DE102004037157A1 - Fluid separation device for combustion engine, has spiral-twisted segment with length smaller or equal to half its pitch, which is integrated with base carrier with flow-through tubes as one piece - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid separation element has flow-through tube with gas inlet and outlet, which is arranged in base carrier. The spiral-twisted segments (23a,23b',23b'') has thread which surfaces with inner wall of the flow-through tube, to form gas flow-path. The segment has length smaller or equal to 0.5 times its pitch. The segment and a base carrier with flow-through tubes are integrated as one piece. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) manufacturing method of fluid separation device; and (2) usage of fluid separation device.

Description

The present invention relates to a Flüssigkeitsabscheidevorrichtung, for the separation of liquid and / or liquid mist from a gas. Such separators are used for example for the separation of oil or oil mist from blow-by gases (crankcase gases, blow-by gases) of internal combustion engines. Another field of application for liquid gas separators is in the field of electrochemical cells, in particular PEM fuel cells, in particular those which operate in a suitable temperature range for H ₂ O, in particular between 20 ° C and 160 ° C. Such fuel cells typically have powers between a few watts and several kilowatts. Such PEM fuel cells (Polymerelekrolytmembran-fuel cells) have a proton-permeable polymer membrane. This membrane must have some moisture, so as not to dry out and thereby lose their function. Therefore, in such fuel cells, the zugeleite th reaction gases are pre-moistened. For this purpose, according to the prior art treated water is used in a humidifier for the corresponding supplied anode-side or cathode-side reaction gases. On the other hand, pure water forms on the cathode side of the fuel cell as the reaction product, so that there is an enormous excess of water in the discharged gases on the output side, which condenses out immediately after leaving the fuel cell. In order to separate this water from the discharged gases, liquid separation devices are also used to recycle this water for humidification.

to liquid separation In the prior art, labyrinths or metal knits are usually used or in particular cyclones used.

For the deposition Dust particles from gases are known tube separators a flow tube through which the gas is passed. In the flow tube screws are arranged, which open the gas force a circular path along the inner circumference of the tube and in this way deposit the particles on the inner wall of the tube.

A liquid separator is in the form of an oil or Ölnebelabscheiders from DE 101 27 820 A1 known. There, a tube separator is used, which has an outer diameter of about 5 cm. Accordingly, only coarse separation of the oil from blow-by gases takes place in this helical flow path. This separator therefore follows a further Feinabscheideeinrichtung.

Other known liquid separator in the form of tube separators, as described for example in the patent applications of the same applicant with the file reference DE 102004011176.6 and DE 102004011177.4 consist of a penetrated by flow tubes body and for each individual flow tube from a introduced into the respective flow tube helical segment (spiral insert).

When Snail becomes, as usual in technical language, a helical or also helical thread guided around a central axis.

The Length of introduced segments is based on the installation conditions and the required separation efficiency and is often a multiple of the slope of the segment. A one-piece production However, such long segments together with the flow tubes encounters manufacturing technology on big Difficulties and is for certain materials and manufacturing processes even impossible.

Of the Body, the flow tubes and the helical segments of the individual flow tubes are therefore separate or separately manufactured parts. This requires that the individual parts must be securely connected to each other. So, in particular the single snail-shaped Segments are secured in the respective flow tubes.

There several small liquid separating elements in a basic body have a better efficiency than a large Flüssigkeitsabscheidelement and because there are several small Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente better suited to the respective task (for example, to one in an engine amount of oil to be separated or to a quantity of water to be deposited in a fuel cell, to fit the installation conditions and the like) is the trend to a big one Number of individual liquid separating elements per basic body or per Flüssigkeitsabscheidvorrichtung unbroken.

task Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a liquid separation apparatus to disposal to provide, in which the number of parts is significantly reduced, where the liquid separator still cheap and can be manufactured with high reliability.

This task is done by a liquid Separating device according to claim 1 and solved by the manufacturing method according to claim 14. Advantageous developments are described in the respective dependent claims. Uses of such Flüssigkeitsabscheidvorrichtungen are given in claims 16 and 17.

The Liquid separation element according to the invention (and thus the liquid separator) belongs to the class of tube separators, as it has a flow tube with an inlet and an outlet for the Gas is provided. Another separate outlet for the secluded liquid is possibly possible but not essential.

