EP2337620A1

EP2337620A1 - Device for extracting a liquid from an aerosol

Info

Publication number: EP2337620A1
Application number: EP09782272A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jamal Sarsour; Petra Schneider; Thomas Stegmaier
Original assignee: Deutsche Institute fuer Textil und Faserforschung Stuttgart
Current assignee: Deutsche Institute fuer Textil und Faserforschung Stuttgart
Priority date: 2008-09-12
Filing date: 2009-08-27
Publication date: 2011-06-29
Also published as: DE102008042069A1; DE102008042069B4; WO2010028957A1

Abstract

What is proposed is a device for extracting a liquid (W) from an aerosol (N), in particular for extracting water (W) from fog (N), comprising a textile separating element (2) for separating liquid particles (WT) contained in the aerosol (N), wherein the separating element (2) is designed as a three-dimensional textile structure (2a, 2b).

Description

Apparatus for recovering a liquid from an aerosol

The present invention relates to a device for obtaining a liquid from an aerosol, in particular a device for obtaining water from mist, with at least one textile deposition element for separating liquid particles contained in the aerosol.

An aerosol is a disperse system in which small, liquid and / or solid particles are distributed substantially evenly in a gaseous medium. In order to obtain a liquid from an aerosol, it is necessary to separate the gaseous carrier medium and the liquid particles contained therein. Such a separation can be brought about procedurally in that a porous deposition element is introduced into the aerosol, wherein a relative movement between the deposition element and the aerosol leads to the separation element being flowed through by the aerosol. In this case, liquid particles contained in the aerosol adhere to the deposition element and in the process join together with other adhering liquid particles, so that ever increasing liquid droplets form. These liquid drops can then be drained and collected to form a reusable liquid.

The possible amount of liquid to be extracted, given the droplet distribution in the aerosol, depends on the flow rate of the aerosol through the deposition element and on the degree of separation. The degree of separation is a relative indication which indicates the proportion of the amount of liquid deposited on the total amount passed through the deposition element. If, therefore, larger amounts of liquid are to be obtained, the precipitation element must have a high degree of separation and a large area. In order to achieve a high degree of separation, it is necessary, in particular, to prevent liquid particles from initially settling on the deposition element, but then, in particular at relatively high relative speeds, being detached from the deposition element and carried away. In addition, the deposition element should hinder the throughput of the aerosol through the deposition element as little as possible under given external conditions.

As deposition elements in particular deposition elements made of textile have proven. A textile is understood to mean a composite of fibers, wherein a fiber is a thin and flexible structure in relation to the length. Known textile deposition elements have a woven structure or a mesh structure, wherein mesh structures can be in particular knitted or knitted fabrics.

In order to be able to deposit fine and very fine liquid particles from an aerosol with a high degree of separation, dense woven or dense textile deposition elements are used in particular. However, the more dense the structure of the deposition element, the higher are the mechanical forces on the deposition element due to the relative movement between the aerosol and the deposition element. Since such forces continue to depend disproportionately on the relative velocity between the aerosol and the deposition element, they can lead to damage or destruction of the deposition element at relatively high relative speeds, in particular if the deposition element has a larger area. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for obtaining a liquid from an aerosol which can be operated at high relative speeds between the aerosol and the precipitation element.

The object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned by the fact that the deposition element is designed as a three-dimensional textile structure.

Conventional textile structures, such as knitted fabrics, knitted fabrics and woven fabrics, have a substantially two-dimensional basic structure. That is, the fibers used (unless the textile structure is bent, kinked or folded) extend substantially along a plane. In contrast, a three-dimensional textile structure has sections in which the fibers have a pronounced directional component perpendicular to a plane along which the textile structure extends as such.

By using a three-dimensional textile structure, the surface areal fiber density of the textile deposition element can be reduced while the deposition surface remains the same, which results in the forces acting on the deposition element due to the flowing aerosol being reduced with the same degree of separation. As a result, the risk of damage or destruction of the deposition element at a constant degree of deposition is effectively reduced, especially at higher relative speeds. In addition, the flow rate of aerosol can be increased in otherwise constant conditions, resulting in the recovery of a larger amount of liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional textile structure is formed as a thermoforming textile. A deep-drawn textile is a textile, which in a conventional manner initially as essentially two-dimensional Textile and then, for example, using heat and or pressure, is deformed in a mold so that it receives a permanent three-dimensional structure. By deep-drawing, the flow-through surface of the deposition element can be substantially increased compared to the original two-dimensional textile. In this way, a deposition element can be formed in a simple manner that can be flowed through well by the aerosol, but at the same time has a high degree of deposition.

