WO2005018779A1 - Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack - Google Patents

Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005018779A1
WO2005018779A1 PCT/CA2004/001558 CA2004001558W WO2005018779A1 WO 2005018779 A1 WO2005018779 A1 WO 2005018779A1 CA 2004001558 W CA2004001558 W CA 2004001558W WO 2005018779 A1 WO2005018779 A1 WO 2005018779A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
separation chamber
drain
liquid separator
inlet channel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2004/001558
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ricardo Bazzarella
Todd A. Simpson
Original Assignee
Hydrogenics Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hydrogenics Corporation filed Critical Hydrogenics Corporation
Priority to JP2006524188A priority Critical patent/JP2007503296A/en
Priority to EP04761722A priority patent/EP1680205A4/en
Priority to CA002536773A priority patent/CA2536773A1/en
Publication of WO2005018779A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005018779A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
    • H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
    • H01M8/04164—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal by condensers, gas-liquid separators or filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
    • B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
    • B01D45/16—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces generated by the winding course of the gas stream, the centrifugal forces being generated solely or partly by mechanical means, e.g. fixed swirl vanes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
    • B04C3/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex flow following a screw-thread type line remains unchanged ; Devices in which one of the two discharge ducts returns centrally through the vortex chamber, a reverse-flow vortex being prevented by bulkheads in the central discharge duct
    • B04C3/06—Construction of inlets or outlets to the vortex chamber
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of fluid separators, with common but by no means exclusive application to electrochemical cell systems.
  • Fuel cells and electrolyzer cells are generally referred to as electrochemical cells. Fuel cells have been proposed as clean, efficient and environmentally friendly power sources that have various applications.
  • a conventional proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is typically comprised of an anode, a cathode, and a selective electrolytic membrane disposed between the two electrodes.
  • a fuel cell generates electricity by bringing a fuel gas (typically hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (typically oxygen) respectively to the anode and the cathode.
  • a fuel gas typically hydrogen
  • an oxidant gas typically oxygen
  • a fuel such as hydrogen
  • oxygen oxygen
  • the proton exchange membrane facilitates the migration of protons from the anode to the cathode while preventing the electrons from passing through the membrane.
  • the electrons are forced to flow through an external circuit thus providing an electrical current.
  • oxygen reacts with electrons returned from the electrical circuit to form anions.
  • the anions formed at the cathode react with the protons that have crossed the membrane to form liquid water.
  • an electrolyzer uses electricity to electrolyze water to generate oxygen from its anode and hydrogen from its cathode.
  • a typical solid polymer water electrolyzer (SPWE) or proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is also comprised of an anode, a cathode and a proton exchange membrane disposed between the two electrodes.
  • Water is introduced to, for example, the anode of the electrolyzer which in turn is connected to the positive pole of a suitable direct current voltage.
  • Oxygen is produced at the anode.
  • the protons migrate from the anode to the cathode through the membrane.
  • the cathode which is connected to the negative pole of the direct current voltage, the protons conducted through the membrane are reduced to hydrogen.
  • the cells are not operated as single units. Rather, the cells are connected in series, either stacked one on top of the other or placed side by side.
  • the series of cells referred to as a cell stack, is normally enclosed in a housing.
  • the fuel and oxidant are directed through manifolds in the housing to the electrodes.
  • the fuel cell is cooled by either the reactants or a cooling medium.
  • the fuel cell stack also comprises current collectors, cell-to-cell seals and insulation while the required piping and instrumentation are provided external to the fuel cell stack.
  • the fuel cell stack, housing and associated hardware constitute a fuel cell module.
  • electrolyzer cells are also typically connected in series to form an electrolyzer stack.
  • the presence of water in the gas streams reduces the efficiency of the electrochemical cell.
  • the inventors have accordingly recognized a need for a fluid separation device for separating liquid from a fluid stream, and adapted for use with electrochemical cells.
  • This invention is directed towards a liquid separator configured to separate liquid from a fluid stream
  • the separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain, an inlet channel, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel.
  • the drain has a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber.
  • the inlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber.
  • the outlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber.
  • the drain passageway comprises an inner diameter which is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, the retained liquid forming a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway.
  • the drain passageway is preferably substantially horizontal.
  • the inlet channel flares radially outwardly proximate the second inlet end such that the diameter of the inlet channel at the second inlet end is larger than the diameter of the inlet channel proximate the swirler.
  • the housing preferably includes a base and a cap which is removably mountable to the base.
  • FIGURE 1 is a front elevated perspective view of a liquid separator made in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid separator of Figure 1 ;
  • FIGURE 3 is a schematic side view of the drain passageway of the liquid separator of Figure 1 ; and [0017] FIGURE 4 is a top perspective view of the swirler of the liquid separator of Figure 1.
  • the separator 10 includes a main housing 11 having a cap portion 12 and a base 13.
  • the cap 12 is removably mounted to the base 13, typically through the use of screws 14 or nuts and bolts.
  • a substantially cylindrical separation chamber 21 is provided within an interior region of the housing 11.