Base the liquid separation device according to the invention is thus a liquid separation element with a flow tube and a helical segment disposed therein. It is according to the invention characterized in that the flow tube and the helical segment as a common liquid keitsabscheidelement one piece have been produced.

These Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente are in a plate-shaped base support integrated, with their flow direction advantageously in the Is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base carrier. Also the individual Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente and the associated base support (Base) are integrally formed as a common component.

The individual segments have a length (in the axial direction) lower as 0.5 gradients. However, the flow tube itself may include one Inlet and / or outlet area have a greater length. The slope is defined as the length the helical segment in the axial direction of the passage, which the segment at a full Rotation of the threaded surfaces to have 360 ° would.

There the snail-shaped Segments a length up to a maximum of half a slope, can be any basic carrier than Casting, in particular as a diecast or injection molded part, in one piece. This makes it possible the flow tube and the helical segment of a Flüssigkeitsabscheidelementes or all Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente and their basic bearers to produce in the same operation. Thus, many flow tubes can produced in one operation with integrated helical segment in the same workpiece become. Here are also very small inner diameter for the flow tubes, for example, 3 mm, possible.

In In an advantageous embodiment, at least two are so manufactured basic carrier arranged adjacent to each other so that the individual Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente (or their flow tubes) of each base support each other are assigned so that in each case a Flüssigkeitsabscheidelement or Flow tube of a basic carrier with the associated Flüssigkeitsabscheidelement or flow tube of at least one adjacent base support a common, through all mutually arranged basic carrier passing through the flow path for the To form gas.

Especially It is advantageous if in this case the sense of rotation (clockwise or levorotatory) of the gas passing through the helical segments is generated, alternating between adjacently arranged basic carriers: Does a first segment have a left-handed direction of rotation of the helical surfaces of the helical Segment in the gas flow direction, so has the subsequently arranged helical segment a right-handed direction of rotation of the screw surfaces or of the associated flow paths on.

Surprisingly has now been found that in such a series arrangement (leaving out of the flow tubes and helical segments individual Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente successively arranged base support a common flow path for the Gas forms) of at least two such liquid separating elements, wherein the individual segments advantageously a maximum of one length 0.5 times their slope, the deposition extremely efficient carried out can be, even and especially if the direction of rotation is consecutive Segments opposite to each other, so that the gas from the one Direction of rotation to the other direction of rotation within the series Flow tubes of two Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente must be diverted.

By these with opposite direction of rotation connected in series helical segments create baffles, where the liquid or the liquid mist excellent separation. The helical surfaces of the helical segments can be arranged so that the screw surface of the subsequent segment in through a screw surface of the preceding segment formed flow path protrudes. Especially It is advantageous in this case if the helical surface of the first segment is approximately to the middle in the through the helical surface of the second adjacent Segments formed flow path protrudes.

However, it can also be with basic carrier arranged in the same direction adjacent segments adjacent to each other.

The adjacent outlet side edge of a first Segment and the inlet side edge of a downstream second segment can advantageously around the central axis of the common flow path relative to each other by an angle, in particular by an angle between 45 ° and 135 °, especially preferably about 90 °, be arranged twisted.

at the former liquid separator Thus, the sense of rotation of the segments (spirals) alternates between each neighboring basic carriers. For the complete separation unit must so only two turning-inverted basic carriers mounted one behind the other be due to by the change of rotation or the da with connected impact surfaces for the Gas flow to achieve a high separation efficiency. No matter how big the number of successively arranged basic carriers, thus the entire Liquid separator off only two different types of basic carriers are built. at lower requirements the separation capacity or for the use as a coarse separator can also be used only a plate-shaped base support become.

advantageously, each of the separating elements has at least two courses or flow paths on. For this purpose, the flow tube can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis be divided into two or more separate ones. Gears arise. This is enough a screw surface a segment. However, it is also the arrangement of several in one another interwoven screw surfaces possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the flow paths has a smallest cross section between 1 mm ² and 800 mm ² . It is particularly advantageous if such a flow path has a minimum cross section of ≥ 2 mm ² and / or ≦ 400 mm ² , preferably ≥ 4 mm ² and / or ≦ 200 mm ² .

advantageously, extends at least one flow path at an angle of about 45 ° towards the axial direction. Advantageously, at least two of the successive snail-shaped Segments of adjacent liquid separation devices in the axial direction immediately adjacent to each other or arranged in a form-fitting manner. The segments can but not over the entire flow tube, but at the beginning, in the middle or be arranged at the end of a Durchflußroh res. In the latter case can thus also adjacent segments in the axial direction of something from each other be arranged separately.

