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1. A device for removal of water from a substantially non-aqueous liquid, the device including:(a) a desiccant, and(b) a porous container suitable for immersion in the substantially non-aqueous liquid,wherein upon immersion of the device water is retained in association with the desiccant, and is separated from the non-aqueous liquid upon removal of the device from the non-aqueous liquid, and wherein the dessicant is chosen from the group comprising alkaline earth or alkali metal compounds or mixtures thereof.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the dessicant is chosen from the group comprising metal sulfates, metal halides or mixtures thereof.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the desiccant is in particulate form.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is comprised of porous material and encloses the dessicant.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the container is comprised of materials chosen from the group comprising fabric or paper.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the dessicant is incorporated into the porous container.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the porous container is at least partially comprised of molded salt.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the molded salt is the dessicant.
9. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the container further includes an attachment for facilitating location or removal of the container from the substantially non-aqueous liquid.
10. A method of removing water from a substantially non-aqueous liquid using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the steps of:(a) locating the device in the liquid for a period of time, water being retained in association with the desiccant, and(b) removing the device from the liquid such that the water is separated upon removal of the device from the liquid.
11. A method of removing water according to claim 10 wherein the removal of water is greater than 99% by volume.
12. A method of removing water according to claim 10 wherein the removal of water is greater than 99.9% by volume.
13. A method of removing water according to claim 10 wherein the substantially non-aqueous liquid is chosen from the group comprising hydrocarbons, halogenated carbon compounds, ethers, esters, acids, aldehydes or any other liquid which is not infinitely miscible with water and mixtures thereof.
14. A device according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.
15. A device according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to the examples.
16. A method according to claim 10 and substantially as herein described with reference to the examples. |
