WO2003092866A1 - Dehumidifying device - Google Patents
Dehumidifying device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003092866A1 WO2003092866A1 PCT/GB2003/001944 GB0301944W WO03092866A1 WO 2003092866 A1 WO2003092866 A1 WO 2003092866A1 GB 0301944 W GB0301944 W GB 0301944W WO 03092866 A1 WO03092866 A1 WO 03092866A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- liquid collection
- collection cavity
- desiccant reservoir
- liquid
- operating position
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
- F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
- F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
- B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
- B01D53/263—Drying gases or vapours by absorption
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a device for absorbing water vapour. Particularly, although not exclusively, it relates to a device for dehumidifying air in a confined or limited space; and to associated methods.
- Humidity, or water vapour in air is often undesirable as it may interfere with the storage of moisture sensitive materials, such as foodstuffs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household goods and clothes, or it may adversely effect the operation of moisture sensitive equipment. This problem may be particularly pronounced in those areas where humidity levels are particularly high, such as those countries having hot humid climates.
- methods employing refrigeration equipment involve cooling air to a predetermined temperature below its dew point, so that water condenses from the air and the water may be drained away. Thereafter, the air may be reheated to a predetermined warmer temperature.
- Techniques including absorbent materials may include continuous operation systems so that water is absorbed by the absorbent in a first cycle and then water desorbed from the absorbent by the application of heat in a second cycle.
- these techniques suffer from various disadvantages as they typically require bulky and heavy equipment, such as compressors, fans and heaters, which are interconnected by a network of pipes so that water vapour is absorbed continuously from air.
- such systems are ill-suited for operation in a confined or limited space.
- the cost associated with such systems may prohibit their use in a domestic environment.
- absorbents such as silica gel may be employed in these devices, typically silica gel only absorbs up to 30% its weight of water and it is necessary to employ an absorbent having a higher capacity for water vapour absorption to prolong the life and improve the efficiency of the device.
- dessicants such as calcium chloride, which may absorb 4 to 5 times its weight of water, have been employed in such devices. On absorption of water vapour the dessicant forms a liquid or gel, and is such that liquid seeps from it.
- a device which is designed to be positioned horizontally with respect to a level surface does not usually operate satisfactorily or efficiently if it is tilted, particularly placed vertically, with respect to a horizontal surface.
- a device which is designed to be positioned vertically with respect to a horizontal surface does not usually operate satisfactorily if it is positioned horizontally with respect to a level surface.
- the drainage of liquid from the deliquescent agent may be impaired.
- liquid that has previously drained from the deliquescent agent while the device is in its single normal operating position may subsequently contact the dessicant when the device is moved. Consequently, the absorptive capacity of the dessicant may be significantly reduced if such a device is not orientated in its single normal operating position.
- the utility of a dehumidifying device which functions most efficiently in a single operating position may be significantly reduced, as it may be necessary to use a different type of device each time the device has to be orientated differently. This is not only inconvenient for the user but also typically results in increased unnecessary expenditure.
- the present invention seeks to solve the aforementioned problems associated with absorption of water vapour employing a dessicant, in particular, absorption of water vapour from air in a confined space, particularly in a domestic environment.
- the present invention provides a dehumidifying device for absorbing water vapour from ambient air, the device comprising a container having an opening to permit water vapour to enter- the container, wherein the container comprises a desiccant reservoir having a dessicant therein and a liquid collection cavity that is laterally displaced from and in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir.
- the device is designed such that when it is positioned in a first operating position in a substantially horizontal plane, liquid can pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity.
- the device is designed such that liquid can pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity also when the device is positioned in a second operating position not in a substantially horizontal plane .
- the desiccant reservoir may permit drainage of liquid from the dessicant not only when the dehumidifying device is placed on a horizontal surface but also when the dehumidifying device is not orientated horizontally, for example it is upstanding, with respect to a level surface.