  • the housing 11 may be made of plastic or other suitable material.
  • a generally cylindrical inlet channel 22 is provided through the cap 12, and configured for communicating a fluid stream (typically comprising water droplets and oxygen or hydrogen as a process gas) from a first inlet end 17 to a second inlet end 24, proximate the separation chamber 21.
  • a fluid stream typically comprising water droplets and oxygen or hydrogen as a process gas
  • An o-ring or other type of seal may be provided around the exterior (or interior) circumference of the inlet channel 22, to facilitate the coupling of an inlet hose or other conduit for the supply of a fluid stream containing process gas.
  • a swirler 16 is removably mounted within the inlet channel 22.
  • the swirler 16 is substantially propeller-shaped, having a plurality of arcuate vanes 34, spiraling about an axial shaft 33.
  • a pin hole 36 may be provided through the axial shaft 33, to receive a pin or similar device for releasably mounting the swirler to the inlet channel 22. Having a removable swirler 16 facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the separator 10.
  • the inlet channel 22 begins to taper radially outwardly, such that the cross-sectional diameter of the channel 22 is larger at the second inlet end 24 than the cross- sectional diameter of the channel 22 proximate the swirler 16.
  • the tapered portion of the channel 22 is substantially frusto-conical.
  • a generally tubular outlet channel 23 is formed in the base 12, and communicates fluids between a first outlet end 25 positioned proximate the second inlet end 24, and a second outlet end 19 remote from the separation chamber 21.
  • the outlet channel 23 forms a fluid communication between the separation chamber 21 and the exterior of the housing 11. From the first outlet end 25 towards the second outlet end 19, the channel 23 tapers generally outwardly for a portion of the channel 23.
  • the cross- sectional diameter of the channel 23 is smaller at the first outlet end 25 than the cross-sectional diameter of the channel 23 at the second outlet end 19.
  • the first outlet end 25 will be inset slightly within the inlet channel 22, proximate the second inlet end 24.
  • the overlapping portions of the inlet channel 22 and outlet channel 23 form an annular space or gap therebetween, through which the fluid is permitted to flow.
  • An o-ring or other type of seal may be provided around the exterior (or interior) circumference of the outlet channel 23, to facilitate the coupling of an outlet hose or other conduit for directing the fluid stream (from which liquid has been removed by the separator 10) to the electrochemical cell.
  • the first outlet end 25 is slightly inset within and generally axially aligned with the second inlet end 24.
  • the inlet channel 22, swirler 16, separation chamber 21 , and outlet channel 23 are substantially coaxially aligned, eg about a central axis illustrated illustrated generally as 100.
  • the central axis 100 is substantially horizontal.
  • a drain 20 is provided proximate a lowest point of and in fluid communication with the separation chamber 21.
  • the lowest points of the separation chamber 21 lie beneath the central axis 100.
  • the drain 20 includes a drain passageway 29 for evacuating out of the separation chamber 21 liquid which has been separated from the fluid stream.
  • the drain passageway 29 is substantially horizontal, and further preferably the passageway 29 is parallel to the central axis 100.
  • the inner diameter 29' of the drain passageway 29 is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner surface of the drain passageway 29 causes some liquid (eg. droplets 32) to be retained in the drain passageway 29.
  • the diameter 29' of the drain passageway 29 may be larger than for liquids possessing a lower surface tension.
  • the retained liquid forms a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway.
  • a drain line (not shown) may be coupled to the drain passageway 29 to direct separated liquid to a desired site either for disposal or recycling.
  • a fluid stream formed of a combination of gas and liquid droplets are directed under typically low pressure (eg. 3 - 10 psi) into the first inlet end 17 of the inlet channel 22.
  • the fluid stream passes over the vanes 34 of the swirler 16, causing the fluid stream to swirl radially outwardly in cyclonic fashion and against the interior surface of the inlet channel 22, before emerging into the separation chamber 21 and against the interior surface of the chamber 21.
  • the spinning motion imparted to the fluid stream creates centrifugal forces which cause the liquid droplets to impinge upon and collect against the interior surfaces of the inlet channel 22 and the separation chamber 21.
  • Liquid droplets collecting within the inlet channel 22 are urged by the flow of the fluid stream into the separation chamber 21.
  • gravity draws the liquid downwards to the chamber's 21 lowest points, and the liquid exits the chamber 21 through the drain 20.
  • some liquid (such as the droplets 32 illustrated in Figure 3) is retained in the passageway 29. This retained liquid forms a valve, thereby preventing the escape of any process gas from the fluid stream.
  • the fluid stream (with at least some and preferably most of the liquid removed) is then able to enter the outlet channel 23 via the first outlet end 25 and exit the separation chamber 21 ultimately exit the outlet channel 23 and the separator 10 through the second outlet end 19.
  • the housing 11 for the separator 10 preferably includes a base 13 and a cap 12 which is removably mountable to the base 13.
  • a cap 12 which is removably mountable to the base 13.
  • Such a design facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the separator 10, generally.
  • the inlet and outlet channels 22, 23, the separation chamber 21 and the drain 20 may be easily accessed for cleaning or maintenance.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Separating Particles In Gases By Inertia (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A liquid separator configured to separate liquid from a fluid stream. The separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain, an inlet channel, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The drain has a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber. As well, the inlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber. The outlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber. Preferably, the drain passageway comprises an inner diameter which is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, the retained liquid forming a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway. The drain passageway is preferably substantially horizontal. The housing preferably includes a base and a cap which is removably mountable to the base.

