METHOD OF REMOVAL OF CONDENSATE FROM MOISTURE RECEIVER OF HEAT EXCHANGER-CONDENSER WITH HYDROPHILIC MATERIAL AND DEVICE FOR REALIZATION OF THIS METHOD Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; methods of removal of condensate from heat exchangers-condensers of air- conditioning systems of habitable compartments of spacecraft. SUBSTANCE: proposed method may be also used in surface air- conditioning systems of rooms sensitive to condensed moisture. Proposed method consists in evacuation of capillary structure of hydrophilic material; every time before evacuation, ambient temperature is increased to maximum permissible comfort temperature followed by filling the capillary structure of hydrophilic material with water to maximum saturation level; filling the capillary structure with water is performed in direction opposite to direction of motion of condensate at removal of moisture; maximum filling of capillary structure is continued for period of time required for swelling of hydrophilic material. Device proposed for realization of this method includes condensate extraction pump whose inlet is connected with moisture receiver of heat exchanger-condenser by means of pipe line and outlet is connected with condensate receiver also by means of pipe line; device includes also reservoir which is divided by means of flexible medium divider into and liquid chambers; reservoir is provided with four shut-off valve is fitted at inlet of condensate extraction pump, second shut-off valve is fitted in pipe line connecting pump outlet with condensate receiver; pipe line between pump inlet and first shut-off valve is connected via third shut-off valve with surrounding medium; gas chamber of reservoir is connected with pipe line connecting the outlet of condensate extraction pump and condensate receiver; liquid chamber is hydraulically connected via fourth shut-off valve with pipe line connecting the first shut-off valve and moisture receiver of heat exchanger-condenser and is filled with water at volume no less than volume of liquid contained in moisture receiver of heat exchanger- condenser at its maximum filling. EFFECT: enhanced reliability; avoidance of emission of condensate into atmosphere of pressurized compartment due to restoration of moisture-conducting properties of capillary structure of hydrophilic material after protracted preservation. 3 cl, 1 dwg