System and method for recovering and separating non-condensing gases

Abstract

A high efficiency, high rate system for recovering and removing non-condensable gases from a halocarbon composition. A collection tank with an integral heat exchanger unit is submerged in a liquid heat transfer medium and coupled to the halocarbon composition. Refrigerant injected into the heat transfer medium cools the heat exchanger unit and collection tank allows the separation of gases from the liquid phase of the halocarbon composition. The gases contained within the liquid phase are separated from the halocarbon composition by reducing pressure in the vapor (ullage) space of the collection tank. This vapor stream mixture of released gases pass through a flow control orifice that further cools the vapor stream condensing more liquid phase halocarbon from the mixture. This additional liquid separates from the vapor phase mixture and collects into a liquid trap arrangement of coaxial and helical geometry. The nitrogen and other non-condensable gases are vented from the outer large chamber of the liquid trap arrangement and are accumulated to pressurize the outer chamber of the liquid trap arrangement with additional transfer gas, if required. This pressure transfers the liquid phase halocarbon collected in the liquid trap arrangement back into the collection tank and into a receiver external to the system.