EP2627432A2

EP2627432A2 - Gas separation device

Info

Publication number: EP2627432A2
Application number: EP11767019.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Varesi; Klaus Kubatzki; Jorg THÖMING; Michael Baune; George Okoth
Original assignee: MEMBRANOTEC GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: MEMBRANOTEC GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2010-10-11
Filing date: 2011-10-10
Publication date: 2013-08-21
Also published as: DE102010042261A1; WO2012049128A3; WO2012049128A2; US20130291730A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas separation device (1), comprising a gas separation layer (20), a first gas volume (14), and a second gas volume (15), wherein the gas separation layer (20) is arranged between the first gas volume (14) and the second gas volume (15), wherein the gas separation layer (20) comprises at least one aperture (22) which connects the first gas volume (14) to the second gas volume (15), wherein the aperture (22) is designed to taper from the first gas volume (14) to the second gas volume (15) and is dimensioned to enrich a component (30) of the second gas volume (15) in the first gas volume (14), wherein the aperture (22) is designed as an elongated opening in the gas separation layer (20) and/or comprises a gas reflection layer (22) on a surface (33), wherein the aperture (22) has a minimum opening width (d) of essentially one time to twenty times the mean free path length of the component (30) of the second gas volume (15) to be enriched.

Description

description

Gas separator

The invention relates to a gas separation device having a gas separation layer, a first gas volume and a second gas volume, wherein the gas separation layer between the first gas volume and the second gas volume is arranged, wherein the gas separation layer has at least one aperture which connects the first gas volume with the second gas volume the breakthrough from the first gas volume to the second gas volume is tapered and dimensioned to enrich a component of the second gas volume in the first gas volume.

From DE 10 2005 055 675 B3 a detector device for detecting the presence of a gas is known. The detector device comprises a capillary device with one or more capillaries connecting a first side of the capillary device to a second side of the capillary device. The capillaries are tapered in sections from the first side to the second side, wherein the minimum cross-section of the capillaries is smaller than the mean free path of the predetermined gas under the intended conditions. With this configuration, a gas component of a gas mixture applied to the second side can be enriched on the first side. However, in addition to a complicated production of the capillaries due to the narrow tubular structure of the capillaries, the throughput of the gas component is limited by the capillaries.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved gas separation device, which in particular has an increased throughput and is easier to produce. This object is achieved by a gas separation device according to claim 1 and by a method for producing such a gas separation device according to claim 13 and claim 15. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a gas separation device with a gas separation layer, a first gas volume and a second gas volume is proposed, wherein the gas separation layer is arranged between the first gas volume and the second gas volume. The gas volumes are connected to each other via the gas separation layer. The gas separation layer has at least one breakthrough. The breakthrough connects the first gas volume to the second gas volume and is tapered from the first gas volume to the second gas volume and dimensioned to enrich a component of the second gas volume in the first gas volume. Further, the aperture is designed as an elongate opening in the gas separation layer and / or has a gas reflection layer on a surface of the aperture. Further, the aperture has a minimum aperture width of substantially one to twenty times the mean free path of the component of the second gas volume to be added. This embodiment enables an increased rate of enrichment (or an increased throughput) of the component of the second gas volume in the first gas volume. Further, the breakthrough to a capillary, which is usually designed as a long, thin channel tubular, much easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the wear of the gas separation layer with respect to different gas mixtures can be reduced by the additional or alternative gas reflection layer. In a further embodiment, the opening has a V-shaped cross-section whose opening angle is substantially 0.01 ° to 10 °, in particular substantially 0.7 °. _^

wearing. This refinement enables a reliable reflection of gas atoms or gas molecules of the first gas volume, which should not pass through the gas separation layer, so that a transfer of atoms or molecules of the first gas volume to the second gas volume is reliably avoided.

In a further embodiment, the gas separation layer has a first plate-like separator and a second plate-like separator, wherein the first separator is disposed opposite to the second separator at an acute angle and wherein between the first and the second separator the breakthrough is arranged. This ensures a cost-effective design of the gas separation layer.