The flow can be in the flow tube axially or u. U. also enter tangentially or exit from this axially and / or tangentially. Also a and exit at a limited angle to the axial direction and / or the tangential direction is possible. Technically advantageous, however, is an axial inlet and / or outlet of the gas.

advantageously, the inlet of the flow tube is arranged such that the Flow tube at an angle ≤ 45 ° to the axial Direction or at an angle ≤ 45 ° to the tangent is flowed at the circumference of the flow tube. advantageously, the outlet is arranged such that the gas from the flow tube at an angle ≤ 45 ° to the axial Direction or at an angle ≤ 45 ° to the tangent flows out to the circumference of the flow tube.

juxtaposition arranged flow tubes and / or flow paths advantageously have the same diameter and thus the same pressure drop over the Length of the Flow tube or flow path.

advantageously, has at least one of the flow tubes at its thinnest point an inner diameter ≤ 30 mm, preferably ≤ 25 mm, preferably ≤ 12 mm, preferably ≤ 7 mm up. Advantageously, a flow tube and / or a formed of a plurality of flow tubes arranged one behind the other flow tube at its thinnest Place or over its entire length an inner diameter ≥ 1 mm, preferably ≥ 2 mm and preferably ≤ 10 mm up.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall thickness of helicoid a segment at its thinnest Place or along its entire length more than 1/20 and / or less than half, advantageously more as 1/10 and / or less than 1/3 of the diameter of a flow tube or flow tube.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the slope is of a segment ≥ 1 / 8- and / or ≤ the 10 times, advantageously ≥ 1 / 4- and / or ≤ the 5 times, advantageously ≥ 1/2 and / or 2 times the diameter of the associated flow tube.

The Flow tubes can furthermore advantageously conical at the beginning and / or at its end be extended to minimize the pressure loss in the flow tube. An extension at the end of a flow tube will continue to reduce the gas velocity, so that at any edges of the screw surfaces on At the end of the last segment no droplet break-off and thus atomisation already separated liquid he follows.

In flow direction can one or more consecutive segments and / or by the arrangement trained common full-length trained flow tube in terms of the diameter is reduced in sections or in full length become.

In In another embodiment, a segment of a Flüssigkeitsabscheidelements (or also several or all successively arranged segments of the associated with each other Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente the successively arranged body) in the axial direction on Beginning and / or end one conically thickened to the beginning or end axial core of the or the segments or end segments.

In a further embodiment takes for at least one of the segments or for several or all successively arranged segments of a common flow tube the distance between the core of the helical segment or the helical segments and the wall of the flow tube in the axial direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment takes for a segment or for several or all successively arranged segments of a common flow tube the radius of the core of the helical segment or helical segments and / or the diameter of the flow tube or the common flow tube in the axial direction.

In a further embodiment takes for at least one segment or for many or all successively arranged segments of a common flow tube the slope within the segment or segments at least in sections in the axial direction to or from.

In a further advantageous embodiment can also at least the flow tube of a Flüssigkeitsabscheidelementes or a common flow tube successively arranged Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente as inlet area an initial section and / or as outlet area have an end portion in which no snail-shaped segments are arranged.

One such start or end section advantageously has one length of greater than double the diameter of the flow tube.

The single basic carrier can advantageously be designed as a flat plate (for example, cylindrical). In principle, their shape results from the installation situation with their spatial conditions and can be chosen arbitrarily become. The height the plate (in the direction of the axial direction of the flow tubes of the individual liquid separation elements) is then advantageously less than about 1.5 times, preferably less than 1-fold and most preferably less than that 0.5 times the pitch of the helical segments of each Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente.

Become several basic carriers arranged one behind the other, so it is advantageous if this form fit to each other he follows. You can do this the basic carriers connected to each other, for example, glued, screwed and / or be locked. To the relative position of the basic carrier to each other specify, it is advantageous to form the base support in such a way that they have means with which the relative position of two successively arranged basic carrier is determined relative to each other. This can be done, for example Tongue or spring elements and the like take place on each other facing sides of successive basic carrier are provided. It is also possible, the basic carriers with one through all base support to provide going bore into which an axis are introduced can. The bore and the axis can also be exemplified by grooves or springs, which then determines the location of the individual base carrier.