- the dehumidifying device may function satisfactorily when it is orientated in more than one operating position and when it is moved from one operating position to another operating position. Consequently, the utility of the device may be significantly improved compared with a device which only functions satisfactorily, or most efficiently, when it is orientated in a single normal operating position, as the dehumidifying device of the present invention typically negates the need for using a different device each time it has to- be orientated differently.
- a first operating position, in a substantially horizontal plane the device is typically located on a level surface, for example a shelf, drawer bottom or table top.
- a second operating position not in a substantially horizontal plane we mean when the device is tilted or, especially, upstanding.
- the dehumidifying device as not being orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the device is tilted or upstanding from a level surface, or suspended, such that the device, particularly the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity as described hereinafter, forms an angle of inclination of greater than or equal to 10°, preferably greater than or equal to 15°, more preferably greater than or equal to 20°, even more preferably greater than or equal to 40°, even more preferably greater than or equal to 60 ° , most preferably greater than or equal to 75° with respect to a level surface.
- the dehumidifying device as not being orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the device is tilted or upstanding from a level surface, or suspended, such that the device, particularly the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity as described hereinafter, forms an angle of inclination of less than or equal to 170°, preferably less than or equal to 175°, more preferably less than or equal to 160°, even more preferably less than or equal to 150°, even more preferably less than or equal to 135°, even more preferably less than or equal to 120°, most preferably less than or equal to 105° with respect to a level surface.
- the dehumidifying device as not being orientated horizontally with respect to a level surface when the device is substantially perpendicularly disposed with respect to the level surface.
- the dehumidifying device is suspended or upstanding from a level surface such that the device, particularly the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity as described hereinafter, is in a substantially vertical plane i.e. approximately 90° to a level surface.
- the desiccant reservoir is adapted to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is positioned in all positions as mentioned herein.
- the desiccant reservoir includes a first inner surface that slopes downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is placed in the first operating position e.g. the device is placed on a level surface. More preferably, the first inner surface defines the base of the desiccant reservoir.
- such a surface may permit increased drainage of liquid from the deliquescent agent when the device is placed on a horizontal surface.
- the desiccant reservoir includes a second inner surface that slopes downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is placed in the second operating position e.g. the device is suspended or upstanding with respect to a level surface. More preferably, the second inner surface defines a side wall of the desiccant reservoir.
- the second inner surface may permit increased drainage of liquid from the deliquescent agent when the device is suspended or upstanding with respect to a horizontal surface.
- the desiccant reservoir includes a first inner surface that slopes downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is placed in the first operating position and a second inner surface that slopes downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity when the device is placed in the second operating position.
- the liquid collection cavity includes a first inner surface that slopes downwardly and away from the desiccant reservoir when the dehumidifying device is placed in the first operating position e.g. the device is placed on a level surface.
- the first inner surface defines the base of the liquid collection cavity.
- the inclusion of such a first inner surface may restrict liquid in the liquid collection cavity from passing to the desiccant reservoir when the device is moved between different operating positions.
- the first inner surface may permit increased drainage of liquid away from the desiccant reservoir into the base of the collection region when the device is placed in different operating positions.
- the liquid collection cavity includes a second inner surface that slopes downwardly and away from the desiccant reservoir when the dehumidifying device is placed in the second operating position e.g. the device is suspended or upstanding with respect to a level surface.
- the second inner surface defines a side wall of the liquid collection cavity.
- the inclusion of such a second inner surface may restrict liquid in the liquid collection cavity from passing to the desiccant reservoir when the device is moved between different operating positions.
- the second inner surface may permit increased drainage of liquid away from the desiccant reservoir into the base of the collection region when the device is placed in different operating positions.
- the liquid collection cavity includes a first inner surface that slopes downwardly and away from the desiccant reservoir when the dehumidifying device is placed in the first operating position and a second inner surface that slopes downwardly and away from the desiccant reservoir when the device is placed in the second operating position.
- the liquid collection cavity is separate from and in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir.
- the desiccant reservoir is vertically displaced with respect to the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is positioned in the first operating position.
- the desiccant reservoir is displaced above the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is positioned in the first operating position.
- the dehumidifying device includes one or more passageways between the liquid collection region and the desiccant reservoir to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity.