Description

Title: APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUID FROM A PROCESS GAS STREAM OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL STACK
The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application no. 60/497,548, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of fluid separators, with common but by no means exclusive application to electrochemical cell systems.
Background of the invention [0002] Fuel cells and electrolyzer cells are generally referred to as electrochemical cells. Fuel cells have been proposed as clean, efficient and environmentally friendly power sources that have various applications. A conventional proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is typically comprised of an anode, a cathode, and a selective electrolytic membrane disposed between the two electrodes.
[0003] A fuel cell generates electricity by bringing a fuel gas (typically hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (typically oxygen) respectively to the anode and the cathode. In reaction, a fuel such as hydrogen is oxidized at the anode to form cations (protons) and electrons. The proton exchange membrane facilitates the migration of protons from the anode to the cathode while preventing the electrons from passing through the membrane. As a result, the electrons are forced to flow through an external circuit thus providing an electrical current. At the cathode, oxygen reacts with electrons returned from the electrical circuit to form anions. The anions formed at the cathode react with the protons that have crossed the membrane to form liquid water.
[0004] In contrast, an electrolyzer uses electricity to electrolyze water to generate oxygen from its anode and hydrogen from its cathode. Similar to a fuel cell, a typical solid polymer water electrolyzer (SPWE) or proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is also comprised of an anode, a cathode and a proton exchange membrane disposed between the two electrodes. Water is introduced to, for example, the anode of the electrolyzer which in turn is connected to the positive pole of a suitable direct current voltage. Oxygen is produced at the anode. The protons then migrate from the anode to the cathode through the membrane. On the cathode which is connected to the negative pole of the direct current voltage, the protons conducted through the membrane are reduced to hydrogen.
[0005] In practice, the cells are not operated as single units. Rather, the cells are connected in series, either stacked one on top of the other or placed side by side. The series of cells, referred to as a cell stack, is normally enclosed in a housing. For a fuel cell stack, the fuel and oxidant are directed through manifolds in the housing to the electrodes. The fuel cell is cooled by either the reactants or a cooling medium. The fuel cell stack also comprises current collectors, cell-to-cell seals and insulation while the required piping and instrumentation are provided external to the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack, housing and associated hardware constitute a fuel cell module. Likewise, electrolyzer cells are also typically connected in series to form an electrolyzer stack.
[0006] A common problem that has to be addressed, for both fuel cell stacks and electrolyzer stacks, is the controlled removal of water from the process gas streams . The presence of water in the gas streams reduces the efficiency of the electrochemical cell.
[0007] The inventors have accordingly recognized a need for a fluid separation device for separating liquid from a fluid stream, and adapted for use with electrochemical cells.
Summary of the invention
[0008] This invention is directed towards a liquid separator configured to separate liquid from a fluid stream
[0009] The separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain, an inlet channel, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The drain has a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber. As well, the inlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber. The outlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber.
[0010] Preferably, the drain passageway comprises an inner diameter which is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, the retained liquid forming a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway. The drain passageway is preferably substantially horizontal.
[0011] Preferably, too, the inlet channel flares radially outwardly proximate the second inlet end such that the diameter of the inlet channel at the second inlet end is larger than the diameter of the inlet channel proximate the swirler.
[0012] The housing preferably includes a base and a cap which is removably mountable to the base. Brief description of the drawings
[0013] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
[0014] FIGURE 1 is a front elevated perspective view of a liquid separator made in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIGURE 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid separator of Figure 1 ;
