Coaxial tubular fluid handling device and system

Abstract

Various implementations include a fluid treatment device. The device includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a plurality of blades, and a medium. The outer tube includes an inner surface. The inner tube is coaxially disposed within the outer tube. The outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube define an annulus extending axially between ends of the inner tube. The plurality of blades are disposed within the annulus. The plurality of blades are configured to change a component of a flow direction of a fluid flowing across the blades in a circumferential and / or radial direction. The medium is disposed within the inner tube. The inner tube defines a plurality of perforations extending between its outer and inner surfaces. The annulus defines a general flow path of the fluid flowing between the outer and inner tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is a need in the art for devices and methods for treating fluids to reduce or eliminate contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and / or microorganisms in the fluid. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein address these and other needs.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In accordance with the objectives of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the subject matter of the present disclosure relates to coaxial tubular fluid treatment devices and systems, and methods of using the same.

[0004] Disclosed herein is a fluid treatment device, the device comprising an outer tube having an inner surface, and an inner tube coaxially disposed within the outer tube, the inner tube comprising an inner surface and an outer surface extending between opposite ends of the inner tube, the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube defining an annular portion extending axially between the ends of the inner tube, the inner tube; a plurality of blades disposed within the annular portion and configured to change a component of the flow direction of a fluid flowing across the blades in a circumferential and / or radial direction; a medium disposed within the inner tube, the inner tube defining a plurality of perforations extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, the annular portion defining an overall flow path for a fluid flowing between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0005] In some examples, each of the multiple blades is fixedly bonded to the outer surface of the inner tube. In some examples, each blade has a proximal end bonded to the outer surface of the inner tube, a distal end located opposite the proximal end along the transverse axis of the blade and spaced apart from the proximal end, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the longitudinal axis of the blade extending through the leading and trailing edges.

[0006] In some examples, the blade plane of each blade includes the transverse and longitudinal axes of each blade, the blades of a first subset are arranged in a first row circumferentially around the inner tube, the blades of a second subset are arranged in a second row circumferentially around the inner tube, the first row is spaced axially apart from the second row, and the blade planes for the first blades in the first subset and the first blades in the second subset are coplanar.

[0007] In some examples, the blade plane of each blade includes the transverse and longitudinal axes of each blade, the blades of a first subset are arranged in a first row circumferentially around the inner tube, the blades of a second subset are arranged in a second row circumferentially around the inner tube, the first row is spaced axially apart from the second row, and the blade planes for the blades in the first and second rows are spaced circumferentially apart.

[0008] In some examples, the plane containing the leading edge of the first subset of blades is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the inner tube. In some examples, the trailing edge of each blade is arc-shaped, the leading edge of each blade is planar, the length of the proximal end is less than the length of the distal end, and the cross-sectional shape of each blade taken through the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the blade is triangular. In some examples, the transverse axis of at least one of the multiple blades is radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the inner tube. In some examples, the surface of each blade extending between the leading and trailing edges is planar when viewed from the distal end of the blade.

[0009] In some examples, the medium releases gas into the fluid's flow path, and the fluid flow across the blades increases the amount of gas the medium releases.

[0010] In some examples, each of the multiple perforations is circular when viewed from the outer surface of the inner tube, the dry particles containing the precursor have a first average particle size, each of the multiple perforations has a perforation diameter, and the first average particle size is larger than the perforation diameter so that the medium does not leak out of the multiple perforations.

[0011] In some examples, the device further comprises a permeable liner, which is disposed within the inner tube adjacent to a plurality of perforations. In some examples, the medium is disposed within the liner. In some examples, the liner is substantially impermeable to liquid water. In some examples, the liner comprises a nonwoven fabric or paper. In some examples, the liner comprises polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. In some examples, the liner is a sachet comprising a three-layer membrane material that forms a two-compartment sachet to separate dry particles of proton-generating species from dry particles of precursors.

[0012] In some examples, the medium is configured to generate a gas from a precursor so that the gas is released into a fluid channel. In some examples, the medium contains dry particles containing the precursor.

[0013] In some examples, the medium further comprises proton-producing species. In some examples, the medium further comprises dry particles containing proton-producing species.

[0014] In some examples, the medium disposed within the inner tube comprises a mixture of dry particles containing a precursor and dry particles containing a proton-generating species.

[0015] In some examples, the medium disposed within the inner tube includes a layered bed comprising alternating layers of dry particles containing precursors and layers of dry particles containing proton-generating species. In some examples, the total number of layers in the layered bed is three or more.

[0016] In some examples, the precursor contains a chlorine dioxide precursor and the gas contains chlorine dioxide (ClO2), or the precursor contains a carbon dioxide precursor and the gas contains carbon dioxide (CO2), or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some examples, the dry particles containing the precursor further comprise a porous carrier selected from the group consisting of zeolite crystals, silica, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, and clay, and the precursor is impregnated into the porous carrier.

[0018] In some examples, the dry particles containing the precursor contain 1% to 100% by weight, 1% to 90% by weight, or 1% to 50% by weight of the precursor.

[0019] In some examples, the precursor includes a carbon dioxide precursor, which includes a carbon-containing compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the carbon-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In some examples, the precursor includes a chlorine dioxide precursor, which includes a chlorine dioxide generating compound selected from the group consisting of metal chlorites, metal chlorates, chloric acid, hypochlorous acid, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the metal chlorite includes sodium chlorite, barium chlorite, calcium chlorite, lithium chlorite, potassium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, or combinations thereof, or the metal chlorite includes sodium chlorate, lithium chlorate, potassium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, barium chlorate, or combinations thereof.

[0021] In some examples, the dry particles containing proton-generating species further comprise a porous carrier selected from the group consisting of zeolite crystals, silica, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, and clay, and the proton-generating species are impregnated into the porous carrier.

[0022] In some examples, the dry particles containing proton-producing species contain 1% to 100% by weight, 1% to 90% by weight, or 1% to 50% by weight of dry particles containing proton-producing species.

[0023] In some examples, the proton generating species include organic acids, inorganic acids, metal salts, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the proton generating species include organic acids and / or inorganic acids selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, propionic acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the proton generating species include metal salts selected from the group consisting of ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, CaCl2, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, MgSO4, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, hydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and combinations thereof.

[0024] In some examples, the medium is configured to release a gas, and the fluid flow created by the plurality of blades increases the gas reactivity with VOCs and / or microorganisms in the fluid.

[0025] In some examples, the plurality of blades are configured to cause turbulence in the fluid flowing across the blades.

[0026] In some examples, the plurality of blades are configured to create vortices within the fluid flowing across the blades.

[0027] In some examples, the fluid includes air. In some examples, the air has a humidity of 20% - 90% or 50% - 80%.

[0028] Also disclosed herein is a system that includes any of the devices disclosed herein. For example, also disclosed herein is a system for processing a fluid, comprising a plurality of fluid processing devices, each device including an outer tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner surface extending from the first end to the second end, and an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube and extending from the first end to the second end, the inner tube having an inner surface and an outer surface extending between both ends of the inner tube, the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube defining an annular portion extending axially between the ends of the inner tube, an inner tube, a plurality of blades disposed within the annular portion and configured to change a component of the flow direction of the fluid flowing across the blades in a circumferential and / or radial direction, and a medium disposed within the inner tube, the inner tube defining a plurality of perforations extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, the annular portion defining an overall flow path of the fluid flowing between the outer tube and the inner tube, and at least one of the at least one first ends of at least one of the devices being disposed within the second end of at least another device of the devices.

[0029] In some examples, at least one of the at least one first ends of at least one of the devices is removably disposed within the second end of at least another device of the devices.