- the dehumidifying device includes a flow- through means to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity and to prevent the deliquescent agent from passing from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity when the device is orientated in any position as described herein.
- the flow-through means is perforate and includes holes or pores which are dimensioned to permit liquid to pass therethrough and prevent the deliquescent agent from passing therethrough.
- the openings in the flow-through means have a minimum width of 0.1 to 2mm.
- suitable flow-through means include an open-cell sponge or a web such as an open weave membrane formed from plastic materials, such as polyolefins and polyamides.
- one or more passageways, most preferably each of the passageways, between the liquid collection cavity and the desiccant reservoir include a flow-through means as defined herein.
- the desiccant reservoir is surrounded by the liquid collection cavity.
- the dehumidifying device includes a first liquid collection cavity and a second separate liquid collection cavity.
- the first and second liquid collection cavities are in fluid communication, preferably by one or more passageways as described herein, with the desiccant reservoir.
- the desiccant reservoir may be adapted to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the first liquid collection cavity only, to the second separate liquid collection cavity only, or to both the first and second liquid collection cavities simultaneously when the device is placed in the first operating position.
- the desiccant reservoir is adapted to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to both of the first and second liquid collection cavities simultaneously when the dehumidifying device is placed in the first operating position e.g. placed on a level surface.
- the desiccant reservoir may include a first inner surface that slopes downwardly and towards the first liquid collection cavity only, the second liquid collection cavity only, or both the first and second liquid collection cavities when the device is placed in the first operating position e.g. placed on a level surface.
- said first inner surface defines the base of the desiccant reservoir.
- the desiccant reservoir includes a first inner surface that slopes downwardly and towards both the first and second liquid collection cavities when the device is placed on a level surface.
- the base of the desiccant reservoir may be bowed or dome-shaped.
- the desiccant reservoir may be adapted to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the first liquid collection cavity only, to the second separate liquid collection cavity only, or to both the first and second liquid collection cavities simultaneously when the dehumidifying device is positioned in the second operating position e.g. suspended or upstanding with respect to a level surface.
- the desiccant reservoir may include a second inner surface that slopes downwardly and towards the first liquid collection cavity only, the second liquid collection cavity only, or both the first and second liquid collection cavities when the device is positioned in the second operating position.
- said second inner surface defines a side wall of the desiccant reservoir.
- the desiccant reservoir is adapted to permit liquid to pass selectively from the desiccant reservoir into either the first or second separate liquid collection cavities when the device is positioned in the second operating position.
- a particularly preferred dehumidifying device having first and second separate liquid collection cavities comprises first and second separate liquid cavities laterally and vertically displaced with respect to the desiccant reservoir when the device is positioned in the first operating position. More preferably, both the first and second cavities are displaced laterally from and below the desiccant reservoir when the device is positioned in the first operating position. Preferably, the first liquid collection cavity is substantially opposite to the second liquid collection cavity.
- the second liquid collection cavity may independently include any feature of the first liquid collection cavity as described herein.
- the dehumidifying device includes a foot to permit the device to upstand with respect to a level surface.
- the foot permits the device to be stood on a level surface such that the liquid collection cavity is below the desiccant reservoir.
- the foot permits the device to be stood on a level surface such that the device, particularly the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity or cavities as defined hereinafter, is in a substantially vertical plane. More preferably, the foot forms a part of the liquid collection cavity (ies).
- the device includes a formation to permit the device to be suspended, preferably from one end of the device, above a level surface such that the liquid collection cavity is below the desiccant reservoir.
- the formation permits the device to be suspended such that the device, particularly the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity as defined hereinafter, is in a substantially vertical plane.
- the formation may, for example, be an aperture to receive a wall hook. Alternatively, and preferably, it may itself be a hook formation.
- the formation forms a part of the desiccant reservoir.
- the device includes a formation as described above that is moveable about a fold line.
- the formation may permit the device to be suspended and when the formation is folded about the fold line it may act as a stand as described above to permit the device to be positioned in a first operating position in a substantially horizontal plane.