In a further embodiment, the gas separation layer comprises at least two triangularly shaped separating elements and at least one connector, wherein the separating elements of the gas separation layer are fastened to the connector. Between the two separating elements of the breakthrough is arranged. This embodiment allows a reliable determination of the opening angle of the opening by the configuration of the triangular separating elements. Furthermore, the connector reliably ensures the predetermined distance between the two separating elements matched to the component of the second gas volume to be enriched.

In another embodiment, the connector is the

Dividing elements formed adjustable to vary a distance of the separating elements to each other. This embodiment makes it possible to adapt the gas separation layer to different components to be enriched or different gas mixtures of the gas volumes, wherein the minimum opening width of the opening can be adapted to the average free path length of the component to be enriched. In a further embodiment, a plurality of separating elements are arranged like a drum. In this case, an interior of the drum-like arrangement of the separating elements with the second gas volume and at least part of an outer space around the drum-like arrangement of the separating elements is connected to the first gas volume. This embodiment allows a space-optimized variant of the gas separation device.

In a further embodiment, the first and the second separating element of the gas separation layer have a structured surface and at least one common structure point. The structured surfaces of the two separating elements are designed such that the structure point defines the minimum opening width of the opening between the separating elements. This embodiment allows a simple

Distance defining the separation elements of the gas separation layer to each other.

In a further embodiment, the length of the breakthrough is at least ten times the minimum opening width of the opening of the gas separation layer. This embodiment enables a particularly high throughput of the component of the second gas volume to the first gas volume. In a further embodiment, the gas reflection layer of the gas separation layer has a roughness Rz of 0.3 to 10 times the mean free path. This roughness additionally enhances a reliable enrichment of the component of the second gas volume in the first gas volume.

In another embodiment, a ripple of the gas reflection layer of the gas separation layer is smaller than the minimum opening width of the opening of the gas separation layer. In this way, exceeding the minimum opening width of the gas separation layer is avoided so that the two gas volumes are reliably separated from one another and the enrichment tion of the component of the second gas volume is ensured in the first gas volume.

In a further embodiment, the gas separation layer has a heating or cooling device which is designed to heat or cool the gas separation layer and to provide a temperature difference to the first and / or the second gas volume. This embodiment promotes the enrichment of the component of the second gas volume in the first gas volume.

This is particularly advantageous if the heating or cooling device comprises the gas reflection layer. The heating or cooling device of the gas reflection layer is in this case preferably designed as a Peltier element. As a material, the gas reflection layer on a metallic, electrical current-conducting and / or semiconducting material. In this case, the gas reflection layer is connected to a power source and / or a control device of the heating or cooling device so as to reliably control the heating or cooling of the gas reflection layer.

In a further embodiment, the gas separation layer has at least one of the following materials: glasses, in particular soda-lime glass, quartz glass, lead glass, borosilicate glass, borophosphate glass, aluminosilicate glass, fluoride glass,

Chalcogenide glass, metals, in particular iron, aluminum, copper, tin, zinc, magnesium, nickel, chromium, silicon, carbon, rubber-like materials, in particular silicone, rubber, latex, polymers such as polycarbonates, thermoplastics, elastomers and thermosets, ceramics such as silicate ceramics,

Oxide ceramics, glass ceramics and mixed ceramics. This embodiment makes it possible to adapt the gas reflection layer to the two gas volumes or to the component of the second gas volume which is to be enriched in the first gas volume. In particular, can be avoided by the choice of said materials, a reaction of the gas volumes with the gas separation layer. In a further embodiment, a first pressure is applied to the first gas volume of the gas separation device and a second pressure to the second gas volume of the gas separation device, wherein the second pressure of the second gas volume is increased compared to the first pressure of the first gas volume. In this way, the enrichment of the component of the second gas volume in the first gas volume can be forced. Particularly advantageously, the gas separation layer of the above-mentioned gas separation device can be produced by introducing at least one breakthrough in a flexible material of a base body with a tool, the base body then being tensioned and then the reflection layer at least in the area of the opening, in particular by means of a spray application is applied.

Furthermore, properties of the gas reflection layer can be improved by means of a method which assigns the gas reflection layer hydrophobic properties, in particular a lotus effect.

