Patent ID: 8679233
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A method based on a calculated transitional included angle for enhancing and controlling two-phase fluid separation on a solid surface with geometric features each having an included angle in a liquid-vapor system comprising a single composition during phase transformation comprising the steps of: a) providing a liquid-vapor system comprising a vapor and a liquid of the same composition; b) providing a solid having geometric features in the surface; the features having included angles; c) specifying the magnitude of the at least one included angle to determine the area of contact between the liquid and the solid surface; wherein the magnitude of the at least one included angle is based at least in part upon the transitional included angle, which is the included angle that differentiates complete liquid contact and partial liquid contact with the surface features; d) providing a means to heat or cool the surface of the solid; and e) placing the solid having the features in contact with the liquid-vapor system of a single composition.