David D Thornton

US Patent:

49447769, Jul 31, 1990

Filed:

Oct 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/417595

Inventors:

Lloyd A. Keyser - Dallas TX
Donald A. Nelson - Allen TX
David C. Thornton - Grapevine TX

Assignee:

Andrew Corporation - Orland Park IL

International Classification:

B01D 5322

US Classification:

55 16

Abstract:

A dehumidifying system uses a membrane cartridge to filter water vapor from air or other gas introduced into the membrane cartridge via a main pump or compressor. Dehumidified gas from the membrane cartridge is then delivered into a system which requires dry gas. The dehumidifying system further includes valve arrangements or additional compressors which provide gas flow through the membrane cartridge when the main compressor is inactive. Therefore, the membrane cartridge receives a substantially continuous flow of gas which maintains the optimal efficiency of the membrane cartridge. In addition to the arrangements which provide this continuous gas flow, a heating coil wrapped around the membrane cartridge raises the temperature of the fiber membranes within the cartridge. The heated fiber membranes are less susceptible to retain moisture which decreases the efficiency of the membrane cartridge.

US Patent:

51183277, Jun 2, 1992

Filed:

Oct 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/417746

Inventors:

Donald A. Nelson - Allen TX
David C. Thornton - Grapevine TX

Assignee:

Andrew Corporation - Orland Park IL

International Classification:

B01D 5322

US Classification:

55 16

Abstract:

A dehumidifying system uses a membrane cartridge to filter water vapor from air introduced into the membrane cartridge via a compressor. The pressure of the air supplied to the membrane cartridge is regulated so that the flow rate through the membrane cartridge can be easily controlled by a flow-control valve or orifice connected to the outlet of the membrane cartridge. The flow rate is controlled so the air remains within the membrane cartridge long enough to produce dehumidified air having a preselected maximum dew point.