In order to produce the drum-shaped gas separation device in a particularly simple manner, it is proposed to introduce a breakthrough with the minimum opening width into a plate-like basic body of the gas separation layer using a tool. Following this, the plate-like

Base body of the gas separation layer rolled, wherein a radius of the roll determines the opening angle of the breakthrough of the gas separation layer. This method allows, for example, the breakthrough by means of punching or laser cutting cost to introduce into the body of the gas separation layer and assign the breakthrough a desired opening angle.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Showing: Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view through a gas separation device;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a breakthrough of the gas separation device;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the opening in the minimum opening area;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a drum-like gas separation layer of the gas separation device;

Figure 6 shows a modification of the drum-like gas separation layer of the gas separation device shown in Figures 5 and 6;

FIG. 7 shows a further modification of a drum-like gas separation layer;

Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the gas separation layer with multiple separators and connectors;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a modification of the connectors shown in Figs. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 shows a modification of the connectors shown in FIG.

1 shows a schematic sectional view of a gas separation device 1. The gas separation device 1 comprises a first container 10 having a first gas volume 14 and a second container 11 having a second gas volume 15. The first gas volume 14 has a first gas mixture and the second gas volume 15 a second gas mixture different from the first gas mixture. The containers 10, 11 each have a connection line 12, 13 to the container 10, 11 z. B. to connect with measuring devices, other tanks, equipment or the environment. Between the first container 10 and the second container 15, a first gas separation layer 20 is arranged, wherein the two gas volumes 14, 15 in the two containers 10, 11 are interconnected via the first gas separation layer 20. For this purpose, the first gas separation layer 20 has a plurality of openings 22. The opening 22 is formed with a V-shaped cross-section, wherein in the figure 1, an opening angle is not shown to scale.

The opening 22 is designed in the drawing plane as an elongate opening in the first gas separation layer 20. The opening 22 is tapered from the first gas volume 14 to the second gas volume 15 in the second container 11. The opening 22 has a minimum opening width d at its narrowest point, which is arranged on the side of the gas separation layer 20 facing the second container 11.

The first gas separation layer 20 has a main body 19 and a gas reflection layer 21, which covers the main body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 on a surface 330 of the main body 19 in the region of the opening 22.

FIG. 1 shows symbolically an atom or molecule of a component 30 of the second gas volume 15 or of the second gas mixture. Furthermore, a first trajectory 300 of the atom or molecule of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 is shown schematically. Likewise, a second trajectory 310 of a component 31 of the first gas volume 14 is shown. The trajectory 300, 310 of the components 30, 31 of the gas volumes 14, 15 is of a random nature and characterized by Braun's molecular motion. In particular, it is pointed out that, as a result of this, the courses 300, 310 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary.

Meets the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 in its first trajectory 300 through the opening 22, the Component 30 of the second gas volume 15 upon contact with the gas reflection layer 21 at this reflected. In this case, the V-shaped and tapering formation of the opening 22 causes the component 30 of the second gas volume 15, moving from the second gas volume 15 in the direction of the first gas volume 14, to be reflected on the gas reflection layer 21 in such a way that the component 30 moves in the direction of the first gas volume 14 or in the direction of the first container 10 is reflected at the gas reflection layer. To achieve the first container 10, several reflections of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 at the reflection layer 21 of the opening 22 may well be necessary.

The minimum opening width d of the opening 22 is matched to the component 30 of the second gas volume 15, the minimum opening width d being in the range from 1 to 20 times the mean free path of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15. In particular, a minimum opening width d in the region of ten times the free path length of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 has proven to be particularly advantageous. As a result, only the molecules or atoms of the second gas volume 15 migrate from the second container 11 to the first gas volume 14, which have an average free path ranging from the simple to 20 times the mean free path.

The component 31 contained in the first gas volume 14 has the exemplary second path 310. In this case, the atom or molecule of the component 31 of the first gas volume 14 enters from the side of the first container 10

Breakthrough 22 a. In its second trajectory 310, the component 31 of the first gas volume 14 is repeatedly reflected at the gas reflection layer 21, wherein the component 31 of the first gas volume 14 back into the first container by the tapered V-shaped cross section of the opening 22 via multiple reflections on the gas reflection layer 21 10 is reflected. A passage through the passage Break 22 from the first container 10 to the second container 11 is only possible if the component 31 of the first gas volume has a course of movement 310, which allows a non-contact passage through the opening 22. Since this second trajectory 310 is of a random nature and temperature-dependent, the probability of passage of the component 31 from the first gas volume 14 to the second gas volume 15 is low. The probability that the component 30 of the second

Gas volume 15 in its first trajectory 300 meets the breakthrough 22 is much greater than the previously described probability of direct passage of the component 31 of the first gas volume 14. This has the consequence that the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 in the first gas volume fourteenth accumulates. The enrichment direction is additionally shown in FIG. 1 by means of an arrow.