[0016] FIGURE 3 is a schematic side view of the drain passageway of the liquid separator of Figure 1 ; and [0017] FIGURE 4 is a top perspective view of the swirler of the liquid separator of Figure 1.
Detailed description of the invention
[0018] Referring simultaneously to Figures 1 and 2, illustrated therein is a liquid separator, referred to generally as 10, made in accordance with the present invention. The separator 10 includes a main housing 11 having a cap portion 12 and a base 13. The cap 12 is removably mounted to the base 13, typically through the use of screws 14 or nuts and bolts. A substantially cylindrical separation chamber 21 is provided within an interior region of the housing 11. For most low-pressure applications, the housing 11 may be made of plastic or other suitable material.
[0019] A generally cylindrical inlet channel 22 is provided through the cap 12, and configured for communicating a fluid stream (typically comprising water droplets and oxygen or hydrogen as a process gas) from a first inlet end 17 to a second inlet end 24, proximate the separation chamber 21. An o-ring or other type of seal may be provided around the exterior (or interior) circumference of the inlet channel 22, to facilitate the coupling of an inlet hose or other conduit for the supply of a fluid stream containing process gas.
[0020] A swirler 16 is removably mounted within the inlet channel 22. As shown in Figure 4, the swirler 16 is substantially propeller-shaped, having a plurality of arcuate vanes 34, spiraling about an axial shaft 33. A pin hole 36 may be provided through the axial shaft 33, to receive a pin or similar device for releasably mounting the swirler to the inlet channel 22. Having a removable swirler 16 facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the separator 10. [0021] As can be seen in Figure 2, proximate the swirler 16, the inlet channel 22 begins to taper radially outwardly, such that the cross-sectional diameter of the channel 22 is larger at the second inlet end 24 than the cross- sectional diameter of the channel 22 proximate the swirler 16. The tapered portion of the channel 22 is substantially frusto-conical. [0022] A generally tubular outlet channel 23 is formed in the base 12, and communicates fluids between a first outlet end 25 positioned proximate the second inlet end 24, and a second outlet end 19 remote from the separation chamber 21. The outlet channel 23 forms a fluid communication between the separation chamber 21 and the exterior of the housing 11. From the first outlet end 25 towards the second outlet end 19, the channel 23 tapers generally outwardly for a portion of the channel 23. As a result, the cross- sectional diameter of the channel 23 is smaller at the first outlet end 25 than the cross-sectional diameter of the channel 23 at the second outlet end 19. As well, typically, the first outlet end 25 will be inset slightly within the inlet channel 22, proximate the second inlet end 24. As a result, the overlapping portions of the inlet channel 22 and outlet channel 23 form an annular space or gap therebetween, through which the fluid is permitted to flow.
[0023] An o-ring or other type of seal may be provided around the exterior (or interior) circumference of the outlet channel 23, to facilitate the coupling of an outlet hose or other conduit for directing the fluid stream (from which liquid has been removed by the separator 10) to the electrochemical cell.
[0024] The first outlet end 25 is slightly inset within and generally axially aligned with the second inlet end 24. Preferably, the inlet channel 22, swirler 16, separation chamber 21 , and outlet channel 23 are substantially coaxially aligned, eg about a central axis illustrated illustrated generally as 100. Preferably the central axis 100 is substantially horizontal.
[0025] A drain 20 is provided proximate a lowest point of and in fluid communication with the separation chamber 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the lowest points of the separation chamber 21 (and correspondingly the location of the drain 20) lie beneath the central axis 100. The drain 20 includes a drain passageway 29 for evacuating out of the separation chamber 21 liquid which has been separated from the fluid stream. To minimize the external dimensions of the separator 10, preferably the drain passageway 29 is substantially horizontal, and further preferably the passageway 29 is parallel to the central axis 100.
[0026] The inner diameter 29' of the drain passageway 29 is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner surface of the drain passageway 29 causes some liquid (eg. droplets 32) to be retained in the drain passageway 29. As will be understood, for liquids possessing a higher surface tension, the diameter 29' of the drain passageway 29 may be larger than for liquids possessing a lower surface tension. The retained liquid forms a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway. A drain line (not shown) may be coupled to the drain passageway 29 to direct separated liquid to a desired site either for disposal or recycling.