[0030] In some examples, at least one of the at least one first ends of at least one of the devices is fixedly disposed within the second end of at least another device of the devices.

[0031] In some examples, each of the plurality of blades is fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0032] In some examples, each blade has a proximal end bonded to the outer surface of the inner tube, a distal end located opposite the proximal end along the transverse axis of the blade and spaced apart from the proximal end, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the longitudinal axis of the blade extending through the leading and trailing edges.

[0033] In some examples, the blade plane of each blade includes the transverse and longitudinal axes of each blade, the blades of a first subset are arranged in a first row circumferentially around the inner tube, the blades of a second subset are arranged in a second row circumferentially around the inner tube, the first row is spaced axially apart from the second row, and the blade planes for the first blades in the first subset and the first blades in the second subset are coplanar.

[0034] In some examples, the blade plane of each blade includes the transverse and longitudinal axes of each blade, the blades of a first subset are arranged in a first row circumferentially around the inner tube, the blades of a second subset are arranged in a second row circumferentially around the inner tube, the first row is spaced axially apart from the second row, and the blade planes for the blades in the first and second rows are spaced circumferentially apart.

[0035] In some examples, the plane containing the leading edge of the first subset of blades is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the inner tube.

[0036] In some examples, the trailing edge of each blade is arc-shaped, the leading edge of each blade is flat, the length of the proximal end is less than the length of the distal end, and the cross-sectional shape of each blade, taken through a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the blade, is triangular.

[0037] In some examples, the transverse axis of at least one of the multiple blades is radially spaced away from the central longitudinal axis of the inner tube.

[0038] In some examples, the surface of each blade extending between the leading and trailing edges is planar when viewed from the distal end of the blade.

[0039] In some examples, the system further comprises a permeable liner, which is disposed within the inner tube adjacent to multiple perforations. In some examples, the medium is disposed within the liner. In some examples, the liner is substantially impermeable to liquid water. In some examples, the liner comprises a nonwoven fabric or paper. In some examples, the liner comprises polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. In some examples, the liner is a sachet comprising a three-layer membrane material that forms a two-compartment sachet to separate dry particles of proton-generating species from dry particles of precursors.

[0040] Also disclosed herein are methods for processing a fluid using any of the systems of devices disclosed herein. For example, also disclosed herein is a method for processing a fluid, comprising providing a medium in an inner tube, the inner tube having at least an outer surface having a plurality of blades, and arranging the inner tube in a fluid flow such that the plurality of blades and the medium are in contact with the fluid flow, the plurality of blades changing the flow direction component of the fluid flowing across the blades in the circumferential and / or radial direction. In some examples, the medium releases gas, and the fluid flow created by the plurality of blades increases the mixing between the gas in the medium and the fluid flow.

[0041] In some examples, the method further includes providing an outer tube coaxially arranged around an inner tube, and arranging the outer tube within the fluid flow to contain and concentrate the fluid flow.

[0042] In some cases, the method is carried out at temperatures of -25°C to 50°C, 0°C to 40°C, or 32°C to 38°C.

[0043] Additional advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of this disclosure are partially described in the following description and will be partially apparent therefrom. The advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of this disclosure will be realized and achieved by the elements and combinations specifically indicated in the appended claims. It should be understood that both the above summary and the following embodiments for carrying out the invention are merely illustrative and descriptive and do not limit the claimed devices, systems, and methods of this disclosure.

[0044] Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, purposes, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims.

[0045] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of herein serve to illustrate some aspects of this disclosure and to illustrate the principles of this disclosure together with the description.

[0046] Exemplary features and implementations are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and means shown. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of a fluid processing device in one implementation configuration. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the fluid processing device with the outer tube removed. [Figure 1C] This is a side view of the fluid processing device shown in Figure 1A with the outer tube removed. [Figure 1D] Figure 1A is an end view of the fluid processing device. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of a fluid processing device in a different implementation configuration. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the fluid processing device with the outer tube removed. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A is a side view of the fluid processing device with the outer tube removed. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is an end view of the fluid processing device. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a system for processing fluids, including two fluid processing devices coupled together. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] The devices, systems, and methods described herein may be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of specific aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure and the examples contained herein.

[0049] Before disclosing and describing the devices, systems, and methods described herein, it should be understood that the embodiments described below are not limited to specific synthesis methods or specific reagents, and are therefore naturally subject to change. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are intended solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit them.

[0050] Furthermore, various publications are referenced throughout this specification. The disclosures of these publications, in their entirety, are incorporated into this application by reference to provide a more complete explanation of the state of the art relating to the subject matter of this disclosure. The disclosed references are also discussed in the texts relating to them, and the materials contained herein are incorporated into this specification by reference individually and specifically.

[0051] In this specification and the appended claims, refer to several terms defined to have the following meanings:

[0052] As used herein, the term “equipment” and its variations are synonymous with the term “contains” and its variations, and are open and non-restrictive terms. While the terms “equipment” and “contains” are used herein to describe various implementations, the terms “essentially consist of” and “consist of” may be used instead of “equipment” and “contains,” and are also disclosed, to provide more specific implementations.

[0053] Where used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a composition” includes mixtures of two or more such compositions; a reference to “the compound” includes mixtures of two or more such compounds; a reference to “an agent” includes mixtures of two or more such agents, and so on.

[0054] "Essential" means "an example of," and is not intended to indicate a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Etc." is used for explanatory purposes, not in a restrictive sense.

[0055] Throughout this specification, the identifiers “First” and “Second” are to be understood to be used solely to assist the reader in distinguishing between different components, features, or steps of the subject matter of this disclosure. The identifiers “First” and “Second” are not intended to imply any particular order, quantity, priority, or importance of the components or steps modified by these terms.

[0056] The term “or any combination thereof,” as used herein, refers to all permutations and combinations of the items listed prior to that term. For example, “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” is intended to include at least one of A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and, where the order is important in a particular context, at least one of BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing this example, combinations containing repetitions of one or more items or terms are explicitly included, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, etc. A person skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise evident from the context, there is typically no limit to the number of items or terms in any combination.

[0057] Devices, systems, and methods for providing fluid processing are disclosed herein.

[0058] As used herein, “fluid” includes liquids, gases, supercritical fluids, or combinations thereof. In some examples, a fluid includes gases such as air, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. In some examples, a fluid includes liquids such as liquid water.

[0059] As used herein, the term “to treat,” or other forms of this word such as “to treat,” “treated,” or “treated,” means the administration of a composition or the implementation of a method for reducing, preventing, inhibiting, or eliminating a particular characteristic or event (e.g., bacterial growth or survival). As used herein, the term “to treat,” or other forms of this word such as “to treat,” “treated,” or “treated,” means “oxidation,” “bactericidal,” “disinfection,” “sterilization,” “deodorization,” “sweetening,” “acidification,” and combinations thereof. As used herein, “to reduce,” or other forms of this word such as “to reduce,” or “reduction,” means a decrease in an event or characteristic (e.g., bacterial population or activity).

[0060] Devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein for processing fluids may comprise an inner tube disposed within an outer tube, with an annular portion defined between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube. The inner tube comprises a plurality of perforations, and a medium is disposed within the inner tube such that gases generated by the medium flow out of the inner tube and into the annular portion, and the fluid is cleaned as it flows through the annular portion. The device includes a plurality of blades disposed within the annular portion to change the direction of fluid flow through the annular portion in order to facilitate mixing of the fluid and gas.

