초록 ▼

An apparatus for separating liquid from a gas stream. The apparatus includes an elongated housing having a cylindrical inner surface and a gas stream inlet that is tangential to the side wall of the housing so as to cause the entering gas stream to swirl within the housing. A gas stream outlet is lo

An apparatus for separating liquid from a gas stream. The apparatus includes an elongated housing having a cylindrical inner surface and a gas stream inlet that is tangential to the side wall of the housing so as to cause the entering gas stream to swirl within the housing. A gas stream outlet is located at the top of the housing and a liquid outlet at the bottom. The gas stream outlet can include an elongated tubular member that extends into the housing and has an opening that is located below the housing gas stream inlet. Liquid components of the gas stream separate from the stream under the influence of centrifugal forces that are created by the swirling flow path of the stream within the housing. A liquid outlet and liquid outlet valve are provided for maintaining a minimum level of liquid within the housing so as to maintain a liquid seal within the housing. A level indicator may optionally be provided to monitor the liquid level within the housing. A power generation apparatus having two or more of the separators for separating liquid from fuel cell and fuel processor streams. Methods for manufacturing an apparatus for removing liquid from a gas stream and methods for separating liquid from a gas stream are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A power generating apparatus comprising: a fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream comprising water;a first separator connected to said fuel processor for separating water from said hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream to produce a water-depleted hydrogen-rich gas stream a

1. A power generating apparatus comprising: a fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream comprising water;a first separator connected to said fuel processor for separating water from said hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream to produce a water-depleted hydrogen-rich gas stream and water that is not mixed with and does not contain gas;a fuel cell connected to said first separator for receiving a water-depleted hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream and for producing electricity and an exhaust gas stream comprising water as products of an electrochemical reaction;a second separator connected to said fuel cell for separating water from said exhaust gas stream; anda combustor connected to said fuel processor and said second separator;wherein at least one of said first separator and said second separator is a mechanical water separator comprising: an elongated housing having a cylindrical inner surface wherein at least a portion of said cylindrical inner surface is covered with a capillary material;a gas stream inlet aligned on a second axis wherein said gas stream inlet is tangential to side wall of said elongated housing causing entering gas stream to swirl within said elongated housing wherein liquid components of said entering gas stream separate due to centrifugal forces created by swirling flow path of said entering gas stream within said elongated housing;a gas stream outlet located at upper portion of said elongated housing and aligned on a first axis wherein said gas stream outlet comprises an elongated tubular member that extends into said elongated housing wherein lower opening of said elongated tubular member within said elongated housing is located below said gas stream inlet;a liquid outlet located below said gas stream inlet;a liquid outlet valve for maintaining a minimum level of liquid within said elongated housing;a level indicator to monitor liquid level within said elongated housing; anda valve control system for said liquid outlet valve wherein said valve control system is a passive control system. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said passive control system comprises a float. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said passive control system comprises an electronic level switch, said electronic level switch comprising a float and a magnetic contactor connected to said float, wherein said magnetic contactor is movable between open and closed positions. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said liquid outlet valve comprises a solenoid valve connected in series with said electronic level switch. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first separator and said second separator are connected to a common separated water reservoir. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said common separated water reservoir provides water to said power generation apparatus. 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said common separated water reservoir is connected to a domestic drain for disposal of excess water. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongated housing is cylindrical in shape and has a vertical orientation. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said elongated housing has a height to diameter ratio between about 1.5:1 and 3:1. 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein height of said elongated housing is less than 24 inches. 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first separator and said second separator lacks internal structures such that such that water-depleted gas stream rises through the housing unimpeded. 12. A power generating apparatus comprising: a fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream comprising water;a first separator connected to said fuel processor for separating water from said hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream to produce a water-depleted hydrogen-rich gas stream and water that is not mixed with and does not contain gas;a fuel cell connected to said first separator for receiving a water-depleted hydrogen-rich reformate gas stream and for producing electricity and an exhaust gas stream comprising water as products of an electrochemical reaction;a second separator connected to said fuel cell for separating water from said exhaust gas stream; anda combustor connected to said fuel processor and said second separator wherein said first or said second separator has a capillary material applied to an inner surface. 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first separator and said second separator are connected to a common separated water reservoir. 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said common separated water reservoir provides water to said power generation apparatus. 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said common separated water reservoir is connected to a domestic drain for disposal of excess water.