Preferably, the thermoforming textile comprises a woven structure or a mesh structure. In this case, the preparation of the thermoforming textile is carried out in a simple manner by first producing a two-dimensional fabric or a two-dimensional knitted or knitted fabric, which is subsequently deformed three-dimensionally.

In one embodiment, the thermoforming textile has a coarse-meshed or coarsely woven structure. In this way, a good flowability of the deposition element can be ensured in a simple manner. In a coarse-meshed or coarsely woven structure, freely flowable areas are inside the structure itself.

Preferably, the thermoforming textile has a flow-through surface which, compared to the surface of a two-dimensional textile from which the thermoforming textile is made, increases at least by a factor of 1, 2, preferably at least a factor of 1, 5, particularly preferably a factor of 2 is. This results in a significant improvement in the flowability.

Particularly preferably, the thermoforming textile has three-dimensionally formed elements projecting on a base surface, for example knob-shaped elements. The base area corresponds to the area of the original two-dimensional textile. Parts of this base area are not deformed during deep-drawing, so that they are only deformed on the projecting elements. is interrupted, which ensures a high stability of the deposition element.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the deposition element is formed as a spacer textile, which has a first outer textile layer and a second outer textile layer, which are connected by spacer threads.

Due to the overall three-layer structure of the deposition element initially results in a much higher resistance to the forces caused by the relative movement of the aerosol and the deposition element. Thus, the risk of damage or destruction of the deposition element is effectively reduced, especially at higher relative speeds.

Since, with suitable formation of the spacer textile, it is possible to deposit liquid particles in both the outer layers and the spacer threads, a high degree of deposition can be achieved even if each of the layers has a comparatively open structure. The open structuring of the separating element, which has become possible in this way, further reduces the forces which occur, so that the possibilities of use at higher relative speeds are further improved.

In addition, the open patterning at given external conditions leads to a higher throughput of aerosol, as is the case with known devices.

The three-layered structure of the deposition element further reduces the effect of detaching and carrying away already deposited liquid particles, so that the degree of separation is increased. Advantageously, the deposition element is formed so that the spacer threads make a significant contribution to the deposition of liquid particles. In this way it is possible to structure the first outer layer and / or the second outer layer particularly coarse and permeable. Nevertheless, a high degree of separation is achieved. The contribution to the deposition of liquid particles can be adjusted by an appropriate choice of the density of the spacer threads, the thickness of the spacer threads and the shape and arrangement of the spacer threads.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least some of the spacer threads run at least in sections obliquely to a direction of flow. As a result, the deposition of liquid particles at the spacer threads is significantly increased compared to a solution in which the spacer threads run parallel to the intended direction of flow.

It is preferably provided that at least some of the spacer threads have a sag in a side view. In this case, with the arrangement of the deposition element as intended, the lowest point of the spacer threads in the intermediate layer lies between the first outer textile layer and the second outer textile layer. This causes at least some of the deposited in the outer textile layers liquid particles are transported under the action of gravity along the spacer thread in a central region of the spacer fabric, there grow into larger droplets and on reaching a certain size in the intermediate layer further down hike. This accelerates the transport of the liquid towards the lower edge of the deposition element where the liquid can be collected. Since the liquid particles tend to be transported inwardly into the spacer fabric, separation of liquid particles is prevented even at high relative velocities between the aerosol and the deposition element, so that ultimately the efficiency of the device is improved. In one embodiment of the invention, at least some of the spacer threads intersect in a plan view. This promotes the union of a liquid droplet adhering to a first spacer thread with a spacer droplet adhering to a second spacer thread, thereby facilitating the formation of larger droplets. It is possible that the spacer threads in the region of the intersection touch, but it is also possible that the spacer threads intersect while maintaining a distance.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first outer layer and / or the second outer layer comprises a woven structure or a mesh structure. Such structures are stable, material-saving and easy to manufacture. In addition, such structures can be accurately defined in terms of their properties with respect to the deposition of liquid particles. The available parameters are in particular the type and strength of the threads used and the nature of the structure as such.