[0027] In use, a fluid stream formed of a combination of gas and liquid droplets are directed under typically low pressure (eg. 3 - 10 psi) into the first inlet end 17 of the inlet channel 22. The fluid stream passes over the vanes 34 of the swirler 16, causing the fluid stream to swirl radially outwardly in cyclonic fashion and against the interior surface of the inlet channel 22, before emerging into the separation chamber 21 and against the interior surface of the chamber 21. As will be understood, the spinning motion imparted to the fluid stream creates centrifugal forces which cause the liquid droplets to impinge upon and collect against the interior surfaces of the inlet channel 22 and the separation chamber 21. Liquid droplets collecting within the inlet channel 22 are urged by the flow of the fluid stream into the separation chamber 21. [0028] As liquid collects in the separation chamber 21 , gravity draws the liquid downwards to the chamber's 21 lowest points, and the liquid exits the chamber 21 through the drain 20. As noted, because of surface tension between the liquid and the interior surface 31 of the drain passageway 29, in conjunction with the interior diameter of the drain passageway 29, some liquid (such as the droplets 32 illustrated in Figure 3) is retained in the passageway 29. This retained liquid forms a valve, thereby preventing the escape of any process gas from the fluid stream.
[0029] The fluid stream (with at least some and preferably most of the liquid removed) is then able to enter the outlet channel 23 via the first outlet end 25 and exit the separation chamber 21 ultimately exit the outlet channel 23 and the separator 10 through the second outlet end 19.
[0030] As noted previously, the housing 11 for the separator 10 preferably includes a base 13 and a cap 12 which is removably mountable to the base 13. Such a design facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the separator 10, generally. Preferably, upon removal of the cap 12, the inlet and outlet channels 22, 23, the separation chamber 21 and the drain 20 may be easily accessed for cleaning or maintenance.
[0031] Thus, while what is shown and described herein constitute preferred embodiments of the subject invention, it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the subject invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:
1. A liquid separator configured to separate liquid from a fluid stream, the separator comprising: a) a housing; b) a separation chamber disposed within the housing; c) a drain having a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber; d) an inlet channel configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber; e) a swirler disposed within the inlet channel; and f) an outlet channel configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber.
2. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the drain passageway comprises an inner diameter which is sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, the retained liquid forming a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway.
3. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the separation chamber is substantially cylindrical.
4. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the drain is positioned proximate a lowest point of the separation chamber.
5. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the drain comprises a drain passageway and wherein the drain passageway is substantially horizontal.
6. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inlet channel flares radially outwardly proximate the second inlet end such that the diameter of the inlet channel at the second inlet end is larger than the diameter of the inlet channel proximate the swirler.
7. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a base and a cap which is removably mountable to the base.
8. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inlet channel passes through the cap.
9. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inlet channel is substantially aligned about a central axis.
10. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outlet channel is substantially aligned about the central axis.
11. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 9, wherein the separation chamber is substantially aligned about the central axis.
12. The liquid separator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inlet channel, the outlet channel and the separation chamber are substantially coaxial.
PCT/CA2004/001558 2003-08-26 2004-08-25 Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack WO2005018779A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006524188A JP2007503296A (en) 2003-08-26 2004-08-25 Apparatus for separating liquid from process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack
EP04761722A EP1680205A4 (en) 2003-08-26 2004-08-25 Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack
CA002536773A CA2536773A1 (en) 2003-08-26 2004-08-25 Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US49754803P 2003-08-26 2003-08-26
US60/497,548 2003-08-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005018779A1 true WO2005018779A1 (en) 2005-03-03

