Improved rotating packed bed column

Abstract

A rotating packed bed column is disclosed. The rotating packed bed column includes a plurality of packed bed modules configured to separate a fluid. The packed bed modules are arranged to form a column, and each packed bed module is functionally coupled to a rotating shaft that provides the torque required to operate the rotating packed bed column.

Description

[0001] manual Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an improved spinning packed bed column that can be modular and easily assembled and has a compact design without sacrificing performance. Background Art

[0003] The present invention particularly relates to a rotating packed bed column for separating gases from liquids. Packed beds are known in the art for use specifically in gas-liquid contact applications (e.g., contacting air or flue gas with water), as well as in absorption / desorption processes (e.g., absorbing specific gases from exhaust gases). The performance of a packed bed column is proportional to the porosity of the material used for packing. Generally speaking, the most important factors in design and performance are the total surface area of ​​the packed bed and the column height.

[0004] Generally speaking, the operation of packed bed columns is based on the fact that the gas and liquid are directed through the fixed packed bed in countercurrent flow directions to each other. Compared to cocurrent flow processes, countercurrent flow processes can achieve higher separation efficiencies.

[0005] A rotating packed bed typically consists of a packing material and a shaft to which the packing material is attached, through which the gas and liquid are passed. Some designs feature countercurrent flow of the gas and liquid in radial directions. A preferred embodiment of the subject invention is one in which the liquid flows radially from the shaft to the column wall, while the gaseous fluid flows axially (e.g., from the bottom of the packing material upward) through the packing material. The result is a so-called "cross-flow" heat and mass transfer regime.

[0006] The rotation of the packed bed on the axis allows to increase the rate of liquid passing through the packing and, due to the turbulence generated, to increase the heat and mass transfer of the process, so that for a given performance the total volume of the packed bed can be smaller than that of a fixed packed column.

[0007] Currently, the design of rotating packed beds does not allow for different process sections in one column without the risk of liquid carryover from one section to another.

[0008] In addition, the motor driving the rotating shaft is mounted at the bottom, thereby increasing the height of the entire column. In addition, placing the motor and / or gear below can bring difficulties to the accessibility of maintenance and increase the mechanical requirements of the column storage tank.

[0009] Additionally, current rotating packed bed columns are designed to process gases with only one type of liquid. However, it would be advantageous to allow different gas processing services to be performed in a single column, thereby minimizing the number of columns and improving the overall cost and space requirements of the entire system.

[0010] Therefore, an improved rotating packed bed column capable of treating gases with a wider variety of liquids would be welcome. Also welcome would be a system that could reliably align the drive shaft. Finally, it would be desirable to have a system that could conserve floor space, thereby allowing the rotating packed bed column to be installed without taking up too much space. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a rotating packed bed column comprising a plurality of packed bed modules arranged to form a column. Each packed bed module comprises a rotating wheel and a first inlet and a second inlet connected to respective first and second conduits for conveying one or more liquids, thereby allowing liquids to be injected into the rotating wheel for heat or mass transfer between a liquid phase and a vapor phase. The rotating packed bed column further comprises: a drive arrangement having a drive motor; and a shaft arrangement comprising a rotating shaft mechanically connected to the drive motor. The rotating shaft comprises a module shaft element connected by a coupling and adapted to transmit torque to the packed bed module for operating the rotating wheel.

[0012] Each packed bed module is adapted to be connected to the rotating shaft independently of the other packed bed modules.

[0013] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a fan module for conveying gas, the fan module being disposed on top of the packed bed module. The fan module may include an induced draft fan capable of collecting and exhausting gaseous byproducts generated by reactions occurring in the packed bed module.

[0014] Another aspect disclosed herein is a chimney tray module for gas and liquid separation, the chimney tray module being configured to collect and contain water accumulated during the process to prevent any downward percolation of liquid. The chimney tray module may include a plurality of chimneys, and each chimney may have a cover plate configured to prevent liquid droplets from the rotating wheel disposed above from falling through the chimney below.

[0015] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to each packed bed module being defined by a double wall. The double wall comprises an inner wall that houses the rotating wheel, an outer wall, and a recirculation outlet from the outer wall. Flushing water from the upper packed bed module flows within the double wall between the inner and outer walls and exits from the recirculation outlet.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the fact that the drive motor is arranged at the top of the rotating packed bed column. The drive device may include a planetary gear that mechanically connects the drive motor, the rotating shaft, and the induced draft fan to transmit the rotational torque from the drive motor to the rotating shaft and the induced draft fan at a desired speed.