- the dessicant absorbs at least its own weight of water, at 25°C.
- the deliquescent agent forms a liquid or gel on absorption of water vapour, such that liquid may drain from it.
- Preferred dessicants comprise calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride as these exhibit an acceptable water absorption capacity. This does not exclude other deliquescent salts, for example when intended for use in other environments, for example industrial environments.
- One preferred dessicant is calcium chloride alone.
- Especially preferred is calcium chloride providing up to 20 wt% of the total content and the balance comprising a different water- absorbing agent, preferably magnesium chloride.
- the dessicant as defined above may include other components selected from a binder or thickener, for example starch, a pest control agent, a perfume, and odour absorbing agent (for example a zeolite) , an antimicrobial agent, and combinations thereof.
- a binder or thickener for example starch
- a pest control agent for example a pest control agent
- a perfume for example a zeolite
- odour absorbing agent for example a zeolite
- an antimicrobial agent is included to prevent microbe formation in liquid formed by dissolution of the deliquescent agent.
- the dessicant is in the form of granules and/or a powder disposed in the desiccant reservoir.
- the desiccant reservoir is covered with a vapour-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane to permit water vapour to enter the container and prevent liquid from exiting the container.
- the rate of absorption of water vapour by the dessicant may be increased when the dessicant is in contact with the vapour-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane.
- the dessicant contacts the vapour-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane.
- the liquid collection cavit (ies) is covered with a liquid-impermeable membrane to act as a barrier to vapour and liquid.
- a liquid-impermeable membrane to act as a barrier to vapour and liquid.
- the vapour-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane which closes the desiccant reservoir is, as stated, liquid-impermeable and may be used to close the liquid collection cavity (ies) as well.
- a vapour-permeable liquid- impermeable membrane may be relatively expensive there are likely to be manufacturing complications in applying one type of membrane over the desiccant reservoir and another type of membrane over the liquid collection cavity (ies). Manufacturing is eased by using a single membrane to cover both the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity (ies), and such embodiments are preferred.
- the membrane, or membranes are secured in place by adhesive or heat sealing. Heat sealing is preferred.
- the dehumidifying device is preferably formed with a rim or flange around its periphery to provide a flat band against which the membrane (s) may engage.
- Suitable vapour-permeable liquid-impermeable membranes are well known to those skilled in the art, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes available from PTFE.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- a membrane used in the present invention is of a type which provides moisture transmission of at least 1000 g, preferably at least 5000 g, and most preferably at least 10000 g water/m 2 through the membrane/day.
- the inlet of the container includes a removable fluid tight seal so that it may be stored without degradation of dessicant.
- the fluid tight seal extends across the desiccant reservoir.
- the fluid type seal extends across both the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity (ies).
- the dehumidifying device of the present invention is dimensioned so that it may be used in a confined space, particularly a confined space in a domestic environment, such as a drawer, chest, wardrobe, cupboard, packing case, refrigerator, freezer, cool box, caravan, car, car boot or boat.
- the dehumidifying device of the present invention is 5 to 30 cm high, 10 to 50 cm long, and 5 to 30 cm wide.
- the device includes 50-1000 g of water- absorbing agent, preferably 100-500 g.
- the container is rigid or flexible. Most preferably, the container is rigid.
- the container comprising the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity (ies) is formed from a plastics material, for example a polyolefin, by techniques well known to those skilled in the art such as injection moulding, blow moulding and vacuum forming.
- the present invention provides a method for removing water vapour from a locus, preferably an enclosed locus, comprising locating a dehumidifying device as described herein in the locus.
- Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention, orientated in a second operating position such that the device is in a substantially vertical plane;
- Figure 2 is a side-sectional view of the device of Figure 1, orientated in a first operating position such that the device is substantially horizontally disposed with respect to a level surface;
- Figure 3 is a side-sectional view of the device of Figure 1, orientated in the second operating position such that the device is upstanding in a substantially vertical plane;
- Figure 4 is a top-plan view of a second embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention, orientated in a first operating position such that the device is substantially horizontally disposed with respect to a level surface;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 4 orientated in the first operating position
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention orientated in a first operating position such that the device is substantially horizontally disposed with respect to a level surface
- Figure 7 is a side-sectional view of the device of Figure 7 orientated in the first operating position.
