Patent ID: 6471756
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A bubble-removing apparatus comprising:a main body having a central axis and a main chamber comprised of a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a third chamber portion connecting the first chamber portion in fluid communication with the second chamber portion; a stationary rod disposed in the main chamber along the central axis; at least one inflow port disposed in the main body for introducing a fluid containing entrained bubbles tangentially into the main chamber so that the fluid is caused to rotate in the first, second and third chamber portions about the central axis to thereby cause the bubbles to separate from the fluid and collect around the rod; an outflow port disposed in the main body for discharging the fluid from which entrained bubbles have been separated; a discharge outlet for discharging the bubbles separated from the fluid; a valve chamber disposed between the discharge outlet and the first chamber portion of the main chamber; a block member disposed in the valve chamber and having a through-hole in fluid communication with the first chamber portion of the main chamber; and a float member disposed in the valve chamber for undergoing movement therein relative to the block member, the float member being disposed over the block member so that a first gap is formed between an outer surface of the block member and an inner surface of the float member and a second gap is formed between an outer surface of the float member and an inner surface of the valve chamber, the float member undergoing movement within the valve chamber in response to an increase in internal pressure of the main chamber to place the through-hole of the block member into and out of fluid communication with the discharge outlet through the first and second gaps to thereby control the discharge of bubbles from the discharge outlet.