CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/335,212, filed April 26, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present invention generally pertains to the field of separating components of a mixture of gas, and more particularly to a device that provides for mixture-of-gas separation by the formation of a generally spiraling flow.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are numerous situations where it is desirable to separate component parts of a mixture of gas. For example, natural gas wells typically contain the sought-after natural gas (CH4) along with contaminants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen (N2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). By some estimates, the United States has trillions of cubic feet of natural gas that requires processing to separate out the contaminants from the natural gas. In another example, water sources, such as retention ponds, abandoned mines, reservoirs, lakes, seas, and the like, may contain various substances such as salt, arsenic, iron, copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, other metals, and fertilizer and insecticide run off. Such substances can render the water source unusable and can seep into the water table and have devastating effects on water quality over broad geographic areas.

[0004] Numerous conventional devices exist that can separate components of a mixture of gas. Many conventional devices, however, are burdened with various deficiencies, such as high cost, installation complication, maintenance costs and frequency, and remote location deployment.

SUMMARY

[0005] The described technology includes methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for a separator for separating components of a mixture of gas. In some embodiments, the

2 separator includes an inlet manifold, a throat, and an outlet manifold. The inlet manifold is configured to receive a flow of the mixture of gas. The inlet manifold forms the mixture of gas into a spiraling flow. The throat is attached to the inlet manifold and is configured to receive a flow of the mixture of gas from the inlet manifold. The throat separates heavier species of the mixture of gas from lighter species of the mixture of gas. The outlet manifold is attached to the throat and is configured to receive a flow of the heavier species from the throat. The outlet manifold includes an outlet valve and a throttle shaft. The outlet valve includes a cone-shaped inlet and a bowl- shaped outlet. The throttle shaft includes a shaft and a cone-shaped head. The cone-shaped head is positioned within the cone-shaped inlet and the shaft extends through the bowl-shaped outlet. The bowl-shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone-shaped head are sized and shaped to control the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator.

[0006] Lighter species include, for example, helium, neon, and methane. Heavier species include, for example, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, propane, butane, pentane, and halogenated gases (for example, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride). Heavier and lighter species are relative to other species in a mixture of gas. Water vapor may be a heavier species, for example, when the mixture of gas is natural gas, but water vapor may be a lighter species, for example, when the mixture of gas is air or flue gas. One of ordinary skill will instantly recognize which species of a mixture of gas will be separated from other species as either heavier or lighter based on molecular mass.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method of separating components of a mixture of gas using a separator is provided. The method includes channeling the mixture of gas into an inlet manifold of the separator. The method also includes forming the mixture of gas into a spiraling flow within the inlet manifold. The method further includes channeling the mixture of gas from the inlet manifold to a throat of the separator. The method also includes separating heavier species of the mixture of gas from lighter species of the mixture of gas within the throat. The method further includes channeling a flow of the heavier species from the throat to an outlet manifold of the separator. The outlet manifold includes an outlet valve including a cone-shaped inlet and a bowl-shaped outlet and a throttle shaft including a shaft and a cone-shaped head. The cone-shaped head is positioned within the cone-shaped inlet and the shaft extends through the bowl- shaped outlet. The method also includes controlling the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator using the bowl- shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone- shaped head. The bowl-shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone-shaped head are sized and shaped to control the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold at a pressure of at least 5 psi (34 kPa). In some specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold at a pressure of at least 50 psi (345 kPa). In some very specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold at a pressure of at least 100 psi (689 kPa) and up to 1400 psi (9653 kPa). Pressure does not limit the separation power of separators described herein; commercially-viable separators nevertheless operate at high pressure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold at a flow rate of at least 2 kg/s. In some specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold at a flow rate of at least 5 kg/s. In some very specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold at a flow rate of at least 5 kg/s and up to 200 kg/s. Flow rate does not limit the separation power of separators described herein; commercially-viable separators nevertheless operate at high flow rates.

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, utilities, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following more particular written Detailed Description of various implementations as further illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.

