US20190282971A1 - Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof - Google Patents
Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof Download PDFInfo
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- US20190282971A1 US20190282971A1 US16/352,773 US201916352773A US2019282971A1 US 20190282971 A1 US20190282971 A1 US 20190282971A1 US 201916352773 A US201916352773 A US 201916352773A US 2019282971 A1 US2019282971 A1 US 2019282971A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- liquid
- modular
- fixture
- hollow fibers
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000012510 hollow fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 91
- 238000004382 potting Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000001802 infusion Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
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Images
Classifications
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- B01F23/231—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids by bubbling
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- C02F1/727—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation using pure oxygen or oxygen rich gas
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- B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
- B01F23/2376—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media characterised by the gas being introduced
- B01F23/23761—Aerating, i.e. introducing oxygen containing gas in liquids
- B01F23/237612—Oxygen
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
- Y02W10/10—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of infusing gas into liquids.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,279 discloses a gas transfer process using a hollow fiber membrane. More particularly, this patent discloses a process which comprises allowing a liquid to contact the inside of a microporous hollow fiber and a fluid to contact the outside, thereby allowing the gaseous components contained in both fluids to transfer between them.
- the present invention provides modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof.
- a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid comprises plurality of microporous hollow fibers, and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers.
- the cap is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers.
- the cap is further configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture.
- a modular system for infusing gas into a liquid includes a fixture comprising a hollow cavity, a first opening configured to receive a liquid, and a second opening configured to discharge the liquid infused with a gas.
- the system further comprises one or more modular gas infusion devices configured to be removably mounted to the fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are within the hollow cavity.
- FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 3A-E illustrate a process of manufacturing a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a cap component of a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 illustrates a submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a modular device for infusing gas into liquid may include a plurality of microporous hollow fibers and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers.
- the microporous hollow fibers may be bundled together and surrounded by a mesh sleeve.
- the microporous hollow fibers are water-repellant.
- the microporous hollow fibers may be folded or looped such that both ends of the fibers are open and covered by the cap. Alternatively, ends of the microporous hollow fibers that are opposite to those covered by the cap may be sealed or otherwise closed.
- the cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers.
- the cap is preferably configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture.
- the cap may be fitted with tapered threads or a quick connect fitting.
- a system for infusing gas into a liquid may include one or more of the modular devices and a fixture into which the modular devices can be mounted.
- the modular devices can be removed from the fixture and replaced. This facilitates maintenance of the system, for example, to replace one or more of the modular devices that has failed or is otherwise no longer performing as desired.
- An exemplary fixture is comprised of a hollow cavity, a first opening configured to receive a liquid, and a second opening configured to discharge liquid infused with gas.
- the one or more modular gas infusion devices are mounted to the fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are at least partially within the hollow cavity.
- the openings configured to receive gas are preferably accessible from outside the hollow cavity in order to facilitate delivery of gas to the modular devices.
- the fixture is preferably equipped with fittings to accommodate the modular devices; these fittings can be, for example, threaded or quick connect fittings.
- gas may be introduced into the opening of each of the modular devices.
- the gas may be delivered via a manifold, hoses or other gas delivery system.
- Liquid may also be introduced into the first opening of the fixture.
- the liquid can then make contact with the fibers.
- the gas can then cross the microporous membrane of the fibers and enter the liquid so that the gas becomes dissolved in the liquid.
- the gas can be, for example, primarily oxygen.
- other gasses may be used.
- different gasses can be introduced via different ones of the modular devices so that multiple different gasses can be dissolved into the same liquid.
- the liquid can be, for example, primarily water.
- other liquids, including liquid mixtures and liquids with dissolved solids (e.g., plant fertilizers) may be used.
- the gas and/or the liquid can be pressure regulated.
- the system can be controlled such that the gas has a greater pressure than that of the liquid.
- the system can be used to increase the dissolved oxygen content of water.
- the modular devices can be identical to each other, or similar to each other, regardless of fixture size, capacity, configuration or application. This allows a single, or limited number, of variations of modules to be used in a wide variety of applications, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes as well as maintenance and inventory requirements.
