Passive gas separator and accumulator device

Patent · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:869419

Choe, Hwang ^[1]; Fallas, Thomas T ^[2]

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1. Saratoga, CA
2. Berkeley, CA

A separation device employing a gas separation filter and swirler vanes for separating gas from a gasliquid mixture is provided. The cylindrical filter utilizes the principle that surface tension in the pores of the filter prevents gas bubbles from passing through. As a result, the gas collects in the interior region of the filter and coalesces to form larger bubbles in the center of the device. The device is particularly suited for use in microgravity conditions since the swirlers induce a centrifugal force which causes liquid to move from the inner region of the filter, pass the pores, and flow through the outlet of the device while the entrained gas is trapped by the filter. The device includes a cylindrical gas storage screen which is enclosed by the cylindrical gas separation filter. The screen has pores that are larger than those of the filters. The screen prevents larger bubbles that have been formed from reaching and interfering with the pores of the gas separation filter. The device is initially filled with a gas other than that which is to be separated. This technique results in separation of the gas even before gas bubbles are present in the mixture. Initially filling the device with the dissimilar gas and preventing the gas from escaping before operation can be accomplished by sealing the dissimilar gas in the inner region of the separation device with a ruptured disc which can be ruptured when the device is activated for use.

• Research Organization: Martin Marietta Corp
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-86SF16006
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5334239
• OSTI ID: 869419
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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