The base support in turn you can in the surrounding component, such as a water separator in a fuel cell or a valve cover for a Internal combustion engine, over Be attached rails whose size and arrangement is chosen such that each rail a base support with one of its edges receives. Due to the arrangement of the individual rails can on this way the number of basic carriers as well as their relative Position also be determined. Such a rail system contributes to modularity of the present invention further.

Around the deposited on the wall of the flow tubes connected in series liquid derive their wall, advantageously in the axial direction, Have grooves and grooves. It is also possible in the axial direction Webs for directing the separated liquid to the outlet of the flow tube to install. The screw surfaces can also grooves and / or grooves have, which divert the separated liquid. Especially It is advantageous if the grooves extend in the outer edges of the screw surfaces.

• • Die Zahl der benötigten Einzelteile für die Flüssigkeitsabscheidvorrichtung (schneckenförmige Segmente, Durchflussrohre bzw. Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente) kann wesentlich verringert werden
• • Dies führt zu erheblichen Kosteneinsparungen und Montageerleichterungen.
• • Darüberhinaus entfällt die Sicherung der Einzel teile.
• • Die Abscheidedichte ist im Vergleich mit anderen zyklonartigen Abscheidern maximiert. Dies ergibt sich insbesondere auch dann, wenn eine Vielzahl von Flüssigkeitsabscheidkanälen (gebildet durch mindestens ein oder durch eine Mehrzahl einander zugeordneter, hintereinander angeordneter Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente parallel zueinander arbeiten.
• • Es sind somit kompakte, integrierte Flüssigkeitsabscheidvorrichtungen mit geringem Druckverlust, hoher Kapazität und stabilen Gasflüssen möglich.
• • Die Anzahl der einzelnen Durchflussrohre bzw. gemeinsamen Gasströmungswege kann in Abhängigkeit von z.B. den Gegebenheiten innerhalb einer Brennstoffzelle, wo auf der Kathodenseite mehr Wasser anfällt als auf der Anodenseite, der Blow-By-Charakteristika eines Motors, dem maximalen Druckabfall und/oder dem maximal erlaubbaren Flüssigkeitsübertrag.

The liquid separation device according to the invention has a number of advantages:

• • The number of items required for the liquid separator (helical Segments, flow tubes or Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente) can be substantially reduced
• • This leads to significant cost savings and easier assembly.
• • In addition, the securing of the individual parts is eliminated.
• • The deposition density is maximized compared to other cyclonic separators. This is especially true when a plurality of Flüssigkeitsabscheidkanälen (formed by at least one or by a plurality of mutually associated, successively arranged Flüssigkeitsabscheidelemente operate parallel to each other.
• • Thus, compact, integrated liquid separation devices with low pressure loss, high capacity and stable gas flows are possible.
• The number of individual flow tubes or common gas flow paths can vary depending on, for example, the conditions within a fuel cell, where more water is produced on the cathode side than on the anode side, the blow-by characteristics of an engine, the maximum pressure drop and / or the maximum permissible fluid transfer.

Point the flow tubes Diameter ≤ 30 mm on, so can These are also installed in flat valve covers. For fuel cells There are significantly more possibilities in terms of attachment, so no such extreme limitations with regard to diversion.

Of the Core (the soul) of the helical segment can continue in the inlet and / or outlet area, in particular at (in gas flow direction seen) first and / or last flow tube of a flow path, be removed. This will further reduce the flow pressure losses causes. Is particularly favorable a cone-like removal of the nucleus, leaving in the central axis of the segment or segments connected in series a free one flow region is present.

in the Hereinafter, some examples of the present invention will be described. Here as below are for same or similar Elements same or similar Reference number used so that your description partially not is repeated.

It demonstrate:

1 a cylinder head cover with built-in oil separators;

2 a section through a cylinder head cover;

3 an oil separator with 2 basic carriers;

4 two basic carriers including integrated liquid separating elements for forming an oil separation device according to the invention;

5 and 6 the supervision in the axial direction on the base according to 4 ;

7 various shapes of helical segments;

8th a Ölabscheidevorrichtung with two base carriers in a perspective view and a plan view and two adjacent to each other in a common flow tube successively arranged helical segments of two Ölabscheideelemente; and

9 an electrochemical cell having a liquid separation device.