- FIGS. 1A-B illustrates a system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1A shows a side elevation view of the system while FIG. 1B shows a side sectional view of the system.
- the system includes a fixture 100 .
- the fixture 100 includes a housing 102 having a first end cap 104 and a second end cap 106 .
- Within the housing 102 is a hollow cavity 108 .
- the housing 102 is tubular and can be constructed of a hollow plastic or metal tube, though it will be apparent that other materials, or a combination of materials, can be used.
- the end caps 104 , 106 can be, for example, permanently bonded to the tube.
- the end caps 104 , 106 can be, for example, welded to the tube or attached with clamps.
- An opening 110 in the first end cap 104 is provided for introducing liquid (or fluid) into the fixture 100 .
- An opening 112 in the second end cap 106 is provided for discharging the liquid (or fluid) from the fixture.
- Arrows in FIG. 1B show generally the direction of liquid flow within the fixture.
- FIGS. 1A-B are a number of modular devices 200 (also shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-B and 3 A-E). While four such devices 200 are shown in FIGS. 1A-B , the fixture 100 may be equipped with as few as one such device 200 or any suitable number of devices 200 so as to achieve a desired level of gas dissolution in the liquid. The devices 200 are preferably removably mounted to the fixture 100 .
- FIGS. 1A-B Also shown in FIGS. 1A-B is a means for delivering gas into the modular devices 200 .
- a gas manifold 114 is provided to deliver gas to the devices 200 .
- the manifold 114 is equipped with a gas inlet 116 and a number of gas outlets 118 .
- a gas outlet is connected to each device 200 .
- a plurality of gas hoses can be used to deliver the gas to the devices 200 .
- FIGS. 2A-B illustrates a modular device 200 for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A shows a side elevation view of the device 200 while FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view.
- the device 200 is composed of a plurality of microporous hollow fibers 202 and a cap 204 .
- the cap 204 covers open ends of the microporous hollow fibers 202 .
- the cap 204 is equipped with an opening 206 and is configured to receive a gas into the opening 206 and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers 202 .
- the cap 204 may be composed of an outer cap 208 and an inner cylindrical sleeve 210 that encircles the microporous hollow fibers 202 .
- FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the device 200 , including the inner sleeve 210 , however, the outer cap 208 is not shown in FIG. 2B .
- a potting compound 212 such as epoxy, can be used to hold the microporous hollow fibers 202 in place within the sleeve 210 .
- the microporous hollow fibers 202 may be folded or looped such that both ends of the fibers are open and covered by the cap 204 .
- ends 214 of the microporous hollow fibers that are opposite to those covered by the cap may be sealed or otherwise closed. In either case, all of the open ends are preferably covered by the cap 204 .
- the microporous hollow fibers 202 may be bundled together within a mesh sleeve 216 .
- the sleeve 216 may help to prevent damage to the microporous hollow fibers 202 during use and when the device 200 is inserted and removed from the fixture 100 ( FIGS. 1A-B ).
- the opening 206 in the cap 204 may be equipped with internal threads (which may be tapered), a quick connect fitting or some other type of fitting that allows a gas hose, pipe, conduit or manifold to be connected to the device 200 for delivering gas into the microporous hollow fibers 202 .
- a fitting should provide a gas seal to prevent escape of gas from the system.
- the cap 204 may also be equipped with external threads 218 so as to allow the device 200 to be removably mounted to the fixture 100 ( FIGS. 1A-B ).
- the device 200 can be equipped with a quick connect fitting or some other type of fitting that allows the device 200 to be removably mounted to the fixture 100 .
- Such a fitting should provide a liquid seal to prevent escape of liquid from the system.
- the fixture 100 is preferably equipped with corresponding fittings to those of the device 200 , (e.g., threaded or quick connect) so that the device 200 can be easily removed and replaced in the fixture 100 .
- FIGS. 3A-E illustrate a process of manufacturing a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a plurality of the microporous hollow fibers 202 are obtained.
- the microporous hollow fibers 202 are preferably arranged in a bundle and surrounded by the mesh 216 .
- an inner cap 302 also referred to herein as a potting cup is obtained.
- ends of the microporous hollow fibers 202 are inserted into the potting cup 302 .
