Other

Battelle Memorial Institute

Oregon State University

Outset Medical, Inc.

Kevin Drost

Robert S Wegeng

Ward E TeGrotenhuis

James R Curtis

Goran Jovanovic

Thomas J Lindner

Deborah V Pence

Scot D Rassat

Chris Loeb

Alana Warner-Tuhy

Vinod Narayanan

Vilayanur V Vishwanathan

Goran Nadezda Jovanovic

Richard T Miller

Wrazel Julie S S

Eric K Anderson

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a microscale-based device suitable for purifying fluid, and method of using the device. In particular disclosed embodiments, an electrode layer comprising an enhanced surface area electrode material that has multiple extensions covered in a conductive material are used within the device. The device comprises one or more main flow pathways and one or more side channels. The flow dynamics of the device may be controlled in order to remove contaminants from the fluid. The extensions of the enhanced surface area electrode material are positioned on the surface of the pathways and also may be positioned within the side channels.

Microscale-based device for purifying fluid and method of use

Microchannel or fractal plate desorption retains the advantage of high-flux, thin-film desorption without using membranes and allows for lightweight, compact desorbers for either LiBr and water or ammonia and water. Working embodiments of the process comprise providing a droplet desorber, feeding a multicomponent fluid mixture comprising at least a first fluid and a second fluid to the desorber, and performing a desorption process on the mixture using the desorber. The primary fluid mixtures used were ammonia and water, and aqueous lithium bromide. Various working embodiments of desorbers are disclosed, including several desorbers comprising plural, substantially straight, substantially parallel microchannels in an array, and a fractal plate desorber, such as a bifurcating fractal plate. The method also comprises separating a first fluid from a second fluid using a separation process, such as gravity separation, wicking separation, electro hydrodynamic separation, centrifugal separation, cyclone separation, and combinations thereof. Disclosed embodiments of the system useful for performing the desorption process include a desorber; a manifold positioned to deliver a mixture of fluids to the desorber, the mixture comprising a refrigerant; a heater, including thin film deposited heaters, operatively associated with the desorber; and a separator downstream of the desorber for separating a refrigerant vapor from a liquid fraction remaining from the mixture following vaporization of the refrigerant. Such systems also typically include an expansion valve through which the refrigerant flows, where the pressure is reduced and the refrigerant boils at a low temperature, and may include additional optional devices useful for practicing the desorption process, such as pumps, fluid collectors, etc.

Droplet desorption process and system

The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. In another aspect, the apparatus or methods utilize heat exchange channels of varying lengths that have volumes controlled to provide equal heat fluxes. Methods of fuel cell startup are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.

Method and apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption

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Corvallis, OR, United States of America

Kevin Drost