end wall 512 includes a flat surface 514 that extends in the substantially lateral direction and an angled surface 516 that is angled with respect to the flat surface 514. The first end wall 512 is contiguous with the first side wall 510 such that the angled surface 516 of the first end wall 512 meets a top of the first side wall 510. The outlet tube 450 is defined through the first end wall 512. More specifically, the outlet tube 450 is defined through the flat surface 514 of the first end wall 512.[00931 The housing wall 412 includes a second side wall 518 positioned at a second side 506 (e.g., a back) of the housing 410, opposite the first side 502. The second side wall 518 includes a flat surface 520 that extends in a substantially vertical direction and an angled surface 522 that is angled with respect to the flat surface 520. The second side wall 518 is contiguous with the first end wall 512, such that the flat surface 514 of the first end wall 512 meets the flat surface 520 of the second side wall 518.

[0094] The housing wall 412 includes a second end wall 524 positioned at a second end 508 (e.g., a bottom) of the housing 410, opposite the first end 504. The second end wall 524 is substantially parallel to the first end wall 512. In particular, the second end wall 524 is substantially parallel to the flat surface 514 of the first end wall 512. The second end wall 524 is contiguous with the second side wall 518, such that the second end wall 524 meets the angled surface 522 of the second side wall 518. The second end wall 524 is contiguous with the first side wall 510, such that the second end wall 524 meets a bottom of the first side wall 510. The drain 490 is defined through the second end wall 524.[0095} In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the inlet tube 420 extends substantially laterally through the housing 410, into the internal volume 414, and towards the impactor plate 440. More specifically, the inlet tube 420 extends in a direction that is perpendicular to gravity. As shown in FIG. 8, the inlet tube 420 is positioned outside of the internal volume 414. The inlet tube 420 has a cylindrical shape. The inlet tube 420 is configured to provide a fluid (e.g., a hydrogen- water mixture) to the internal volume 414 of the gas liquid separator 400 and towards -19- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379the impactor plate 440. For example, a first end 422 (e.g., an upstream end) of the inlet tube 420 receives the fluid, and a second end 424 (e.g., a downstream end) of the inlet tube 420 provides the fluid. In this way, the inlet tube 420 is configured to provide the fluid in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity).[00961 In other embodiments, the inlet tube 420 may be angled with respect to a horizontal direction (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of gravity). For example, the inlet tube 420 can be angled between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, such as between 15 and 45 degrees, inclusive, such that the first end 422 of the inlet tube 420 is above the second end 424 of the inlet tube 420.[0097| The outlet tube 450 is spaced away from the inlet tube 420 and extends substantially axially through the housing 410. More specifically, the outlet tube 450 extends parallel to the direction of gravity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the outlet tube 450 extends outward from the housing wall 412 away from the internal volume 414. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet tube 450 extends into the internal volume 414 of the gas liquid separator 400. For example, a first portion (e.g., an upstream portion) of the outlet tube 450 may be at least partially inside of the internal volume 414 and a second portion (e.g., a downstream portion) of the outlet tube may be at least partially outside the internal volume 414. In still other embodiments, the outlet tube does not include the first portion.[0098) The outlet tube 450 is configured to direct a separated fluid (e.g., a hydrogen gas) from the internal volume 414 and out of the gas liquid separator 400. For example, a first end 452 (e.g., an upstream end) of the outlet tube 450 receives the fluid (e.g., in the axial direction, opposite gravity), and a second end 454 (e g., a downstream end) of the outlet tube 450 provides the fluid outside of the gas liquid separator 400, in a substantially axial direction.

[0099] In some embodiments, the nozzle plate 430 is spaced away from the inlet tube 420. As shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle plate 430 is curved, such that the nozzle plate 430 curves away from the inlet tube 420.-20- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0100} As shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle plate 430 includes one or more nozzles 432. Each of the one or more nozzles 432 has a nozzle profile. The nozzle profile is substantially the same as or similar to the nozzle profile of the nozzles 142 of FIG 4. The nozzle plate 430 is positioned within the housing 410, such that the nozzles 432 direct the fluid flowing therethrough in a lateral direction (e.g., a horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity).[0101 } As shown in FIG. 8, the gas liquid separator 400 includes a base 434. The base 434 is positioned within the housing 410 and extends in a lateral direction, below the nozzle plate 430. In some embodiments, the base 434 is configured to support the nozzle plate 430. The base 434 defines one or more base apertures 436 that extend axially or vertically (e.g., parallel to the direction of gravity) through the base 434. The base apertures 436 allow a fluid to flow therethrough. For example, the separated liquid (e.g., water) can flow through the base apertures 436 and out of the gas liquid separator 400 via the drain 490.

