Heat exchanger water collection system

Abstract

A water separator consisting of a baffle and scupper is inserted inside the outlet header of a regenerative heat exchanger for removing water from the air discharged therefrom. The cooled air which contains water droplets leaving the core of the heat exchanger is passed through a baffle constructed to provide a gradual restriction in area in order to increase flow velocity. Heavy droplets of water are separated by the sudden change in airflow direction through the baffle and header. The flow including the heavier centrifuged water droplets then impinge on the inside surface of the header to which the accumulated particles of water adhere and are accelerated by the airflow and the contour of the header toward a scupper located downstream of the baffle opening. The water is collected in the scupper cavity, collected in a drain well, and drained with the assistance of gravity and the resulting pressure differential across the drain port. The scupper contains holes or louvered slots whereby some air used to carry the water along the header inner surface may pass therethrough to combine with the remaining airflow in the duct through which the dried air is removed from the system.