Packing assembly, rotating packed bed, and method of use

Abstract

There is provided a packing assembly (1) for a rotating packed bed (100), the packing assembly (1) including: a shaft (26); a first packing (10) and a second packing (10) each coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft (12); and a dividing wall (14), the dividing wall (14) positioned at least partially between the first packing (10) and the second packing (10), wherein the dividing wall (14) extends radially outwardly from the shaft (12) to at least partly divide the first packing (10) from the second packing (10).

Description

[0001] PACKING ASSEMBLY, ROTATING PACKED BED, AND METHOD OF USE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a packing assembly for a rotating packed bed. The present invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to an arrangement of a packing assembly for a rotating packed bed, a rotating packed bed including the packing assembly for the rotating packed bed, and a method of use of a rotating packed bed including the packing assembly for the rotating packed bed.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Gas streams from power plants and other industrial activities include pollutants, for example greenhouse gases. One such greenhouse gas is CO2 which contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

[0006] Static packed beds or columns are used for a variety of chemical processing applications such as absorption, distillation, stripping and liquid-liquid extraction. These static packed beds are filled with packing through which fluids can flow. The packing increases the contact between fluids, thereby increasing the rate of mass transfer.

[0007] Advantageously, Rotating Packed Beds (RPBs) provide significantly improved mass transfer performance compared to conventional static packed beds. RPBs can be used in at least distillation, absorption, adsorption, and stripping applications. In an RPB, liquid flows from an inner radius of the packing of the RPB to an outer radius, while gas or vapor typically flows counter-current from the outside to the inside, though some cases of co-flow and cross-flow liquid / gas flow regimes are also known to exist. Rotation of the packing results in improved mass transfer by virtue of creating small droplets and thinner liquid films than in conventional beds. Rotation also creates an acceleration potential field (i.e., a centrifugal force) that improves vapor / liquid de-entrainment.

[0008] A drive system, connected to a central shaft aligned with the packing of the RPB, drives the rotation of the packing, or a direct drive with gearbox can be used. Typical RPB rotation speeds range from 100 RPM to 600 RPM; however, the use of speeds outside of this range is also known. Bearings support the shaft of a RPB and allow the shaft to rotate.

[0009] In a conventional vertical shaft RPB system, a pulley connects a drive system to a RPB shaft. An upper bearing and lower bearing support each end of the shaft and allow the shaft to rotate about its vertical axis. The RPB packing is attached to and rotates with the shaft. During operation of a vertical RPB, the lower bearing of the RPB supports most of the load produced by the mass and rotation of the packing. Because of this, the packing and lower bearing can act as a vertical cantilever, with the support being the lower bearing. This can lead to excessive levels of vibration and deflection at the upper bearing, which increases friction between the upper shaft and upper bearing. This friction can raise the drive load and cause the drive system to trip. The deflection also leads to failure of the mechanical seals and bearings. Additionally, access for seal and bearing maintenance is limited.

[0010] Conventional RPB systems have limitations in respect of scaling up such RPB systems. In particular, once gas is introduced into the housing of an RPB, gas flow through the packed bed is subject to the dimensions of the RPB and the gas flow may not be sufficiently controlled through the packed bed. Further, in conventional RPB systems, owing to the housing and packed bed configuration within, conventional RPBs may only be used for a single liquid I gas or gas I gas configuration, and therefore only one purpose during operation. Accordingly, for multiple, separate, purposes, multiple RPBs must be provided, which may increase cost and I or spatial footprint of processes in which the RPBs are involved.

[0011] There is therefore a need for a an RPB arrangement that alleviates at least some of the problems outlined herein.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a packing assembly for a rotating packed bed as claimed in claim 1 , and a rotating packed bed as claimed in claim 6. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] In orderthatthe present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIGURE 1 is a front cutaway view of a packing assembly embodying the present disclosure, mounted within a rotating packed bed;