[0102] The impactor plate 440 is positioned within the internal volume 414. As shown in FIG.8, the impactor plate 440 includes a lower portion 442, a central portion 444, and an upper portion 446. The lower portion 442 meets the base 434 and extends from the base 434, towards the impactor plate 440. The central portion 444 is curved such that the central portion 444 of the impactor plate 440 has a complementary shape to the nozzle plate 430. That is, the central portion 444 of the impactor plate 440 may be substantially parallel to the nozzle plate 430. The upper portion 446 extends away from the base 434 and away from the nozzle plate 430.Advantageously, the curved impactor architecture of the impactor plate 440 facilitates even flow distribution across the nozzles 432 and maintaining a constant impaction distance (e.g., the distance between the nozzles 432 and the impactor plate 440). Additionally, the curved impactor architecture of the impactor plate 440 can yield higher separation efficiency compared to conventional designs, such as baffle box separators.

[0103] The impactor plate 440 is configured to facilitate separating the unseparated fluid (e.g., the hydrogen-water mixture). For example, the hydrogen-water mixture is directed to impact the central portion 444, and the inertial force facilitates separating the water from the hydrogen.-21- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0104} The one or more flow veins 460 may be positioned on the impactor plate 440. In particular, the one or more flow veins 460 are positioned on an upstream side of the impactor plate 440. The one or more flow veins 460 are configured to direct the separated gas (e.g., the hydrogen) from the central portion 444 along the impactor plate 440, towards the upper portion 446. The one or more flow veins 460 are configured to direct the separated liquid (e.g., the water) from the central portion 444 along the impactor plate 440, towards the lower portion 442.

[0105] The baffle 470 is positioned within the housing 410 and downstream of the impactor plate 440. More specifically, the baffle 470 is positioned axially above the impactor plate 440, such that the hydrogen gas flowing from the impactor plate 440 is directed towards the baffle 470. The baffle 470 extends from the first end wall 512 (e.g., from the flat surface 514 of the first end wall 512) towards the base 434 and / or towards the second end wall 524. The baffle 470 is configured to substantially prevent the separated hydrogen from flowing along a direct path from the impactor plate 440 to the outlet tube 450. That is, the baffle breaks a “line of sight” between the impactor plate 440 and the outlet tube 450. In some embodiments, the baffle 470 may facilitate further separating the water from the hydrogen. For example, the once-separated hydrogen-water mixture is directed to impact the baffle 470, and the inertial force facilitates further separating the water from the hydrogen.[0.1.06] The one or more ribs 480 are positioned on an upstream side of the baffle 470. The one or more ribs 480 extend from the baffle 470 towards the base 434 and / or towards the second end wall 524. The one or more ribs 480 are configured to facilitate moving separated water from the baffle 470 to the drain 490. For example, the water may flow along the one or more ribs 480 from the baffle 470 and fall off the one or more ribs 480 (e.g., due to gravity).

[0107] The drain 490 is positioned at a bottom of the housing 410, below the impactor plate 440 and the baffle 470. Water separated from the hydrogen-water mixture flows downward (e.g., due to gravity) in the housing 410 and out of the gas liquid separator via the drain 490.|0108| FIGS. 9 and 10 are a first cross sectional view and a second cross sectional view of a gas liquid separator 600, according to an example embodiment. The gas liquid separator -22- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379includes a housing 610, an inlet tube 620, one or more hooks 630 (e.g., baffles), and an outlet tube 640. The gas liquid separator includes a drain 690 (e.g., a water drain) disposed at or proximate a bottom of the housing 610. In some embodiments, the gas liquid separator 600 may also include a nozzle plate (not shown), that is similar to or the same as the nozzle plate 140 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 or the nozzle plate 330 shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the gas liquid separator 600 may also include a filter media (not shown), that is similar to the filter media 160 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 or the filter media 360 shown in FIG. 7. In the arrangement shown, the gas liquid separator 600 is an inertial separator.