- the dehumidifying device 1 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a container 2 that is formed by injection moulding a thermoplastics material.
- the container 2 comprises an integral desiccant reservoir 3 in fluid communication with a liquid collection cavity 4 via passageway 6.
- the passageway 6 includes an open-cell sponge 8 to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 and to prevent deliquescent agent 10 (not shown in Figure 1) in the desiccant reservoir 3 from passing to the liquid collection cavity 4.
- the device 1 is generally arch-shaped in frontal appearance.
- the desiccant reservoir 3 is generally oval-shaped in frontal appearance and the liquid collection cavity 4 is generally arch- shaped in frontal appearance.
- the desiccant reservoir 3 includes a side wall 12 that defines an inner surface which slopes downwardly and towards passageway 6, and consequently towards the liquid collection cavity 4, when the device is in the second operating position as shown in Figures 1 and 3.
- the liquid collection cavity 4 includes a side wall 14 that defines an inner surface which slopes downwardly and away from passageway 6, and consequently away from the desiccant reservoir 3, when the device is in the second operating position as shown in Figures 1 and 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the liquid collection cavity 4 is below the desiccant reservoir when the device is in the second operating position.
- the desiccant reservoir 3 is laterally disposed from and above the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned in the first operating position e.g. generally horizontally with respect to a level surface.
- the base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 defines an inner surface which slopes downwardly and towards passageway 6, and subsequently downwardly and towards liquid collection cavity 4, when the device is positioned in the first operating position.
- the base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 defines an inner surface which slopes downwardly and away from passageway 6, and subsequently downwardly and away from desiccant reservoir 3, when the device is positioned in the first operating position.
- the base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 includes an integral foot 20 extending downwardly therefrom, so that the device 1 may be stood substantially perpendicular to a level surface in the second operating position as shown in Figure 3.
- the base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 includes an integral stand 22 extending downwardly therefrom such that its lower end is level with the lower end of foot 20, so that the device may be placed substantially horizontal to a level surface i.e. in the first operating position as shown in Figure 2.
- the device has a rim 24 extending all around its periphery. At its upper end the rim 24 includes an aperture 26, for hanging.
- a single vapour-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane 27 (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) comprising a TYVEK material (Trade Mark; HDPE material from DuPont) is heat- sealed to the whole of rim 24, so as to close the desiccant reservoir 3, liquid collection cavity 4 and the passageway 6 therebetween.
- TYVEK material Trade Mark; HDPE material from DuPont
- the desiccant reservoir 3 is filled with calcium chloride, as deliquescent agent 10.
- the operation of the device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is simple. After purchase the user removes an impermeable plastics cover (not shown) . This is provided during manufacture in order to maintain the calcium chloride material in a substantially desiccated condition, prior to the commencement of use.
- the device may function satisfactorily and efficiently when it is orientated in more than one operating position and when it is moved from one operating position to another operating position.
- liquid 28 drains away from the dessicant along the downwardly sloping side wall 12 of the desiccant reservoir 3, through passageway 6 and sponge 8, and into the liquid collection cavity 4.
- liquid collects in the liquid collection cavity 4 in the region of foot 20 i.e. away from the desiccant reservoir 3.
- the device 1 If the device 1 is moved from the first operating position as shown in Figure 2 to the second operating position as shown in Figures 1 and 3 or an intermediate position therebetween, and vice-versa, then the downwardly sloping inner surface of the base 18 of liquid collection cavity 4 restricts liquid 28 in the liquid collection cavity 4 from passing to the desiccant reservoir 3.
- the device may function satisfactorily and efficiently when it is orientated in more than one operating position and when it is moved from one operating position to another operating position.
- the sponge 8 prevents the calcium chloride deliquescent agent from falling into the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is not placed in the first operating position and when the device is moved between different operating positions, even at the commencement of use when the deliquescent agent 10 is dry.
