Collection system for liquid suspended in a gas

Abstract

A system includes a processing system in which a liquid is used in processing such that at least a portion of the liquid becomes suspended in a gas and a liquid collection system in fluid connection with the processing system to decrease the amount of liquid in the suspension of the liquid in the gas. The liquid collection system includes a centrifugal pump (or blower) including a housing and a rotatable impeller within the housing. The housing also includes an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid connection therewith. The liquid collection system further includes a liquid collection device in fluid connection with the outlet port. The liquid collection device includes a gas outlet channel in fluid connection with the outlet port and a liquid outlet port spaced from the gas outlet channel and adjacent an inner surface of the housing of the centrifugal pump. The system may further include a container in fluid connection with the liquid outlet port to contain liquid (separated from the gas). In a number of embodiments, the liquid collection system includes a system housing at least partially enclosing the centrifugal pump and the liquid collection device. The system may, for example, be configured so that the liquid outlet port is positioned below the gas outlet channel. In a number of embodiments, the liquid is a coolant liquid.