Family

ID=34216132

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2004/001558 WO2005018779A1 (en) 2003-08-26 2004-08-25 Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US7338545B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1680205A4 (en)
JP (1) JP2007503296A (en)
CA (1) CA2536773A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005018779A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009046794A1 (en) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-16 Daimler Ag Apparatus and method for separation of a liquid from a gas flow, as well as a fuel cell system
WO2011101008A3 (en) * 2010-02-17 2011-10-13 Daimler Ag Catalytic burner for fuel cell exhaust gas
CN114259801A (en) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-01 上海重塑能源科技有限公司 Involute type centrifugal water separator

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005042720B4 (en) * 2004-09-23 2016-09-22 Mahle Filtersysteme Gmbh axial cyclone
RU2363520C1 (en) 2007-11-29 2009-08-10 Шлюмберже Текнолоджи Б.В. Centrifugal separator for separation of liquid drops from gas flow
JP5564778B2 (en) * 2008-10-30 2014-08-06 株式会社島津製作所 Water separator
GB2515464B (en) * 2013-04-24 2021-01-27 Intelligent Energy Ltd A water separator
DE102015008525A1 (en) * 2014-08-12 2016-02-18 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Centrifugal separator and filter arrangement
RU2579079C1 (en) * 2014-10-03 2016-03-27 Открытое акционерное общество "Генерация Финанс" Direct-flow centrifugal gas-liquid separator
DE102014016963A1 (en) 2014-11-18 2016-05-19 Daimler Ag Water separator in centrifugal design
US20160136556A1 (en) * 2014-11-18 2016-05-19 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Contaminant separator for a nitrogen generation system and method of removing contaminants from an airstream
US10023317B2 (en) * 2015-06-23 2018-07-17 The Boeing Company Flight deck takeoff duct and trim air mix muff
CN106898801B (en) * 2015-12-18 2019-08-02 中国科学院大连化学物理研究所 A kind of gas-liquid separator for direct liquid feed fuel cell system
US10408492B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2019-09-10 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Drain hole orifice device
JP6934297B2 (en) * 2016-12-08 2021-09-15 臼井国際産業株式会社 Gas-liquid separator
US10322621B2 (en) 2017-02-15 2019-06-18 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Inertial particle separator for air cycle machine
US10668486B2 (en) 2017-07-12 2020-06-02 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Water extractor
JP2019051478A (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-04-04 株式会社デンソー Liquid recovery device
US10562408B2 (en) 2017-09-20 2020-02-18 Ford Motor Company Anode exhaust reservoir assembly
USD890898S1 (en) * 2018-01-09 2020-07-21 Synexis Llc Device for producing non-hydrated purified hydrogen peroxide gas
US10633099B2 (en) 2018-03-12 2020-04-28 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Non-horizontal water extractor
JP7033981B2 (en) * 2018-03-28 2022-03-11 本田技研工業株式会社 Fuel cell stack
WO2020046603A1 (en) 2018-08-27 2020-03-05 Sierra Nevada Corporation Low-gravity water capture device with water stabilization
CN109925802B (en) * 2019-03-31 2021-07-06 埃杰盾阀门有限公司 Gas-liquid precession anti-entrainment baffling type gas-liquid separator with focusing pressure velocity
JP7222322B2 (en) * 2019-06-26 2023-02-15 株式会社アイシン gas-liquid separator
CN113058312B (en) * 2021-03-05 2022-07-05 福建省铂盾建设工程有限公司 Hydraulic engineering environment-friendly purification and filtration equipment
US12065251B2 (en) * 2021-06-29 2024-08-20 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Centrifugal water collector with conical water scupper
DE102021123966A1 (en) 2021-09-16 2023-03-16 Joma-Polytec Gmbh liquid separator
AT525561B1 (en) * 2022-02-10 2023-05-15 Avl List Gmbh Separation device for separating liquid water from an exhaust gas in an exhaust gas section of a fuel cell system
DE102022131312A1 (en) * 2022-11-28 2024-05-29 Mann+Hummel Gmbh Fluid separator and fuel cell system with a liquid separator

