Patent ID: 7758671
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: B01D,F24F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for dehumidification of a gas stream, comprising: a single semi-permeable hydrophilic osmotic membrane, which membrane comprises randomly arranged pores disposed across a thickness extending between a first side and a second side, and wherein some of the pores are small enough to permit capillary condensation within the membrane, leading to condensate travel across the thickness of the single membrane without requiring a separate capillary condenser, and which single membrane restricts transport of an osmotic fluid across the thickness of the membrane; at least one gas stream compartment through which the gas stream may flow, formed in part by the osmotic membrane, wherein the first side of the osmotic membrane is positioned so as to be exposed to the gas stream within the gas stream compartment; at least one osmotic fluid compartment formed in part by the osmotic membrane, wherein the second side of the osmotic membrane is contiguous with the osmotic fluid compartment; and an osmotic fluid regenerator.