- the potting cup 302 is shown cut away (in sectional view) for illustrative purposes such that the ends of the microporous hollow fibers 202 can be seen within the potting cup 302 .
- the microporous hollow fibers 202 may be folded or looped such that both ends of the fibers are inserted into the potting cup 302 .
- ends 214 of the microporous hollow fibers that are opposite to those inserted into the potting cup 302 may be sealed or otherwise closed. In either case, all of the open ends are preferably inserted into potting cup 302 .
- the potting cup 302 is shown not cut away such that the ends of the microporous hollow fibers 202 are obscured by the potting cup 302 .
- Potting compound can then be added into the potting cup 302 . This is preferably performed such that the potting compound fills any voids between the fibers 202 , secures the mesh sleeve 216 and the fibers 202 to each other and to the potting cup 302 .
- the potting compound can be for example, epoxy or other suitable material.
- the potting compound is preferably added after the fibers 202 and mesh 216 are inserted into the potting cup 302 though the potting compound can alternatively be added to the potting cup 302 before the fibers 202 and mesh 216 are inserted.
- a portion of the potting cup 302 and ends of the fibers 202 are then removed to expose open ends 304 of the microporous hollow fibers 202 . This can be accomplished by cutting through the potting cup 302 and fibers 202 . The result after the removal is shown in FIG. 3D . Referring to FIG. 3D , a remaining portion of the potting cup 302 (also referred to herein as the inner sleeve 210 ) surrounds the microporous hollow fibers 202 . This step ensures that the ends of the fibers 202 are open for receiving gas and are not clogged with potting compound or some other substance.
- the remaining portion of the potting cup 302 is then attached to a means for removably mounting the modular device to a fixture.
- This can be accomplished by inserting sleeve 210 into an outer cap 208 (also shown in FIGS. 1A-B ).
- the outer cap 208 can be, for example, press-fit or glued to the sleeve 210 so that they are permanently mated together.
- FIG. 3E shows the sleeve 210 after having been inserted into the outer cap 208 .
- the opening 206 in the cap 208 for receiving gas into the device 200 .
- a cavity 306 is present between the outer cap 208 and the cut ends of the fibers 202 . This cavity 306 provides a pathway for gas received into the opening 206 to enter the open ends of the fibers 202 .
- FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a cap component of a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 4A shows a top view of the outer cap 208 , while FIG. 4B shows a side view of the cap 208 . FIG. 4C shows a side sectional view through a section 4 C- 4 C shown in FIG. 4A . FIGS. 4A and 4C show the opening 206 . FIG. 4B shows the threads 218 . As is also shown in FIGS. 4A-B , the cap 208 may have a hexagonal shape so that the cap 208 can be tightened and loosened with a wrench for mounting in the fixture 100 . FIG.
- FIG. 4C illustrates the cavity 306 which is connected to the opening 206 for allowing gas to enter the cap 208 and to enter the microporous hollow fibers 202 via the cavity 306 .
- the cap 208 may be equipped with a shoulder 308 .
- the shoulder 308 may engage with the sleeve 210 when the sleeve 210 is inserted into the cap 208 so as to provide a positive stop for the sleeve 210 and to aid with sealing the cap 208 and sleeve 210 together.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the system of FIG. 5 is similar to that of FIGS. 1A-B except that the housing 402 of FIG. 5 is configured to accept twelve of the modular devices 200 .
- FIG. 5 shows that the modules 200 are mounted such that a longitudinal axis of the modules 200 is at an angle of less than 90 degrees with outer walls of the housing (unlike the system of FIGS. 1A-B in which a longitudinal axis of the devices 200 are mounted at 90 degrees with respect to walls of the housing).
- the housing 402 may be equipped with end caps as in FIGS. 1A-B though they are not shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a modular device 200 is removably mounted to a submersible fixture 502 .
- the device 200 and submersible fixture 502 can be submerged in a liquid 504 within a container 506 .
- the submersible fixture 502 is tubular or cylindrical and is configured to accommodate mounting of a single device 200 at one end of the tube or cylinder.
- the submersible fixture 502 is preferably gas and liquid permeable.
