Vortex separator and separation method

摘要

A vortex separator includes a vortex chamber having a circular cross section, an inlet for delivering a fluid to the vortex chamber, a gas outlet through which gas present in the fluid exits the vortex chamber, a membrane positioned to substantially prevent liquid from passing through the gas outlet, and a liquid outlet through which liquid present in the fluid exits the vortex chamber.

主权项

1. A method for separating a gas from a liquid, the method comprising:
delivering a fluid containing a liquid and a gas to a vortex chamber through a nozzle at a velocity and direction sufficient to create vortical flow of the fluid within the vortex chamber, wherein the nozzle is located proximate a first end of the vortex chamber; removing the liquid contained within the fluid from the vortex chamber through a liquid outlet, wherein the liquid outlet is located proximate a second end of the vortex chamber opposite the first end; and removing the gas contained within the fluid from the vortex chamber through a gas outlet, wherein the gas outlet is located on the second end, and wherein one of the vortex chamber or the gas outlet includes a membrane that prevents liquid from exiting through the gas outlet.