[0011] These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a separator in accordance with the present invention. [0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an end view of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an end view of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the inlet manifold of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an end view of an inlet plate of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cone-shaped inlet of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bowl-shaped outlet of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a throttle shaft of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic side cutaway view of a portion of an inlet manifold of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic side cutaway view of a portion of an outlet manifold of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of a portion of an outlet manifold of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view and a schematic side cutaway view of a portion of a throttle of the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of separating components of a mixture of gas using the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a separator in accordance with the present invention. [0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of the separator illustrated in FIG. 15 in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method of separating components of a mixture of gas using the separator illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The disclosed technology is directed to a separator that is useful for partially or completely separating components of a mixture of gas. Specifically, the disclosed separator combines high velocity swirling flows that result in a tornado-like centrifugal force field and retrograde flow fields within swirling flows in methods that allow heavier species, as a group, to be separated from the lightest species.

[0030] In one application, greenhouse gases may be extracted from gas streams with the disclosed separator. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a separator 100. The separator 100 separates a mixture of liquids, solids, gases, or any combination thereof (not shown). In an application for processing gas streams including greenhouse gases, the separator 100 is connected with the outlet of a power plant or other greenhouse gas emitting facility. The gas streams are transmitted into the separator 100, where it forms a tomado-like or spiraling flow due to the characteristics of the separator 100. The tomado-like flow causes one or more of the components of the gas stream to separate partially or completely. From the separator, greenhouse gases, are expelled from an exhaust pipe of the separator 100, and the remaining gases are channeled to the atmosphere, a treatment facility, to a storage tank, to some other destination, or to one or more additional separators for further processing.

Advantageously, the separator 100 is primarily made of non-moving parts and thus is readily and efficiently employed in nearly any facility and requires little maintenance or adjustment.

[0031] In some embodiments, the gas stream comprises or consists of air. The separator may be used, for example, to separate greenhouse gases from air. Greenhouse gases include, for example, carbon dioxide, which is a heavier species relative to other species in air, and methane, which is a lighter species relative to other species in air.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a side view of the separator 100. FIG. 3 is an end view of the separator 100. FIG. 4 is an end view of the separator 100. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the inlet manifold 102. FIG. 6 is an end view of the inlet plate 112. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cone-shaped inlet 122. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bowl- shaped outlet 124. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the throttle shaft 120. FIG. 10 is a schematic side cutaway view of a portion of an inlet manifold 102. FIG. 11 is a schematic side cutaway view of a portion of an outlet manifold 106. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of a portion of an outlet manifold 106. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view and a schematic side cutaway view of a portion of the throttle shaft 120.

[0033] The separator 100 generates a converging spiraling inflow of a mixture of gas to separate components, a divergent exhaust flow of some components, and a retrograde exhaust flow of other components. Generally, the combination of the convergent spiraling inflow of mixture and the spiraling retrograde exit flow of one or more separated components of the mixture may together be considered as a tornado-like flow. The separator 100 includes an inlet manifold 102 that increases the angular velocity of the mixture, at least partially separating the mixture of gas. The separator 100 also includes a throat 104 that receives the mixture from the inlet manifold 102 and further separates the mixture of gas. The mixture of gas is separated into a flow of heavier species and a flow of lighter species. The separator 100 may be constructed of any material suitable to withstand the forces within the separator and the corrosive or other damaging effect of the mixture being separated. Such materials include stainless steel, alloys, polymers, or other composite resin type materials.

[0034] The flow of heavier species flows into an outlet manifold 106, and the flow of lighter species is separated from the flow of heavier species in the throat 104 and flows back through the throat 104 as a retrograde flow. The outlet manifold 106 also includes an outlet valve or throttle 108 for controlling the flow from the outlet manifold 106. The separator may be used to separate greenhouse gases from a gas stream emitted from a power plant or other greenhouse gas emitting facility.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture of gas is channeled into the inlet manifold 102 of the separator 100, and the inlet manifold 102 is sized and shaped to form the mixture into a high velocity swirling flow or spiraling flow. Specifically, the inlet manifold 102 includes two inlet pipes 110 that are shaped in a spiral shape that form the mixture into the high velocity swirling flow or spiraling flow. The inlet manifold 102 also includes an inlet plate 112 that includes inlet channels 114 shaped in a spiral shape that also form the mixture of gas into the high velocity swirling flow or spiraling flow. In operation, a mixture of liquids, solids, gases, or any combination thereof is introduced at high velocity into the inlet manifold 102. The mixture of gas spirals through the inlet manifold 102. As the mixture of gas spins through the inlet manifold 102, its angular velocity increases partially as a function of the convergent angle of the inlet manifold 102. Upon reaching an outlet of the inlet manifold 102, some or all of the separation of the mixture will have occurred. Generally, the angular velocity of the mixture of gas through the convergent inlet manifold 102 causes the mixture of gas to separate such that the higher mass components of the mixture of gas are located toward the outer most portion of the flow and the lower mass components of the mixture of gas are located toward the inner portion of the flow. In some instances, the spiraling flow will include roughly defined stratified layers of decreasing mass components located radially inward from a highest mass outer layer. In a configuration adapted to separate a mixture in accordance with molecular mass, during separation the highest mass molecular species will migrate toward the outer portions of the flow causing a separation such that lower molecular mass species will be constrained inwardly of the higher molecular mass species.