- the device is generally oval-shaped in frontal appearance and comprises an integral oval-shaped desiccant reservoir 3 surrounded by an oval-shaped liquid collection cavity 4.
- the liquid collection cavity 4 is laterally displaced from and below the desiccant reservoir when the device is placed on a level surface.
- the desiccant reservoir 3 includes a number of passageways 6 each having a sponge therein (not shown) to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 and to prevent deliquescent agent 10 in the desiccant reservoir 3 from passing into the liquid collection cavity 4.
- the desiccant reservoir 3 includes an oval-shaped side wall 12 that defines inner surfaces which slope downwardly and towards passageways 6, and consequently towards the liquid collection cavity 4, when the device 1 is positioned in a non-horizontal plane i.e. the membrane 26 is in a non-horizontal orientation with respect to a level surface and the device is in a second operating position.
- the oval-shaped side wall 12 of the desiccant reservoir 3 defines outer surfaces which slope downwardly and towards the liquid collection cavity 4.
- the outer surface of the oval-shaped side wall aids drainage of liquid from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned in various operating positions.
- the base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 has a dome-shaped inner surface which slopes downwardly and away from the centre of the desiccant reservoir 3 to each of the passageways 6.
- a dome- shaped base 12 permits drainage of liquid 28 from the desiccant reservoir 3 to at least one of passageways 6, and hence to liquid collection cavity 4, when the device is positioned in various operating positions.
- FIG. 6 a further alternative embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention and corresponding features are indicated with identical reference numerals.
- the device is generally oval-shaped in plan view and comprises an integral oval-shaped desiccant reservoir 3 in fluid communication with generally arch-shaped first 4 and second 4' liquid collection cavities via passageways 6, 6' .
- Each of first 4 and second 4' liquid collection cavities are displaced laterally and below the desiccant reservoir 3 when the device is placed on a level surface.
- Passageways 6, 6' include a sponge (not shown) to permit liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavities 4, 4' and to prevent deliquescent agent 10 in the desiccant reservoir 3 from passing to the liquid collection cavities 4, 4' .
- the desiccant reservoir 3 includes a generally oval- shaped side wall 12 that defines inner surfaces which slope downwardly towards passageways 6 or passageway 6', and consequently towards the liquid collection cavities 4 and 4' respectively, when the device is positioned in a generally non-horizontal plane i.e. the membrane is not substantially horizontal with respect to a level surface and the device is in a second operating position.
- the device 1 is bow-shaped.
- the base of the desiccant reservoir defines an inner surface which slopes downwardly and towards both the passageways 6, 6' , and consequently towards both liquid collection cavities 4, 4', when the device is placed in a first operating position such that the device is positioned on a generally level surface i.e. the membrane is substantially horizontally disposed with respect to a level surface.
- the base 18, 18' of each liquid collection cavity 4, 4' defines a surface which slopes downwardly and away from desiccant reservoir 3, when the device is positioned generally in a first operating position such that the device is positioned on a level surface.
- the device may be positioned on a level surface, so that liquid 28 formed by dissolution of the deliquescent agent drains from the desiccant reservoir 3 into each liquid collection cavity 4, 4' .
- the device may be placed on a non-level surface, so that liquid 28 formed by dissolution of the deliquescent agent drains from the desiccant reservoir 3 into liquid collection cavity 4 or liquid collection cavity 4' .
