Device and method for generating bubbles, use of the device and a fuel cell comprising the device
AssigneeAcal Energy Limited
InventorsDavid WARD, Robert LONGMAN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for generating bubbles, comprising a porous material having at least one hydrophilic surface (1), arranged such that a liquid (7) in which the bubbles (6) are intended to be formed may contact the hydrophilic surface (1) and at least one hydrophobic surface (2), arranged such that a gas (5) used to generate the bubbles (6) may flow past the hydrophobic surface (2) before it flows past the hydrophilic surface (1). The device may be used for creating fine bubbles in numerous applications, such as wastewater treatment, plant cultivation, aquafarming, aeration systems, bioreactors, fermeters, oil extraction or fuel cells.
Claims21
A device for generating bubbles, comprising:
- a porous material having at least one hydrophilic surface, arranged such that a liquid in which the bubbles are intended to be formed may contact the hydrophilic surface;
- and
- at least one hydrophobic surface, arranged such that a gas used to generate the bubbles may flow past the hydrophobic surface before it flows past the hydrophilic surface.
A method of generating bubbles, comprising:
- providing a gas supply to the device of any preceding claim, such that the gas supply flows past the hydrophobic surface before it flows past the hydrophilic surface;
- and
- providing a liquid in contact with the hydrophilic surface of the device.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.