Figure 2.
Schematic representation of the RID module in operation. Once the opening pressure Popen is exceeded, the PTFE membrane (L4) deflects and exposes a fluidic path connecting the inlet and outlet. Bubbles in the input stream make contact with the hydrophobic PTFE membrane and are removed as a result of the differential pressure between the air-liquid fluid stream and the atmosphere. The liquid is unable to move through the membrane below the critical liquid entry pressure, Pcritical. As air bubbles are removed, liquid plugs recombine to form a single-phase flow exiting the RID module.