The spacer threads are preferably integrated into the weave structure or into the stitch structure. Thus, the spacer thread can be woven into a woven structure or meshed with the stitches of a mesh structure. In this way, eliminates a separate attachment of the spacer threads on the outer layer. In addition, a particularly stable overall construction of the deposition element results.

Advantageously, the spacer threads extend between the first outer layer and the second outer layer without forming a weave structure and without forming a mesh structure. In this way, the flow behavior of the liquid droplets formed in the intermediate layer is improved. In addition, the overall structure can be made easier. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first outer layer and / or the second outer layer in a front view has a free passage area whose proportion of the total area at least 60%, preferably at least 80%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the total area respective outer layer is. A free passage area in a front view is understood to mean that area of the respective outer layer which does not cast a shadow in the case of a vertical projection. In this way it is ensured that the aerosols can pass through the outer layers substantially unhindered. This favors the deposition of the liquid particles on the spacer threads. Due to the high free passage area, the forces impacting on the deposition element continue to decrease at a given relative speed.

In one embodiment, the first outer layer and / or the second outer layer has a coarse-meshed or coarsely woven structure. In this way, a free passage area can be produced in a simple manner with a high proportion of the total area. In a coarse-meshed or coarsely woven structure, there is a free passage area in the interior of the structure itself.

Alternatively or additionally, the first outer layer and / or the second outer layer may have free passage openings. Free passage openings are areas in which the textile structure is interrupted. That is, there are no meshes or interweaving in these areas. This allows the production of the outer layers with particularly large free passage areas.

Advantageously, the free passage openings are honeycomb-shaped. Honeycomb-shaped openings lead to a stable but flexible structure. In this way, load peaks, which by a A temporary increase in the relative velocity between the deposition element and the aerosol can be intercepted.

In an expedient development of the invention, in a front view, the free passage openings of the first outer layer have an offset relative to the second outer layer. The offset can be provided horizontally and / or vertically. The offset promotes a high degree of deposition and the stability of the deposition element.

In one embodiment, the free passage openings of the first outer layer are larger than the free passage openings of the second outer layer. This makes it possible to optimize the first outer layer for the deposition of larger liquid particles and the second outer layer for the deposition of smaller liquid particles of the aerosol. In this way, the overall efficiency of the deposition process can be increased. The deposition element can advantageously be arranged so that the first outer layer is used as the inlet side and the second outer layer as the outlet side for the aerosol. In this way, coarser particles are deposited first and then smaller particles. This also improves the efficiency of the separation process.

Advantageously, a plurality of deposition elements are provided, which are arranged one behind the other in a provided flow direction. This makes it possible to achieve very high degrees of separation. In this case, an upstream deposition element for the deposition of larger particles and a downstream deposition element for the deposition of smaller particles is preferably provided. This also improves the overall efficiency of the device.

A downstream deposition element preferably has a higher thread density at least in sections than an upstream deposition element. on. In this way, it is possible to cause smaller droplets to be deposited on the downstream deposition element and larger droplets on the upstream deposition element.

Alternatively or additionally, a downstream deposition element may, at least in sections, have a smaller thread thickness than an upstream deposition element. Also by this means, the deposition of coarser particles at the upstream deposition element and the deposition of finer particles at the downstream deposition element can be promoted.

Particularly preferably, the deposition element consists of monofilament threads. Compared to a deposition element of multifilament yarns, there is a better ratio between flowability and degree of deposition. Monofilament threads consist in cross-section of a single, usually endless, fiber. Such a thread is easy to produce, for example, in a melt spinning process. The advantage of simple manufacturability results in particular in comparison to textile constructions in which the threads are produced by cutting out of a flat element, for example of a plastic film.

In an expedient development of the invention, the deposition element consists essentially of filaments with an oval or circular cross-section. In this way, the ratio of degree of separation and flowability of the deposition element can be further optimized. Likewise, oval or circular thread cross sections have a positive effect on the stability of the deposition element, which further improves the usability of the device at high relative speeds.

Preferably, the deposition element consists essentially of synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are generally suitable for the separation of liquid particles from an aerosol, but have little tendency to separate the deposited, to absorb liquid particles. This promotes dripping or draining of the deposited droplets, thus avoiding excessive weight gain of the deposition element during liquid recovery. Suitable synthetic fibers are in particular polypropylene fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene and mixtures thereof. The fibers used may in particular be in the form of a multicomponent yarn, for example in the form of a bicomponent yarn. Here, the properties of the surfaces of the materials used for the design of functional surfaces can be used. In this way, the degree of separation, but also the removal of the separated liquid droplets, can be favorably influenced in the case of a material combination which is expedient in relation to the liquid to be obtained.