[0061] Various implementations include a fluid processing device. The device includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a plurality of blades, and a medium. The outer tube includes an inner surface. The inner tube is coaxially disposed within the outer tube. The inner tube includes an inner surface and an outer surface extending between the ends of the inner tube. The outer surface and inner surface of the inner tube define an annular portion extending axially between the ends of the inner tube. The plurality of blades are disposed within the annular portion. The plurality of blades are configured to change the flow direction component of the fluid flowing across the blades to the circumferential and / or radial directions. The medium is disposed within the inner tube. The inner tube defines a plurality of perforations extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The annular portion defines the overall flow path of the fluid flowing between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0062] Various other implementations include a system for processing fluids. The system includes a plurality of fluid processing devices, as described above. Each device further includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The inner surface of the outer tube extends from the first end to the second end, and the inner tube extends from the first end to the second end. At least one of the first ends of at least one of the devices can be disposed within the second end of at least another device.

[0063] Various other implementations include methods for processing fluids. These methods include providing a medium within an inner tube having at least an outer surface with a plurality of blades, and arranging the inner tube within the fluid flow such that the plurality of blades and the medium are in contact with the fluid flow. The plurality of blades alter the flow direction component of the fluid flowing across the blades in the circumferential and / or radial directions.

[0064] Figures 1A to 1D show a fluid processing device 100 in one implementation configuration. The device 100 includes a first end 102, a second end 104, an outer tube 110, an inner tube 120, a plurality of blades 140, and a medium 170.

[0065] The outer tube 110 has an outer tube longitudinal axis 112, an inner surface 114, and an outer surface 116. The inner surface 114 and the outer surface 116 of the outer tube 110 extend from the first end 102 of the device 100 to the second end 104 of the device 100.

[0066] The inner tube 120 has an inner tube longitudinal axis 122, an inner surface 124, and an outer surface 126. The inner surface 124 and the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120 extend from the first end 102 of the device 100 to the second end 104 of the device 100. The inner tube 120 is disposed within the outer tube 110 such that the outer tube longitudinal axis 112 is coaxial with the inner tube longitudinal axis 122. The medium 170 is disposed within the inner tube 120 as will be discussed below.

[0067] The outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120 and the inner surface 114 of the outer tube 110 define an annular portion 130 that extends axially between the first end 102 of the device 100 and the second end 104 of the device 100. The annular portion 130 defines an overall flow path 132 for fluid flowing between the inner surface 114 of the outer tube 110 within the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120.

[0068] The outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120 defines a plurality of perforations 128 that extend from the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120 to the inner surface 124 of the inner tube 120. The medium 170 is placed inside the inner tube 120 so that the medium 170 is in fluid communication with the annular portion 130. The medium 170 is configured to generate gas from a precursor. The medium 170 will be discussed in more detail below. The plurality of perforations 128 are configured to allow the gas generated from the precursor to flow out of the inner tube 120 and into a fluid channel 132 that flows through the annular portion 130 defined by the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120 and the inner surface 114 of the outer tube 110.

[0069] In some examples, the medium 170 comprises dried particles containing a precursor. The dried particles containing the precursor may have a first average particle size. Each of the multiple perforations 128 has a perforation diameter, and the first average particle size is larger than the perforation diameter so that the medium 170 does not leak out of the multiple perforations 128.

[0070] In some examples, the medium 170 further comprises proton-producing species. In some examples, the medium 170 further comprises dry particles containing proton-producing species.

[0071] In some examples, the medium 170 includes dry particles containing a precursor and dry particles containing a proton-generating species. The dry particles containing the precursor have a first average particle size, and the dry particles containing the proton-generating species have a second average particle size. In some examples, each of the multiple perforations 128 has a perforation diameter, and the first and second average particle sizes are larger than the perforation diameter so that the medium 170 does not leak out of the multiple perforations 128. In some examples, the devices 100, 200 may include permeable liners 134, 234, as will be discussed further below.

[0072] Each of the multiple perforations 128 is circular in shape when viewed from the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120. However, in other implementations, the multiple perforations 128 may be linear slots, oval, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape having perforation dimensions smaller than the first average particle size and / or second average particle size, so as to prevent the medium 170 from leaking out of the multiple perforations 128.

[0073] The devices 100, 200 shown in Figures 1A to 2D may also include permeable liners 134, 234 disposed within the inner tubes 120, 220 along their inner surfaces 124, 224 and adjacent to a number of perforations 128, 228. The liners 134, 234 are substantially impermeable to liquid water but allow gases such as air, chlorine dioxide, and carbon dioxide to pass through. The media 170, 270 are disposed within the liners 134, 234, and the permeable liners 134, 234 help to retain the media 170, 270 within the inner tubes 120, 220 by preventing the media 170, 270 from leaking out through the number of perforations 128, 228. However, in other implementations, the devices do not include permeable lining. In the mounting configuration including liners 134 and 234, the liners prevent the medium 170 and 270 from leaking out of the multiple perforations 128 and 228. Therefore, in the mounting configuration including liners 134 and 234, the first average particle size and the second average particle size may be smaller than the diameter of the perforations.

[0074] Each of the multiple blades 140 is fixedly coupled to the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120, extending from the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120, such that the multiple blades 140 are arranged within the annular portion 130. Each of the blades 140 has a proximal end 142 coupled to the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120, a distal end 144 spaced apart from the proximal end 142 along the transverse axis 150 of the blade 140, a leading edge 146 extending between the proximal end 142 and the distal end 144 of the blade 140, and a trailing edge 148 extending between the proximal end 142 and the distal end 144 of the blade 140. The longitudinal axis 152 of the blade extends through each of the leading edge 146 and trailing edge 148 of the blade 140. Each of the blades 140 further includes a blade plane 154 containing a transverse axis 150 and a blade longitudinal axis 152. The leading edge 146 of each blade 140 in the first subset of blades 160 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the inner tube longitudinal axis 122. The transverse axis 150 of each blade 140 shown in Figures 1A to 1D is radially spaced from the inner tube longitudinal axis 122 such that the blade 140 extends at an oblique angle to the tangent to the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120. However, in other implementations, the transverse axis of each blade intersects the inner tube longitudinal axis such that the blade extends perpendicular to the tangent to the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0075] The leading edge 146 of each blade 140 is planar, and the trailing edge 148 of each blade 140 is arched. The surface of each blade 140 extending between the leading edge 146 and the trailing edge 148 is planar when viewed from the distal end 144 of the blade 140. The length of the proximal end 142 is less than the length of the distal end 144. The cross-sectional shape of each blade 140, taken through a plane containing the longitudinal axis 152 of the blade, is triangular.

[0076] As shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the blades 240 of the first subset 260 are arranged circumferentially around the inner tube 220 in a first row, and the blades 240 of the second subset 262 are arranged circumferentially around the inner tube 220 in a second row spaced axially apart from the first row. The blade plane 254 of the first blade 240 in the first subset 260 is coplanar with the blade plane 254 of the second blade 240 in the second subset 262. However, in other implementations, such as the device shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the blade plane 154 for the blades 140 in the first row of the first subset 160 and the blade plane 154 for the blades 140 in the second row of the second subset 162 are spaced circumferentially apart. In other implementations, the blade planes for the blades in the first and second rows are arranged in any other arrangement relative to each other. Since the processing device 200 is similar to the device 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the same reference numerals used for the device 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D are used to refer to similar features of the device 200 shown in Figures 2A to 2D.

[0077] For devices 100, 200 shown in Figures 1A to 2D, when the fluid flows axially through the annular sections 130, 230 defined by the outer surfaces 126, 226 of the inner tubes 120, 220 and the inner surfaces 114, 214 of the outer tubes 110, 210, the multiple blades 140, 240 change the circumferential and / or radial components of the fluid flowing across the blades 140, 240. Changing the fluid flow direction promotes mixing of the fluid with the gas generated by the media 170, 270.