1 shows a cylinder head cover 1 , which can be applied to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. This cylinder head cover 1 has a cavity 2 up, an inlet 3 and an outlet 4 for gases. About the inlet 3 Now the blow-by gases from the crankcase of the internal combustion engine in the cavity 2 injected and leave this cavity 2 over the outlet 4 , Within this cavity 2 the crankcase gases are freed from entrained oil or oil mist. This oil mist or the separated oil are in a siphon 6 collected and returned to the oil pan continuously or batchwise.

Immediately behind the inlet 3 are in the cavity 2 the cylinder head cover 1 Flapper 5 arranged. These baffles cause a coarse separation of oil droplets already taking place on them. The baffles 5 are arranged offset so that there is a labyrinthine path of the gas through the baffles.

In the gas path behind the oil coarse separator of the baffles 5 is a separation device according to the invention 10 arranged, consisting of two individual elements 10a and 10b consists. Each of the elements 10a and 10b has a plate-shaped base support 21a respectively. 21b in which in each case at least one, recognizable in cross-section separating element 20a . 20b is arranged. The basic carriers 21a respectively. 21b are fixed in rails, which are in the housing of the Zylin derkopfhaube 1 are formed. The separation elements 20a and 20b each have a flow tube 22a . 22b on, in each of which a slab-shaped segment 23a respectively. 23b is arranged. The blow-by gases enter the flow tubes 22a and 22b in and through the helical segments 23a and 23b put in a rotating motion. As a result, the oil or oil mist is ejected from the gas and on the wall of the flow tube 22a respectively. 22b deposited. The oil thus separated is along the wall of the flow tube 22a and 22b transported in the gas direction and finally runs into the siphon 6 ,

As in 1 It can be seen, is the snail-shaped segment 23a twisted so that the gas is placed in a clockwise rotational movement (clockwise). The downstream segment 23b is rotated in the other direction, so that the direction of rotation of the gas is reversed in a left-handed rotation (counterclockwise). In particular, by such a reversal of rotation results in a particularly good deposition rate of the deposition device shown here 10 ,

2 shows a corresponding cylinder head cover 1 in the neckline, here also in the valve cover 1 a cavity 2 is arranged, in which also a separation device 10 located. In gas flow direction after the baffles 5 and the separator 10 is again a siphon 6 arranged to collect the separated oil.

In this figure is now easy to see how the separation element 10 from two plate-shaped basic carriers 21a and 21b is composed. The two basic carriers 21a and 21b are in rail-shaped brackets 7a . 7a ' respectively. 7b . 7b ' arranged. Each of the base support further comprises three transversely to Gasströ tion direction juxtaposed separation elements 20a for the basic carrier 21a or for the basic carrier 21b separating elements 20b . 20b ' and 20b '' on. The further arrangement of the flow tubes 22a ' respectively. 22b . 22b ' and 22b '' and the corresponding marked helical segments 23a such as 23b . 23b ' and 23b '' equals that of 1 , Again, there is a reversal of the direction of rotation of the gas flow between the two basic carriers 21a and 21b ,

The snail-shaped elements, here on the example of the helical element 23a explained, own at the inlet 26a of the flow tube 22a an inlet-side edge 29a and as with the example of the flow tube 22b explained, at an outlet 27b an outlet-side edge 30b , In the other flow tubes, the conditions are corresponding and therefore not described separately.

In this figure, it can be seen particularly well that the outlet-side edge 30a of the separation element 20a and the inlet-side edge 29b of the separation element 20b are offset by 90 ° from each other, so that the inlet-side edge 29b in the flow path of the gas of the separation element 20a protrudes. This also makes it possible to effect a particularly effective separation of oil and oil mist.