[0036] The mixture of gas is fed into the two inlet pipes 110 where a high velocity circular flow is begun and communicated into the inlet manifold 102 to form an accelerating convergent spiraling flow. In any implementation of a separator 100, the mixture should be fed into the two inlet pipes 110 at a velocity such that the velocity of the spiraling flow through the separator 100 does not meet or exceed the speed of sound. In one example, the mixture of gas is fed into the two inlet pipes 110 such that the mixture of gas has an angular velocity within the inlet manifold 102 adjacent the throat 104 of about 0.5 mach. In some embodiments, the two inlet pipes 110 may be disposed at an angle or tangentially with portions of the inlet manifold 102 to help facilitate a high velocity circular flow within the inlet manifold 102.

[0037] The inlet manifold 102 may be directly connected with the outlet manifold 106. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the throat 104 defines a substantially cylindrical chamber that is interposed between the inlet manifold 102 and the outlet manifold 106. Thus, the mixture of gas spins out of the inlet manifold 102 and into the throat 104. Within the throat 104, further separation of the mixture occurs as the mixture spins through the throat 104 toward the outlet manifold 106. Also, within the throat 104, a spiraling retrograde flow is formed primarily of lighter components. The retrograde flow is generally within a larger diameter exhaust flow of heavier components. Along the retrograde flow, further separation occurs such that some heavier components separate, change direction, and merge into the outlet manifold 106.

[0038] The inlet manifold 102 channels the mixture of gas into the throat 104 where the high velocity swirling flow or spiraling flow is fully developed. The high velocity swirling flow causes one or more of the components of the mixture to partially or completely separate from other components with the mixture. The high velocity swirling flows within the throat 104 result in a high velocity swirling flow centrifugal force field and retrograde flow fields within swirling flows such that at least some heavier species are separated from the lighter species. The heavier species are channeled to the outlet manifold 106 and the lighter species are channel to an outlet pipe 116 of the inlet manifold 102. Specifically, the high velocity swirling flows generate a retrograde flow field that is directed in a direction opposite the direction of flow of the tomado-like or spiraling flow. The retrograde flow field channels the lighter species out of the separator 100 through the outlet pipe 116.

[0039] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet manifold 102 further includes a conical chamber 134. The conical chamber 134 includes a continuous inner conical side wall 136 arranged to cooperate with the inlet channels 114 of the inlet plate 112. In one implementation, the inner conical side wall 136 of the conical chamber 134 abuts the inlet channels 114 of the inlet plate 112 in alignment with the inlet channels 114 of the inlet plate 112. The inner conical side wall 136 adjacent the inlet channels 114 has a diameter about the same as the inlet channels 114 to provide a smooth transition of the mixture as it flows over the seam between the inlet channels 114 and the inner conical side wall 136. Additionally, the inner conical side wall 136 of the conical chamber 134 abuts the throat 104 and is in alignment with the throat 104. The inner conical side wall 136 adjacent the throat 104 has a diameter about the same as the throat 104 to provide a smooth transition of the mixture as it flows over the seam between the throat 104 and the inner conical side wall 136. The smooth transition helps to avoid disturbances in the flow, which can disrupt the separation of the mixture.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the conical chamber 134 includes a first diameter 138 and a second diameter 140. The first diameter 138 is the outer diameter of the conical chamber 134 and the inner diameter of the inlet channels 114. The second diameter 140 is the inner diameter of the conical chamber 134 and the inner diameter of the throat 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first diameter 138 is about 4 inches and the second diameter 140

9 is about 1 inch. Additionally, the inner conical side wall 136 defines a first angle 142 that continuously varies along a length 144 of the conical chamber 134. The maximum first angle 142 is about 60° at the first diameter 138 and the angle decreases to about 0° at the second diameter 140. The length 144 is about 2 inches.