[0109] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the housing 610 includes an upper chamber 650 and a lower chamber 660. The lower chamber 660 is positioned below the upper chamber 650.

[0110] The upper chamber 650 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper chamber 650 includes an upper chamber outer wall 652 that at least partially defines an internal volume 653. The upper chamber 650 includes a first end wall 654 positioned at a first end 612 (e.g., a top end) of the housing 610. The upper chamber 650 includes a second end wall 656 spaced from the first end wall 654. The second end wall 656 is positioned between the first end 612 and a second end 614 of the housing 610, opposite the first end 612.

[0111] The upper chamber 650 includes an upper chamber inner wall 658. The upper chamber inner wall 658 extends between the first end wall 654 and the second end wall 656 of the upper chamber 650. The upper chamber inner wall 658 is positioned radially inward from the outer wall 652. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper chamber inner wall 658 has a spiral shape such that the upper chamber inner wall 658 directs a fluid flowing from the inlet tube 620 to the outlet tube 640 along a spiral flow path. More specifically, the upper chamber inner wall 658 defines a flow channel 659 that has a spiral flow path, and the fluid flows from the inlet tube 620 to the outlet tube 640 along the flow channel 659.

[0112] In some embodiments, the upper chamber 650 includes the inlet tube 620 and the outlet tube 640. That is, the housing 610 (or a portion thereof, such as the upper chamber 650), the inlet tube 620, and the outlet tube 640 may be unitarily formed as a single part. In other-23- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379embodiments, inlet tube 620 is coupled to the housing, and the outlet tube 640 is coupled to the housing.

[0113] The lower chamber 660 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 9, a diameter of the lower chamber 660 is larger than a diameter of the upper chamber 650. In other embodiments, the diameter of the lower chamber 660 is the same size as or smaller than the diameter of the upper chamber 650. The lower chamber 660 includes a lower chamber wall 662 that at least partially defines an internal volume 663. The lower chamber wall 662 includes a first end wall 664 positioned at a first end 661 (e.g., a top end) of the lower chamber 660, proximate the upper chamber 650. The first end wall 664 of the lower chamber 660 is positioned between the first end 612 and the second end 614 of the housing 610. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end wall 664 includes the second end wall 656 (or a portion thereof). The portion of the first end wall 664 that includes the second end wall 656 at least partially separates the upper chamber 650 form the lower chamber 660. A portion of the first end wall 664 that does not include the second end wall 656 extends outward (e g., radially outward) from the upper chamber 650 (e.g., because the diameter of the lower chamber 660 is larger than the diameter of the upper chamber 650). The lower chamber wall 662 includes a side wall 665 extending axially from the first end wall, towards a second end 669 (e.g., a bottom end) of the lower chamber 660, opposite the first end 661. The lower chamber wall 662 includes a second end wall 668 positioned at the second end 669 of the lower chamber 660, opposite the first end 661.[(1114] In some embodiments, the first end wall 664 of the lower chamber wall includes one or more openings 670 (e.g., end wall openings) defined therethrough. The one or more openings 670 are configured to allow a liquid, such as water, to flow from the upper chamber 650 to the lower chamber 660.|0115| In some embodiments, the housing 610 includes a swirl breaker 672 proximate the outlet tube 640. For example, the swirl breaker 672 may be positioned at or proximate a first portion 642 (e.g., an upstream portion, a bottom end, etc.) of the outlet tube 640. The swirl breaker 672 is configured to mitigate a swirling of the fluid (e.g., the separated gas) as the fluid -24- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379flows through the outlet tube 640. Advantageously, the swirl breaker 672 can mitigate (e.g., reduce) a total pressure drop across the gas liquid separator 600.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet tube 620 is positioned outside of the internal volume 653. The inlet tube 620 has a cylindrical shape. The inlet tube 620 is configured to provide a fluid (e.g., a hydrogen-water mixture) to the internal volume 653 of the gas liquid separator 600 and into the flow channel 659. For example, a first end 622 (e.g., an upstream end) of the inlet tube 620 receives the fluid, and a second end 624 (e.g., a downstream end) of the inlet tube 620 provides the fluid. In this way, the inlet tube 620 is configured to provide the fluid into the upper chamber 650 between the upper chamber outer wall 652 and the upper chamber inner wall 658, such that the fluid flows along the spiral path defined by the upper chamber inner wall 658. The inlet tube 620 is angled with respect to a horizontal direction (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of gravity). For example, the inlet tube 620 can be angled between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, such as between 15 and 45 degrees, inclusive, such that the first end 622 of the inlet tube 620 is above the second end 624 of the inlet tube 620.