[0078] The multiple blades 140 of the device 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D are configured to alter the direction of fluid flow by causing turbulence in the fluid flowing across the blades 140. The turbulence breaks up any boundary layer that may form adjacent to the outer surface 126 of the inner tube 120, allowing more radially outward-flowing fluid flowing through the annular portion 130 to move radially inward toward the perforation portion 128.

[0079] In other implementations, such as the device 200 shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the multiple blades 240 of the device 200 are configured to create vortices in the fluid flowing across the blades 240. The increased vortices in the fluid flowing through the annular portion 230 promote the mixing of the gas and fluid generated by the medium 270. In other implementations, the multiple blades of the device may be configured to cause any type of movement of the fluid flowing through the annular portion in order to promote the mixing of the gas and fluid generated by the medium.

[0080] In Figures 1A to 2D, each of the blades 140 and 240 is coupled to the outer surfaces 126 and 226 of the inner tubes 120 and 220, respectively. In other configurations, each of the blades is coupled to the inner surface of the outer tube. Although the blades 140 and 240 shown in Figures 1A to 2D are similar in shape, in other configurations, each blade has any shape that changes the circumferential and / or radial components of the fluid flowing across the blade. In Figures 1A to 2D, the blades 140 and 240 of each subset 160, 162, 260, and 262 are equally spaced circumferentially around the inner tubes 120 and 220, respectively. In other configurations, the blades are arranged at unequal circumferential spacings. In other configurations, the blades are not arranged in subsets but in any other configuration, or randomly arranged along the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0081] During use, media 170 and 270 are arranged within inner tubes 120 and 220. Media 170 and 270 are configured to generate gas from a precursor. Perforations 128 and 228 defined by inner tubes 120 and 220 allow gas to flow out of inner tubes 120 and 220 and into annular sections 130 and 230, but are small enough to prevent media 170 and 270 from leaking through perforations 128 and 228.

[0082] The fluid flow then flows through the annular sections 130, 230 to the first ends 102, 202 of the annular sections 130, 230, which are defined by the outer surfaces 126, 226 of the inner tubes 120, 220 and the inner surfaces 114, 214 of the outer tubes 110, 210, and out from the second ends 104, 204 of the annular sections 130, 230. The fluid flow can be generated naturally or by a fan, pump, or any other device capable of creating a pressure difference across the device to cause fluid movement. The first ends 102, 202 of devices 100, 200, the second ends 104, 204 of devices 100, 200, or both, can be coupled to a duct, tube, or other type of fluid channeling device through which the fluid flow flows so that the fluid flow flows through the annular sections 130, 230 of devices 100, 200. As the fluid flows axially through the annular portions 130, 230 of the devices 100, 200, the multiple blades 140, 240 change the flow direction component of the fluid flowing across the blades 140, 240 to the circumferential and / or radial directions, which promotes mixing of the gas and fluid generated by the media 170, 270.

[0083] In some cases, the fluid can include air. In some cases, air can have a humidity of 20% or more, and the humidity does not condense (e.g., 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%). In some cases, air can have a humidity of 100% or less, and the humidity does not condense (e.g., 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less). The amount of humidity in the air can range from any of the minimum values ​​listed above to any of the maximum values ​​listed above. For example, air can have a humidity of 20% to 100%, and the humidity does not condense (e.g., 20% to 60%, 60% to 100%, 20% to 40%, 40% to 60%, 60% to 80%, 80% to 100%, or 50% to 80%).

[0084] In some examples, contacting or mixing a fluid with a gas produced by the medium can be used to treat the fluid, for example, by adding or enriching the fluid with carbon dioxide. In certain examples, treating the fluid may include sweetening and / or acidifying the fluid with carbon dioxide, for example.

[0085] In some examples, contacting or mixing a fluid with a gas produced by the medium can treat the fluid by reducing or eliminating contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and / or microorganisms in the fluid. For example, the fluid flowing out from the second end of the annular section is treated before it enters the device.

[0086] In some cases, treating a fluid can result in a reduction or inactivation of a population of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) in the fluid. In some cases, treating a fluid can result in a complete (100%) reduction or inactivation (e.g., elimination of bacteria) of a bacterial population.

[0087] In some cases, treating a fluid can result in a reduction of the activity (e.g., transmissibility, infectivity, spreadability, or a combination thereof) of a bacterial population in that fluid. For example, treating a fluid can inactivate bacteria and / or reduce their transmissibility.

[0088] In some cases, bacteria are one or more microorganisms selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and combinations thereof.

[0089] Examples of bacteria include adenovirus, astrovirus, Bacillus bacteria, Blastomyces dermatitisis, bovine coronavirus, bovine viral diarrhea, Malta fever bacillus, Clostridium, Coccidioides imitis, common cold (e.g., rhinoviruses such as rhinovirus A, rhinovirus B, and rhinovirus C), Corynebacterium bovis, Cryptococcus neoformans, echovirus, enterovirus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, feline calicivirus (FCV), influenza virus (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B), herpes simplex virus (e.g., herpes simplex 1, herpes simplex 2), Histoplasma capsulatum, and human Examples of viruses that can cause infection include, but are not limited to, immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), influenza viruses (such as influenza A, influenza B, and influenza C), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoka, Legionella pneumophila, other Legionella species, Mycoplasma tuberculosis, Mycoplasma species, norovirus, Pasteurella species, poliovirus (e.g., poliovirus type 1), Proteus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, Salmonella typhi, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Group B Streptococcus, Group A Streptococcus, Streptococcus uberis, Trueperella piogenes, and vaccinia virus.

[0090] In some cases, viruses may include influenza viruses, coronaviruses, or combinations thereof. Examples of influenza viruses include, but are not limited to, influenza virus A (including H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1, H7N7, H1N2, H9N2, H7N2, H7N3, H10N7, H7N9, and H6N1 serotypes), influenza virus B, influenza virus C, and influenza virus D. Examples of coronaviruses include avian coronavirus (IBV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), infectious gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), canine coronavirus (CCoV), rabbit coronavirus (RaCoV), mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), murine coronavirus (RCoV), rat salivary gland dacryoadenitis virus (SDAV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), bovine enterovirus (BEV), and porcine coronavirus HKU15 (PorCoV). Examples include, but are not limited to, HKU15), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (HEV), turkey bluecomb coronavirus (TCoV), human coronavirus (HCoV)-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) (SARS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (CoV) (MERS-CoV). In some cases, the virus may include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

[0091] In some cases, treating a fluid can result in a reduction of the amount or concentration of volatile organic compounds (e.g., VOCs) in the fluid. In some cases, treating a fluid can result in a complete (100%) reduction of the amount of VOCs (e.g., elimination of VOCs).