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3724180A (en) * 1971-01-22 1973-04-03 Environmental Ind Inc Steam humidifier with centrifugal separator
US4509965A (en) * 1983-02-14 1985-04-09 Willard Morton Water-steam separator
US4834887A (en) * 1988-03-10 1989-05-30 Broughton Amos W In-line coaxial centrifugal separator with helical vane
JPH03293009A (en) * 1990-04-11 1991-12-24 Nippon Soken Inc Gas-liquid separator
US5853443A (en) * 1997-08-08 1998-12-29 Ingersoll-Rand Company Moisture separator for fluid compressor
JP2003001034A (en) * 2001-06-15 2003-01-07 Tlv Co Ltd Gas-liquid separator
JP2003038985A (en) * 2001-06-19 2003-02-12 Balcke Durr Energietechnik Gmbh Centrifugal separator for separating moisture
EP1087888B1 (en) * 1998-05-20 2003-07-09 AlliedSignal Inc. Coanda water extractor

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH472638A (en) * 1967-01-26 1969-05-15 Eidgenoess Flugzeugwerk Emmen Device for separating a liquid and / or vaporous medium from a carrier gas and its use in aircraft
GB1310792A (en) * 1970-04-24 1973-03-21 Pall Corp Vortex separator
US3796026A (en) * 1971-04-05 1974-03-12 Farr Co Liquid-gas separator
DE2702148A1 (en) * 1977-01-20 1978-07-27 Helmut Frank Moisture separator for gases, esp. in humidifier plant - has tubular housing with diverger at inlet and outlet holes in wall
US4180391A (en) * 1977-06-13 1979-12-25 Perry Equipment Co. Gas particulate separator with scavenging gas separation device
US4179273A (en) * 1978-10-27 1979-12-18 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Dual scavenging separator
US4525182A (en) * 1983-08-29 1985-06-25 Millipore Corporation I.V. Filter apparatus
FR2558741B1 (en) * 1984-01-31 1991-03-22 Electricite De France CENTRIFUGATION MIXTURE SEPARATOR
JPS62213819A (en) * 1986-03-13 1987-09-19 Yoshito Nishioka Mist removal device
JPH0183459U (en) * 1987-11-16 1989-06-02
JPH0192219U (en) * 1987-12-12 1989-06-16
US6110246A (en) * 1998-07-23 2000-08-29 Dreison International, Inc. Air precleaner having stationary vanes and rotating impeller
CA2358071C (en) * 1998-12-31 2007-07-17 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream, at a wellhead, downstream of the wellhead choke
US6579637B1 (en) 2000-05-31 2003-06-17 General Motors Corporation Fuel cell system having a compact water separator
DE10029498A1 (en) * 2000-06-21 2002-01-03 Mann & Hummel Filter intake system
CN1438922A (en) * 2000-07-06 2003-08-27 岚瑟股份有限公司 Method and apparatus for treating fluids
US6524373B2 (en) * 2000-07-28 2003-02-25 Honeywell International Inc. Two-stage water extractor