According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, the deposition element has, at least in sections, a functional surface coating. The surface structure of the spacer textile decisively influences the degree of separation, but also the removal of the deposited liquid droplets. Depending on the liquid to be recovered, the mentioned parameters can be specifically influenced by appropriate surface coatings. Thus, the attachment of liquid particles is promoted by phile surfaces, while the removal of the droplets is promoted by phobic surfaces.

Thus, for example, if water is to be recovered, portions of the spacer fabric which primarily serve to attach liquid particles may be rendered hydrophilic while other portions serving primarily to remove the collected droplets may be rendered hydrophobic. For this example, plasma treatments and / or coatings are possible. For example, a hydrophobic surface can be achieved by coating with fluorocarbons. This may include equipment with a superhydrophobic surface Microstructures and nanostructures cause self-cleaning effects, for example, to rinse off solid particles such as dust and sand contained in the aerosol. In this way, restrictions on the functionality of the device can be avoided.

However, if oils are to be deposited, then oliophilic, oliophobic or superoliophobic surfaces can be used. The variation of the surface modification allows the use of architecturally identical deposition elements for the deposition of chemically different aerosols.

According to an expedient embodiment of the invention, the surface of the deposition element at least in sections of a material which is electrostatically charged by the passage of the aerosol, wherein, in particular non-conductive materials are suitable. As a result, the deposition of the liquid particles of the aerosol can be promoted. For this purpose, it is also possible to apply an external voltage to a, preferably conductive, portion of the deposition element.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is designed as a fog collector for the recovery of water from natural mist. The apparatus comprises a support structure for upright positioning of the precipitation element in the open air and a drainage system for the recovered water. In comparison to known mist collectors with two-dimensional textile deposition elements, such as nets and knitted fabrics, the mist collector according to the invention achieves, on the one hand, higher deposition quantities and, on the other hand, higher resistance to storms. The higher deposition rate is achieved on the one hand by a higher degree of separation and on the other hand by a higher flowability. This means that under given external conditions, a larger volume of aerosol per unit of time due to the separation flows through element, wherein from this volume, a higher proportion of the liquid particles is deposited.

The driving force for the passage of the aerosol through the separation element is natural wind. This is hardly influenceable in its strength and extremely changeable. However, the fog collector according to the present invention permits satisfactory separation of water droplets from mist over a wide range of wind speeds, even though it has several tens of square meters due to its good permeability even at high wind speeds up to the storm area. The fixing of the deposition element can take place by means of a simple support structure, since the forces to be absorbed by it are comparatively small. In particular, no support structures on the side facing away from the wind of the deposition element are required. An attachment of the deposition element at its edge regions is generally sufficient. Since no support structures are required, the passage of the aerosol through the deposition element is not hindered either.

The invention and its developments are described below with reference to figures and explained.

Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a fog collector according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a separation element of the fog collector designed as a spacer textile;

FIG. 3 shows the deposition element formed as a spacer textile in a plan view; FIG. 4 shows a front view of the separation element designed as a separation element;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the structure of the spacer formed as a separating element in a front view;

FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a separation element designed as a spacer textile;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a further mist collector with deposition elements arranged one behind the other;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a deposition element of the fog collector designed as a thermoforming textile;

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the deposition element designed as a thermoforming textile.

FIG. 1 shows a fog collector according to the invention in a schematic front view. The mist collector 1 is formed to extract water W from mist N. For this purpose, it has a textile deposition element 2, which is positioned by means of a supporting structure 3 above the earth's surface EO in an upright position.

The supporting structure 3 comprises posts 4, tensioning wires 5 and fastening wires 6. A left post 4a and a right post 4b are anchored to the ground surface EO so as to project approximately perpendicularly. To stabilize the posts 4a and 4b tensioning wires 5a, 5b and 5c are provided. The left tension wire 5a extends from the upper end of the left post 4a to the ground surface E0. In an analogous manner, the right tensioning wire 5b extends from the upper end of the right post 4b to the earth's surface EO. Another tension wire 5c extends substantially higher zontal from the upper end of the left post 4a to the upper end of the right post 4b. It goes without saying that the arrangement of the tensioning wires 5a, 5b, 5c is merely an example.