[0041] The conical chamber 134 reduces disturbances to the diverging spiral flow of the mixture of gas. In some embodiments, the flow of the mixture of gas from the inlet channels 114 into the conical chamber 134 may be disturbed by the rapid volumetric difference between the inlet channels 114 and the conical chamber 134, which may result in pressure fluctuations. Such pressure disturbances can result in less efficient separation of components of the mixture of gas within the inlet manifold 102. The orientation of the inlet channels 114 relative to the conical chamber 134 can reduce pressure fluctuations. Specifically, the inlet channels 114 have a spiral shape that forms a spiral flow into the conical chamber 134.

[0042] As the mixture spins through the conical chamber 134, heavier species are generally segregated toward the inner conical side wall 136 and lighter species are generally segregated toward the center. In the case of a mixture containing two species, the heavier species will migrate toward the inner conical side wall 136 and the lighter species will migrate toward the center. In the case of a mixture of gas with more than two components or species, as the mixture of gas flows around and through the conical chamber 134, stratified bands of at least some of the components are formed with the heaviest species or component in the outer band adjacent the inner conical side wall 136, the lighter components forming bands inwardly from the outer band, and the lightest component forming a band adjacent the center. The amount of separation between the species will depend, in part, on the input velocity of the mixture of gas into the conical chamber 134, the differences in mass between the species or components, the difference in specific gravity between the components, the difference in atomic number between the components, the existence and strength of any chemical bond, and the angle of convergence of the conical chamber 134. Thus, varying degrees of separation will be achieved within the conical chamber 134.

[0043] The mixture of gas separates into component parts or species along the length 144 of the conical chamber 134 as the mixture of gas converges toward the throat 104. The throat 104 includes an outer side wall 146 defining a cylindrical channel 148. The outer wall 146 of the throat section 104 has a diameter about the same as the second diameter 140 of the conical chamber 134. Although illustrated herein with a constant radius along its length, the throat may be slightly convergent or divergent toward the outlet manifold 106.

[0044] From the outlet of the conical chamber 134, the mixture of gas flows into the throat 104. Within the throat 104, the mixture of gas transitions from a generally convergent spiraling flow to a fairly uniform spiraling flow moving toward the outlet manifold 106 and continues to separate into its component parts. The throat 104 may be any length, and in one range of particular implementations is from between one and twelve inches. The length and diameter of the throat 104 may vary in a particular implementation as a function of the number and size of the components of the mixture of gas, the pressure or velocity at which the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum, the angle and length of the conical input channel, the amount of separation required, and other factors.

[0045] In some embodiments, the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum at a pressure of at least 5 psi (34 kPa). In some specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum at a pressure of at least 50 psi (345 kPa). In some very specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum at a pressure of at least 100 psi (689 kPa) and up to 1400 psi (9653 kPa).

[0046] In some embodiments, the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum at a flow rate of at least 2 kg/s. In some specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum at a flow rate of at least 5 kg/s. In some very specific embodiments, the mixture of gas is forced into the plenum at a flow rate of at least 5 kg/s and up to 200 kg/s.

[0047] In an alternative separator (not shown), exhaust ports may be defined in the outer side wall 146 of the throat 104 to remove heavier components. In addition, a variable length throat 104 may be employed. In one example, a variable length throat (not shown) has a first cylindrical sleeve connected with the inlet manifold 102 and a second cylindrical sleeve connected with the outlet manifold 106. The sleeves have slightly different diameters such that one sleeve may slide within the other sleeve. As such, the overall length of the throat may be adj usted by moving one sleeve relative to the other. For example, if each sleeve is three inches, then by fully inserting one sleeve within the other the overall length of the throat will be about three inches. By fully separating the sleeves but leaving some portion of one sleeve within the other, a throat length of about six inches may be achieved. Moreover, the throat may be adjusted to any length between three and six inches. In such an embodiment, care should be taken to minimize the boundary edge formed between the two- sleeve section of the throat to avoid causing excessive turbulence.