If the component 30 to be enriched of the second gas volume 15 in the first container is subject to the same conditions as the component 31 of the first gas volume 14, then the path back to the second container 11 for the component 30 to be enriched of the second gas volume 15 in the first container 1 is almost , as also described above for the first component 30, is locked. This gas separation device 1 is particularly suitable for the extraction of noble gases from a gas mixture. As an example, the use of the gas separation device 1 in the extraction of helium from air or natural gas is advantageous. In this application, the proposed embodiment is technically simpler and less expensive than the prior art methods and apparatus for extracting helium from air or natural gas.

Alternatively, the gas separation device is also suitable in a detector device for facilitating the detection of predetermined gases. It is also conceivable to use the gas separation device 1 for cleaning exhaust gases from power plants or motor vehicles. In this case, the gas separation device 1 can be used for the separation of carbon dioxide. The separated carbon dioxide can be stored following the separation. In this case, the gas separation device 1 compared to other known techniques, such as differently designed scrubbers (eg amine or carbonate scrubbers) energy-efficient, space-saving and simpler design. Also, the gas separation device 1 can be used for the desulfurization of flue gases, so that a plurality of optionally cascaded gas separation devices 1 for the exhaust gas treatment of power plants and / or motor vehicles can be used. In order to ensure a high throughput in the enrichment of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 in the first gas volume 14, the V-shaped opening of the opening 22 has an opening angle of 0.01 ° to 10 °, in particular of 0.7 °. Due to the small opening angle, numerous openings 22 can be arranged closely adjacent to one another and parallel in the first gas separation layer 20. This increases in addition to the design of the opening 22 the throughput z. The gas reflection layer 21 may be used in the embodiment as

Coating a base body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 may be formed. Additionally or alternatively, the gas reflection layer 21 can also be produced by a surface treatment method on the main body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20. Depending on the two gas volumes 14, 15, in particular the component 30 of the second gas volume 15, the gas reflection layer 21 may comprise at least one of the following materials: metal, in particular gold, silver, copper, chromium, tin, zinc, nickel, comprising a metallic structure , a crystalline structure comprising diamond, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, metal / silicon hybrid, titanium nitride, tin oxide, silicon carbide, fat, wax, alcohol with long alkyl radicals, alkynes, ceramics, in particular silicate ceramics, oxide ceramics, glass ceramics, mixed ceramics, polymers, in particular thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosets. In this case, the gas reflection layer 21 is particularly suitable for protecting the main body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 from chemical wear.

The gas reflection layer 21 can also prevent narrowing or clogging of the opening 22 by particles or gas components, in particular in the region of the minimum opening width d of the opening 22. Because of the moisture contained in the gas volume 14, 15, the formation of the gas reflection layer 21 with hydrophobic properties, in particular a lotus effect, is particularly advantageous. For this purpose, for example, the gas-reflecting layer 21 can be designed as a nano-surface coating and / or nanostructuring to achieve the lotus effect and / or powder coating. To apply the gas reflection layer 21 to the base body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20, at least one of the following preparation processes is suitable: acetylation, acylation, carboxylation, decarboxylation, hydroxylation, hydrogelation, methylation, silylation, sulfonation, application method of graphite, modification with functional polymers, Formation of dendritic structures, chromating, sputtering, anodising, galvanizing, tinning, chemical nickel, gas phase deposition, synthesizing fields from carbon nanotubes, doping, powder coating. The silanization of the gas reflection layer 21 has proven to be particularly advantageous.