[0017] FIGURE 2 is a front view of a rotating packed bed; and

[0018] FIGURE 3 is a side view of the rotating packed bed of FIGURE 2, rotated 90 degrees from Figure DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 , there is provided a packing assembly 1 for a rotating packed bed 100, the packing assembly 1 including a shaft 12. In the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the packing assembly 1 includes a first packing 10 and a second packing 10 each coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft 12. It will be understood by the skilled person that the first and second packing may be defined as packings 10 that are positioned adjacent one-another indirectly. For the sake of brevity, the first, second, and additional (as described herein) packings will be referred to with reference numeral 10. A dividing wall 14 is positioned at least partly between the first packing 10 and the second packing 10, wherein the dividing wall 14 extends radially outwardly from the shaft 12 to at least partly divide the first packing 10 from the second packing 10. The (or each) packing 10 may be at least partially fixed to the dividing wall 14. In particular, with reference to Figure 1 , a side of each packing 10, for example a side in contact with the dividing wall 14, may be fully fixed at each point of contact with the dividing wall 14, or may be fixed at positions corresponding to a partial fixation to the dividing wall 14, for example, there may be points or positions along the side of the or each packing adjacent the dividing wall 14 that are fixed to the dividing wall, and points or positions adjacent the dividing wall 14 that are not fixed to the dividing wall. Accordingly, the dividing wall 14 may extend from the shaft 12, and the dividing wall 14 (and tie rods 16 or other supporting structures, when present) may fully support the weight of the or each packing 10. Accordingly, the shaft may not directly support the or each packing 10, but may indirectly support the or each packing 10 by virtue of the dividing wall 14 (and optionally the tie rods 16, when present). As will also be appreciated by the skilled person, the dividing wall 14 may not extend the radially outwardly from the shaft 12 the entire length of the packing 10. Therefore, the packings 10 may be supported by the dividing wall 14, without requiring the dividing wall 14 to extend away from the shaft to the same length as the packing 10.

[0020] In some examples, the packings 10 of the packing assembly 1 define distinct sections of the packing assembly 1 , where each of the two packings 10 (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) define such sections along distinct parts of the length of the shaft 12, e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In particular, when there are two packings 10, as shown in Figure 1 , the first packing may extend a first length along the shaft 12, the dividing wall 14 may be positioned at the end of the first length adjacent the first packing 10, and the second packing may extend a second length along the shaft 12 away from the dividing wall 14.

[0021] As will be appreciated by the skilled person and with reference to the background section, a packing 10 is a packing material (which may be uniformly or non-uniformly structured) that increases surface area for gas / liquid and / or gas / gas interactions. The packings 10 of the packing assembly 1 as described herein may be provided in a configuration including metal or polymer meshing and may also include catalyst particles or adsorbents to increase liquid / gas and / or gas / gas reaction efficiency.

[0022] The packing 10 may be monolithic or composed of sections. In particular, sections of each packing may be shaped as wedges and / or sectors of a circle (commonly known as ‘pie slices’). The shape of the sections of each packing 10 may additionally or alternatively be annular (for example, ‘doughnut’-shaped) rings. The character of the packing (character including configurations such as, but not limited to: material, structure, interfacial area, porosity, and / or tortuosity, etc.) need not be uniform. Therefore, the character of the packing may change linearly or non-linearly in the radial directions away from the shaft. In particular, and particularly if wedges, slices, and / or sectors of a circle are used, the packing 10 may have distinct zones in the radial or circumferential direction with different character, as described above. As will be understood by the skilled person, the first and second packing 10 (or any additional packing 10 as described herein) may have the same or different character or configuration as described above.

[0023] As will also be appreciated by the skilled person, the dividing wall 14, whilst extending in a perpendicular direction to the length of the shaft 12, as shown in Figure 1 , may extend in a plane offset angularly from a plane perpendicular to the length of the shaft 12 (not shown). For example, the dividing wall 14 may have a terminus (i.e., the furthest point of the dividing wall 14 from the shaft 12) at a different horizontal length along the shaft 12 than the origin (i.e., the closest point of the dividing wall 14 to the shaft 12). The angle may be positive (the terminus being further along the length of the shaft 12 than the origin), or vice versa. The angle of the dividing wall 14 may alter around the radial extension of the shaft 12, such that, when viewing the dividing wall 14 from the perspective of Figure 3, the dividing wall 14 may have both a positive and negative angle at different points around the shaft 12 (e.g., the position at the terminus of the dividing wall 14 may be different to the terminus of the dividing wall 14 at a different radial position). Further, the extension of the dividing wall 14 may be non-uniform (e.g., the extension of the dividing wall 14 may not be uniform along a single plane of extension away from the shaft 12).

