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Title: Combined heat and mass transfer device for improving separation process

Patent ·
OSTI ID:678598

A two-phase small channel heat exchange matrix simultaneously provides for heat transfer and mass transfer between the liquid and vapor phases of a multi-component mixture at a single, predetermined location within a separation column, significantly improving the thermodynamic efficiency of the separation process. The small channel heat exchange matrix is composed of a series of channels having a hydraulic diameter no greater than 5.0 millimeters for conducting a two-phase coolant. In operation, the matrix provides the liquid-vapor contacting surfaces within the separation column, such that heat and mass are transferred simultaneously between the liquid and vapor phases. The two-phase coolant allows for a uniform heat transfer coefficient to be maintained along the length of the channels and across the surface of the matrix. Preferably, a perforated, concave sheet connects each channel to an adjacent channel to facilitate the flow of the liquid and vapor phases within the column and to increase the liquid-vapor contacting surface area. 12 figs.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,942,164/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-906,838
OSTI ID:
678598
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 24 Aug 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English