David A Crain

US Patent:

20140090557, Apr 3, 2014

Filed:

Feb 28, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/781603

Inventors:

Amos G. Gottlieb - San Francisco CA, US
David L. Crain - Tiburon CA, US

International Classification:

B01D 19/00
F15D 1/00

US Classification:

95 46, 96 6, 137561 A

Abstract:

A planar degasser comprises (1) a flow plate comprising a flow channel, (2) a planar separation membrane comprising a membrane transmission section which has a first major surface and a second major surface, the flow channel being at least in part bounded by the first major surface of the membrane transmission section,(3) a supporting member which supports the second major surface of the membrane transmission section when the pressure on the first major surface is greater than the pressure on the second major surface, and (4) structural features which enable liquid to flow through the flow channel when the pressure on the first major surface is equal to or less than the pressure on the second major surface, for example when there is no longer a vacuum on the second major surface of the membrane transmission section. The structural features can for example be an open channel in the base of the flow plate, or upstanding features on the base of the flow plate, or a passageway which is closed when the vacuum is on, but open when the vacuum is off, for example a passageway having a valve which is controlled by the vacuum.