[0117] The outlet tube 640 is spaced away from the inlet tube 620 and extends substantially axially through the housing 610. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet tube 640 extends into the internal volume 653 of the gas liquid separator 600. Accordingly, the first portion 642 (e.g., an upstream portion) of the outlet tube 640 is at least partially inside of the internal volume 653 and a second portion 644 (e.g., a downstream portion) of the outlet tube 640 is at least partially outside the internal volume 653.

[0118] In some embodiments, the inlet tube 620 may be configured as an outlet tube and the outlet tube 640 is configured as an inlet tube. That is, the direction of flow within the gas liquid separator 600 may be reversed. In these embodiments, the one or more hooks 630 are oriented accordingly.|01l9 | In the embodiment shown, the first portion 642 of the outlet tube 640 has a conical shape and is fully within the housing 610, and the second portion 644 of the outlet tube 640 has-25- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379a cylindrical shape and is partially inside the housing 610 and partially outside of the housing 610. In other embodiments, the outlet tube 640 has a cylindrical shape.

[0120] The outlet tube 640 is configured to direct a separated fluid (e.g., a hydrogen gas) from the internal volume 653 and out of the gas liquid separator 600. For example, a first end 643 (e.g., an upstream end) of the outlet tube 640, proximate the first portion 642 of the outlet tube 640, receives the fluid (e.g., in the axial direction, opposite gravity), and a second end 645 (e.g., a downstream end) of the outlet tube 640, proximate the second portion 644 of the outlet tube 640, provides the fluid outside of the gas liquid separator 600, in a substantially axial direction.

[0121] In some embodiments, the hooks 630 are positioned within the upper chamber 650. The hooks 630 extend into the spiral flow path (e.g., the flow channel 659) from the upper chamber inner wall 658 and the upper chamber outer wall 652. As shown in FIG. 10, each of the hooks 630 is positioned above a corresponding opening 670 of the first end wall 664 of the lower chamber wall 662. Each of the hooks 630 is configured to facilitate separating the unseparated fluid (e.g., the hydrogen-water mixture). For example, the hydrogen-water mixture is directed to impact one or more of the hooks 630, and the inertial force facilitates separating the water from the hydrogen. The separated hydrogen continues to flow along the spiral flow path (e.g., the flow channel 659), towards the outlet tube 640. The separated water flows through the corresponding opening 670 of the first end wall 664 of the lower chamber wall 662 and into the lower chamber 660 (e.g., due to gravity).

[0122] The drain 690 is positioned at a bottom of the lower chamber 660, below the upper chamber 650. Water separated from the hydrogen-water mixture flows downward (e.g., due to gravity) from the openings 670 of the first end wall 664 of the lower chamber wall 662 and out of the gas liquid separator 600 via the drain 690.

[0123] FIGS. 11 and 12 are a perspective cross-sectional view and a top cross sectional view showing a portion of the gas liquid separator 600, respectively, according to another example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 600 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is substantially similar to or the same as the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 9 and 10. The differences between the gas liquid separator 600 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 9 and -26- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-337910 are described below. However, it should be understood that any of the features of the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 11 and 12 may be combined with or substituted with any of the features of the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0124] The upper chamber 650 is shown without the upper chamber outer wall 652. However, it should be understood that the upper chamber 650 can include the upper chamber outer wall 652. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the outlet tube 640 extends in a substantially radial direction (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity). The outlet tube 640 extends through the upper chamber inner wall 658 and the upper chamber outer wall 652. The outlet tube 640 is configured to direct the separated fluid (e.g., a hydrogen gas) from the internal volume 653 and out of the gas liquid separator 600. For example, a first end 643 (e.g., an upstream end) of the outlet tube 640 receives the fluid (e.g., in the radial direction, perpendicular to the direction of gravity), and a second end 645 (e.g., a downstream end) of the outlet tube 640 provides the fluid outside of the gas liquid separator 600, in a substantially radial direction.10125] FIGS. 13 and 14 are a cross-sectional views showing a portion of the gas liquid separator 600, according to yet another example embodiment. The gas liquid separator 600 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are substantially similar to the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 9 and 10. The differences between the gas liquid separator 600 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 13 and 14 are described below. However, it should be understood that any of the features of the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be combined with or substituted with any of the features of the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 9 and 10 and / or the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0126] The upper chamber 650 is shown without a portion of the upper chamber outer wall 652. However, it should be understood that the upper chamber 650 can include the upper chamber outer wall 652. In contrast with the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 9 and 10, the gas liquid separator 600 of FIGS. 13 and 14 does not include the hooks 630.