3 now shows two basic carriers 21a and 21b a separator 10 as they are for example in 3 is used. Here, as in all preceding and following figures, similar or corresponding elements are denoted by similar or corresponding reference numerals (merely modified by additions such as a, b, ','','''). Here it can be seen that the basic carrier 21a respectively. 21b are plate-shaped and the flow tubes 22a . 22a ' . 22a '' etc. from the respective basic carriers 21a respectively. 21b protrude. They contain helical segments, eg 23b . 23b ' . 23b '' , .... It is particularly advantageous in this invention that the respective base support 21a respectively. 21b with the flow tubes arranged on it 22a . 22a ' , ... respectively. 22b . 22b ' , ... and arranged in the respective flow tubes helical segments for each base support 21a respectively. 21b can be made in one piece. This is only economically possible, for example by injection molding or die casting, if the helical segments have a length which is less than or equal to half the pitch of the respective helical element. Longer screw-shaped segments would be produced with great difficulty in terms of manufacturing technology.

4 shows an oil separator 10 , which two each flat, cylindrical base support 21a . 21b having. The two basic carriers 21a . 21b are sketched for better representability in the direction of the cylinder axis of symmetry with a distance to each other. In this Ölabscheidevorrichtung invention 10 are the two plate-shaped basic carrier 21a . 21b but directly adjacent to each other so arranged that they form a common cylinder with a cylinder height, which corresponds to the thickness of the two plate-shaped base support in the direction of symmetry. In every basic carrier 21a . 21b are four oil separator elements ( 20a , ..., 20b , ...) with their flow tubes 22a , ..., 22b , ... including associated snail-shaped segments 23a , ..., 23b , ... integrated. In the plane perpendicular to the cylinder axis are the four Ölabscheideelemente 20a , ..., 20b , ... arranged on a circle around the cylinder axis. The snail-shaped segments 23a , ..., 23b , ... each have a length corresponding to half a slope. Every basic carrier 21a . 21b , its associated flow tubes 22a , ... and its associated snails shaped segments 23a , ... is each made in one piece as a common diecast part. Both basic carriers 21a . 21b can thereby become a single oil separation device 10 be integrated by the two cylinders 21a . 21b be arranged so immediately adjacent to each other, that the two cylinder axes coincide. Here then each form two flow tubes 22a and 22b respectively. 22a ' and 22b ' , one each of the first basic bearer 21a and one of the second basic carrier 21b , a common flow path for the gas. This is how the flow tubes form 22a and 22b along with their snail-shaped segments 23a and 23b a common flow path. Now all snail-shaped segments 23a . 23a ' , ... of the one basic carrier 21a have a left-handed direction of rotation and there all helical segments 23b of the other basic carrier 21b have a right-handed direction of rotation and because the mutually associated helical segments 23a . 23b respectively. 23a ' . 23b ' , ... (the different basic carrier 21 and 21b ), which form common flow paths, with respect to the central axis of the respective flow passage 22 rotated by 90 ° to each other, is in the Ölabscheidevorrichtung 10 for each common flow path at the height of the transition from one to the other base support each have a baffle surface which improves the separation of the oil.

To ensure a precise alignment of the two basic beams 21a . 21b in the oil separation device 10 to achieve is the basic carrier 21b on the other basic carrier 21b adjacent surface with a Auswöl advertising 16 provided in the form of a cylindrical projection. This lead 16 engages positively in a corresponding indentation (not shown) in the form of a cylindrical recess in the body 21a one. The bulge 16 and the indentation serve a rotation in the assembled state of the two basic carrier 21a . 21b against each other to prevent the common cylinder axis. The bulge 16 and the recess thus serve the common flow paths through the Ölabscheidevorrichtung 10 to ensure and the relative arrangement of each helical segments 23a . 23b define each individual common flow path.

Instead of just a bulge 16 and associated indentation are also embodiments with a plurality of latching possible. These offer, for example, in a circular arrangement of an even number of helical segments with alternately arranged right- and left-handed helical segments the opportunity to use the same basic building blocks for the production of a Flüssigkeitsabscheiders in the same direction or non-uniform flow direction in the successively arranged helical segments.

Are for example in 4 in each case two mutually opposite separation elements 20a . 20a ' with helical segments 23a . 23a ' provided, which are in the same direction, for example, clockwise and the remaining two opposite deposition elements 20a '' and 20a ''' with helical segments 23a '' and 23 ''' provided, both of which are left-handed, so can by succession of two such basic carriers 21a an arbitrary rotation change can be effected. Because there are two basic carriers are then arranged one behind the other, that between them no rotation change takes place in the respective Abscheideelementen or by rotation of one of the base support by 90 °, that a rotation change between the successively arranged helical segments in the two basic carriers. This modularity is particularly easy to realize if rails are arranged at the installation location for base carriers arranged one behind the other to accommodate the carriers. By different orientation of the base support when inserting or plugging into the corresponding rails can then be arbitrarily selected, which type of rotation and thus rotation change between individual base beams should be made.