Alternatively or additionally, the gas reflection layer 21 may also be formed on the base body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 by a surface treatment method in the region of

Breakthrough 22 are produced. Advantageously, in the surface treatment method, a roughness Rz in "

13

Provided in the range of 0.3 to 10 times the mean free path, so that the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 in the passage 22 undergoes no back-reflection on a survey in the direction of the second container 11 and the second gas volume 15. In particular, for the production of the gas reflection layer 21 from the base body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20, at least one of the following production methods with which the surface 330 of the opening 22 is aftertreated is suitable: lapping, polishing, acid etching, alkaline etching, laser interference reference method. By means of these production methods, in addition to the roughness Rz of the surface 330 of the base body 19, waviness of the surface 330 of the base body 19 can also be reliably influenced so as to avoid back-reflection of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 just like the roughness Rz of the surface 19.

The material of the main body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 may have different properties depending on the purpose. In particular, it is suitable for the material of

Basic body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 of at least one of the following materials: glasses, in particular soda-lime glass, quartz glass, lead glass, borosilicate glass, borophosphate glass, aluminosilicate glass, fluoride glass, chalcogenide glass, metals, in particular iron, aluminum, copper,

Tin, zinc, magnesium, nickel, chromium, silicon, carbon, rubber-like materials, in particular silicone, rubber, latex, polymers such as polycarbonates, thermoplastics, elastomers and thermosets, ceramics such as silicate ceramics, oxide ceramics, glass ceramics and mixed ceramics. In this case, the choice of the material of the base body 19 to the closer explained in Figures 3 and 4 assembly of the first gas separation layer 20 and optionally to the components of the gas volumes 14, 15 to a chemical reaction of the components of the gas volumes 14, 15 with the material of the body 19 to avoid. If the material of the main body 19 of the first gas separation layer 20 is made of a flexible material, the gas reflection layer 21 can be applied by providing the flexible material of the main body 19 with an opening 22 and then tensioning it transversely to the opening 22. As a result, the opening 22 is elastically expanded. On the tensioned base body 19, the gas reflection layer 21 is applied at least in the region of the opening 22. In particular, a spray application is suitable for applying the gas reflection layer 21. After the order of

Gas reflection layer 21, the voltage of the main body 19 is released again, so that the first gas separation layer 20 relaxes in its final state. This ensures a sufficient and complete coating of the opening 22 of the first gas separation layer 20. In order to prevent the gas reflection layer 21 from flaking off, the choice of the material of the gas reflection layer 21 must be matched to the elastic material of the base body 19. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the opening 22 of the first gas separation layer 20. The first gas separation layer 20 comprises a first plate-like separating element 23 and a second plate-like separating element 24, wherein the two separating elements 23, 24 are arranged at an acute angle to one another. The viewing angle of Figure 2 is selected from the first container shown in Figure 1 on the opening 22. Furthermore, the second trajectory 310 of the component 31 of the first gas volume 14 is also shown.

The two separating elements 23, 24 likewise have the gas reflection layer 21. In order to increase a transport of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15 to the first gas volume 14, the gas separation device has a heating device 34. For this purpose, the gas reflection layer 21 is made of a metallic, an electrical current-conducting material in Figure 2. The gas reflection layer 21 is at its end connected to a controller 32. Furthermore, the control unit 32 is additionally connected to a temperature sensor 36 arranged on the gas reflection layer 21, which provides the control unit 32 with a temperature signal. The control unit 32 energizes the gas reflection layer 21 as a function of the temperature signal of the temperature sensor 36 in order to heat the gas reflection layer 21 with respect to the two gas volumes 14, 15. This heating of the gas reflection layer 21 increases the throughput of the component 30 to be enriched of the second gas volume 15 from the second gas volume 15 to the first gas volume 15.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the base body 19 or in the separating elements 23, 24, a heating coil as heating device for heating the first gas separation layer 20 is integrated. Also, the cooling of the gas reflection layer 20 by means of a cooling device is conceivable. In particular, the heating or cooling device 34 may be formed as a Peltier element. Furthermore, it is additionally or alternatively conceivable to use a semiconductive material as the material of the gas separation layer shown in FIG. As an alternative to the control unit 32, other current sources are also conceivable.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the opening 22 in the region of the minimum opening width d of the opening 22. In this case, the two separating elements 23, 24 are arranged opposite one another and are not shown to scale. The serrated lines facing one another should represent a roughness Rz of the surfaces 10 of the separating elements 23, 24 or a roughness Rz of the gas reflection layer 21. The breakthrough 22 arranged between the separating elements 23, 24 in this case has a fluctuating local minimum opening width d, which is influenced by the surfaces 19 of the separating elements 23, 24 with grooves 1, bumps or other elevations or depressions. The roughness Rz of the surfaces 19 of the