[0127] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the gas liquid separator 600 includes one or more side walls 700. As shown the gas liquid separator 600 includes two side walls 700. The -27- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379side walls 700 extend between the upper chamber inner wall 658 and the upper chamber outer wall 652. An outer chamber 702 is defined between the upper chamber inner wall 658, the upper chamber outer wall 652, and the side walls 700, within the upper chamber 650.

[0128] In some embodiments, the outer chamber 702 is in fluid communication with the lower chamber 660. For example, the outer chamber 702 may include one or more openings (not shown) defined therethrough and configured to allow a liquid, such as water, to flow from the outer chamber 702 to the lower chamber 660. For example, the one or more openings may be similar to or the same as the openings 670 shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the housing 610 includes a swirl breaker (not shown) at the bottom of the upper chamber 650, proximate the one or more openings. The swirl breaker is configured to mitigate a swirling of the fluid (e.g., the separated gas) as the fluid flows through the outlet tube 640.Advantageously, the swirl braker can mitigate (e.g., reduce) a total pressure drop across the gas liquid separator 600.

[0129] The upper chamber inner wall 658 defines one or more openings 710 (e.g., inner wall openings) defined therethrough. As the fluid (e.g., the unseparated gas-liquid mixture) flows along the flow channel 659 defined by the upper chamber inner wall 658 (e.g., along the spiral shape of the upper chamber inner wall 658), the fluid may impact the upper chamber inner wall 658 and the inertial force causes the liquid to separate from the gas. The one or more openings 710 are configured to allow the separated liquid (e.g., water) to flow from the flow channel 659 (e.g., the spiral flow path) defined by the upper chamber inner wall 658 to the outer chamber 702.

[0130] In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 14, a filter media 720 may be positioned along at least a portion of the upper chamber inner wall 658. The filter media 720 is configured to facilitate separating the gas-liquid mixture flowing through the flow channel 659 (e.g., the spiral flow path) defined by the upper chamber inner wall 658. For example, as the gas-liquid mixture flows through the flow channel 659 defined by the upper chamber inner wall 658, at least a portion of the gas-liquid mixture may flow through the filter media 720, and the filter media 720 may facilitate separating the liquid from the gas.-28- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379[0131 J It should be noted that the term “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).[01321 As utilized herein, the term “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. The term “substantially” as used herein refers to ±10% of the referenced measurement, position, or dimension. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.[0133 | The terms “coupled,” “attached,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable).[01 41 References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0135] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, various parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements -29- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied in particular implementations, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

[0136] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.-30- 4938-0434-7238

Claims

1. Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A gas liquid separator comprising:a housing;a cover coupled to the housing, such that the cover and the housing define an internal volume;an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume;an inlet tube extending through the cover, into the internal volume, and towards the impactor plate; andan outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the cover.

2. The gas liquid separator of claim 1, wherein the inlet tube extends through a first surface of the cover in an axial direction, and the outlet tube extends through the first surface of the cover in the axial direction, the first surface of the cover positioned away from the housing.

3. The gas liquid separator of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle plate coupled to the inlet tube and positioned at a downstream end of the inlet tube, the nozzle plate including one or more nozzles configured to direct a fluid therethrough in an axial direction.

4. The gas liquid separator of claim 3, wherein each nozzle of the one or more nozzles includes:a first nozzle portion having a frustoconical shape; anda second nozzle portion having a cylindrical shape, the second nozzle portion positioned downstream of the first nozzle portion.

