Patent ID: 6224716
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B01D,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for removing aqueous components from a fluid, the system comprising:a pumping unit configured to pump a stream of fluid from which aqueous components are to be removed;a heating unit coupled to the pumping unit for heating the fluid stream, the heating unit including a heating element and a sensor secured to the heating element for detecting temperature of a surface of the heating element and for generating a surface temperature signal representative thereof;a fluid temperature sensor downstream of the heating unit, the fluid temperature sensor being configured to detect temperature of the fluid stream and to generate a fluid temperature signal representative thereof;a vacuum circuit coupled to the heating unit for subjecting the heated fluid stream to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure to remove aqueous components from the fluid stream;a recirculation loop for directing at least a portion of the fluid stream through the heating unit based upon the fluid temperature signal to maintain the fluid temperature at a desired level, the recirculation loop including a valve for regulating flow rate of fluid from the heating unit to the vacuum circuit; anda control circuit coupled to the heating unit and configured to limit energy input to the heating element to limit the temperature of the heating element surface based upon the surface temperature signal.