[0024] When provided as described herein, the packing assembly 1 may be installed into rotating packed beds 100 in a modular way. In particular, the packing assembly 1 may be placed into a housing of an already-existing packed bed; therefore, the packing assembly 1 itself may be modular and may not need to require a specific (e.g., ‘bespoke’) housing to be mounted within. Such modularity may provide advantages in respect of processing flexibility, such as the ability to switch out and install various packing assemblies (which may or may not be equivalently configured to one-another) into a single housing 20 of a rotating packed bed 100. Further, the packing assembly 1 may be provided in a ‘mirror’ arrangement where the packings 10 surrounding a dividing wall 14 are symmetrical. As mentioned herein, additionally or alternatively, the packings 10 may not be provided in a ‘mirror’ arrangement, such that the first and second packings 10 (or more packings 10) may have the same or different dimensions, character, and / or configuration. When mounted within a rotating packed bed 100, the packing assembly 1 may therefore allow for multiple, simultaneous, chemical processing applications; the chemical processing applications at each section may be the same, or different, chemical processing applications.

[0025] As described above, the packing assembly 1 may be configured to be compatible with a housing of an already-existing rotating packed bed. When provided as described herein, the predictability and controllability of processing parameters may be increased and optimised. In particular, in housing configurations including multiple gas inlets 22 and / or liquid inlets 25 gas outlets 24 and / or liquid outlets 28, when installed into a rotating packed bed housing 20, the rotating packed bed 100 may act as multiple, smaller, rotating packed beds 100, as described herein (due to the dividing wall 14 and packings 10 on each side of the dividing wall 14, which may or may not be configured the same in respect of, e.g., character, dimensions, size). Whilst gas inlet 22 is shown in Figure 2 as central about plane B, the gas inlet(s) 22 may be placed appropriately on the housing 20 (e.g., non-centrally), in order to provide gas flow to one packing 10 individually, for example (or more packings 10). The gas inlets 22 may be arranged tangentially on the housing 20. The gas inlets may have a round (shown) or rectangular (not shown) profile.

[0026] The packing assembly 1 may further include at least one additional packing 10 positioned distally along the shaft 12 (and coupled to the shaft 12 and / or a respective dividing wall 14). The at least one additional packing 10 may be positioned adjacent the first packing or the second packing or an additional packing 10. The additional packing 10 may be positioned adjacent the first or the second packing 10 and / or an additional packing 10 directly or indirectly as described herein. As described above, each packing 10 may be comprised of multiple sections e.g., wedges, annular rings, and / or circular segments; therefore, each section of each packing 10 may be positioned adjacent (directly or indirectly) other sections of the same and / or a different packing 10. For example, the at least one additional packing 10 may be separated from each of the one or two adjacent packings 10 by a respective dividing wall 14 (or walls) extending radially outwardly from the shaft 12, such that two adjacent packings 10 are separated by a dividing wall 14. Further additional packings 10 may be positioned adjacent further additional packings and separated by a further respective dividing wall 14. Therefore, the packing assembly may have a configuration where there are multiple packings 10 between each dividing wall 14. For example, the packed bed assembly 1 may include two dividing walls 14 placed along the shaft 12, each dividing wall 14 including two packings 10 (e.g., one packing 10 on each side of the dividing wall 14, as shown in Figure 1), such that there may be two packings 10 between the two dividing walls 14 (not shown).

[0027] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that such a configuration may extend to multiple dividing walls (i.e., more than two, e.g., three, four, five dividing walls 14, etc.). Since the packing assembly 1 may include multiple dividing walls 14 positioned distally along the shaft 12, the shaft 12 may therefore be configured to extend through multiple housings 20. Each of the multiple housings 20, with part of the shaft 12, and at least one dividing wall 14 and packing(s) 12 located therein, may therefore be effectively configured as a distinct rotating packed bed 100. Accordingly, the shaft 12, extending through multiple housings 20 (in series) may be considered to be a “common shaft”. Therefore, multiple housings 20 may be used along the same shaft 12, each housing containing a packing assembly 1 configuration which may or may not be the same within each housing 20. It will be appreciated by the skilled person, that when a common shaft 12 is used with multiple housings 20 in series, the packing assembly 1 in each housing (and effective rotating packed bed 100) may have any of or all of the features and advantages of the packing assembly as described herein. Each housing 20 may include support structures that each support a respective part of the shaft 12.