[0017] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a fan module disposed at the top of the rotating packed bed column and including an integrated induced draft fan. Additionally, the fan module may include guide vanes disposed below the integrated induced draft fan and configured to direct the flow of the gaseous byproducts generated by the reaction occurring in the packed bed module. The fan module may also include a demister device configured to minimize the vertical height of the rotating packed bed column and the length of the rotating shaft.

[0018] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to the first and second inlets and corresponding first and second conduits being arranged to allow liquid injection from both the top and bottom relative to the rotating wheel.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the fact that each of the packed bed modules may include a liquid distributor to minimize wear / scour from liquid droplets. Additionally, the shaft arrangement may include one or more bearings to support the rotation of the rotating shaft about a rotational direction for operating the packed bed modules.

[0020] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a shaft apparatus comprising: an aperture through which the rotating shaft can be lifted; a split support ring to allow (dis)assembly; and adjustment rings, each coupled to a respective fill module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A more complete appreciation thereof will be readily obtained as the disclosed embodiments of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an improved rotating packed bed column according to a first embodiment is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 1A Illustrated based on Figure 1 Details of the packed bed module of the improved rotating packed bed column.

[0024] Figure 1B Illustrated based on Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an improved rotating packed bed column.

[0025] Figure 2 A top view of a rotating packed bed column according to a first embodiment is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 3 A cross section of a chimney tray module of the improved rotating packed-bed column according to the first embodiment is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 4 Illustrated Figure 3 Lateral section of the chimney tray module along line AA.

[0028] Figure 5 A fan module of a rotating packed bed column according to a second embodiment is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 6 A top cross-sectional plan view of the shaft assembly of another embodiment of a third rotating packed bed column is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 7 Illustrated Figure 6 The lateral cross section of the part.

[0031] Figure 8 A side cross-section of another embodiment of a third rotating packed bed column is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 9 Illustrated Figure 8 Top view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] According to one aspect, the present subject matter focuses on a rotating packed bed, which is a device for separating a fluid (such as air or flue gas) from water. The packed bed modules are arranged to form a column. A motor for operating the system is mounted on top of the rotating packed bed apparatus and is connected to a planetary gear. Otherwise, the motor can drive the shaft directly to simplify the mechanical connection. Liquid separation occurs by installing chimney tray modules with shafts that are protected from the influence of the liquid. The chimney tray modules are able to collect liquid that percolates from above. The shaft alignment of the module wheels is achieved using an outer center disk to allow in situ adjustment. Gears are also provided for driving the outer center disk. Sliding or rolling supports are also provided at the periphery of the wheel to unload the shaft for large wheel diameters. These sliding or rolling supports are configured so that the wheel diameter is larger than the shaft diameter. This configuration allows for the reduction of vibrations that would otherwise cause system instability.

[0034] Hereinafter, similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0035] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 、 Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2Shown are a cross-sectional side view and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a rotating packed bed column 1. In particular, the rotating packed bed column 1 includes a plurality of packed bed modules 2 that are stacked such that one or more of the packed bed modules 2 are on top of another packed bed module 2, and one or more of the packed bed modules 2 are below another packed bed module 2, to form a tower.

[0036] An optional fan unit 3 is arranged on top of the stacked modules 2. The rotating packed bed column 1 also includes an optional chimney tray module 4, a drive motor 5, and a shaft arrangement 6. The shaft arrangement 6 has: a rotating shaft 61; a support thrust bearing 62 that allows a self-supporting design of each packed bed module 2; and a radial bearing 63. The rotating shaft 6 is assembled from shaft elements 61 for each module, with couplings 610 between these shaft elements to allow transmission of rotational force.

[0037] Each packed bed module 2 comprises a packed bed containment housing 21 and a rotating drum or wheel 22 that contains a packed bed 27. In addition, each packed bed module 2 has a first inlet 23 and a second inlet 24 that are connected to a first conduit 25 and a second conduit 26, respectively. The first conduit 23 and the second conduit 24 are arranged to allow liquid injection from the top and bottom of the wheel 22 to allow for a balanced wheel design, which is achieved by the vertically centered mounting point of the wheel and axle to minimize reinforcement requirements. Furthermore, in terms of design, such an arrangement allows for a wheel 22 with a greater height.