Separating elements 23, 24 can be used selectively to the minimum opening width d of the opening 22 of the first gas separation layer 20. For this purpose, the roughnesses Rz of the surfaces 19 of the separating elements 23, 24 are adapted in which to the minimum opening width d. To set the minimum opening width d of the opening 22, the separating elements 23, 24 are moved toward one another in an inclined manner during assembly. Upon contact, the surfaces 19 of the separating elements 23, 24 touch in individual structural points 35. Between the structural points 35, the opening 22 is opened, the structural points 35 defining the minimum opening width d.

The structure points 35 are randomly determined by the nature of the surfaces 19. The structural points 35 are determined by the different geometric course of the two surfaces 19.

Depending on the choice of the material of the separating elements 23, 24, the separating elements 23, 24 are punctiform in at least one structural point 35 or soft materials around the structure point 35 around each other. For softer materials, in particular for example in the case of plastic, metal, rubber or latex, the minimum opening width d of the passage 22 can be flexibly adapted to the desired minimum opening width d by a pressure of the separating elements 23, 24. Specifically, the desired minimum opening width d can be provided when a roughness Rz in the range of 0.3 to 10 times the mean free path is selected. This roughness range also ensures reliable reflection of the component 30, 31 of the second or the first gas volume 14, 15 in the direction of the first container 10 and thus avoids a return reflection of the component 30 in the direction of the second container 11.

In order to provide a V-shaped opening of the opening 22 in the assembly as explained above, the separating elements

23, 24 obliquely closed to each other until the separating elements 23, 24 touch. This contact takes place in the contact rich of the two separating elements 23, 24, so that in addition to the roughness Rz and an edge state, the minimum opening width of the d of the opening 22 influenced. In the embodiment, the edge state is less than or equal to the mean free path length, so that an outbreak on the first separating element 23 only insignificantly influences the minimum opening width d. In this case, the minimum opening width d of the opening 22 is the mean free path length. If at least one of the dividing elements 23, 24 has a reduced edge state, then the cutouts increase the minimum opening width 5 and thus reduce the effectiveness of the first gas separation layer 20.

The waviness of the gas reflection layer 21 of the first gas separation layer 20 behaves similarly to the roughness Rz. Preferably, the waviness is smaller than the minimum opening width d of the opening 22 of the first gas separation layer 20 on the surfaces 19 of the separation elements 23, 24 Exceeding a predetermined minimum opening width d of the opening 23 is to be avoided. Analogous to the roughness Rz of the surfaces 19 of the gas separation layer 20 of FIG

Waviness may also form common structural points 35 in the region of the minimum opening width d of the opening 22, which define the minimum opening width d of the opening.

The determination of the minimum opening width d on the roughness Rz or the waviness of the surfaces 19 of the separating elements 23, 24 facilitates installation and adjustability of the gas separation layer 20.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative arrangement of the plate-shaped separating elements 23, 24 of the gas separation device 1. The plate-shaped separating elements 23, 24 are arranged in the form of a drum to form a second gas separation layer 40 on an annular connecting element 26. As a result of the arrangement of the plate-shaped separating elements 23, 24 with their undersides on the annular connectors 26, these are aligned V-shaped. In this case, by varying the number and the thickness of the plate-shaped separating elements 23, 24, the opening angle between the separating elements 23,

24 are set.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an interior 33 of the drum-like second gas separation layer 40 is connected to the second container 11 shown in FIG. 1 and a space around the drum-shaped separating elements 23, 24 is connected to the first container 10. The drum-like arrangement of the separating elements 23, 24 allows a space-saving embodiment of the second gas separation layer 40 and can be arranged, for example, in a pipe-like device between the first and the second container 10, 11.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a third gas separation layer 41 of the drum-type gas separation layer 40 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This comprises ring-shaped separating elements 25, which are connected to one another by means of bar-type connectors 27. In particular, a distance or the minimum opening width d between the individual annular separating elements 25, as described in FIG. 3, can be defined via the roughness Rz or the waviness of the annular separating elements 25 in the region of the minimum opening width d. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the beam-like connectors 27 are arranged transversely to the annular separating elements 25, with one connector 27 connecting all the separating elements 25. Of course, it is also conceivable that the connector 27 only one of the separating elements

25 connects with each other. In addition, alternative embodiments of the connector 27 are conceivable.