In addition to an alternating arrangement with respect to the direction of rotation of successive helical segments 23 as in the case presented can also co-directed helical segments 23 be arranged successively, in both cases this advantageously from body to body relative to each other by 90 ° about the central axis of the common gas flow path 22 are twisted. For aligning the cylinder axes of the basic carrier are centrally in the cylindrical base support 21a . 21b drilling 15a . 15b brought in. In these holes 15a . 15b Guide pins can be inserted accurately.

The guide holes 15a . 15b can do this in any basic body 9 each be provided with a burr (spring) in the cylinder axis direction. The corresponding guide pin can then have a notch or groove corresponding to this burr, so that the desired positioning of the two basic supports by the guide pin 21a . 21b relative to each other with respect to the rotational position about the common cylinder axis can be achieved. Tongue and groove can also be arranged on the respective other component in order to achieve the desired anti-rotation.

In the illustrated basic carriers 21a . 21b are the axial directions of the individual oil separator elements 20 or flow tubes 22 parallel to the cylinder axis of the basic carrier 21a . 21b aligned. In order to achieve an inclination of the flow paths for liquid discharge even when the vehicle is parked at an angle, the entire Ölabscheidevorrichtung 10 be installed tilted at an angle α> 0 to the horizontal (angle α = angle between the central cylinder axis of the oil separator and the horizontal). Alternatively, the individual Ölabscheideelemente 20 so in the basic carrier 21 integrated, that the axial directions of the Ölabscheideelemente 20 an angle> 0 ° to the cylinder axis of the basic carrier 21 form.

5 and 6 show oversight on the two sides of the 4 illustrated basic carrier 21b ,

7 shows in the drawing files 7A . 7B and 7C each helical segments 23 all of which are clockwise (clockwise). It can be seen that these snail-shaped segments 23 inlet-side edges 30 and outlet-side edges 29 exhibit. The snail-shaped segments 23 form two screw surfaces or threaded surfaces 28a and 28b and divide the flow path of the gas in two courses. In the subfigures A, B and C, different variants are shown, in 7A both an inlet side and outlet side bevelled edge 30 respectively. 29 available. The inlet-side edge 30 is in 7B designed differently while in

7C the outlet side edge 29 and the inlet-side edge 30 have a different shape. 7C also shows in contrast to the 7A and B a stabilizing core.

8th outlines a view of two spiral-shaped segments 23a and 23b as they are in a common flow path 25 can be used by two consecutively arranged basic carrier of a Ölabscheidevorrichtung. Both helical segments 23a . 23b have a length corresponding to 0.5 times their pitch and the same sense of rotation (clockwise).

In addition, shows 8th a cylindrical separating device 10 in a lateral view, in which two basic carriers are integrated so positively that they are fixed to each other.

The figure also outlines a plan view of the separation device 10 with a central guide hole 15 and at a different distance to this central guide bore a plurality of Ölabscheideelementen 20a . 20b , ....

9 shows a PEM fuel cell 40 , the anode side through a line 43 with fuel, for example, molecular hydrogen H ₂ , is supplied. The cathode-side reaction products are via a line 42 derived. The cathode-side reaction product is substantially H ₂ O. In fuel cells, a humidification of the anode-side fuel supply through the line 43 as well as the cathode-side fuel supply, not shown here (O ₂ , air or the like) required so that the membrane does not dry out and lose their function.

This is done by the example of the line 43 shown, this lead a device 41 for gas humidification. At this H ₂ O is introduced into the anode-side fuel gas.

On the other hand, (pure) water is produced on the cathode side as the reaction product, so that the output side in the line 42 there is an enormous excess of water. This water, over the pipe 42 can be removed with the reaction products can be removed from this exhaust. For this purpose, according to the invention now in the line 42 a water separation device 10 arranged. In this separator 10 are located here exemplified three basic carrier 21a . 21b . 21c , the here also sketchily drawn Wasserabscheideelemente 20c . 20c ' respectively. 20c '' contain. The upstream in the flow path of the gas separation elements in the basic carriers 21a and 21b are not shown here, but form together with the separation elements 20c . 20c ' . 20c '' each common flow paths. With such a separator, the indirectly after leaving the fuel cell in the line 42 be separated out of condensing water droplets.