[0028] The packing assembly 1 may therefore include multiple packings 10 located at distinct portions along the length of the shaft 12 (and optionally at least directly or indirectly fixed to a respective dividing wall 14). Each of the sections may be identical, creating multiple ‘mirror’ arrangements about each dividing wall 14, or each of the sections may be different (for example, the character and configuration of each packing 10 may be tailored to specific, different functions or processes, and / or may be different lengths). In other words, the packing assembly 1 may include sections of ‘mirror’ arrangements (i.e., symmetrical packing assemblies about a dividing wall 14, in respect of the packings 10 having the same character and / or configuration e.g., material, structure, interfacial area, porosity, and / or tortuosity, etc.) and / or sections of varied packing configurations about each dividing wall 14. Therefore, as described above, and as shown in Figure 1 , the first, second, and / or additional packings 10 may be each configured symmetrically about the dividing wall 14 or walls or the first, second, and / or additional packings 10 may not be configured symmetrically. Such symmetrical arrangements may be considered to be ‘mirror’ arrangements and may have the features and / or advantages of the ‘mirror’ arrangements as described herein. Regardless of whether the arrangements of the or each packing assembly 1 as described herein are a ‘mirror’ arrangement or a non-mirror arrangement, the packing assemblies 1 may have any of or all of the features and / or advantages as described herein.

[0029] At least one of the dividing wall 14 or walls may be perforated. When provided in this way, gas and / or liquid flow may be enabled through the dividing walls 14, such that a single gas inlet 22 (or a number of gas inlets 22 fewer than the number of packings 10) may provide gas flow to multiple packings 10 (i.e., a number of packings 10 greater than the number of inlets). Further, two packings 10 located either side of the dividing wall 14 may be fully or partially connected to the dividing wall as described herein. At least one of the dividing wall 14 or walls may be an uninterrupted surface. In other words, the dividing wall 14 or walls may be a solid surface with no perforations that are located adjacent the packings 10. When provided in this way, gas and / or liquid flow may be limited, or prevented, between each of the packings 10, such that specific processing conditions (e.g., gas composition, liquid composition, gas and / or liquid flowrates, mesh composition, and / or catalyst usage) may be selected for specific packings 10. Therefore, in use, when the packing assembly 1 is installed into a housing 20 of a rotating packed bed 100, as is discussed in more detail herein, multiple, simultaneous, processes may occur concurrently within the rotating packed bed 100.

[0030] The dividing wall 14 or walls may be comprised of multiple intermediate supports, e.g., spokes in a spoked wall configuration. Accordingly, the or each dividing wall 14, or a proportion of the dividing walls 14 may comprise spokes, such that the packings 10 are at least partially fixed to one or more of the spokes and gas and / or liquid flow may flow between the packings 10 located on each side of the dividing wall 14. When configured in this way, the dividing wall(s) 14 may extend outwardly from the shaft 12, and the wall may comprise regions of surface, and regions of space between the regions of the surface.

[0031] Further, the dividing wall 14 or walls may also not extend directly from the shaft 12, but may extend from support structures (e.g., support shafts), which themselves extend from the shaft 12 to support the dividing wall 14, such that there may be a gap between the shaft and the dividing wall(s) 14, which may allow for liquid and / or gas flow between the dividing wall 14 and the shaft 12. Therefore, the support structures supporting the dividing wall 14 may have gaps between the support structures, allowing for liquid and / or gas flow therethrough.

[0032] The packing assembly may include supporting elements 16. The supporting elements 16 may include tie rods extending through the or each packing 10. Such tie rods may add structural support to the packings 10 and aid in prevention of structural collapse of each packing 10. As shown in Figure 1 , the supporting elements 16 may be evenly distributed throughout the packings 10 (as shown in Figure 1). The supporting elements 16 may be unevenly distributed.