[0092] Examples of VOCs include acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, butanal, propane, butane, hexanal, methylene chloride, benzene, perchloroethylene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, tetrachloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, xylene, 1,3-butadiene, vinyl chloride, disulfide carbon, chloroform, gasoline, methyl mercaptan, hexane, NO x (For example, NO, NO2, etc.), SO x Examples include, but are not limited to, SO, SO2, SO3, H2S, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen iodide, hydrogen bromide, nitric acid vapor, chlorine, carbon disulfide, mercaptan, skanerin, putrescine, cadaverine, trimethylamine, skatole, ethanethiol, s-ethyl thioacetate, diethyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, methanethiol, indole, pyridine, ammonia, methionine, their derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0093] In some cases, the method can be carried out at temperatures above -25°C (for example, above -20°C, above -19°C, above -18°C, above -17°C, above -16°C, above -15°C, above -10°C, above -5°C, above 0°C, above 5°C, above 10°C, above 15°C, above 20°C, above 25°C, above 30°C, above 31°C, above 32°C, above 33°C, above 34°C, above 35°C, above 36°C, above 37°C, above 38°C, above 39°C, or above 40°C). In some cases, the method can be carried out at temperatures below 50°C (e.g., below 45°C, below 40°C, below 39°C, below 38°C, below 37°C, below 36°C, below 35°C, below 34°C, below 33°C, below 32°C, below 31°C, below 30°C, below 25°C, below 20°C, below 15°C, below 10°C, below 5°C, below 0°C, below -5°C, below -10°C, below -15°C, below -16°C, or below -17°C). The temperature at which the method is carried out may range from any of the minimum values ​​listed above to any of the maximum values ​​listed above. For example, the method can be carried out at temperatures between -25°C and 50°C (e.g., between -25°C and 15°C, between 15°C and 50°C, between -25°C and -15°C, between -15°C and 0°C, between 0°C and 25°C, between 25°C and 50°C, between 0°C and 40°C, or between 32°C and 38°C).

[0094] In some implementations, two or more fluid handling devices, such as those shown in Figures 1A to 2D, can be combined into a modular and / or permanent system to allow fluid to pass through the two or more devices. Figure 3 shows such a system 500 for processing fluid, including a first fluid handling device 300 and a second fluid handling device 400. Since the first and second processing devices 300, 400 are similar to the device 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the same reference numerals used for the device 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D are used to refer to similar features of the devices 300, 400 shown in Figure 3. The inner diameter of the first end 302 of the outer tube 310 of the first device 300 and the outer diameter of the second end 404 of the outer tube 410 of the second device 400 are sized so that the first end 302 of the outer tube 310 of the first device 300 can be accommodated within the second end 404 of the outer tube 410 of the second device 400. Therefore, the first device 300 and the second device 400 can be coupled together such that the annular portions 330 of the first device 300 and 430 of the second device 400 are axially aligned and in fluid communication with each other. The first end 302 of the outer tube 310 of the first device 300 can be detachably disposed within the second end 404 of the outer tube 410 of the second device 400 in the system 500 shown in Figure 3, but in other configurations, the first end of the outer tube of the first device can be fixedly disposed within the second end of the outer tube of the second device.

[0095] Devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein for processing fluids may include a medium, which is configured to generate a gas from a precursor such that the gas is released into a fluid channel.

[0096] The precursor can be provided in any form that allows it to react with protons (e.g., from a proton-producing species) to produce a gas. In some examples, the medium contains the precursor, and the precursor reacts with protons in the fluid.

[0097] In some examples, the medium comprises dry particles containing a precursor. As used herein, the term “dry particles” means that the particles have a water content of 20% by weight or less (e.g., 15% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 4% by weight or less, 3% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less).

[0098] In some examples, the dry particles containing the precursor are in powder form. In some examples, the dry particles containing the precursor may include a porous carrier in which the precursor is impregnated. In some examples, the porous carrier is inert. In some examples, the porous carrier has pores, channels, etc. located within it. Exemplary porous carriers include, but are not limited to, silica, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, clay, porous polymers, alumina, zeolites (e.g., zeolite crystals), or mixtures thereof.

[0099] Porous carriers may have an average particle size. “Average particle size” and “average particle size” are used interchangeably herein and generally refer to the statistically average particle size of particles in a particle population. For example, the average particle size of a group of substantially spherical particles may include the average diameter of the group of particles. In the case of anisotropic particles, the average particle size may refer to, for example, the average maximum dimension of the particles (e.g., the length of a rod-shaped particle, the diagonal of a cubic-shaped particle, the bisector of a triangular-shaped particle, etc.). The average particle size can be measured using methods known in the art, such as sieving or microscopy.

[0100] In some examples, porous carriers have a maximum dimension of 0.5 micrometers (microns, μm) or larger (for example, 1 μm or larger, 2 μm or larger, 3 μm or larger, 4 μm or larger, 5 μm or larger, 10 μm or larger, 15 μm or larger, 20 μm or larger, 25 μm or larger, 30 μm or larger, 35 μm or larger, 40 μm or larger, 50 μm or larger, 60 μm or larger, 70 μm or larger, 80 μm or larger, 90 μm or larger, 100 μm or larger, 125 μm or larger, 150 μm or larger, 175 μm or larger). The average particle size can be 200 μm or more, 225 μm or more, 250 μm or more, 300 μm or more, 350 μm or more, 400 μm or more, 450 μm or more, 500 μm or more, 600 μm or more, 700 μm or more, 800 μm or more, 900 μm or more, 1 millimeter (mm) or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 4 mm or more, 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, 9 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 15 mm or more, or 20 mm or more. In some examples, the porous carrier is 25.4 mm (e.g., 1 inch) or less (e.g., 24 mm or less, 23 mm or less, 22 mm or less, 21 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 19 mm or less, 18 mm or less, 17 mm or less, 16 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, 13 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 11 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 900 μm or less, 800 μm or less, 700 The average particle size can be less than or equal to μm, less than or equal to 600 μm, less than or equal to 500 μm, less than or equal to 450 μm, less than or equal to 400 μm, less than or equal to 350 μm, less than or equal to 300 μm, less than or equal to 250 μm, less than or equal to 225 μm, less than or equal to 200 μm, less than or equal to 175 μm, less than or equal to 150 μm, less than or equal to 125 μm, less than or equal to 100 μm, less than or equal to 90 μm, less than or equal to 80 μm, less than or equal to 70 μm, less than or equal to 60 μm, less than or equal to 50 μm, less than or equal to 40 μm, less than or equal to 35 μm, less than or equal to 30 μm, less than or equal to 25 μm, less than or equal to 20 μm, less than or equal to 15 μm, less than or equal to 10 μm, or less than or equal to 5 μm. The average particle size of the porous carrier at its maximum dimensions may be in the range from any of the minimum values ​​listed above to any of the maximum values ​​listed above.For example, a porous carrier can have an average particle size of 0.5 μm to 25.4 mm (e.g., 0.5 μm to 1 mm, 1 mm to 25.4 mm, 0.5 μm to 100 μm, 100 μm to 500 μm, 500 μm to 1 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 25.4 mm, 175 μm to 400 μm, or 600 μm to 2 mm). The average particle size of the porous carrier can be selected considering various factors. In some examples, the average particle size of the porous carrier can be selected based on the presence or absence of a liner, the diameter of each of the multiple perforations, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the porous carrier is uniformly impregnated with a precursor throughout its entire volume via pores, channels, etc.

[0101] In some examples, the dried particles containing the precursor contain 1% by weight or more of the precursor (e.g., 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more). In some examples, the dried particles containing the precursor contain 100% by weight or less of the precursor (e.g., 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less). In some embodiments, the precursor-containing dry particles comprise a porous carrier impregnated with the precursor, the porous carrier comprising 1% by weight or more (e.g., the amount provided above) of the precursor and / or 50% by weight or less of the precursor (e.g., 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less). The amount of precursor in the precursor-containing dry particles may range from any of the minimum values ​​described above to any of the maximum values ​​described above. For example, the precursor-containing dry particles may contain 1% to 100% by weight of the precursor (e.g., 1% to 50%, 50% to 100%, 1% to 25%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 1% to 90%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, or 10% to 40%).