The deposition element 2 is fixed to the posts 4a, 4b by means of the fastening wires 6a to 6d. In this case, the fastening wire 6a extends from the upper left corner of the deposition element 2 to an upper portion of the left post 4a. On the other hand, another tension wire 6b extends from the upper right corner of the deposition member 2 to an upper portion of the right pillar 4b. At its lower corners, the deposition element 2 is fixed to the left post 4a with a fixing wire 6c and to the right post 4b with a fixing wire 6c. At the edge regions or at least at the corner regions of the deposition element 2 reinforcing elements, not shown, may be arranged, to which the fastening wires 6a to 6d are attached. For example, metal-reinforced eyelets can be provided.

The mist collector 1 has an intended flow direction for the mist, which runs perpendicular to the illustrated front side of the deposition element 2. In the figure 1, the intended flow direction is therefore perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The fog collector 1 is arranged outdoors such that the intended flow direction corresponds to a wind direction prevailing at the respective location. In this way it is ensured that natural wind leads the largest possible volume of mist in a certain time unit through the deposition element 2. While the support structure 3 shown in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for locations in which the wind direction is substantially constant, support structures, not shown, are also conceivable, which allow rotation of the deposition element 2 about a vertical axis in order to adapt to the wind direction. It is also possible to provide wind deflectors. During operation of the mist collector 1, water particles contained in the mist passing through the precipitation element accumulate on the precipitation element 2. There they connect with other adhering water particles, so that ever increasing water droplets form, which then migrate on and in the deposition element 2 by gravity down.

In order to collect the drops of water and supply them to a use, a discharge system 7 is provided. The drainage system 7 comprises a collecting channel 8, which for example has a U-shaped cross section, and extends along the lower edge of the deposition element 2. The collecting channel 8 is designed such that falling water droplets are collected from the lower edge of the separating element 2 and transported by a slight gradient in the direction of a discharge 9. The discharge 9 is used for further transport of the collected water W to supply it to its intended use. Also, the derivative 9 has a slight slope, so that can be dispensed with pumps or the like for transporting the water W. In this case, a filter 10 may optionally be provided in the discharge line 9, for example to filter out solid particles, such as dust or sand, from the water.

In the illustrated in Figure 1 embodiment, the discharge line 9 opens into a storage container 1 1, in which the recovered water W can be stored. The storage container 1 1 is particularly useful if the extraction of water W and its use falls apart in time. This is often the case when the water W is provided as drinking water or as process water. In other cases, for example, when the water W is to be used for irrigation purposes for agriculture, can be dispensed with in many cases to a storage tank 11. The deposition element 2 is a three-dimensional textile structure 2, for example a spacer textile or a thermoforming textile, which has an open structure, so that the nebulizer N driven by natural wind is hardly braked when it passes through the deposition element 2. Given wind conditions, this leads to a high throughput of mist through the precipitation element 2. The flow velocity of the mist in the region of the precipitation element 2 is only just below the wind velocity in adjacent regions. In particular, the effect of preventing the mist N from flowing around the separation member 2 due to a dense structure is avoided.

In addition, since the three-dimensional textile structure 2 has a higher degree of separation than conventional nets, a particularly large amount of water W can be obtained per unit time. Due to the good permeability of the deposition element also exerted by the wind on the deposition element 2 forces are relatively low. As a result, the deposition element 2 as such is extremely stable to the storm. Furthermore, the forces exerted by the deposition element 2 on the support structure 3 are relatively low, so that even simple support structures 3 can withstand storms well. In this case, the front surface of the deposition element 2 may comprise up to a few dozen square meters.

To increase the recoverable amount of water W, a plurality of deposition elements 2 may be arranged next to each other, which have a common discharge system 7. Such systems are particularly useful for drinking water or industrial water. However, smaller fog collectors are also conceivable which, for example, have a front surface with approximately 1 m ² , which are advantageous for example for irrigating a plant or a smaller group of plants. Especially with smaller fog collectors, the support structure 3 may also be formed as a peripheral frame on the deposition element. FIG. 2 shows a part of a separating element 2 designed as a spacer textile 2 a in a side view. The deposition element 2 has a first outer textile layer 12 and a second outer textile layer 13. The textile layers 12, 13 are connected by spacer threads 14. In the side view of Figure 2, the intended flow direction DR is shown by an arrow. If mist or another aerosol passes through the deposition element 2, it first passes through the first outer textile layer 12. A part of the liquid particles contained in the aerosol is deposited thereon. As the aerosol passes through the intermediate layer formed by the spacer threads 14, a further substantial part of the liquid particles contained in the aerosol is subsequently deposited. Finally, the aerosol passes through the second outer textile layer 13, on which also liquid particles are deposited.

