Patent ID: 6372019
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: B04C

Abstract:
A method of liquefying a gas, the method comprising the steps of:(1) applying a swirl velocity to the gas; (2) passing the gas, with the swirl velocity, through a nozzle whereby the gas adiabatically expands, the gas velocity increases, the gas temperature drops, to promote the condensation of gas with formation of droplets; (3) passing the gas, with the swirl velocity, further through a working section having a wall, whereby further condensation of at least a portion of the gas flow occurs and droplets of condensed gas grow; (4) permitting centrifugal effects generated by the swirl velocity to drive the droplets towards the wall of the working section; and (5) separating condensed liquid gas droplets from remaining gas in the gaseous state at least adjacent the wall of the working section.