FIG. 7 shows a drum-shaped fourth gas separation layer 43. This comprises individual openings 22, which are in the form of separate openings

Openings are arranged in a plate-shaped main body 28 of the fourth gas separation layer 43. To a drum-shaped Produce fourth gas separation layer 43, the plate-like body 28 of the gas separation layer 20 is provided with openings 22 with the minimum opening width d by means of a tool. This can be done for example by punching, laser cutting or water jet cutting. Subsequently, the base body 28 is rolled, wherein a radius of the roll determines the opening angle of the openings 22. In this case, the interior 33 of the gas separation device 1, as mentioned in Figures 4 to 6, are connected to the second gas volume 14 of the second container 11. The outside space around the gas separation device 20 is also connected to the first tank 10 and the first gas volume 14. Of course, all non-intended access to the interior 33 must be sealed off after rolling in order to avoid a bypass flow to avoid the openings 22.

Suitable materials for the plate-like base body 28 of the drum-like fourth gas separation layer 43 are in particular materials that are both stampable and / or cuttable as well as rollable. In particular, all metals and alloys thereof, as well as plastics, rubber and latex are suitable.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show various embodiments of the gas separation layer 20 with triangular separating elements 29.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a fifth gas separation layer 44 with a plurality of triangular separating elements 29 on bar-shaped connectors 27. The triangular separating elements 29 are fastened to the bar-shaped connectors 27 with a lower side 35, so that between the triangular separating elements 29 the breakthroughs 22 form with a V-shaped cross-section. The triangular separating elements 29, as described in FIG. 3, can be applied to one another in order to define the minimum opening width d of the

Breakthrough 22 set. Of course, it is also conceivable, the minimum opening width d by a targeted spaced arrangement of the triangular separating elements 29 set on the connectors 27.

In an advantageous embodiment, a temperature-stable material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion can be used for the connector 27 in order to keep the minimum opening width d approximately stable over a temperature range. In particular, ceramics are suitable as a material for the connectors 27.

As an alternative to a temperature-stable connector 27, the alternative connector 270 shown in FIG. 9 includes a distance adjusting device 271, which is arranged in the area of the minimum opening width d in the alternative connector 270. An unillustrated further control device is connected to the distance adjusting device 271 and designed to control the distance adjusting device 271 in order to vary the distance or the minimum opening width d of the triangular separating elements 29. This refinement makes it possible to adapt the minimum opening width d of the openings 22 to the mean free path length of the component 30 of the second gas volume 15. Piezo elements or electroactive polymers are particularly suitable for the distance adjusting device 271. Of course, as an alternative to the piezo elements, other distance adjusting devices 271 are also possible, which vary the distance between the separating elements 29 relative to each other.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of the connectors 272 of a sixth gas separation layer 45 with the triangular separating elements 29 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in a perspective view. In this case, the connectors 272 are arranged in the manner of a beam between the separating elements 29. This embodiment allows a particularly flat construction of the gas separation layer 20. In this case, the connectors 272 may be made of the same material as the triangular separating elements 29. The embodiment shown in FIG in particular, to produce the sixth gas separation layer 45 in a sintering process.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the sixth gas separation layer 45 shown in FIG. 12. In this case, the connectors 272 are designed as webs which have the same height as the triangular separating elements 29. The distance between the connectors 272 relative to one another along a separating element 29 is at least ten times the minimum width D of the opening 22. In this way it is ensured that a sufficient throughput of the component 30 from the second gas volume 15 to the first gas volume 14 is ensured with simultaneous rigidity. With this embodiment, a reliable support of the triangular separating elements can thus be ensured against vibrations, so that the gas separation device 20 can be used for example in a motor vehicle.

The embodiments of the gas separation layer 20, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45 of the gas separation device 1 and their components which are explained with reference to the figures represent preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition to the described and illustrated embodiments, further embodiments are conceivable which show further modifications or modifications Combinations of the described features may include.