[0102] In some examples, the porous carrier is impregnated with a precursor by using a porous carrier having a low moisture content (e.g., water). In some examples, the low moisture content is 5% by weight or less (e.g., 4% by weight or less, 3% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less). In some examples, the porous carrier has an initial moisture content of more than 5% and can therefore be dehydrated to produce a moisture content of 5% or less. In some examples, the dehydrated porous carrier is then immersed in an aqueous solution of the precursor at a high temperature (e.g., in the range of 120°F to 190°F) or sprayed with an aqueous solution of the precursor to thoroughly mix the resulting slurry. In some examples, the mixed slurry is then air-dried to a moisture level of 20% by weight or less (e.g., 0% to 20% by weight, 0% to 15% by weight, 0.25% to 10% by weight, 0.5% to 5% by weight, 0.5% to 3% by weight) to produce the impregnating agent disclosed herein (i.e., the precursor impregnated in the porous carrier). In some examples, the impregnating agents disclosed herein may be prepared without a drying step by calculating the amount of aqueous solution of a precursor required to achieve a desired final moisture level (e.g., 0% to 20%, 0% to 15%, 0.25% to 10%, 0.5% to 5%, 0.5% to 3%), and adding this amount of aqueous solution to a dehydrated porous carrier to impregnate the carrier, thereby forming dry particles containing the precursor.

[0103] In some cases, the precursor is impregnated into a porous support and treated with a base. In some cases, the base is any suitable base that can reduce the available protons, inhibit the reaction until the proton-generating species overcome the base and react with the precursor, thereby increasing shelf stability and slowing the reaction rate once the mixture is activated. Exemplary bases include, but are not limited to, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, or blends thereof.

[0104] In some embodiments, the precursor may include, for example, a chlorine dioxide precursor, the gas may include chlorine dioxide, the precursor may include a carbon dioxide precursor, the gas may include carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

[0105] In some examples, the precursor includes a chlorine dioxide precursor. The chlorine dioxide precursor can be selected from any composition capable of reacting with a proton to produce chlorine dioxide gas. The chlorine dioxide precursor may include, for example, chlorine dioxide-producing compounds selected from the group consisting of metal chlorites, metal chlorates, chloric acid, hypochlorous acid, and combinations thereof. Examples of metal chlorites include, but are not limited to, sodium chlorite, barium chlorite, calcium chlorite, lithium chlorite, potassium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, and combinations thereof. Examples of metal chlorates include, but are not limited to, sodium chlorate, lithium chlorate, potassium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, barium chlorate, and combinations thereof. In some cases, the chlorine dioxide precursor is impregnated into a porous carrier such as zeolite crystals, as described above, and also incorporated by reference in whole by U.S. Patents No. 5,567,405, 5,573,743, 5,730,948, 5,776,850, 5,853,689, 5,885,543, 6,174,508, 6,379,643, 6,423,289, 7,347,994, 7,922,992, and 9,382,116.

[0106] In some examples, the precursor includes a carbon dioxide precursor. The carbon dioxide precursor can be selected from any composition capable of reacting with a proton to produce carbon dioxide gas or carbonic acid. The carbon dioxide precursor may include, for example, a carbon-containing compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, and combinations thereof. Examples of carbon-containing compounds include, but are not limited to, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the carbon dioxide precursor is impregnated into a porous carrier such as a zeolite crystal, as described above, and as described in U.S. Patents 7,992,992 and 8,709,396, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0107] The medium may further include, for example, a proton-generating species. A proton-generating species as disclosed herein may be any composition capable of generating protons to react with a precursor and produce a gas. The proton-generating species may include, for example, organic acids, inorganic acids, metal salts, or combinations thereof.

[0108] In some examples, organic and / or inorganic acids can be selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, propionic acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0109] In some embodiments, the proton-generating species includes a metal salt. In some embodiments, the metal salt is a chloride, sulfate, phosphate, propionate, acetate, or citrate that combines with water to produce an acid, i.e., a proton. In some embodiments, the metal is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or a transition metal.

[0110] Examples of metal salts include, but are not limited to, ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, CaCl2, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, MgSO4, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, hydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and combinations thereof.

[0111] In some embodiments, the proton-generating species is a metal salt that can also act as a water-retaining substance (e.g., CaCl2, MgSO4).

[0112] In some embodiments, the proton-generating species is activated to produce protons by contacting the proton-generating species with a water-containing (or moisture-containing) fluid. In some embodiments, the metal salt is ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, or a mixture thereof, and these iron salts can absorb water in addition to functioning as proton-generating species. In some embodiments, the water-containing fluid is liquid water or an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the water-containing fluid is a water-containing gas such as air or water vapor. In some embodiments, the protons produced by the proton-generating species react with a gas precursor. The proton-generating species can also be activated by means other than exposure to a water-containing fluid. In some embodiments, the proton-generating species can be activated and release protons when exposed to water in a powder or impregnated porous carrier containing a precursor.

[0113] Proton-generating species can be provided in any form that enables the release of protons.

[0114] In some examples, the medium further comprises dry particles containing proton-generating species. As used herein, the term “dry particles” means that the particles have a water content of 20% by weight or less (e.g., 15% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 4% by weight or less, 3% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less).

[0115] In some examples, the dry particles containing proton-producing species are in the form of a powder. In some examples, the dry particles containing proton-producing species may further contain a porous carrier, and the proton-producing species may be impregnated into the porous carrier. In some examples, the porous carrier is inert. In some examples, the porous carrier has pores, channels, etc. located within it. Exemplary porous carriers include, but are not limited to, silica, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, clay, porous polymers, alumina, zeolites (e.g., zeolite crystals), or mixtures thereof.

[0116] In some examples, porous carriers have a maximum dimension of 0.5 micrometers (microns, μm) or larger (for example, 1 μm or larger, 2 μm or larger, 3 μm or larger, 4 μm or larger, 5 μm or larger, 10 μm or larger, 15 μm or larger, 20 μm or larger, 25 μm or larger, 30 μm or larger, 35 μm or larger, 40 μm or larger, 50 μm or larger, 60 μm or larger, 70 μm or larger, 80 μm or larger, 90 μm or larger, 100 μm or larger, 125 μm or larger, 150 μm or larger, 175 μm or larger). The average particle size can be 200 μm or more, 225 μm or more, 250 μm or more, 300 μm or more, 350 μm or more, 400 μm or more, 450 μm or more, 500 μm or more, 600 μm or more, 700 μm or more, 800 μm or more, 900 μm or more, 1 millimeter (mm) or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 4 mm or more, 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, 9 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 15 mm or more, or 20 mm or more. In some examples, porous carriers have maximum dimensions of 25.4 mm (e.g., 1 inch) or less (e.g., 24 mm or less, 23 mm or less, 22 mm or less, 21 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 19 mm or less, 18 mm or less, 17 mm or less, 16 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, 13 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 11 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 900 μm or less, 800 μm or less). The average particle size can be less than or equal to m, 700 μm or less, 600 μm or less, 500 μm or less, 450 μm or less, 400 μm or less, 350 μm or less, 300 μm or less, 250 μm or less, 225 μm or less, 200 μm or less, 175 μm or less, 150 μm or less, 125 μm or less, 100 μm or less, 90 μm or less, 80 μm or less, 70 μm or less, 60 μm or less, 50 μm or less, 40 μm or less, 35 μm or less, 30 μm or less, 25 μm or less, 20 μm or less, 15 μm or less, 10 μm or less, or 5 μm or less. The average particle size of the porous carrier at its maximum dimensions may be in the range from any of the minimum values ​​listed above to any of the maximum values ​​listed above.For example, a porous carrier can have an average particle size of 0.5 μm to 25.4 mm (e.g., 0.5 μm to 1 mm, 1 mm to 25.4 mm, 0.5 μm to 100 μm, 100 μm to 500 μm, 500 μm to 1 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 25.4 mm, 175 μm to 400 μm, or 600 μm to 2 mm). The average particle size of the porous carrier can be selected considering various factors. In some examples, the average particle size of the porous carrier can be selected based on the presence or absence of a liner, the diameter of each of the multiple perforations, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the porous carrier is uniformly impregnated with proton-generating species throughout its entire volume via pores, channels, etc.