[0048] The outlet pipe 116, preferably a cylindrical tube, is disposed within the inlet manifold 102. In addition, the outlet pipe 116 preferably is disposed along the axis of the throat 104 and the outlet pipe 116 is in fluid communication with the throat 104. Upon interaction with the throttle 108, the lower molecular mass components, in part, form the generally retrograde flow to the overall spinning and flowing of the mixture of gas between the inlet manifold 102 and through the throat 104 towards the throttle 108. In the case of the separator 100 being used to process greenhouse gases from a gas stream emitted from a power plant, the heavier components, such as greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide), are channeled through the outlet manifold 106, while the lighter components, such as water vapor, flow through the outlet pipe 116. The diameter of the outlet pipe 116 may vary depending on a particular implementation. In one example, the diameter of the outlet pipe 116 is slightly less than the diameter of the throat 104.

[0049] The outlet manifold 106 channels the heavier species out of the separator 100 and controls the flow of the mixture into and out of the separator 100. Specifically, the outlet valve or throttle 108 of the outlet manifold 106 includes an outlet valve basin 118 and a throttle shaft 120 partially positioned within the outlet valve basin 118. The throat 104 channels the heavier species into the outlet valve basin 118, and the outlet valve basin 118 and the throttle shaft 120 are sized and shaped to control the flow of heavier species through the outlet valve or throttle 108. Specifically, the outlet valve basin 118 includes a cone- shaped inlet 122 and a bowl-shaped outlet 124. The throttle shaft 120 has a cone-shaped head 126 that compliments the shape of the cone-shaped inlet 122 and is positioned within the cone-shaped inlet 122. The cone-shaped head 126 has a rounded edge 132. The throttle shaft 120 also has a shaft 128 that extends out of the outlet valve or throttle 108 through the bowlshaped outlet 124. The bowl-shaped outlet 124 channels the heavier species to two outlet pipes 130 that channel the heavier species out of the separator 100. With such an arrangement, within the throat the exhaust flow of the heavier mass components of the mixture of gas into the diffuser chamber is promoted and the flow of the lower molecular mass components toward the diffuser chamber is interrupted by the exhaust cone.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11, the cone-shaped inlet 122 includes a first diameter 154 and a second diameter 156. The first diameter 154 is the inner diameter of the cone-shaped inlet 122 and the inner diameter of the throat 104. The second diameter 156 is the outer diameter of the cone-shaped inlet 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the first diameter 154 is about 1 inch and the second diameter 156 is about 4 inches. Additionally, the inner conical side wall 136 defines a first angle 158 that is about 60°.

[0051] The outlet valve or throttle 108 controls the flow of heavier species through the outlet valve or throttle 108 by changing a position of the throttle shaft 120 within the outlet valve or throttle 108. Specially, the throttle shaft 120 is inserted into the cone-shaped inlet 122 such that the cone-shaped head 126 at least partially restricts the flow of heavier species into the cone-shaped inlet 122 to reduce the flow of heavier species into the outlet valve or throttle 108 and to reduce the flow of the mixture into the separator 100. Conversely, the throttle shaft 120 is extracted from the cone-shaped inlet 122 such that the cone-shaped head 126 increases the flow of heavier species into the cone-shaped inlet 122 and increases the flow of the mixture of gas into the separator 100.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the cone-shaped inlet 122 and the cone-shaped head 126 have about the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the separator 100. The cone-shaped head 126 and the cone-shaped inlet 122 define a conical exhaust channel 150 therebetween. The diffuser cone further defines a blunt end 152 at its apex. The blunt end 152 is arranged coaxially with the axis of the throat 104, and hence the overall longitudinal axis of the separator 100. Although a blunt shape is preferable, other shapes of the end 152 of the cone-shaped head 126 are possible.