So far escapes the water generated on the cathode side into the outside air and expensive recycled water must be used to make that supplied Moisten reaction gases.

The pure water removed in this way from the reaction gas can now, however, via a water return 44 the moistening device 41 be fed so that the entire system no water must be supplied from the outside to keep the water cycle in motion.

Claims (17)

Liquid separation device ( 10 ) for separating liquid or liquid mist from a gas having at least one plate-shaped base support ( 21 ), at least one in the basic carrier ( 21 ) arranged liquid separation element ( 20 ), wherein the liquid separation element ( 20 ) a flow tube ( 22 ) with a gas inlet ( 26 ) and a gas outlet ( 27 ) and between the gas inlet ( 26 ) and the gas outlet ( 27 ) in the flow tube ( 22 ) a helical segment ( 23 ) is arranged whose screw surfaces with the inner wall of the flow tube ( 22 ) a helical flow path ( 25 ) for the gas, characterized in that the helical segment ( 23 ) a length less than or equal to 0.5 times the pitch of the helical segment ( 23 ), and in each case a basic carrier ( 21 ) with all flow tubes arranged therein ( 22 ) and snail-shaped segments ( 23 ) is integrally formed. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one base carrier ( 21 ) two or more in the plate plane juxtaposed separation elements ( 20 ) having. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more basic supports ( 21 ) each having the same number and arrangement of separation elements ( 20 ) are arranged successively with respect to the plane of the plate such that several in different basic carriers ( 21 ) arranged separating elements ( 20 ) a continuous flow path ( 25 ) for the gas. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the direction of rotation in a flow path ( 25 ) arranged in succession helical segments ( 23 ) is in the same direction. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the direction of rotation in a flow path ( 25 ) arranged in succession helical segments ( 23 ) is in opposite directions. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the outlet-side edge ( 30 ) of the screw surfaces ( 28 ) of a first helical segment ( 23a ) and the inlet-side edge ( 29 ) of the screw surfaces ( 28 ) of a immediately following in the same flow path arranged snail-shaped second segment ( 23b ) are rotated against each other, advantageously by 0 °, 45 °, 90 ° or 135 ° rotated against each other, are arranged. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the two or more basic supports ( 21 ) are arranged positively against each other or connected to each other. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the two or more basic supports ( 21 ) are glued together, screwed and / or locked. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that at least two adjacent base beams ( 21 ) at least one device ( 16 . 17 ) determining the relative position of the two basic beams ( 21 ) to each other. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that as device ( 16 . 17 ) determining the relative position of the two basic beams ( 21 ) to each other on a first base support ( 21b ) at least one bulge ( 16 ) and on a second base support ( 21a ) the same number of corresponding wells ( 17 ) are provided, which are arranged such that upon engagement of a bulge ( 16 ) into a corresponding depression ( 17 ) each of the flow tube ( 22b ) of a separation element ( 20b . 20a ) of the first basic bearer ( 21b ) and the flow tube ( 22a ) of a separation element ( 20a ) of the second basic carrier ( 21a ) are arranged positively against each other and a common flow path ( 25 ) for the gas. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of or contains glass and / or plastic and / or metal. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a thermosetting plastics, thermoplastics and / or an elastomer, in particular with a Tg ≥ 80 ° C, or contains these. Liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of or contains polyamide. Process for the preparation of a liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a plate-shaped base support ( 21 ) with its at least one separating element ( 20 ) is made in one piece. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in each case a plate-shaped base support ( 21 ) with its at least one separating element ( 20 ) is coextruded by die casting or injection molding. Use of a liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13 as Ölabscheidevorrichtung, in particular for the separation tion of oil from blow-by gases, in particular as an arrangement in a valve cover ( 1 ) of an internal combustion engine. Use of a liquid separation device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13 as Wasserabscheidevorrichtung, in particular for the separation of water from electrochemical cells Zel, in particular from the cathode side and / or anode side exhaust gases of a fuel cell.