Patent ID: 7427312
Filing Date: 2008-09-23
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a liquid-containing fluid wherein said gas exerts a first partial pressure on said fluid, said apparatus comprising: (a) a fluid inlet; (b) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said fluid inlet, said separation chamber having first and second end portions, with said first end portion being operably oriented gravitationally above said second end portion, said fluid inlet communicating with said separation chamber at said first end portion, and a retentate fluid outlet disposed at said second end portion; and (c) a first gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane disposed in said separation chamber and extending substantially along a first axis defined as extending between said first and second end portions, a permeate side of said membrane being exposed to an environment having a second partial pressure of said gas, which second partial pressure is lower than said first partial pressure, such that said liquid-containing fluid is operably separated by said membrane into a permeate gas and a retentate fluid.