[0053] The blunt end 152 is generally positioned near the outlet of the throat 104. In one implementation, the outlet valve or throttle 108 is configured to move along its longitudinal axis. As such, the blunt end 152 may be positioned with respect to the outlet of the throat 104. The width of the conical exhaust channel 150, i.e., the distance between the cone-shaped head 126 and the cone-shaped inlet 122, may be increased or decreased by positioning the outlet valve or throttle 108 away from or toward the throat 104, respectively. Such adjustment will also increase or decrease the annular opening around the outlet valve or throttle 108 and between the throat 104 and the conical exhaust channel 150. Generally, the outlet valve or throttle 108 may be longitudinally adjusted to change the pressure within the throat 104 and the exit channel 150 and thereby affect the retrograde flow of lighter species out of the outlet pipes 130. [0054] The separation of the mixture of gas occurs due, in part, to the large centrifugallike forces acting on the mixture of gas as it spirals down the conical chamber 134 and along the throat 104. Within the throat 104, the heavier species of the mixture of gas collect adjacent the outer side wall 146 and the lighter species collect near the longitudinal axis of the throat 104. At the outlet of the throat 104, the heavier species spiral into the channel 150. The lighter species encounter the region adjacent the blunt end 152 of the outlet valve or throttle 108.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 13, the cone-shaped head 126 includes a diameter 160 and a length 162 and defines an angle 164. The diameter 160 is smaller than the second diameter 156 is the outer diameter of the cone-shaped inlet 122 such that the cone-shaped head 126 is capable of moving within the cone-shaped inlet 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter 160 is about 3.5 inches, the length 162 is about 1.3 inches, and the angle 164 is about 30°.

[0056] The lighter species flow out of the separator 100 in a flow that is contrary to the flow of the mixture of gas through the channel 150 and the outer flow in the throat 104. Typically, pressure within the separator 100 will be higher than atmospheric pressure. The outlet pipe 116 is at or near atmospheric pressure which will help facilitate a retrograde flow of the lighter species or component(s) collected along the axis of the throat 104, but will allow the heavier species collected along the outer side wall 146 of the throat 104 to flow out through the channel 150. Incomplete separation, minor turbulence, and other factors may cause some lighter species components to flow through the channel 150 along with the heavier species and may cause some heavier species to flow out of the outlet pipe 116 along with the lighter species. Within the retrograde flow in the throat 104, further separation also occurs as the flow continues to spiral. In the retrograde flow, some heavier species merge with the heavier species in the outer exhaust flow and thus change direction and are exhausted.

[0057] In the field, the outlet valve or throttle 108 is, in some instances, movably mounted along the axis of the separator 100. The movable outlet valve or throttle 108 allows the position of the blunt end 152 and the size of the channel 150 to be changed. In addition, in an implementation where the mixture of gas is fed into the separator 100 by way of a pump, the pressure and input velocity of the mixture into separator 100 may also be adjusted. In some uses, such as in greenhouse gas separation, where contaminants are evenly and fairly uniformly distributed, the separator 100 may be optimized in the field once for maximum separation, and then left alone. In other implementations where the portions of components of a mixture of gas may vary, it may be advantageous to provide a control system to monitor the ratios of the components being exhausted through the exhaust and the components being transmitted from the exit channel and to make appropriate adjustments to the pressure of the mixture of gas, the position of the diffuser cone, or both.

[0058] In one implementation, a control system (not shown) that optimizes operation of the separator 100. The control system may include a controller that includes outputs or control lines to various components that control the separator. The controller may alter the input pressure or the outlet valve or throttle 108 location or both and analyze the mixture at the various sensor locations to determine if separation is improved. The controller may continue to make pressure changes, outlet valve or throttle 108 changes, or both to optimize separation. In addition, control lines may be connected with other components to change the pressure within the separator 100, the input velocity of the mixture, and other parameters.

[0059] In mixtures of gas having more than two species, in some arrangements, multiple separators 100 may be employed in series to separate one species per separator. For example, a first separator may be configured so that only the heaviest species passes into the channel 150, and two lighter species flow through the outlet pipe 116. The outlet pipe 116 may then be connected with a compressor to feed the mixture of the two remaining species into a second separator configured to separate the remaining heavier species from the remaining lighter species.