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3724180A (en) * 1971-01-22 1973-04-03 Environmental Ind Inc Steam humidifier with centrifugal separator
US4509965A (en) * 1983-02-14 1985-04-09 Willard Morton Water-steam separator
US4834887A (en) * 1988-03-10 1989-05-30 Broughton Amos W In-line coaxial centrifugal separator with helical vane
JPH03293009A (en) * 1990-04-11 1991-12-24 Nippon Soken Inc Gas-liquid separator
US5853443A (en) * 1997-08-08 1998-12-29 Ingersoll-Rand Company Moisture separator for fluid compressor
EP1087888B1 (en) * 1998-05-20 2003-07-09 AlliedSignal Inc. Coanda water extractor
JP2003001034A (en) * 2001-06-15 2003-01-07 Tlv Co Ltd Gas-liquid separator
JP2003038985A (en) * 2001-06-19 2003-02-12 Balcke Durr Energietechnik Gmbh Centrifugal separator for separating moisture

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1680205A4 *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009046794A1 (en) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-16 Daimler Ag Apparatus and method for separation of a liquid from a gas flow, as well as a fuel cell system
WO2011101008A3 (en) * 2010-02-17 2011-10-13 Daimler Ag Catalytic burner for fuel cell exhaust gas
CN114259801A (en) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-01 上海重塑能源科技有限公司 Involute type centrifugal water separator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1680205A1 (en) 2006-07-19
JP2007503296A (en) 2007-02-22
EP1680205A4 (en) 2007-07-04
US7338545B2 (en) 2008-03-04
CA2536773A1 (en) 2005-03-03
US20050044825A1 (en) 2005-03-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7338545B2 (en) Apparatus for separating liquid from a process gas stream of an electrochemical cell stack
US20050199546A1 (en) Separator for removing liquid from fluid
US8057646B2 (en) Electrolyser and components therefor
CN1330792C (en) High pressure hydrogen producing apparatus and producing method
CA3117925C (en) Method of producing hydrogen
US20090025293A1 (en) Apparatus, system, and method for processing hydrogen gas
KR20100057624A (en) Apparatus, system, and method for processing hydrogen gas
EP2002033B1 (en) A device for production of hydrogen by electrolysis
CN108390082B (en) Separator for direct liquid feed fuel cell
CN114171763A (en) Drinking water supply device and method based on hydrogen fuel cell
US7311765B2 (en) Energy and/or mass exchange apparatus having an integrated fluid separator
CN1107743C (en) Water-electrolyzing hydrogen generator
US20240167180A1 (en) Method for Treating Process Fluids, and Filter Device for Carrying Out the Method
CN101447573A (en) Device for recycling fuel cell generating water
KR101916870B1 (en) Hydrogen recovery apparatus in exhaust gas of fuel cell vehicle
CN2375642Y (en) Hydrogen generator by electrolysis of water
CN220294453U (en) Hydrogen mixing device
CN219086005U (en) Water system metal fuel single-chip battery and water system metal fuel battery stack
CN220766629U (en) Supersaturated hydrogen-rich ion water production equipment
CN1612398A (en) Water supply device for fuel cell system
CN100421294C (en) Silicon base plane fuel cell group and its preparing method
CN116949512A (en) Dehydrogenation by means of membranes
KR20040074730A (en) Boron fuel cell system
CN114335611A (en) Drainage device and method for fuel cell system
KR20060135390A (en) Built-in apparatus for preventing from contamination of fuel tank and fuel cell system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2536773

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2006524188

Country of ref document: JP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2004761722

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2004761722

Country of ref document: EP