Condensate Dispersion in Phase Separators for Microgravity Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient liquid separation and recovery in low or microgravity environments is challenging due to the lack of reliance on gravity for water droplet separation, complicating effective humidity control in environmental control systems.
Innovation Solution
A phase separator system with a condenser, transition duct, and separator, enhanced by a condensate dispersion element and director, which breaks up and directs liquid droplets to the separator, ensuring effective separation and recovery of liquid and gas phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gravity-dependent liquid separation methods are used, then liquid-gas separation is effective in normal gravity conditions, but separation efficiency deteriorates in low or microgravity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid portion is segmented into smaller droplets by passing through a dispersion structure (mesh or screen) before entering the separator. This segmentation increases the surface area and improves the ability of the separator to capture liquid droplets even in low gravity conditions where gravitational separation is ineffective.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the liquid phase by breaking it into smaller droplets with controlled size distribution. This parameter change (droplet size) enables effective separation in low gravity environments where larger droplets would not separate efficiently without gravitational force.
2Reliability
If liquid droplets are not properly broken up before separation, then the separator structure remains simple, but liquid separation efficiency decreases in low gravity environments
Solution Approach 1:
A dispersion structure (mesh or screen) is introduced as an intermediary component between the condenser and separator. This intermediary breaks up liquid droplets before they reach the separator, enabling efficient separation without requiring complex separator designs that would be needed to handle large, undispersed droplets in low gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid droplets are broken up into smaller segments before entering the separator through the dispersion structure. This preliminary action of droplet breakup simplifies the subsequent separation process and reduces the complexity requirements of the separator itself.
3Reliability
If a dispersion structure is added to break up liquid droplets, then liquid separation efficiency improves in low gravity, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mesh or screen (porous structure) is used as the dispersion element. This porous material efficiently breaks up liquid droplets while maintaining a relatively simple and compact structure. The porous nature of the mesh allows gas to pass through while intercepting and breaking up liquid droplets.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersion structure can be implemented as a thin mesh or screen that is structurally simple yet functionally effective. This thin-film approach achieves droplet breakup without requiring bulky or complex mechanical structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves efficient liquid-gas separation and recovery in various gravity conditions, improving humidity control and resource management in environments like spacecraft cabins.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser configured to receive humid air from a source space, the condenser configured to convert the humid air into a two-phase fluid having a gaseous portion and a liquid portion
Implementation Method 2
a transition duct arranged downstream from the condenser in a flow direction through the phase separator system and configured to direct the two-phase fluid through a narrowing path defined by the transition duct
Implementation Method 3
a separator arranged downstream from the transition duct, the separator configured to interact with the two-phase fluid that exits the transition duct and capture the liquid portion and permit the gaseous portion to bypass the separator
Implementation Method 4
a condensate dispersion element arranged between the condenser and the separator, the condensate dispersion element comprising a dispersion structure arranged to break up liquid droplets of the liquid portion of the two-phase fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Phase separator systems may include a condenser configured to receive humid air, the condenser configured to convert the humid air into a two-phase fluid having a gaseous portion and a liquid portion. A transition duct is arranged downstream from the condenser and configured to direct the two-phase fluid through a narrowing path defined by the transition duct. A separator is arranged downstream from the transition duct and configured to interact with the two-phase fluid that exits the transition duct and capture the liquid portion and permit the gaseous portion to bypass the separator and flow downstream therefrom as a reduced moisture content airflow. A condensate dispersion element is arranged between the condenser and the separator and includes a dispersion structure arranged to break up liquid droplets of the liquid portion of the two-phase fluid and direct said liquid droplets to the separator.