WATER SEPARATION BY SELECTIVE PERMEATION THROUGH MICROPOROUS MATERIALS
Abstract
The objective of this program was to investigate the feasibility of separating water vapor and/or droplet water from air by selective permeation through microporous materials. Two concepts were studied with the goal of removing 0.1 pound per hour of water or water vapor from approximately ten pounds of air per hour. In the first concept, a 15 micron average pore size barrier of sintered Kel-F was positioned perpendicularly across a droplet laden air stream. Positive removal of droplet water was observed. A second concept studied utilized a continuous sheet membrane of cellulose acetate to transmit water vapor but to block the passage of permanent gases. A modified dry-vane type commercial compressor was used to produce a high suction level. While positive evidence of vapor transfer and water condensation were observed, problems of complete edgewise sealing of the cellulose acetate membrane and the cooling and suction limitations of the oil-free, modified commercial pump precluded achievement of design water removal rates. Further work to perfect water droplet separation from air through porous media should be preceeded by pressure drop determination of droplet laden air through unit areas of porous media. Further work to perfect the membrane permeation concept would have to include a thorough search for or development of a high suction, oil-free compressor for compression of water vapor and more effective means for edgewise sealing of sheet membrane materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0465716
Entities
People
- Joseph R. Katz
Organizations
- General Electric