Heat and moisture exchange device

Abstract

A unitary humidity exchange cell (HUX) is disclosed that includes at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough. The composite membrane include an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto. The product finds utility in a variety of physical and chemical processes and products whereby moisture or other highly polar liquid or gas transfer, exchange removal or delivery is important. A notable application is the Membrane Energy Recovery Ventilator (MERV) in which both heat and moisture is transferred between two air streams, one intake and one exhaust, from an air-conditioned building.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cell for transferring heat and moisture between a first fluid and a second fluid, said cell comprising: 
 at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough;    whereby heat and moisture is transferable between the first fluid and second fluid via the composite membrane.    
     
     
         2 . A cell according to  claim 1 , wherein said composite membrane comprises: 
 an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and    a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto.    
     
     
         3 . A cell according to  claim 2 , additionally comprising at least one spacer disposed on a surface of the composite membrane  
     
     
         4 . A cell according to  claim 3 , wherein said at least one spacer comprises a dimension normal to the surface of the composite membrane corresponding to a height of the first chamber.  
     
     
         5 . A cell according to  claim 3 , wherein a longitudinal axis of the at least one spacer is oriented parallel to a direction of flow of the first fluid in the first chamber.  
     
     
         6 . A cell according to  claim 5 , wherein the direction of flow of the first fluid in the first chamber is orthogonal to a direction of flow of the second fluid in the second chamber.  
     
     
         7 . A cell according to  claim 5 , wherein the direction of flow of the first fluid in the first chamber is opposite to a direction of flow of the second fluid in the second chamber.  
     
     
         8 . A cell according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one spacer comprises a plurality of synthetic polymer ribs.  
     
     
         9 . A cell according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one spacer comprises an adhesive composition.  
     
     
         10 . A cell according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one spacer comprises a corrugated sheet.  
     
     
         11 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one composite membrane comprises a plurality of composite membranes, and said at least one first chamber and said at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of alternating first chambers and second chambers, each separated by a composite membrane.  
     
     
         12 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein said reinforcing substrate comprises a nonwoven fabric.  
     
     
         13 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein said reinforcing substrate comprises a microporous film.  
     
     
         14 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein said reinforcing substrate comprises at least one synthetic fiber.  
     
     
         15 . A cell according to  claim 14 , wherein said at least one synthetic fiber comprises at least one polyolefin.  
     
     
         16 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein the humidity-conducting polymer additionally comprises an additive selected from the group of antioxidants, biocides, flame retardants, uv stabilizers, hydrophilic plasticizers, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         17 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein the humidity-conducting polymer comprises at least one antioxidant, at least one biocide, and at least one flame retardant.  
     
     
         18 . A cell according to  claim 2 , wherein the humidity-conducting polymer is crosslinked using a peroxide initiator and an organometallic enolate coupling agent.  
     
     
         19 . A cell according to  claim 18 , wherein the peroxide initiator is 1,1-di-(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane and the organometallic enolate coupling agent is aluminum acetoacetonate.  
     
     
         20 . A cell according to  claim 18 , wherein the peroxide initiator is 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3.