5. The gas liquid separator of claim 1, further comprising:a drain configured to receive a separated liquid from the impactor plate; anda drain sensor assembly positioned proximate the drain and including a drain conduit configured to receive the separated liquid and a drain sensor configured to acquire data regarding the separated liquid.-31- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-33796. The gas liquid separator of claim 1, wherein the housing includes:a first housing portion having a housing flange that extends inward from a first housing portion wall into the internal volume, the housing flange positioned at a first end of the first housing portion; anda second housing portion coupled to the first end of the first housing portion, a width of a second housing portion wall of the second housing portion being equal to or greater than a combined width of the first housing portion wall and the housing flange.

7. The gas liquid separator of claim 1, wherein the impactor plate includes a plate portion that extends in a lateral direction and a skirt portion extending away from the plate portion and towards the inlet tube, the skirt portion having one or more slots extending there through, the one or more slots configured to allow separated water to flow away from the plate portion.

8. A gas liquid separator comprising:a housing defining an internal volume;an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume;an inlet tube extending through the housing in a radial direction, into the internal volume, and towards the impactor plate; andan outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the housing in the radial direction.

9. The gas liquid separator of claim 8, wherein the outlet tube includes:a first portion positioned inside the internal volume and extending in an axial direction; anda second portion positioned at least partially outside the internal volume and extending in the radial direction.

10. The gas liquid separator of claim 8, wherein the impactor plate includes:a plate portion that extends in an axial direction; and-32- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-3379a skirt portion that extends from the plate portion in the radial direction towards the inlet tube.

11. The gas liquid separator of claim 8, further comprising a nozzle plate positioned at a downstream end of the inlet tube, the nozzle plate defining:one or more nozzles extending therethrough in the radial direction; anda drain opening disposed at an axial end of the nozzle plate and configured to allow a separated liquid to flow therethrough.

12. A gas liquid separator comprising:a housing defining an internal volume;an inlet tube extending through the housing in lateral direction, into the internal volume; a nozzle plate positioned in the internal volume, the nozzle plate curved away from the inlet tube;an impactor plate positioned within the internal volume downstream of the nozzle plate, the impactor plate having a central portion that is curved such that the central portion has a complementary shape to the nozzle plate; andan outlet tube spaced away from the inlet tube and extending through the housing in an axial direction.

13. The gas liquid separator of claim 12, further comprising a base positioned in the housing, below the nozzle plate, the base supporting the nozzle plate, and the base defining one or more base apertures extending axially through the base, the one or more base apertures configured to allow a separated liquid to flow therethrough.

14. The gas liquid separator of claim 12, further comprising a baffle positioned in the housing downstream of the impactor plate, the baffle extending from a first end wall of the housing towards a second end wall of the housing.-33- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-337915. The gas liquid separator of claim 14, further comprising one or more ribs positioned on an upstream side of the baffle, the one or more ribs extends from the baffle towards the second end wall of the housing.

16. A gas liquid separator comprising:a housing including an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber having:an outer wall that at least partially defines an internal volume;an inner wall positioned radially inward from the outer wall and defining a spiral flow path; andan end wall positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the end wall defining one or more end wall openings therethrough, the one or more end wall openings configured to allow a separated liquid to flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber; andone or more hooks positioned within the upper chamber, each hook of the one or more hooks extending into the spiral flow path from the inner wall or the outer wall and positioned above a corresponding end wall opening of the one or more end wall openings.

17. The gas liquid separator of claim 16, further comprising an outlet tube extending through the housing in an axial direction.

18. The gas liquid separator of claim 16, further comprising an outlet tube extending through the housing in a radial direction.

19. The gas liquid separator of claim 16, wherein:the housing further includes one or more side walls extending between the outer wall and the inner wall such that an outer chamber is defined between the one or more side walls, the outer wall, and the inner wall; andthe inner wall defines one or more inner wall openings therethrough, the one or more inner wall openings configured to allow the separated liquid to flow from the spiral flow path to the outer chamber.-34- 4938-0434-7238Atty. Dkt. No.: 137878-337920. The gas liquid separator of claim 16, further comprising a filter media positioned on the inner wall and configured to facilitate separating a gas-liquid mixture flowing through the spiral flow path.-35- 4938-0434-7238

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