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR0309584-3A BR0309584A (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2003-05-02 | Dehumidifying device |
AU2003229992A AU2003229992B2 (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2003-05-02 | Dehumidifying device |
KR1020047017636A KR100938360B1 (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2003-05-02 | Dehumidifying device |
MXPA04010897A MXPA04010897A (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2003-05-02 | Dehumidifying device. |
ZA2004/09678A ZA200409678B (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2004-11-30 | Dehumidifying device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0210315.8 | 2002-05-04 | ||
GBGB0210315.8A GB0210315D0 (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2002-05-04 | Device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003092866A1 true WO2003092866A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
Family
ID=9936127
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2003/001944 WO2003092866A1 (en) | 2002-05-04 | 2003-05-02 | Dehumidifying device |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
KR (1) | KR100938360B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003229992B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0309584A (en) |
GB (1) | GB0210315D0 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA04010897A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003092866A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200409678B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2474539A (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2011-04-20 | Tak Shing Yeung | Package device for a drying agent |
WO2018004704A1 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-01-04 | Willert Home Products, Inc. | Dehumidifier apparatus and disposable cartridge therefor |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2506175A1 (en) * | 1981-05-22 | 1982-11-26 | Vasseur Jean | Dehumidifier for restricted volumes of air - employing requisite weight of desiccating agent in container sealed until needed |
FR2578444A1 (en) * | 1985-03-11 | 1986-09-12 | Vasseur Jean | Device making it possible to absorb moisture inside a container in motion while avoiding splashing or spillage of the liquid obtained |
EP0212029A1 (en) * | 1985-08-12 | 1987-03-04 | ALIZOL SA Société Anonyme dite: | Device for the absorption of atmospheric humidity |
US5215561A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1993-06-01 | Jerry Cameron | Moisture collection apparatus |
WO1999016536A1 (en) * | 1997-10-01 | 1999-04-08 | Tetra Technologies, Inc. | Dehumidifying pouch |
US6308525B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-10-30 | Kankyo Co., Ltd. | Dehumidification apparatus |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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KR100208627B1 (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1999-07-15 | 이종구 | Cooling-heating system using complex type air heat-source heat pump |
-
2002
- 2002-05-04 GB GBGB0210315.8A patent/GB0210315D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2003
- 2003-05-02 KR KR1020047017636A patent/KR100938360B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-05-02 WO PCT/GB2003/001944 patent/WO2003092866A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-05-02 BR BR0309584-3A patent/BR0309584A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-05-02 MX MXPA04010897A patent/MXPA04010897A/en unknown
- 2003-05-02 AU AU2003229992A patent/AU2003229992B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2004
- 2004-11-30 ZA ZA2004/09678A patent/ZA200409678B/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2506175A1 (en) * | 1981-05-22 | 1982-11-26 | Vasseur Jean | Dehumidifier for restricted volumes of air - employing requisite weight of desiccating agent in container sealed until needed |
FR2578444A1 (en) * | 1985-03-11 | 1986-09-12 | Vasseur Jean | Device making it possible to absorb moisture inside a container in motion while avoiding splashing or spillage of the liquid obtained |
EP0212029A1 (en) * | 1985-08-12 | 1987-03-04 | ALIZOL SA Société Anonyme dite: | Device for the absorption of atmospheric humidity |
US5215561A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1993-06-01 | Jerry Cameron | Moisture collection apparatus |
WO1999016536A1 (en) * | 1997-10-01 | 1999-04-08 | Tetra Technologies, Inc. | Dehumidifying pouch |
US6308525B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-10-30 | Kankyo Co., Ltd. | Dehumidification apparatus |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2474539A (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2011-04-20 | Tak Shing Yeung | Package device for a drying agent |
GB2474539B (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2011-12-28 | Tak Shing Yeung | Package devices for a drying agent |
WO2018004704A1 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-01-04 | Willert Home Products, Inc. | Dehumidifier apparatus and disposable cartridge therefor |
US9943798B2 (en) | 2016-06-28 | 2018-04-17 | Willert Home Products, Inc. | Dehumidifier apparatus and disposable cartridge therefor |
US10427087B2 (en) | 2016-06-28 | 2019-10-01 | Willert Home Products, Inc. | Dehumidifier apparatus and disposable cartridge therefor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003229992B2 (en) | 2009-01-08 |
ZA200409678B (en) | 2006-01-25 |
KR100938360B1 (en) | 2010-01-22 |
GB0210315D0 (en) | 2002-06-12 |
AU2003229992A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
BR0309584A (en) | 2005-03-01 |
MXPA04010897A (en) | 2005-02-14 |
KR20050008704A (en) | 2005-01-21 |
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