Patent ID: 7357334
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: B01D,C12H

Abstract:
1. A method of separating a solution, the method comprising: atomizing a solution containing a target substance into a mist in an atomizer to produce a mixed fluid of mist and air; separating air from the mixed fluid by bringing the mixed fluid into contact with a primary surface of an air transmission membrane contained in an air separator, wherein the air transmission membrane has pores sized to transmit air but not the target substance contained in the mist, wherein a pressure on the primary surface of the air transmission membrane is made higher than a pressure on a secondary surface of an opposite side of the air transmission membrane so that the air in the mixed fluid passes through the air transmission membrane to separate part or all of the air contained in the mixed fluid; and collecting the mist from the mixed fluid from which at least part of the air has been separated by the air transmission membrane, wherein the mist is collected by aggregating and collecting the mist in a collection chamber connected to an outlet side of a primary passageway provided in the air separator, and wherein the mist is aggregated and collected by cooling the mixed fluid with a cooling heat exchanger provided in the collection chamber.