[0038] Through such first and second conduits 25, 26, the same fluid is typically injected. Advantageously, however, this arrangement also allows two different fluids to be injected into the packed bed 27, thereby allowing two processing steps to be performed in a single wheel. In any case, the gaseous fluid entering the entire column system at the bottom passes through the wheel packing 22 in an axial direction, thereby causing a cross-flow heat and mass transfer arrangement of the liquid and gaseous fluids.

[0039] The gaseous fluid may consist of any gas, for example produced from combustion products such as power plant or gas turbine exhaust gases and industrial process combustion products, and may also be low pressure process gases such as natural gas subjected to desulfurization.

[0040] In the embodiment discussed, the packed bed column 1 further comprises three packed bed modules 2 and one chimney tray module 4. The two packed bed modules 2 are interposed between the fan unit 3 arranged above and the chimney tray module 4 arranged below. The third packed bed module 2 is arranged below the chimney tray module 4. In other embodiments, the number and arrangement of the packed bed modules 2 may vary, thereby allowing for high design flexibility and allowing gases to be treated with different types of fluids within the same column 1.

[0041] Special reference Figure 1A Each packed bed module 2 includes a wheel liquid distributor 28 that features a small travel distance for liquid droplets from the distributor outlet to the wheel inlet to minimize droplet abrasion / scour. Because the liquid distributor 28 is not an integral part of the shaft, sealing requirements are avoided, and furthermore, inserting the liquid distributor deep into the wheel improves control over liquid distribution within the packing.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 B. Each packed bed module 2 is an autonomous element which is capable of operation when operated by the shaft arrangement 6. The packed bed wheel module 2 consists of a containing frame which at the same time forms the housing of the module, as better defined below. In addition, the frame is a support for the rotating packed bed wheel 22. The wheel position is fixed within the frame via bearings. The ends of the rotating shaft 61 can be connected to the adjacent modules 2 by suitable couplings. The frame also has components for collecting fluids which leave the packed bed module 2 from above by means of a double wall or shell 29 which forms a "bag" to collect liquids flushing down the wall. The double wall 29 is formed by an inner wall 291 and an outer wall 292. The inner wall 291 simultaneously serves as an impact wear surface for the droplets leaving the rotating wheel 22.

[0043] Finally, the rotating packed bed module 2 comprises a liquid distributor and associated first and second conduits 25 and 26. Such a rotating wheel 22 is mainly composed of a rotating shaft 61, a rotating cage ( Figure 8 , a top view of eight cage segments, indicated by reference numeral 8, is assembled to house the rotating packed bed column 1 itself. When the wheel design requires, practical connections will be implemented to allow lubrication of the bearings.

[0044] Still refer to Figure 1B , shows a portion of a rotating packed bed column 1 made of two packed bed modules 2. As mentioned, each packed bed module 2 has a lateral double wall structure 29 through which the flushing water flows before reaching the outlet to be recirculated through a suitable loop connected to a recirculation outlet 293 from an outer wall 292. As mentioned, the water coming out of the recirculation outlet 293 of one rotating packed bed module 2 comes from the rotating packed bed module 2 arranged above and is then recirculated.

[0045] In this embodiment, the fan unit 3, which is arranged at the top of the packed bed column 1, comprises a housing 31 and three or more lateral support beams 32. In this embodiment, these lateral support beams are arranged at 120 degrees relative to each other to support the fan unit 3 and absorb any vibrations that may arise. The support beams 32 also allow the weight of the fan unit 3 to be supported. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the number of beams and their size also depend on the column size and the associated dynamic loads from wheel operation.

[0046] The fan unit 3 further comprises an integrated induced draft fan 33, which is arranged in the containment housing 31. The induced draft fan 33 has the function of transporting the gaseous fluid through the filler by generating an "induced" draft as a driving force, as better explained below.

[0047] Also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As mentioned above, the chimney tray module 4 is interposed between the two packed bed modules 2. In some embodiments, more than one chimney tray module may be installed per column depending on the liquid separation requirements.

[0048] The chimney tray module 4 comprises a containment shell 41 which, together with the packed bed containment shell 21, forms the outer protection for the rotating packed bed column 1, and a plurality of pipes or chimneys 42 which allow the passage of gaseous fluid from the space below the tray. In order to collect and contain the water accumulated during the process, the containment shell 41, the pipes 42 and the tray plate 421 form a basin to prevent the liquid falling from above due to gravity from being entrained into the liquid of the wheel below. The size of the chimney 42 depends on the specific operating conditions and also on the required liquid residence time. Generally speaking, standard design guidelines are available and are usually applied to its design.

