Rotating Vane Two-Phase Separator for Low-Pressure-Drop Condensate Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for humidity and temperature control in micro-gravity environments, such as those found in space applications, face challenges due to chemical degradation of hydrophilic surfaces in condensate separators, leading to inadequate performance and inefficient separation of condensate and particulate from gas streams.

Innovation Solution

A two-phase separator device with a rotatable vane assembly and a sloped inner wall, which captures condensate or particulate using centrifugal force without redirecting the gas stream, allowing for efficient separation with minimal pressure drop and power draw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional two-phase separator systems use hydrophilic surfaces for condensate removal, then water separation performance is improved, but chemical degradation converts surfaces to hydrophobic, causing water bypass and inadequate performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater separation performanceVSAvoidhydrophilic surface property

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical surface property-based separation mechanism (hydrophilic surfaces) with a mechanical centrifugal separation mechanism. The rotatable vane assembly generates centrifugal force to separate condensate from gas stream, eliminating dependence on stable chemical surface properties that degrade over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the separation mechanism from relying on surface chemical properties (hydrophilicity) to relying on physical motion parameters (rotational speed, centrifugal force). By controlling the rotational parameter of the vane assembly, reliable separation is achieved independent of surface chemical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a rotatable vane assembly is used to capture condensate through centrifugal force, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidseparator device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator device is segmented into functional modules: a rotatable vane assembly for centrifugal separation, a stationary housing with inlet/outlet ports, and a condensate collection chamber. This modular segmentation allows the complex separation function to be achieved through simple, interchangeable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic motion (rotation of the vane assembly) to achieve separation, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system. The rotational motion generates centrifugal force that enables efficient condensate capture while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the gas stream is redirected through another flow path for separation, then condensate capture is improved, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensate capture efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the flow path so that the gas stream passes through the rotating vane assembly along its original axial direction without significant redirection. The centrifugal separation occurs radially outward while the main gas flow continues axially, maintaining equipotential flow conditions and minimizing pressure drop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The separation process occurs in a different dimension (radial direction via centrifugal force) while the main gas flow continues in the original dimension (axial direction). This dimensional separation allows condensate removal without redirecting the primary gas flow path, minimizing pressure losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 device achieves high condensate and particulate capture efficiency with minimal splashing, reducing power consumption and pressure loss, while maintaining airflow integrity, suitable for both space and terrestrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

A two-phase separator device with a rotatable vane assembly that captures condensate or particulate through centrifugal force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS12616927B2Two-phase separator device for removing condensate or particulate from a gas stream

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 PARAGON SPACE DEVELOPMENT CORP

AI summary

This disclosure provides a two-phase separator device for separating condensate or particulate from a gas stream. In some implementations, the separator device removes water from air and may operate under micro-gravity conditions. The gas stream flows through the two-phase separator device and passes through a rotatable vane assembly along a flow path without being redirected in another flow path. Condensate or particulate in the gas stream is impacted by a plurality of vanes of the rotatable vane assembly, and the condensate is captured by features formed within the plurality of vanes. The captured condensate is accelerated radially outwardly along the each of the plurality of vanes towards a sloped inner wall, and further moved along the sloped inner wall in a direction against the flow path of the gas stream during rotation.