COMPONENT SEPARATION SYSTEM INCLUDING CONDENSING MECHANISM

摘要

A method and apparatus for separating components from a mixture (16) includes a condensing surface (14) located in a high vapor concentration region above the source of evaporated liquid. The evaporated liquid is condensed on the condensing surface (14). The condensed liquid is removed from the condensing surface (14) while it remains liquid, using substantially capillary forces. A plurality of open grooves (20) are formed on the condensing surface (14). The grooves (20) channel the condensed liquid on the condensing surface (14) away from the mixture (16). The grooves (20) can be capillary grooves which satisfy the Concus-Finn Inequality.