In the side view of Figure 2 it can be seen that the spacer threads 14 have a sag 15. The sag 15 is defined as the vertical distance from the lowest point of the respective spacer thread 14 to an entry point into the first outer textile layer 12 or to an entry point into the second outer textile layer 13, whichever of the entry points lies further down. When a slack 15 is formed, the spacer threads 14 extend obliquely to the intended flow direction DR over a substantial portion of their length. This favors a high degree of separation on the spacer threads 14. Furthermore, the slack 15 causes the liquid aerosol particles adhering to the deposition element 2 to act by gravity be pulled into the interior of the deposition element 2. Thus, liquid particles which have attached themselves to one of the outer textile layers 12, 13 or to the edge regions of one of the spacer threads 14 reach the middle region of the deposition element 2. Here, different aerosol particles combine to form larger droplets. These then flow or drip down in the intermediate layer of the deposition element 2. Because the drain or dripping of the liquid takes place in the interior of the deposition element 2, a detachment and retention of the already adhering liquid particles or the droplets is substantially reduced by the moving aerosol.

FIG. 3 shows a section of the spacer textile 2 formed as a spacer textile 2 a in a plan view. It can be seen that the spacer threads 14 are arranged so that they intersect. By such a structure of the spacer threads 14, on the one hand, the stability of the deposition element 2 can be increased, on the other hand, the spacer threads 14 receive such a component, which extends transversely to the intended flow direction DR. This favors the deposition on the spacer threads 14 on. The crossing structure further improves the removal of adhering liquid particles. Thus, water particles adhering to different spacer threads 14 can combine to form a larger water droplet if the spacer threads 14 intersect at a small distance or if they even touch each other in the region of the crossing. In this way, larger droplets quickly form, which are then exposed to greater gravity due to their larger mass.

FIG. 4 shows a detail of a deposition element 2 designed as a spacer textile 2 a in a front view. The first outer textile layer 12 of the deposition element 2 has a honeycomb-shaped structure. The illustrated by thick solid lines first outer textile layer 12 has free passage openings 16, one of which is shown hatched for the purpose of illustration. In particular, the free passage openings 16 allow a virtually unrestrained passage of aerosol through the first outer textile layer 12.

The second outer textile layer 13 represented by dotted lines is constructed analogously to the first outer textile layer 12. Thus, it has free passage openings 17, one of which is also hatched for better illustration. Through the free passage openings 17 of the second outer textile layer 13 results in a low resistance for the aerosol flowing through in the region of the second outer textile layer 13. An essential part of the deposition of the liquid particles takes place in the region of the spacer threads 14.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first outer textile layer 12 and the second outer textile layer 13 are constructed identically. The representation by means of solid or dotted lines serves solely to illustrate the three-dimensional design of the deposition element 2.

First outer textile layer 12 and second outer textile layer 13 have a vertical offset 18. Alternatively or additionally, a horizontal offset could also be provided. The offset 18 brings about an improvement in the degree of deposition and the stability of the deposition element 2.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged section of the first outer textile layer 12. This comprises a mesh structure 19, which consists of a multiplicity of meshes 20. The mesh structure 19 is designed so that free passage openings 16 are formed, which are honeycomb-shaped. The spacer threads 14 are incorporated in the mesh structures 19, resulting in a particularly stable composite. The free passage area of the outer textile layer 12 results from the sum of the area of the passage openings 16 and the passage areas 21 in the area of the mesh structure 19.

Figure 6 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a deposition element 2, which is also formed as a spacer fabric 2a. The essential difference from the previously described deposition element 2 is that the second outer textile layer 13 has a finer structure. Thus, the free passage openings 17 of the second outer layer are significantly smaller than the free passage openings 16 of the In this way it can be achieved that, as aerosol passes through the separation element 2, first larger water particles and then smaller water particles are deposited.