- the fixture can be comprised of mesh or perforated material.
- an end opposite to the one in which the device 200 is mounted can be open or covered with mesh or perforated material.
- An assembly of the submersible fixture 502 and the device 200 mounted thereto is preferably heavier than the liquid displaced so that the assembly sinks rather than floats in the liquid. Weights can be added to achieve this.
- a tether 508 can be used to suspend the assembly within the container 506 .
- a hose 510 can be connected to the device 200 for providing gas to the device 200 .
- liquid 504 in the container 506 comes in contact with the microporous hollow fibers of the device 200 and becomes infused with gas received via the hose 510 .
- the liquid will tend to circulate through the permeable walls of the fixture and within the container 506 due to the gas infusion action, as well as due to other influences, such as filling and emptying of the container 506 .
- submersible fixture 502 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of modules 200 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a modular device 200 is removably mounted to a submersible fixture 602 .
- the submersible fixture 602 is mounted to the outlet of a submersible agitation pump 604 .
- An assembly which includes the device 200 , the submersible fixture 602 and the pump 604 can be submerged in a liquid 606 within a container 608 .
- the submersible fixture 602 is tubular and is configured to accommodate mounting of a single device 200 at one end of the tube.
- the outlet of the pump 604 is mounted to the other end of the tubular structure of the fixture 602 .
- the submersible fixture 502 is preferably gas and liquid permeable.
- the fixture can be comprised of mesh or perforated material.
- a hose 610 can be connected to the device 200 for providing gas to the device 200 .
- the pump 604 draws liquid from the container 608 and directs the liquid into the end of the fixture 602 where it encounters the device 200 and becomes infused with gas received via the hose 610 .
- the infused gas can then exit the fixture 602 though the mesh or perforated walls of the fixture 602 and mix with liquid in the container 608 .
- Arrows in FIG. 7 show generally the direction of liquid flow within the fixture 602 .
- submersible fixture 602 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of modules 200 .
- pump 604 or a portion of the pump 604 can be mounted outside of the container 608 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/643,321, filed Mar. 15, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to the field of infusing gas into liquids.
- There are a number of applications for infusing gas into liquids. For example, it is known that plants require water into order to receive nutrients into the plant. However, for the nutrients to be used by the plant, oxygen must also be present. It has been found that increasing the dissolved oxygen content of water used for irrigation can increase plant health as well as crop production yields. Additional applications for infusing gas into liquids can include, for example, aquaculture, distilled spirits production, and treatment of blood disorders.
- Various techniques have been used to introduce gas into liquids, such as bubblers and aerators. In addition, porous membranes can be used at the gas-liquid interface to cause gas to be absorbed by, and removed from, liquids. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,279 discloses a gas transfer process using a hollow fiber membrane. More particularly, this patent discloses a process which comprises allowing a liquid to contact the inside of a microporous hollow fiber and a fluid to contact the outside, thereby allowing the gaseous components contained in both fluids to transfer between them.
- In order to maximize the benefits of dissolving oxygen into water used for plant irrigation, it is desired to maximize the amount of dissolved oxygen as well as the time that the oxygen remains dissolved in the water. It is also desired to produce water having increased levels of dissolved oxygen in a manner that is both time-effective and cost-effective. Therefore, what is needed are improved devices and methods for infusing gas into a liquid and, more particularly, for infusing oxygen into water.
- The present invention provides modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid is provided. The modular device comprises plurality of microporous hollow fibers, and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is further configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture.
- In accordance with a further embodiment, a modular system for infusing gas into a liquid is provided. The system includes a fixture comprising a hollow cavity, a first opening configured to receive a liquid, and a second opening configured to discharge the liquid infused with a gas. The system further comprises one or more modular gas infusion devices configured to be removably mounted to the fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are within the hollow cavity.
- These and other embodiments are described herein.
- The present invention is described with respect to particular exemplary embodiments thereof and reference is accordingly made to the drawings in which:
-
FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 3A-E illustrate a process of manufacturing a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a cap component of a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention is directed toward modular devices and systems for infusing gases into liquids and methods of manufacture and use thereof. A modular device (also referred herein as a “module”) for infusing gas into liquid may include a plurality of microporous hollow fibers and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers.