[0033] The present disclosure provides, in a second aspect, a rotating packed bed 100, including a housing 20. As shown in Figure 1 , the packing assembly 1 as described herein is located within the housing 20 and mounted rotatably to the housing 20 via the shaft 12. The rotating packed bed 100 may therefore have any one of, combination of, or all of the advantages and features as described with reference to the packing assembly 1 as described herein. As will be apparent to the skilled person, the rotating packed bed 100 may be suitable for, at least, distillation, absorption, adsorption, and stripping applications. The dividing wall 14 may be spaced from the housing 20. For example, there may be a space between an end of the dividing wall 14 and the housing 20. When provided in this way, gas (and optionally liquid) flow within the housing 20 may be enabled between each of the packings 10 as described herein. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, one gas inlet 22 may therefore provide gas flow to multiple packings 10 (and optionally one liquid inlet 25 may therefore provide liquid flow to multiple packings 10). The dividing wall 14 may extend all the way to the internal wall of the housing. When configured in this way, gas and / or liquid flow between the packings 10 may be prevented.

[0034] The housing 20 may include a wall or walls configured to seal the gap between the or each dividing wall 14 and the housing 20, whilst enabling the packed bed arrangement to rotate within the housing 20. When provided in this way, the internal wall of the housing 20) may prevent gas and / or liquid flow between the packings 10, particularly when a dividing wall 14 or walls are provided that are a continuous surface (i.e., not perforated), such that each section comprising a packing may be considered to be a distinct subsection of the housing 20, i.e., behaving as a distinct packed bed arrangement. Further, when walls are included in the housing 20, when combined with perforated dividing walls between adjacent packings 10, gas and / or liquid flow between adjacent packings 10 may be forced between such perforated walls, allowing flow control and / or increasing processing (e.g., mass transfer) efficiency, since gas and / or liquid flow around the outer perimeter of the packings within the housing 20 (near the internal wall of the housing 20) may be substantially prevented.

[0035] The housing 20 may additionally or alternatively include at least one roller, the at least one roller being coupled to an internal surface of the housing 20, e.g., a lower surface of the housing 20 and / or an upper surface 20 of the housing, and in contact with the or each dividing wall 14 to at least partly fill a space between an end of the or each dividing wall 14 and the housing 20. The at least one roller may support the packing on the shaft (for example, by supporting a dividing wall 14) and may be utilised to prevent or reduce deflection of the dividing wall 14 when the packing assembly 1 is rotating. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there may be provided rollers within the housing positioned along the housing where it is expected for the dividing wall 14 or multiple dividing walls 14 to be located, in use.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rotating packed bed 100 may further include a plurality of gas inlets 22 extending through the housing 20. Each of the plurality of gas inlets 22 may be positioned to provide gas flow to each of the packings 10. Each of the plurality of gas inlets 22 may be positioned to provide gas flow to each of the packings in a 1 :1 ratio. Such a configuration may be advantageous in providing tailored gas flow to specific packings 10, such that specific processing parameters may be applied to specific packings. As will be appreciated, the gas inlets 22 may be positioned where gas flow is provided to a specific packing 10 in a 1 :1 ratio; however, based on the configuration of the dividing wall or walls 14, the gas flow may result in a 1 :2 (or more e.g., 1 :3, 1 :4, etc.) gas inlet to packing ratio, e.g., the gas may flow to a first packing 10, through the dividing wall 14, e.g., through a gap between spokes or through a perforation, and to a second packing 10 (or third packing 10, or fourth packing 10, or to a number of packings 10 that are present as part of the packing assembly 1). Therefore, when two packings 10 are provided and two gas inlets 22 are provided (to provide gas firstly to a specific respective packing 10), and gas flow is enabled through or around the dividing wall 14, such that gas flow is not restricted between the packings 10, the gas inlet 22 to packing 10 ratio may be considered to be 2:2, since two gas inlets 22 may provide gas flow to two packings 10. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the gas inlet 22 to packing 10 gas flow ratio may vary based on the configuration of the packing arrangement 1 in the rotating packed bed 100, e.g., 2:3, 2:4, 3:3, 4:4, etc.

[0037] As will also be appreciated by the skilled person, each gas inlet 22 may be configured to provide gas flow to only one packing 10, e.g., when the dividing wall 14 is a continuous surface, and when a wall is provided in the housing 20 to prevent gas flow between packings 10 either side of the dividing wall 14, such that gas flow to one packing 10 may then flow through the packing 10 and out of the housing 20, such that each gas inlet 22 is configured to provide gas flow to only one packing 10, in a 1 :1 ratio.