[0049] The chimney tray module 4 has no rotating parts and is actually separate from the rotating shaft 61. The chimney tray module allows a shaft to pass through the tray, which shaft features a shaft sleeve 422 connected to the tray bottom 421. The tray bottom 421 is a plate and is part of the support structure of the chimney tray module 4. As can be seen, none of the parts of the chimney tray module 4 are connected to the rotating shaft 61. In some embodiments, bearings (not shown) are included to prevent possible mechanical vibrations from being transmitted through the rotating packed bed column 1 and to facilitate the rotation of the rotating shaft 61.

[0050] The chimney tray module 4 also comprises a deflector plate 423 forming a kind of sleeve around the shaft, which is arranged at the bottom, below the support 64 and also covers the connection to the support 65 of the adjacent module, in order to prevent any liquid from washing down the shaft channel and to protect the connection from direct liquid impact.

[0051] Still refer to Figure 4 The shaft assembly 6 includes a lower shaft support 64 and an upper shaft support 65, both of which are fixed to the container shell 41 and the shaft sleeve 422. The rotating shaft 61 is arranged to pass through the lower and upper shaft supports, and the lower and upper shaft supports may optionally feature shaft bearings to allow for more stable rotation. Without bearings, the chimney tray module 4 is not affected by the rotation of the rotating shaft 61.

[0052] Each chimney 42 has a cover plate 43 that prevents liquid droplets falling from the wheel 22 above the chimney tray module 4 from falling into the space below through the chimney 42. The chimney tray module 4 allows liquid to accumulate and improves liquid separation.

[0053] The drive device 5 includes a drive motor 51. The drive motor 51 is arranged at the top of the rotating packed bed column 1, and in particular, above the fan module 3. In addition, the drive device includes a planetary gear 52, which mechanically connects the drive motor 51 to the rotating shaft 61 and the integrated induced draft fan 33, so as to transmit the rotational torque generated by the drive motor 51 to the rotating shaft 61 and the integrated induced draft fan 33, causing them to rotate at a desired speed. Alternatively, two different speeds can also be achieved by a gear type different from the preferred planetary gear type solution shown.

[0054] Other embodiments may operate without the planetary gears 52. In such cases, the speed is regulated by the drive motor 51.

[0055] The operation of the rotating packed bed column 1 is as follows.

[0056] When the liquid fluid enters one of the packed bed modules 2, the liquid fluid reaches the packed bed 27, which includes the packing material. The packed bed 27 rotates, causing the liquid to move horizontally at a high speed due to centrifugal force (refer to FIG. Figure 1 , arrow B). The gaseous stream flowing vertically upward through column 1 follows the path indicated by arrows C and F (see Figure 1 ) is collected and discharged by the fan module 3, thus passing through the packed bed module 2 and the chimney 42, and passing through the chimney opening between the chimney and the cover plate 43. When the basin of the chimney tray module 4 is located below one or more packed bed modules 2 (see Figure 1 The liquid (typically, but not necessarily, water or a solvent used to remove trace components from the gaseous fluid) is collected in the basin of the chimney tray module (see arrow D). Otherwise, the liquid would be flushed downward to the bottom (see arrow E), where the gaseous fluid inlet is also located. In some embodiments, the liquid piping system through which the liquid flows is part of the shaft bearing support structure of the rotating packed bed module 2.

[0057] The drive motor 51 drives the rotating shaft 61 which is supported by the thrust support bearing 62 and driven by the radial bearing 63 in the rotation direction of arrow R, for example, to operate all the packed bed modules 2. The speed of the rotating shaft 61 is determined by the planetary gear 52.

[0058] At the same time, the drive motor 51 operates the fan module 3 by rotating the induced draft fan 33, which allows the gaseous by-products of the reactions taking place to be extracted from the rotating packed bed column 1 into the packed bed module 2 (see Figure 1 , arrow C).

[0059] The planetary gears 52 also enable the induced draft fan 33 to have an operating parameter of 700 RPM to 2000 RPM.

[0060] refer to Figure 5 , shows details of a second embodiment of a rotating packed bed column 1. In particular, the fan module 3 includes guide vanes 34, which are arranged below the integrated induced draft fan 33. The guide vanes 34 have the function of guiding the flow of gaseous byproducts (e.g., air) generated by the reaction. The guide vanes 34 are fixed to the structure of the fan module 3, and generally speaking, to the structure of the rotating packed bed column 1.

