Methods and Compositions for Humidification and Cooling of Gas Streams
AssigneeCool Vapor Solutions
InventorsDean R. Cortese, William E. Beecher, Jr.
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for humidification of gas streams, such as air or oxygen. Hydrated superabsorbent polymers are used to provide humidity to flowing gas streams. Humidified gas streams may be used in respiratory therapy and other applications for which humidified air is desired and/or beneficial.
Claims34
A method for humidifying air or oxygen, comprising:
- flowing an input air or oxygen gas stream over a hydrated superabsorbent polymer (SAP),
- wherein water from the hydrated SAP enters the air or oxygen gas stream, thereby providing a humidified output gas stream, and
- wherein the hydrated SAP captures heat from the input gas stream, and wherein the humidified output gas stream is a lower temperature than the input gas stream.
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The method according to claim 16, wherein the tubing is not heated from an external heating source.
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A method for cooling a gas stream, comprising:
- flowing an input gas stream over a cooling core, wherein the cooling core comprises a frozen material,
- wherein the gas stream in contact with the cooling core cools, thereby providing an output gas stream that is a lower temperature than the input gas stream.
A system for humidifying a gas stream, comprising:
- a device that comprises a housing that comprises hydrated SAP;
- a gas inlet through which the gas stream enters the housing;
- and a gas outlet through which the output gas stream exits the housing, wherein the device is configured for the gas stream to flow in contact with the hydrated SAP, and wherein the gas output gas stream comprises a higher humidity than the input gas.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.