FIG. 7 shows a section of a further fog collector in a side view. It is provided, a first deposition element 2 and a second deposition element 2 'in the intended flow direction DR to be arranged one behind the other. The first deposition element 2 is optimized for the separation of larger liquid particles and the deposition element 2 'for the deposition of smaller liquid particles. Thus, the second deposition element 2 'has a higher thread density, although the thickness of the spacer threads 14 is lower.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of a deposition element 2 of the fog collector formed as a thermoforming textile 2b in a schematic side view. The deep-drawn part 2 b is made of a two-dimensional textile and has a base surface 22 and knob-shaped elements 23 protruding therefrom. The knob-shaped elements 23 are formed by deep drawing of the original two-dimensional textile under the action of pressure and / or heat.

The nubs 23 are arranged on the downstream side of the deposition element 2, which prevents the nubs are compressed by flowing aerosol.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a section of the deposition element 2 formed as a deep-drawn textile 2b. The nub-shaped elements 23 are arranged on the base 22 in a regular manner in columns and rows. In this case, other arrangement geometries are conceivable.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments described. Modifications within the scope of the claims are possible.

Claims

Patent claims

Device for obtaining a liquid (W) from an aerosol (N), in particular for obtaining water (W) from mist (N), comprising at least one textile deposition element (2) for separating liquid particles contained in the aerosol (N) (WT), characterized in that the deposition element (2) as a three-dimensional textile tilstruktur (2a, 2b) is formed.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the three-dimensional textile structure (2 a, 2 b) is formed as thermoforming textile (2 b).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoforming textile (2b) has a flow-through surface, compared to the surface of a two-dimensional textile, from which the thermoforming fabric is made, at least by a factor of 1, 2, preferably to the Factor 1, 5, more preferably by a factor of 2, is increased.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoforming textile (2b) comprises a woven structure or a mesh structure.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoforming textile (2b) has a coarse-meshed or coarse-weave structure.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoforming textile (2b) on a base surface (22) protruding three-dimensionally formed elements (23), for example knob-shaped elements (23).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional textile structure (2a, 2b) as a spacer fabric (2a) is formed, which has a first outer textile layer (12) and a second outer textile layer (13) which are connected by spacer threads (14).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer threads (14) make a significant contribution to the deposition of liquid particles (WT).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the spacer threads (14) at least partially extend obliquely to a designated flow direction (DR).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the spacer threads (14) in a side view have a slack (15).

1 1. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the spacer threads (14) intersect in a plan view.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outer layer (12) and / or the second outer layer (13) comprises a woven structure or a mesh structure (19), wherein preferably the spacer threads (14) in the weave structure or incorporated into the mesh structure (19).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer threads (14) extend between the first outer layer (12) and the second outer layer (13) without forming a woven structure and without forming a mesh structure.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outer layer (12) and / or the second outer layer (13) in a front view, a free passage area (16, 17, 21), the proportion of the total area at least 60%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% of the total area of the respective outer layer.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outer layer (12) and / or the second outer layer (13) has a coarse-meshed or coarse-weave structure.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outer layer (12) and / or the second outer layer (13) has free passage openings (16, 17).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free passage openings (16, 17) are honeycomb-shaped.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a front view, the free passage openings (16) of the first outer layer (12) opposite the free passage openings (17) of the second outer layer (13) have an offset (18).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free passage openings (16) of the first outer layer (12) are larger than the free passage openings (17) of the second outer layer (13).

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of deposition elements (2, 2 ') are provided, which are arranged one behind the other in a provided flow direction (DR), wherein preferably an upstream Abdication element (2) for the deposition of coarse particles (WT) and a downstream deposition element (2 ') for depositing finer particles (WT) are provided.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a downstream Abscheidungselement (2 ') at least partially a higher thread density than an upstream Abscheidungselement (2).

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a downstream Abscheidungselement (2 ') at least partially has a smaller thread thickness than an upstream Abscheidungselement (2).

23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deposition element (2) consists essentially of monofilament threads.

24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deposition element (2) consists essentially of filaments with an oval or circular cross-section.

25. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deposition element (2) consists essentially of synthetic fibers, in particular of polypropylene fibers, polyester fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene and / or polyamide fibers.

26. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deposition element (2) at least partially has a functional surface modification, for example a surface coating.

27. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the deposition element (2) consists at least in sections of a material which is electrostatically chargeable by the flowing through aerosol (N) and / or by an actively applied electrical voltage.

28. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it as a fog collector (1) for obtaining water (W) from natural mist (N) with a support structure (3) for upright positioning of the deposition element (2) outdoors and with a discharge system (7) for separated from the mist (N) water (W) is formed.