[0117] In some cases, dry particles containing proton-producing species contain 1% or more by weight of proton-producing species (e.g., 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more). In some cases, dry particles containing proton-producing species contain 100% or less by weight of proton-producing species (e.g., 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less). In some embodiments, the dry particles containing proton-generating species include a porous carrier impregnated with the proton-generating species, the porous carrier containing 1% by weight or more (e.g., the amount provided above) of the proton-generating species and / or 50% by weight or less of the proton-generating species (e.g., 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less). The amount of proton-generating species in the dry particles containing proton-generating species may range from any of the minimum values ​​to any of the maximum values ​​described above. For example, the dry particles containing proton-generating species may contain 1% to 100% by weight of the proton-generating species (e.g., 1% to 50%, 50% to 100%, 1% to 25%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 1% to 90%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some examples, the porous carrier impregnated with the proton-generating species is separate from the porous carrier impregnated with the precursor.

[0118] In some embodiments, the porous carrier is impregnated with a proton-generating species by using a porous carrier having a low moisture content (e.g., water). In some embodiments, the low moisture content is 5% by weight or less (e.g., 4% by weight or less, 3% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less). In some embodiments, the porous carrier has an initial moisture content of more than 5% and can therefore be dehydrated to produce a moisture content of 5% or less. In some embodiments, the dehydrated porous carrier is then immersed in an aqueous solution of the proton-generating species at a high temperature (e.g., in the range of 120°F to 190°F) or sprayed with an aqueous solution of the proton-generating species to thoroughly mix the resulting slurry. In some embodiments, the mixed slurry is then air-dried to a moisture level of 0% to 20% by weight (e.g., 0% to 15% by weight, 0.25% to 10% by weight, 0.5% to 5% by weight, 0.5% to 3% by weight) to produce an impregnating agent (i.e., a proton-generating species impregnated into the porous carrier). In some embodiments, the impregnating agents disclosed herein can be prepared without a drying step by calculating the amount of aqueous solution of the proton-generating species required to achieve a desired final moisture level (e.g., 0% to 15%, 0.25% to 10%, 0.5% to 5%, 0.5% to 3%) and adding this amount of aqueous solution to a dehydrated porous support to impregnate the porous support. In some embodiments, the proton-generating species is provided in an amount exceeding the stoichiometric amount required to produce gas when reacting with the precursor.

[0119] In some examples, the medium may further contain a deliquescence agent. Examples of deliquescence agents include, but are not limited to, aluminum chloride, aluminum nitrate, ammonium acid fluoride, cadmium nitrate, cesium hydroxide, calcium chloride, calcium iodide, cobalt(II) chloride, gold(III) chloride, iron(III) chloride, iron(III) nitrate, lithium iodide, lithium nitrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium iodide, manganese(II) sulfate, mesoxalic acid, potassium carbonate, potassium oxide, silver perchlorate, sodium formate, sodium nitrate, tachyhydrite, taurocholic acid, tellurium tetrachloride, tin(II) chloride, tin(II) sulfate, yttrium(III) chloride, zinc chloride, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the deliquescence agent is in powder form. In some examples, the deliquescence agent can be impregnated into a porous carrier. In some examples, the porous carrier is inert. In some examples, the porous carrier has pores, channels, etc. located within it. In some cases, the porous carrier is uniformly impregnated with a deliquescent agent throughout its entire volume via pores, channels, etc. In some cases, the deliquescent agent-impregnated porous carrier is separate from the precursor-impregnated and / or proton-generating species-impregnated porous carrier.

[0120] In some examples, the medium may further contain a desiccant. Examples of desiccants include, but are not limited to, activated alumina, benzophenone, bentonite clay, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate (Drierite), calcium sulfonate, copper(II) sulfate, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium perchlorate, molecular sieve, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, silica gel, sodium, sodium chlorate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, sucrose, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the desiccant is in powder form. In some examples, the desiccant can be impregnated into a porous carrier. In some examples, the porous carrier is inert. In some examples, the porous carrier has pores, channels, etc. located within it. In some examples, the porous carrier is uniformly impregnated with the desiccant throughout its entire volume via pores, channels, etc. In some examples, a porous carrier impregnated with a desiccant is distinct from a porous carrier impregnated with a precursor and / or a proton-generating species.

[0121] In some examples, the medium includes dry particles containing a precursor and dry particles containing a proton-generating species.

[0122] In some examples, the medium disposed within the inner tube comprises a mixture of dry particles containing a precursor and dry particles containing a proton-generating species.

[0123] In some examples, the medium disposed within the inner tube includes a layered bed comprising alternating layers of dry particles containing precursors and layers of dry particles containing proton-generating species. In some examples, the total number of layers in the layered bed is three or more (for example, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, eleven or more, twelve or more, thirteen or more, fourteen or more, fifteen or more, sixteen or more, seventeen or more, eighteen or more, nineteen or more, twenty or more, twenty-two or more, twenty-four or more, twenty-six or more, twenty-eight or more, thirty or more, thirty-five or more, or forty or more). In some examples, the total number of layers in a layered bed is 48 or less (e.g., 46 or less, 44 or less, 42 or less, 40 or less, 38 or less, 36 or less, 34 or less, 32 or less, 30 or less, 28 or less, 26 or less, 24 or less, 22 or less, 20 or less, 19 or less, 18 or less, 17 or less, 16 or less, 15 or less, 14 or less, 13 or less, 12 or less, 11 or less, 10 or less, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, or 5 or less). The total number of layers in a layered bed can range from any of the minimum values ​​listed above to any of the maximum values ​​listed above. For example, the total number of layers in a layered bed can be 3 to 48 (e.g., 3 to 24, 24 to 48, 3 to 30, 3 to 20, or 4 to 16).

[0124] In some examples, the floor may further include porous woven or nonwoven layers between one or more of the layers to separate them. The woven or nonwoven layers may be formed from polymer materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)). For example, the porous separator layer may be a spunbond nonwoven polyester layer.

[0125] In some examples, two or more fluid processing devices can be combined in a modular and / or permanent system to allow a fluid to pass through two or more devices. Figure 3 shows such a system 500 for processing a fluid, which includes a first fluid processing device 300 and a second fluid processing device 400. In certain examples, the medium disposed in the inner tube of the first fluid device may contain a precursor (e.g., dry particles containing a precursor), the medium disposed in the second fluid device may contain a proton-generating species (e.g., dry particles containing a proton-generating species), and vice versa.

[0126] Devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein for processing fluids may include a medium configured to generate a gas from a precursor so that the gas is released into a fluid channel. In some examples, the medium releases the gas into a fluid channel, and the fluid flow across the blades increases the amount of gas released by the medium. In some examples, the medium is configured to release the gas, and the fluid flow created by multiple blades increases the gas reactivity with VOCs and / or microorganisms in the fluid.

