METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUID FROM A GAS STREAM

摘要

An apparatus for separating liquid from a gas stream. The apparatus includes an elongated housing having a cylindrical inner surface and a gas stream inlet that is tangential to the side wall of the housing so as to cause the entering gas stream to swirl within the housing. A gas stream outlet is located at the top of the housing and a liquid outlet at the bottom. The gas stream outlet can include an elongated tubular member that extends into the housing and has an opening that is located below the housing gas stream inlet. Liquid components of the gas stream separate from the stream under the influence of centrifugal forces that are created by the swirling flow path of the stream without the housing. A liquid outlet and liquid outlet valve are provided for maintaining a minimum level of liquid within the housing so as to maintain a liquid seal within the housing. A power generation apparatus having two or more of the separators for separating liquid from fuel cell and fuel processor steams. Methods for manufacturing an apparatsus for removing liquid from a gas stream and methods for separating liquid from a gas stream are also provided.