Passive inline annular phase separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for humidity control in space applications face challenges in efficiently separating and recovering liquid from two-phase flows, particularly in resource-limited environments.
Innovation Solution
A passive inline annular phase separator is used, which includes a liquid permeable membrane arranged to capture liquid while diverting gas into an annular flow around the membrane, allowing for efficient separation and recovery of both phases without the need for additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a passive phase separator is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but separation efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical separation systems with a passive phase separator that utilizes the natural annular flow pattern of two-phase flow. The liquid permeable membrane allows liquid to pass through while gas flows annularly around it, achieving separation without mechanical moving parts or additional power sources beyond the condenser fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid permeable membrane as the core separation element. This porous material allows liquid to pass through while blocking gas, enabling passive separation based on the inherent properties of the membrane material rather than active mechanical forces.
2Productivity
If additional power sources are added to improve separation efficiency, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase separator is designed to be self-sufficient, using only the fan already present in the two-phase flow source (condenser) to provide the necessary gas flow. The annular flow pattern and liquid permeable membrane work together to achieve separation without requiring any additional power sources, controls, or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the natural annular flow characteristics of two-phase flow systems, separating the liquid and gas phases through the liquid permeable membrane without adding complex separation mechanisms. The solution takes out only the essential components needed for passive separation.
3Reliability
If the phase separator is designed for passive operation, then reliability is improved, but control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces controllable mechanical separation systems with a passive phase separator that relies on the natural annular flow pattern. The liquid permeable membrane provides automatic separation based on flow conditions without requiring control mechanisms, enhancing reliability while maintaining adequate performance for space applications.
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 phase separator effectively separates gas and liquid from two-phase flows, enabling efficient recovery and reuse of water and air in space applications, while maintaining a passive operation that is independent of orientation and environment.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid permeable membrane arranged at an outlet of the inlet duct to pass the liquid for capture while diverting the gas
Data Source
AI summary
A phase separator includes an inlet of an inlet duct to receive two-phase flow from a two-phase flow source that is in line with the inlet duct. The two-phase flow includes gas and liquid. The phase separator also includes a liquid permeable membrane arranged at an outlet of the inlet duct to pass the liquid for capture while diverting the gas to result in an annular flow of the gas around the liquid permeable membrane. An outlet of an outlet duct outputs the gas that is separated from the liquid and that results in the annular flow of the gas.