[0061] Furthermore, the fan module 3 includes a demister device 35 placed between the lower shaft support 64 and the container housing 41 to minimize the standing height and the length of the rotating shaft 61 .

[0062] Now refer to Figures 6 to 9 , illustrates another embodiment of a shaft arrangement 6 adapted to adjust the alignment of the packed bed modules 2, a rotating shaft 61 providing distribution of the rotational torque for the operation of each module to the packed bed modules.

[0063] In particular, the shaft arrangement 6 also comprises apertures 611 for enabling mounting of lifting lugs by means of which a crane or the like can be connected and the rotating shaft 61 can be lifted if necessary, or the entire module can be lifted if the rotating packed bed column 1 has to be disassembled.

[0064] The shaft assembly 6 also includes a split support ring 612 to allow for in-situ removal and replacement of the upper support thrust bearings (axial and radial). The support thrust bearings 62 are adapted to allow the shaft assembly 6 to be self-supporting. The shaft assembly 6 includes a frame structure 66 to house the shaft bearings.

[0065] Optionally, the frame structure 66 can be designed with adjustable beams. One beam is then constructed from two steel profiles connected with bolts / nuts, and one profile features a slotted hole to allow alignment of the rotation axis 6. The preferred solution is not to have adjustable beams for the support structure, but to have an adjustable axis support in the center.

[0066] The shaft supports 64, 65 of the shaft device 6 each include two adjustment rings 67, 68. Each adjustment ring 67, 68 is a disc with an eccentric aperture, respectively indicated by reference numerals 671 and 681. In particular, the disc 68 fits into the aperture 671 of the disc 67, which in turn fits into the shaft support ring housing 661, which is part of the frame 66.

[0067] Each orifice 671 and 681 of the two adjustment rings 67, 68 is simultaneously designed as a seat that can bear the weight of the wheels of the associated packed bed module 2. The orifice 681 of the adjustment ring 68 also provides a support / seat for the bearing 63. Each of the adjustment rings 67, 68 can be freely rotated to align the shaft in the axial direction. By deformation or relative rotation of the adjustment rings 67, 68 relative to each other and the orientation of the frame 66, the adjustment ring orifice 681 can be shifted in the lateral direction. The eccentricity of the adjustment ring orifices 671 and 681 selected during the support design defines the maximum displacement from the center line that can be achieved to perform the adjustment. After the two adjacent shaft elements are aligned, the movement can be stopped by tightening the bolted clamping ring 76, resulting in the rings being compressed into their seats (the adjustment ring 68 is tightened against the ring orifice 671 and the adjustment ring 67 is tightened against the shaft support ring housing 661). At the upper support 65 of each packed bed module 2 , the adjustment ring 68 also supports the support thrust bearing 62 .

[0068] As from Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG, the apertures of the adjustment rings 67 and 68 are not centered relative to the centerline of their outer rings. The adjustment ring 67 is arranged in the frame of the shaft supports 64,65.

[0069] Since the upper support 65 with the thrust bearing 62 bears the weight of the rotating packing wheel 22, means are foreseen for hydraulically lifting the eccentric disks 67, 68 from their support surfaces / supports. Each eccentric disk thus features a hollow portion 71 having an orifice for allowing the injection of a fluid. To prevent the injected fluid from escaping, a gasket 72 is foreseen. By injecting a fluid (e.g., hydraulic oil) into the hollow portion 71, each eccentric adjustment ring 67 can be lifted from its support. The adjustment ring 67 can thus be rotated using a gear or lever mounted in a lever orifice 73 of the eccentric adjustment ring 67.

[0070] When the column 1 is assembled, the shaft is adjusted. To facilitate the rotation of the eccentric rings 67, especially for larger wheel diameters, gears 74 can be attached to the adjustment rings 67. Each gear 74 rotates only one of the eccentric rings 67. When the correct position is reached, the position of the eccentric rings 67 is fixed using a locking screw 75 and a clamping ring 76.

[0071] The advantage of the described solution is that the modular elements can be easily disassembled if necessary by simply disconnecting the modules from each other. In particular, this comes into play when critical wear parts of the column have to be repaired (such as wheels at the column wall where liquid has left the impact area). In addition, the transportation of larger columns is simplified. Due to the modular design, the transport height can be easily reduced to a common truck transport limit of less than 4m. The presence of a plurality of independent shaft elements 61 that can be freely combined allows the packed bed column to be modular, for example when assembling a plurality of wheels. Finally, by combining different modules (packed bed wheels, chimney trays, integrated induced draft fans), the column system can easily be customized to feature different numbers and sequences of modules. Thus, the flexibility of adjusting the equipment layout for different applications is maximized.