- The microporous hollow fibers may be bundled together and surrounded by a mesh sleeve. In an embodiment, the microporous hollow fibers are water-repellant. The microporous hollow fibers may be folded or looped such that both ends of the fibers are open and covered by the cap. Alternatively, ends of the microporous hollow fibers that are opposite to those covered by the cap may be sealed or otherwise closed.
- The cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is preferably configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture. For example, the cap may be fitted with tapered threads or a quick connect fitting.
- A system for infusing gas into a liquid may include one or more of the modular devices and a fixture into which the modular devices can be mounted. In an embodiment, the modular devices can be removed from the fixture and replaced. This facilitates maintenance of the system, for example, to replace one or more of the modular devices that has failed or is otherwise no longer performing as desired.
- An exemplary fixture is comprised of a hollow cavity, a first opening configured to receive a liquid, and a second opening configured to discharge liquid infused with gas. In such a configuration, the one or more modular gas infusion devices are mounted to the fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are at least partially within the hollow cavity. The openings configured to receive gas are preferably accessible from outside the hollow cavity in order to facilitate delivery of gas to the modular devices. The fixture is preferably equipped with fittings to accommodate the modular devices; these fittings can be, for example, threaded or quick connect fittings.
- In use, gas may be introduced into the opening of each of the modular devices. The gas may be delivered via a manifold, hoses or other gas delivery system. Liquid may also be introduced into the first opening of the fixture. The liquid can then make contact with the fibers. The gas can then cross the microporous membrane of the fibers and enter the liquid so that the gas becomes dissolved in the liquid. The gas can be, for example, primarily oxygen. Alternatively, other gasses may be used. Also, different gasses can be introduced via different ones of the modular devices so that multiple different gasses can be dissolved into the same liquid. The liquid can be, for example, primarily water. Alternatively, other liquids, including liquid mixtures and liquids with dissolved solids (e.g., plant fertilizers) may be used. The gas and/or the liquid can be pressure regulated. For example, the system can be controlled such that the gas has a greater pressure than that of the liquid. In an embodiment, the system can be used to increase the dissolved oxygen content of water.
- Various different sizes, capacities and configurations of fixtures can be provided. This facilitates configuring and scaling of the system for different applications. The modular devices can be identical to each other, or similar to each other, regardless of fixture size, capacity, configuration or application. This allows a single, or limited number, of variations of modules to be used in a wide variety of applications, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes as well as maintenance and inventory requirements.
-
FIGS. 1A-B illustrates a system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1A shows a side elevation view of the system whileFIG. 1B shows a side sectional view of the system. As shown inFIGS. 1A-B , the system includes afixture 100. Thefixture 100 includes ahousing 102 having afirst end cap 104 and asecond end cap 106. Within thehousing 102 is ahollow cavity 108. In this example, thehousing 102 is tubular and can be constructed of a hollow plastic or metal tube, though it will be apparent that other materials, or a combination of materials, can be used. In the case of a plastic tube, the end caps 104, 106 can be, for example, permanently bonded to the tube. In the case of a metal tube, the end caps 104, 106 can be, for example, welded to the tube or attached with clamps. - An
opening 110 in thefirst end cap 104 is provided for introducing liquid (or fluid) into thefixture 100. Anopening 112 in thesecond end cap 106 is provided for discharging the liquid (or fluid) from the fixture. Arrows inFIG. 1B show generally the direction of liquid flow within the fixture. - Also shown in
FIGS. 1A-B are a number of modular devices 200 (also shown in more detail inFIGS. 2A-B and 3A-E). While foursuch devices 200 are shown inFIGS. 1A-B , thefixture 100 may be equipped with as few as onesuch device 200 or any suitable number ofdevices 200 so as to achieve a desired level of gas dissolution in the liquid. Thedevices 200 are preferably removably mounted to thefixture 100. - Also shown in
