Mesh-Based Phase Separator for Microgravity Liquid-Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase separation in low and microgravity environments is challenging due to the lack of gravity-induced separation mechanisms, requiring innovative solutions to effectively separate liquid water from gas in environmental control systems for spacecraft and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The phase separator system includes a condenser, transition duct, and separator with a condensate dispersion element, such as a mesh structure, to break up liquid droplets and direct them to a separator for efficient liquid capture, and a condensate director to control droplet behavior and ensure effective separation, even in the absence of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gravity-based separation methods are used, then liquid-water separation is effective in normal gravity environments, but separation efficiency deteriorates in low and microgravity conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based mechanical separation with a mesh-based physical barrier system. The mesh structure (with specified opening sizes of 0.02-0.2 inches) mechanically intercepts and captures liquid water droplets through surface tension and adhesion forces, eliminating dependence on gravity-induced separation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation mechanism from gravity-dependent to surface-tension-dependent by introducing mesh structures with specific geometric parameters (opening sizes, wire diameters, mesh counts). This parameter-based approach allows the system to maintain consistent separation performance across varying gravity conditions by relying on molecular-level surface forces rather than bulk gravitational forces.
2Reliability
If mesh structures with smaller openings are used to improve liquid capture, then liquid-water separation efficiency increases, but pressure drop and flow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the mesh structure parameters (opening sizes between 0.02-0.2 inches, wire diameters, mesh counts per inch) to achieve the optimal balance between liquid capture efficiency and pressure drop. This parameter optimization allows the system to capture liquid water effectively while maintaining acceptable flow characteristics for the gaseous portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh structure is strategically positioned at specific locations within the separator (upstream, downstream, or within the separation chamber) to create localized liquid capture zones. This local placement allows efficient liquid-water separation at critical points while minimizing the overall pressure drop across the entire system by leaving other regions open for gas flow.
3Reliability
If multiple condensate dispersion elements are added to improve droplet breakup, then liquid separation effectiveness increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the separation function into multiple discrete mesh structures (first condensate dispersion element, second condensate dispersion element, etc.) positioned at different locations within the separator. Each mesh element performs a specific segment of the liquid capture function, and their combined effect achieves thorough droplet breakup and separation without requiring any single element to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple mesh structures with progressively smaller openings (first element with larger openings, second element with smaller openings) to achieve cumulative liquid capture. This staged approach ensures that even if one element is bypassed by larger droplets, subsequent elements provide additional capture opportunities, guaranteeing effective separation without excessive complexity.
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
This configuration enhances liquid capture and recovery efficiency, ensuring effective humidity control and resource management in low and microgravity environments by optimizing liquid droplet behavior and separation, improving system performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Controlling parameters that impact water droplet behavior (e.g., surface tension, droplet size, etc.) are critical to effective phase control
Implementation Method 2
Phase separation, for temperature and humidity control for human space habitation, in low and microgravity conditions is a challenging technical problem
Implementation Method 3
the condenser configured to convert the humid air into a two-phase fluid having a gaseous portion and a liquid portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
Phase separator systems may include a condenser (202) 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 (204) 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 (206) 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 (512) 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.