[0038] When provided in a specific ratio, each gas inlet 22 may therefore be provided with a specific, or tailored, gas flow, such as flowrate and I or gas composition to the packing 10 (or packings 10) of which the gas inlet 22 is linked to. When provided in a 1 :1 ratio, such a configuration, when the rotating packed bed includes rollers and / or internal walls as described herein, may prevent ‘crosscontamination’ of processing conditions between packings by virtue of having one gas inlet 22 per one packing 10, with no gas flow enabled between adjacent packings 10. It will be appreciated to the skilled person that the plurality of gas inlets 22 may be provided in a gas inlet to packing ratio of 1 :2, or 1 :3, or 1 :4, or 1 :5, or 1 :6, or 1 :7, or 1 :8, or 1 :9, or 1 :10, etc.. It will also be appreciated that the plurality of gas inlets 22 may be provided in a gas inlet to packing ratio or 2:1 , 3:1 , 4:1 , 5:1 , etc.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the plurality of gas inlets 22 may be positioned symmetrically and / or asymmetrically (for example if more than two gas inlets 22 are used) about a first central plane (e.g., shown as A in Figure 3) extending through the housing 20, which may be defined as a gas inlet plane. When configured in this way, gas flow to the housing 20 may be controlled throughout the housing 20 in a predictable way, e.g., in a uniform manner. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there may be multiple pluralities of gas inlets 22 that are each located around respective planes of symmetry. For example, there may be a second plurality of gas inlets 22 that are each positioned symmetrically about a second plane of symmetry (e.g., shown as B in Figure 1), which may be defined as a second gas inlet plane. The second gas inlet plane may be perpendicular to the first central plane. Using Figures 1 to 3 as references (for a non-shown example), a first plurality of gas inlets 22 may be positioned about a central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane A in Figure 3) in the configuration of the gas inlets 22 shown in Figure 4, and the second plurality of gas inlets 22 may be positioned about another central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane B in Figure 1) in a similar configuration to the gas outlets 24 shown in Figures 1 to 3. It will be appreciated that various, and numerous, planes of symmetry and various, and numerous, pluralities of gas inlets 22 may be present. For example, the first and second gas inlet planes (and subsequent e.g., third, fourth etc., gas inlet planes) may be rotationally offset by an angle, e.g., 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80 degrees.

[0040] The rotating packed bed 100 may further include a plurality of gas outlets 24 extending through the housing 20. When provided in this way, gas may flow through and out of the housing 20 in a relatively free way compared to rotating packed beds including fewer gas outlets. Such a configuration may reduce gas flow ‘stagnation’, e.g., reducing the incidence of pockets of gas that are not able to leave the housing due to restricted flow regimes. Further, the gas outlets 24 may be part of a recycle loop, such that, even if gas flow through and out of the housing 20 is relatively unrestricted (i.e., in certain processes, it may be that the residence time of the gas in the housing 20 does not meet processing requirements), the flow in and out of the housing 20 may allow for multiple ‘passes’ over the packings and therefore allow for increased processing control and mass transfer.

[0041] The plurality of gas outlets 24 may be positioned symmetrically or asymmetrically about a second central plane extending through the housing 20. The second central plane may be perpendicular to the first central plane. The second central plane may be the same as or different to the first central plane as described above in respect of the gas inlets 22 and may be considered as a gas outlet plane. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there may be multiple pluralities of gas outlets 24 that are each located around respective planes of symmetry. Using Figures 1 and 2 as references (for a non-shown example), a first plurality of gas outlets 24 may be positioned about a central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane A in Figure 3) in the configuration of the gas inlets 22 shown in Figure 3, and the second plurality of gas outlets 24 may be positioned about another (e.g., a third) central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane B in Figure 1) in the configuration of the gas outlets 24 shown in Figures 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that various, and numerous, planes of symmetry and various, and numerous, pluralities of gas outlets 24 may be present. For example, the first and second gas outlet planes (and subsequent e.g., third, fourth etc., gas outlet planes) may be rotationally offset by an angle, e.g., 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80 degrees.