FIGS. 1A-B is a means for delivering gas into themodular devices 200. In this example, agas manifold 114 is provided to deliver gas to thedevices 200. The manifold 114 is equipped with agas inlet 116 and a number ofgas outlets 118. A gas outlet is connected to eachdevice 200. Rather than a manifold, a plurality of gas hoses can be used to deliver the gas to thedevices 200. -
FIGS. 2A-B illustrates amodular device 200 for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2A shows a side elevation view of thedevice 200 whileFIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view. Referring toFIG. 2A , thedevice 200 is composed of a plurality of microporoushollow fibers 202 and acap 204. Thecap 204 covers open ends of the microporoushollow fibers 202. Thecap 204 is equipped with anopening 206 and is configured to receive a gas into theopening 206 and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporoushollow fibers 202. More particularly, thecap 204 may be composed of anouter cap 208 and an innercylindrical sleeve 210 that encircles the microporoushollow fibers 202.FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of thedevice 200, including theinner sleeve 210, however, theouter cap 208 is not shown inFIG. 2B . Referring toFIG. 2B , apotting compound 212, such as epoxy, can be used to hold the microporoushollow fibers 202 in place within thesleeve 210. - The microporous
hollow fibers 202 may be folded or looped such that both ends of the fibers are open and covered by thecap 204. Alternatively, ends 214 of the microporous hollow fibers that are opposite to those covered by the cap may be sealed or otherwise closed. In either case, all of the open ends are preferably covered by thecap 204. The microporoushollow fibers 202 may be bundled together within amesh sleeve 216. Thesleeve 216 may help to prevent damage to the microporoushollow fibers 202 during use and when thedevice 200 is inserted and removed from the fixture 100 (FIGS. 1A-B ). - The
opening 206 in thecap 204 may be equipped with internal threads (which may be tapered), a quick connect fitting or some other type of fitting that allows a gas hose, pipe, conduit or manifold to be connected to thedevice 200 for delivering gas into the microporoushollow fibers 202. Such a fitting should provide a gas seal to prevent escape of gas from the system. Thecap 204 may also be equipped withexternal threads 218 so as to allow thedevice 200 to be removably mounted to the fixture 100 (FIGS. 1A-B ). Alternatively, thedevice 200 can be equipped with a quick connect fitting or some other type of fitting that allows thedevice 200 to be removably mounted to thefixture 100. Such a fitting should provide a liquid seal to prevent escape of liquid from the system. Thefixture 100 is preferably equipped with corresponding fittings to those of thedevice 200, (e.g., threaded or quick connect) so that thedevice 200 can be easily removed and replaced in thefixture 100. -
FIGS. 3A-E illustrate a process of manufacturing a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 3A , a plurality of the microporoushollow fibers 202 are obtained. The microporoushollow fibers 202 are preferably arranged in a bundle and surrounded by themesh 216. Additionally, an inner cap 302 (also referred to herein as a potting cup) is obtained. - As shown in
FIGS. 3B-C , ends of the microporoushollow fibers 202 are inserted into thepotting cup 302. InFIG. 3B , thepotting cup 302 is shown cut away (in sectional view) for illustrative purposes such that the ends of the microporoushollow fibers 202 can be seen within thepotting cup 302. The microporoushollow fibers 202 may be folded or looped such that both ends of the fibers are inserted into thepotting cup 302. Alternatively, ends 214 of the microporous hollow fibers that are opposite to those inserted into thepotting cup 302 may be sealed or otherwise closed. In either case, all of the open ends are preferably inserted intopotting cup 302. InFIG. 3C , thepotting cup 302 is shown not cut away such that the ends of the microporoushollow fibers 202 are obscured by thepotting cup 302. - Potting compound can then be added into the
potting cup 302. This is preferably performed such that the potting compound fills any voids between thefibers 202, secures themesh sleeve 216 and thefibers 202 to each other and to thepotting cup 302. The potting compound can be for example, epoxy or other suitable material. The potting compound is preferably added after thefibers 202 and mesh 216 are inserted into thepotting cup 302 though the potting compound can alternatively be added to thepotting cup 302 before thefibers 202 and mesh 216 are inserted. - A portion of the
potting cup 302 and ends of thefibers 202 are then removed to exposeopen ends 304 of the microporoushollow fibers 202. This can be accomplished by cutting through thepotting cup 302 andfibers 202. The result after the removal is shown inFIG. 3D . Referring toFIG. 3D , a remaining portion of the potting cup 302 (also referred to herein as the inner sleeve 210) surrounds the microporoushollow fibers 202. This step ensures that the ends of thefibers 202 are open for receiving gas and are not clogged with potting compound or some other substance. - The remaining portion of the