[0127] In some embodiments, the proton-generating species is provided within the same enclosure along with an impregnating agent containing a precursor impregnated in a porous carrier. For example, the medium may be disposed within a permeable liner disposed within the inner tube, adjacent to a plurality of perforations along the inner surface of the inner tube. In some embodiments, the encapsulation material (e.g., the liner) may include any encapsulation material that is substantially impermeable to liquid water. In some embodiments, the medium is placed in a humidity-activated sachet and encapsulated within the liner. Exemplary liners include, but are not limited to, nonwoven fabrics or paper. Exemplary commercially available materials for liners include, but are not limited to, polyethylene such as TYVEK® (high-density polyethylene) and polytetrafluoroethylene such as GORE-TEX®. In some embodiments, the liner allows water vapor to enter. In some embodiments, the liner allows gas to be released from there into the fluid channel. In some embodiments, the liner is a sachet comprising three layers of membrane material forming a two-compartment sachet for separating proton-generating species (whether impregnated in a porous carrier or not) from precursors (whether impregnated in a porous carrier or not). In some embodiments, the layers of membrane material can be selected from different membrane materials, and the permeability of the outer membrane can determine how quickly moisture can enter the sachet to activate the precursors and proton-generating species. In some embodiments, the layers of membrane material can be selected from different membrane materials, and the central membrane can determine how quickly protons from a proton source can pass through to the precursors to react and generate gas.

[0128] Several exemplary implementations are provided herein. However, it is understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein.

[0129] Materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, in conjunction with, or for the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein, or are products thereof. When these and other components are disclosed herein, and combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of these components are disclosed, it is understood that each of the various individual and collective combinations and rearrangements of these components is specifically intended and described herein, even if not expressly disclosed. For example, if a device is disclosed and all possible combinations and rearrangements of the device are described, possible modifications are specifically intended unless the reverse is specifically indicated. Similarly, any subset or combination of these is also specifically intended and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure, including, but not limited to, steps in methods of using the systems or devices of the disclosure. Thus, where various additional steps that can be performed exist, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed in any particular method step or combination of method steps of the method disclosed, and that each of such combinations or subsets of combinations should be considered specifically intended and disclosed.

Claims

1. A fluid processing device, An outer tube having an inner surface, An inner tube coaxially disposed within the outer tube, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner surface and an outer surface extending between both ends of the inner tube, and the outer surface and the inner surface define an annular portion extending axially between the ends of the inner tube, A plurality of blades disposed within the annular portion, configured to change the flow direction component of the fluid flowing across the plurality of blades in the circumferential and / or radial direction, wherein each of the plurality of blades is The proximal end of the inner tube is bonded to the outer surface, A distal end located on the opposite side of the proximal end along the transverse axis of the blade and spaced apart from the proximal end, The leading edge and, The trailing edge and, It has, The leading edge and trailing edge extend between the proximal end and the distal end, the longitudinal axis of the blade extends through the leading edge and the trailing edge, the blade plane of each blade includes the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis of each blade, and the transverse axis of each blade is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the inner tube of the inner tube such that each blade of the plurality of blades extends at an oblique angle with respect to the tangent to the outer surface of the inner tube, The system comprises a medium disposed within the inner tube, The inner tube defines a plurality of perforations extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, The annular portion defines the overall flow path of the fluid that flows between the outer tube and the inner tube, The blades of the first subset of the plurality of blades are arranged in a first row circumferentially around the inner tube, the blades of the second subset of the plurality of blades are arranged in a second row circumferentially around the inner tube, the first row is spaced axially apart from the second row, and the blade planes for the first blades in the first subset and the first blades in the second subset are coplanar. A device in which the flow direction of the fluid flowing across the blades is altered such that the radially outward portion of the fluid moves radially inward toward the plurality of perforations in the inner tube.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each blade, when cut in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the blade, is triangular.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the medium is configured to generate the gas from a precursor such that the gas is released into the flow path of the fluid.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the medium comprises dried particles containing the precursor.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the medium further comprises a proton-generating species.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the medium disposed in the inner tube comprises a mixture of dry particles containing a precursor and dry particles containing a proton-generating species.

7. The precursor comprises a chlorine dioxide precursor, and the gas is chlorine dioxide (ClO ２ ) contains, or the precursor contains a carbon dioxide precursor, and the gas is carbon dioxide (CO ２ The device according to claim 3, which includes or is a combination thereof.

8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the dried particles containing the precursor further comprise a porous carrier selected from the group consisting of zeolite crystals, silica, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, and clay, and the precursor is impregnated into the porous carrier.

9. The device according to claim 4, wherein the dried particles containing the precursor contain 1% to 100% by weight of the precursor.

10. The device according to claim 3, wherein the precursor comprises a chlorine dioxide precursor, and the chlorine dioxide precursor comprises a chlorine dioxide generating compound selected from the group consisting of metal chlorites, metal chlorates, chloric acid, hypochlorous acid, and combinations thereof.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the metal chlorite comprises sodium chlorite, barium chlorite, calcium chlorite, lithium chlorite, potassium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, or a combination thereof, or wherein the metal chlorite comprises sodium chlorate, lithium chlorate, potassium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, barium chlorate, or a combination thereof.

12. The device according to claim 5, wherein the medium containing the proton-generating species further comprises a porous carrier selected from the group consisting of zeolite crystals, silica, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, and clay, and the proton-generating species is impregnated into the porous carrier.

13. The device according to claim 6, wherein the dried particles containing the proton-generating species contain 1% to 100% by weight of the proton-generating species.

14. The device according to claim 5, wherein the proton-generating species includes an organic acid, an inorganic acid, a metal salt, or a combination thereof.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the proton-generating species comprises an organic acid and / or an inorganic acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, propionic acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

16. The proton generating species is ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, CaCl ２ , ZnSO ４ , ZnCl ２ , CoSO ４ , CoCl ２ , MnSO ４ , MnCl ２ , CuSO ４ , CuCl ２ , MgSO ４ The device according to claim 14, comprising a metal salt selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, hydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and combinations thereof.

17. The device according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of perforations is circular in shape when viewed from the outer surface of the inner tube, the dried particles containing the precursor have a first average particle size, the dried particles containing the proton-generating species have a second average particle size, each of the plurality of perforations has a perforation diameter, and the first average particle size and the second average particle size are larger than the perforation diameter so that the medium does not leak out of the plurality of perforations.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the medium is configured to release gas, and the fluid flow created by the plurality of blades increases gas reactivity with VOCs and / or microorganisms in the fluid.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades are configured to cause turbulence in the fluid flowing across the blades.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades are configured to create vortices in the fluid flowing across the blades.

21. A system for processing fluids, A plurality of fluid processing devices, including the fluid processing device described in claim 1, A system in which at least one first end of the aforementioned devices can be disposed within a second end of at least another of the aforementioned devices.

22. A fluid processing device, An outer tube having an inner surface, An inner tube coaxially disposed within the outer tube, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner surface and an outer surface extending between both ends of the inner tube, and the outer surface and the inner surface define an annular portion extending axially between the ends of the inner tube, A plurality of blades disposed within the annular portion, configured to change the flow direction component of the fluid flowing across the plurality of blades in the circumferential and / or radial direction, The system comprises a medium disposed within the inner tube, The inner tube defines a plurality of perforations extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, The annular portion defines the overall flow path of the fluid that flows between the outer tube and the inner tube, The medium disposed within the inner tube comprises a mixture of dry particles containing a precursor and dry particles containing a proton-generating species. Each of the plurality of perforations is circular in shape when viewed from the outer surface of the inner tube, the dried particles containing the precursor have a first average particle size, the dried particles containing the proton-generating species have a second average particle size, each of the plurality of perforations has a perforation diameter, and the first and second average particle sizes are larger than the perforation diameter so that the medium does not leak out of the plurality of perforations. device.

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