METHODS FOR FLUID SEPARATIONS, AND DEVICES CAPABLE OF SEPARATING FLUIDS

摘要

A laminated, multiphase condensor having wicking structures and gas flow channels is described. During operation, a fluid mixture passes in through fluid inlet (2) into header (4) where it is distributed into gas flow channels (6 and 6'). Coolant passes through elongated coolant slots (8) in cooling channel layer (10). The material surrounding the coolant slots (8) are the cooling channel walls. As the fluid mixture passes through the gas flow channels (6 and 6'), heat from the fluid is removed primary heat exchange surface (13) (this surface also is an exterior surface of a cooling channel wall) and a liquid condenses from the fluid mixtu­re, flows into wick (11), through optional pore throat (12) and into liquid flow channel (14). The figure is an exploded view and shows a separation between the wick and the pore throat; however, in typical operation the optional pore throat should contact the wick. The device can work under the influence of gravity, but, more typically, sucti is applied to pull liquid out through liquid outlet (16) . In a device with multiple liquid flow channels, an optional footer (not shown) may carry flow from multiple liquid flow channels. Gas from the gas flow channels (6 and 6') may pass through an optional gas footer and out through gas outlet (20).