potting cup 302 is then attached to a means for removably mounting the modular device to a fixture. This can be accomplished by insertingsleeve 210 into an outer cap 208 (also shown inFIGS. 1A-B ). Theouter cap 208 can be, for example, press-fit or glued to thesleeve 210 so that they are permanently mated together.FIG. 3E shows thesleeve 210 after having been inserted into theouter cap 208. Also shown inFIG. 3E is theopening 206 in thecap 208 for receiving gas into thedevice 200. In an embodiment, acavity 306 is present between theouter cap 208 and the cut ends of thefibers 202. Thiscavity 306 provides a pathway for gas received into theopening 206 to enter the open ends of thefibers 202. -
FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a cap component of a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly,FIG. 4A shows a top view of theouter cap 208, whileFIG. 4B shows a side view of thecap 208.FIG. 4C shows a side sectional view through asection 4C-4C shown inFIG. 4A .FIGS. 4A and 4C show theopening 206.FIG. 4B shows thethreads 218. As is also shown inFIGS. 4A-B , thecap 208 may have a hexagonal shape so that thecap 208 can be tightened and loosened with a wrench for mounting in thefixture 100.FIG. 4C illustrates thecavity 306 which is connected to theopening 206 for allowing gas to enter thecap 208 and to enter the microporoushollow fibers 202 via thecavity 306. As is also shown inFIG. 4C , thecap 208 may be equipped with ashoulder 308. Theshoulder 308 may engage with thesleeve 210 when thesleeve 210 is inserted into thecap 208 so as to provide a positive stop for thesleeve 210 and to aid with sealing thecap 208 andsleeve 210 together. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system ofFIG. 5 is similar to that ofFIGS. 1A-B except that thehousing 402 ofFIG. 5 is configured to accept twelve of themodular devices 200. Additionally,FIG. 5 shows that themodules 200 are mounted such that a longitudinal axis of themodules 200 is at an angle of less than 90 degrees with outer walls of the housing (unlike the system ofFIGS. 1A-B in which a longitudinal axis of thedevices 200 are mounted at 90 degrees with respect to walls of the housing). Thehousing 402 may be equipped with end caps as inFIGS. 1A-B though they are not shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6 , amodular device 200 is removably mounted to asubmersible fixture 502. Thedevice 200 andsubmersible fixture 502 can be submerged in a liquid 504 within acontainer 506. In this example, thesubmersible fixture 502 is tubular or cylindrical and is configured to accommodate mounting of asingle device 200 at one end of the tube or cylinder. Thesubmersible fixture 502 is preferably gas and liquid permeable. For example, the fixture can be comprised of mesh or perforated material. Additionally, an end opposite to the one in which thedevice 200 is mounted can be open or covered with mesh or perforated material. An assembly of thesubmersible fixture 502 and thedevice 200 mounted thereto is preferably heavier than the liquid displaced so that the assembly sinks rather than floats in the liquid. Weights can be added to achieve this. Atether 508 can be used to suspend the assembly within thecontainer 506. Also shown inFIG. 6 , ahose 510 can be connected to thedevice 200 for providing gas to thedevice 200. - In operation, liquid 504 in the
container 506 comes in contact with the microporous hollow fibers of thedevice 200 and becomes infused with gas received via thehose 510. The liquid will tend to circulate through the permeable walls of the fixture and within thecontainer 506 due to the gas infusion action, as well as due to other influences, such as filling and emptying of thecontainer 506. - It will be apparent that other shapes of submersible fixtures can be utilized and that the
submersible fixture 502 can be configured to accommodate a plurality ofmodules 200. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative submersible system for infusing gas into a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 7 , amodular device 200 is removably mounted to asubmersible fixture 602. Thesubmersible fixture 602 is mounted to the outlet of asubmersible agitation pump 604. An assembly which includes thedevice 200, thesubmersible fixture 602 and thepump 604 can be submerged in a liquid 606 within acontainer 608. In this example, thesubmersible fixture 602 is tubular and is configured to accommodate mounting of asingle device 200 at one end of the tube. The outlet of thepump 604 is mounted to the other end of the tubular structure of thefixture 602. Thesubmersible fixture 502 is preferably gas and liquid permeable. For example, the fixture can be comprised of mesh or perforated material. Also shown inFIG. 