[0072] Another advantage of this solution is that the induced draft fan has a design that allows it to be removed at the top and easily accessible for maintenance.

[0073] Another advantage of this solution is that the packed column arrangement allows the use of different liquid fluids in one column arrangement.

[0074] Although aspects of the present invention have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, variations, and omissions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present claims. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0075] Reference has been made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in some embodiments" appearing in multiple places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0076] When introducing elements of various embodiments, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Claims

1. A rotating packed bed column (1), comprising: a plurality of packed bed modules (2) arranged to form a column, wherein each packed bed module (2) comprises a rotating wheel (22) and a first inlet (23) and a second inlet (24), the first inlet and the second inlet being connected to respective first conduits (25) and second conduits (26) for conveying one or more liquids, thereby allowing the liquid to be injected into the rotating wheel (22) for heat and / or mass transfer between the liquid phase and the gas phase; a driving device (5), said driving device comprising a driving motor (51); and a shaft arrangement (6), the shaft arrangement comprising a rotating shaft (61) mechanically connected to the drive motor (51), wherein the rotating shaft (61) comprises one or more shaft elements (61) connected by a coupling (610) to transmit torque to the packed bed module (2) to operate the rotating wheel (22); Each packed bed module (2) is adapted to be connected to the rotating shaft (61) independently of the other packed bed modules (2).

2. The rotating packed bed column (1) according to claim 1 further comprises a fan unit (3) for conveying gas, wherein the fan unit is arranged on top of the packed bed module (2), and the fan unit comprises an induced draft fan (33), which is configured to collect and discharge gaseous by-products produced by the reaction occurring in the packed bed module (2).

3. The rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a chimney tray module (4) for performing gas and liquid separation, the chimney tray module being used to collect and contain water accumulated during the process to avoid any downward percolation of liquid.

4. The rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive motor (51) is arranged at the top of the rotating packed bed column (1).

5. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein the drive device (5) comprises a planetary gear (52) mechanically connecting the drive motor (51), the rotating shaft (61) and the induced draft fan (33) to transmit the rotational torque from the drive motor (51) to the rotating shaft (61) and the induced draft fan (33) at a desired speed.

6. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein the fan unit (3) is arranged at the top of the rotating packed bed column (1) and comprises an integrated induced draft fan (33).

7. The rotating packed bed column (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fan module (3) comprises guide vanes (34) arranged below the integrated induced draft fan (33), the guide vanes (34) being configured to direct the flow of the gaseous by-products produced by the reaction occurring in the packed bed module (2).

8. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims when appended to claim 2, wherein the fan unit (3) comprises a demister device (35) for minimizing the vertical height of the rotating packed bed column (1) and the length of the rotating shaft (61).

9. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first inlet (23) and the second inlet (24) and the corresponding first conduit (25) and the second conduit (26) are arranged to allow liquid injection from the top and bottom relative to the rotating wheel (22).

10. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the packed bed modules (2) comprises a liquid distributor (28) to minimize wear / scour from liquid droplets.

11. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Each packed bed module (2) is defined by a double wall (29) having an inner wall (291), said inner wall accommodating said rotating wheel (22), outer wall (292), and and a recirculation outlet (293) from said outer wall (292), In the double wall (29), between the inner wall (291) and the outer wall (292), flushing water from the packed bed module (2) arranged above flows and flows out from the recirculation outlet (293).

12. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft arrangement (6) comprises one or more bearings (62, 63) for supporting the rotation of the rotating shaft (61) around a direction of rotation (R) for operating the packed bed module (2).

13. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the chimney tray module (4) comprises a plurality of chimneys (42), and each chimney (42) has a cover plate (43) for preventing the liquid droplets from the rotating wheel (22) arranged above from falling through the chimney (42) below.

14. A rotating packed bed column (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft arrangement (6) comprises: an orifice (611) through which the rotating shaft (61) can be lifted; a split support ring (612) for allowing assembly and disassembly of the shaft assembly (6); and Adjustment rings (67, 68), each adjustment ring being coupled to a respective filling module (2).

Images