Claims

A gas separation device (1) having a gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45), a first gas volume (14) and a second gas volume (15), said gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45 ) between the first gas volume (14) and the second gas volume (15), wherein the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) has at least one opening (22) which communicates the first gas volume (14) the second gas volume (15) connects, wherein the opening (22) of the first gas volume (14) to the second gas volume (15) is tapered and dimensioned, a component (30) of the second gas volume (15) in the first gas volume ( 14), characterized in that the opening (22) is designed as an elongated opening in the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) and / or has a gas reflection layer (22) on a surface (330) wherein the aperture (22) has a minimum aperture width (d) of substantially the single to twenty times Gfachen the mean free path of the component to be enriched (30) of the second gas volume (15).

Gas separation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (22) has a V-shaped cross section, wherein an opening angle (OC) of the opening (22) 0.01 ° to 10 °, in particular 0.7 ° ,

Gas separation device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) has a first plate-like separating element (23) and a second plate-like separating element (24) first separating element (23) opposite to the second separating element (24) arranged at an acute angle is net, and wherein between the first and the second separating element (23, 24) of the opening (22) is arranged.

4. Gas separation device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the plate-shaped separating elements (23, 24) are arranged with their lower sides on an annular connector (26), wherein the plate-shaped separating elements (23, 24) are aligned with each other V-shaped ,

Gas separation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) comprises at least two triangularly shaped separating elements (29) and at least one connector (26; 27; 270; 272), wherein the

Separating elements (29) of the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) are fastened to the connector (26; 27; 270; 272), and wherein between the two separating elements (23, 24) the aperture (22) is arranged.

6. Gas separation device (1) according to one of claims 3 to

5, characterized in that the connector (270) is adjustable to vary a distance of the separating elements (23, 24, 29) to each other.

7. Gas separation device (1) according to one of claims 3 to

6, characterized in that a plurality of separating elements (23; 25) are arranged like a drum, wherein an interior (33) of the drum-like arrangement of the separating elements (23; 25) with the second gas volume (15) and at least a part of an outer space around the drum-like arrangement the separating elements (23, 25) is connected to the first gas volume (14).

8. Gas separation device (1) according to one of claims 3 to

7, characterized in that the first and the second separating element (23, 24) have a structured surface (33) and at least one common structure point (35), wherein the structured surfaces (33) of the two separating elements (23, 24) are formed such that the structure point (35) has the minimum opening width (D) of the opening (22) between the separating elements (23, 24) determines.

Gas separation device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the length of the opening (22) is at least ten times the minimum opening width (d) of the opening (22) of the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44 ; 45). 10. Gas separation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to

9, characterized in that the gas reflection layer (21) of the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) has a roughness Rz of 0.3 to 10 times the mean free path length.

11. Gas separation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to

10, characterized in that a ripple of the gas reflection layer (21) of the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) is smaller than the minimum opening width (d) of the opening (22) of the gas separation layer (20;

41; 43; 44; 45).

Gas separation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) comprises heating or cooling means (34) adapted to separate the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) to heat or cool and provide a temperature difference to the first and / or second gas volumes (14, 15), wherein the heating or cooling means (34) comprises the gas reflection layer (21) the heating or cooling device (34) in particular as Peltierele ment, wherein the gas reflection layer (21) comprises a metallic, electrically conductive and / or semiconductive material, and wherein the gas reflection layer (21) is connected to a power source and / or a control device (32).

43. A method for producing a gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) of a gas separation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that with a tool at least one opening (22) in a flexible material of a base body (19, 28) is introduced, wherein the base body (19, 28) is then tensioned, and wherein the gas reflection layer is subsequently applied at least in the region of the opening (22), in particular by means of a spray application.

A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the gas reflection layer (21) is aftertreated by means of a method which assigns the gas reflection layer (21) hydrophobic properties, in particular a lotus effect.

A process for producing the drum-shaped gas separation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in a plate-like design basic body (28) of

Gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) is introduced with a tool, the opening (22) with the minimum opening width (d), wherein the plate-like base body (28) of the gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; ; 44; 45), and wherein a radius of rolling the opening angle (OC) of the opening (22) of the

Gas separation layer (20; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45) determined.