6 , ahose 610 can be connected to thedevice 200 for providing gas to thedevice 200. In operation, thepump 604 draws liquid from thecontainer 608 and directs the liquid into the end of thefixture 602 where it encounters thedevice 200 and becomes infused with gas received via thehose 610. The infused gas can then exit thefixture 602 though the mesh or perforated walls of thefixture 602 and mix with liquid in thecontainer 608. Arrows inFIG. 7 show generally the direction of liquid flow within thefixture 602. It will be apparent that other shapes of submersible fixtures can be utilized and that thesubmersible fixture 602 can be configured to accommodate a plurality ofmodules 200. Additionally, it will be apparent that thepump 604 or a portion of thepump 604, such as its motor, can be mounted outside of thecontainer 608. - The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for the purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
Claims (31)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/352,773 US20190282971A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2019-03-13 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
US18/369,158 US20240001311A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2023-09-16 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
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US201862643321P | 2018-03-15 | 2018-03-15 | |
US16/352,773 US20190282971A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2019-03-13 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
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US18/369,158 Division US20240001311A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2023-09-16 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
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US20190282971A1 true US20190282971A1 (en) | 2019-09-19 |
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US16/352,773 Abandoned US20190282971A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2019-03-13 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
US18/369,158 Pending US20240001311A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2023-09-16 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
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US18/369,158 Pending US20240001311A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 | 2023-09-16 | Modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof |
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US (2) | US20190282971A1 (en) |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11084003B2 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2021-08-10 | Satoshi ANZAI | Ultrafine bubble generation device for aquaculture or wastewater treatment |
US20220355256A1 (en) * | 2021-05-06 | 2022-11-10 | Prosper Technologies, Llc | Oxygen infusion module for wastewater treatment |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4389363A (en) * | 1980-11-03 | 1983-06-21 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Method of potting microporous hollow fiber bundles |
ZA8680B (en) * | 1985-01-08 | 1987-08-26 | Mcneilab Inc | Mass transfer device having a microporous,spirally wound hollow fiber membrane |
ATE81796T1 (en) * | 1985-03-05 | 1992-11-15 | Memtec Ltd | CONCENTRATION OF SOLIDS IN A SUSPENSION. |
US8852438B2 (en) * | 1995-08-11 | 2014-10-07 | Zenon Technology Partnership | Membrane filtration module with adjustable header spacing |
DE69823389T2 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2005-05-04 | Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WATER TREATMENT |
US6550747B2 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2003-04-22 | Zenon Environmental Inc. | Cyclic aeration system for submerged membrane modules |
US6149817A (en) * | 1999-03-08 | 2000-11-21 | Celgard Inc. | Shell-less hollow fiber membrane fluid contactor |
DE602004013731D1 (en) * | 2003-03-05 | 2008-06-26 | Hydranautics | DIPLOCKABLE MEMBRANE MODULE WITH REPLACEABLE MEMBRANE ELEMENTS |
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2019
- 2019-03-13 CA CA3093554A patent/CA3093554A1/en active Pending
- 2019-03-13 WO PCT/US2019/022127 patent/WO2019178281A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-03-13 US US16/352,773 patent/US20190282971A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11084003B2 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2021-08-10 | Satoshi ANZAI | Ultrafine bubble generation device for aquaculture or wastewater treatment |
US20220355256A1 (en) * | 2021-05-06 | 2022-11-10 | Prosper Technologies, Llc | Oxygen infusion module for wastewater treatment |
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WO2019178281A1 (en) | 2019-09-19 |
US20240001311A1 (en) | 2024-01-04 |
CA3093554A1 (en) | 2019-09-19 |
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