[0060] As will be recognized from the discussion above, depending on the processing needs of any particular application, a plurality of separators 100 may be connected with a mixture source in a serial arrangement, a parallel arrangement or a combination of serial and parallel arrangements, to process the mixture. For example, separators may be arranged in parallel to process large volumes of a mixture. Or, the scale of the separator may be modified in accordance with the volumetric processing requirements. Alternatively, separators may be arranged in a serial configuration to achieve further separation of a target component of a mixture or to focus separation on particular components of a mixture of gas. Separators may also be arranged serially when incomplete separation occurs in a single separator. For example, a plurality of separators may be arranged in both series and parallel to separate carbon dioxide from air. [0061] FIG. 14 illustrates a method of separating components of a mixture using a separator. The method includes channeling 802 the mixture of gas into an inlet manifold of the separator. The method also includes forming 804 the mixture of gas into a spiraling flow within the inlet manifold. The method further includes channeling 806 the mixture of gas from the inlet manifold to a throat of the separator. The method also includes separating 808 heavier species of the mixture of gas from lighter species of the mixture of gas within the throat. The method further includes channeling 810 a flow of the heavier species from the throat to an outlet manifold of the separator. The outlet manifold includes an outlet valve including a cone-shaped inlet and a bowl-shaped outlet and a throttle shaft that includes a shaft and a cone-shaped head. The cone-shaped head is positioned within the cone-shaped inlet and the shaft extends through the bowl- shaped outlet. The method also includes controlling 812 the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator using the bowl-shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone-shaped head. The bowl-shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone-shaped head are sized and shaped to control the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator.

[0062] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a separator 900. FIG. 16 is a side view of the separator 900. Separator 900 is substantially similar to separator 100 except separator 900 includes straight inlet pipes 910 and a single outlet pipe 930 oriented downward. Additionally, the separator 900 also includes an outlet valve or throttle 908 including a cylindrical outlet 924 and a throttle shaft 920 including a cone-shaped head 926 include cylindrical edge 932.

[0063] The separators described herein partially or completely separating components of a mixture of liquids, solids, gases, or any combination thereof. Specifically, the disclosed separators generate high velocity swirling flows that separate heavier species within the mixture of gas from lighter species within the mixture of gas. For example, the separators described herein may be used to separate greenhouse gases from a gas stream emitted from a power plant or other greenhouse gas emitting facility.

[0064] FIG. 17 illustrates a method of separating components of a mixture of gas using a separator. The method includes channeling 801 the mixture of gas into an inlet manifold of the separator. The method also includes forming 802 the mixture of gas into a spiraling flow within the inlet manifold. The method further includes channeling 803 the mixture of gas from the inlet manifold to a throat of the separator. The method also includes separating 804 heavier species of the mixture of gas from lighter species of the mixture of gas within the throat. The method further includes channeling 805 a flow of the heavier species from the throat to an outlet manifold of the separator. The outlet manifold includes an outlet valve that comprises a cone-shaped inlet and a bowl-shaped outlet and a throttle shaft that comprises a shaft and a cone-shaped head. The cone-shaped head is positioned within the cone-shaped inlet, and the shaft extends through the bowl-shaped outlet. The method also includes controlling 806 the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator using the bowl-shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone-shaped head. The bowl-shaped outlet, the cone-shaped inlet, and the cone-shaped head are sized and shaped to control the flow of the heavier species through the outlet valve and the flow of the mixture of gas through the separator.

Example 1. Separation of carbon dioxide from flue gas and air.

[0065] The separator of FIG. 1 was modeled with Ansys computational fluid dynamics software (SimuTech, Rochester, New York, United States). A mixture of 5 percent carbon dioxide and 95 percent air was modeled in the system with an input flow rate of 20 kilograms per second (kg/s). This mixture is representative of flue gas. Carbon dioxide was among the heavier species in this simulation. The separator produced an output stream of heavier species comprising greater than 90 percent carbon dioxide by mass. Similar results were observed at a flow rate of 5 kg/s.

[0066] Air was also modeled in the system with an input flow rate of 20 kg/s. The modeled air contained 0.044 percent carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide was among the heavier species in this simulation. The separator produced an output stream of heavier species comprising greater than 0.5 percent carbon dioxide by mass.

[0067] These results suggest that 3-4 separators running in parallel can produce a heavy gas stream that contains >90 percent carbon dioxide from air.

Example 2. Separation of water from natural gas

[0068] The separator of FIG. 1 was used to remove water vapor and carbon dioxide from raw natural gas (feed gas). Feed gas primarily comprises methane, and the feed gas also had a water concentration of 1.8 Ibs/MMSCF (about 38 parts per million mass/volume). The separator was capable of creating a heavier species output stream comprising up to 20 Ibs/MMSCF (about 420 parts per million mass/volume). The separator also removed 7 to 70 percent of carbon dioxide from the methane.

[0069] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the invention. Since many implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different implementations may be combined in yet another implementation without departing from the recited claims. While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown, and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

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