Inventors:
Jeffrey J. Spiegelman - San Diego CA, US
Richard D. Blethen - Vista CA, US
International Classification:
B01D 53/22
B01D 61/00
B01D 3/02
US Classification:
95 52, 95 19, 95 22, 96 4, 96 8, 96 10, 96 11, 96 12, 96421, 210640, 210664, 210741
Abstract:
Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e. g. , perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system for purifying steam comprises heater for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane. In the operation of system , water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel to provide a source of the steam feed.