[0042] The rotating packed bed 100 may further include a plurality of liquid inlets 25 fluidly connected to a plurality of liquid distributors 26 through a liquid manifold 27 extending through the housing 20. Such a plurality of inlets 25 and distributors 26 may provide advantages. In particular, liquid flow may be controlled by positioning the liquid inlets 25 and / or distributors 26 in configurations appropriate to the process for which the rotating packed bed 100 will used. The liquid distributors 26 may be positioned symmetrically about the shaft 12, such that liquid flow to the packings is evenly distributed. The plurality of liquid inlets 25 may be positioned symmetrically about a third central plane extending through the housing 20 and / or a fourth central plane extending through the housing 20 (e.g., A in Figure 3 and / or B in Figure 1). The third and fourth central planes may be considered to be first and second liquid inlet planes, respectively. The fourth central plane may be perpendicular to the third central plane. When configured in this way, liquid flow to the packed bed arrangement may be controlled throughout the housing 20 in a uniform manner. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there may be multiple pluralities of liquid inlets 25 (and / or liquid distributors 26) that are each located around respective planes of symmetry. Using Figures 1 to 3 as references to showcase the principle of liquid inlets 25 (and / or liquid distributors 26) being placed around a plane of symmetry, a first plurality of liquid inlets 25 (and / or liquid distributors 26) may be positioned about a central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane A in Figure 3) in the configuration of the gas inlets 22 shown in Figure 3, and / or a second plurality of liquid inlets 25 (and / or liquid distributors 26) may be positioned about another central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane B in Figure 1) in the configuration of the gas outlets 24 shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated that various, and numerous, planes of symmetry and various, and numerous, pluralities of liquid inlets 25 and / or liquid distributors 26 may be present. For example, the first and second liquid inlet planes (and subsequent e.g., third, fourth etc., liquid inlet planes) may be rotationally offset by an angle, e.g., 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80 degrees.

[0043] The rotating packed bed 100 may further include a liquid outlet 28 or plurality of liquid outlets 28 extending through the housing 20 or through a sump 30, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The plurality of liquid outlets 28 may be positioned symmetrically about a central plane extending through the housing 20, which may be defined as a central liquid outlet plane. When configured in this way, liquid flow out of the packed bed arrangement may be controlled throughout the housing 20 in a uniform manner. The plurality of liquid outlets 28 may be positioned asymmetrically about the central liquid outlet plane. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there may be multiple pluralities of liquid outlets 28 that are each located around respective planes of symmetry. In particular, a first plurality of liquid outlets 28 may be positioned about a central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane A in Figure 3) in a similar configuration to the gas inlets 22 shown in Figure 3 (possibly not in a same vertical position due to natural, gravity assisted, liquid flow), and a second plurality of liquid outlets 28 may be positioned about another central plane of symmetry (e.g., plane B in Figure 1) in a similar configuration to the gas outlets 24 shown in Figures 1 and 2 (possibly not in a same vertical position due to natural, gravity assisted, liquid flow). It will be appreciated that various, and numerous, planes of symmetry and various, and numerous, pluralities of liquid outlets 28 may be present. For example, first and second liquid outlet planes (and subsequent e.g., third, fourth etc., liquid outlet planes) may be rotationally offset by an angle, e.g., 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80 degrees.

[0044] As is shown in Figures 1 to 3, the liquid outlet 28 may be fluidly connected to a sump 30. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, when multiple liquid outlets 28 are provided as described herein, each liquid outlet 28 as described herein may be connected to a respective sump 30, or multiple liquid outlets 28 may be connected to the same sump 30, or, as will be appreciated, there may be a combination of single outlets 28 connected to respective single sumps 30 and multiple outlets 28 connected to a respective single sump 30 in the same rotating packed bed 100. As will be further appreciated by the skilled person, the liquid outlet(s) 28 may not need point down, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, but may alternatively be horizontal or angled towards an upper or lower vertical direction, e.g., if the liquid outlet 28 is directed upwards, the liquid outlet 28 may be connected to a pump to remove liquid from the sump 30.

[0045] As described herein, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that multiple configurations may be used, particularly related to, e.g., the number, configuration, and position of the liquid inlets 25, liquid outlets 28, gas inlets 22, gas outlets 24, and the configuration of the packing assembly 1 (e.g., the packings 10). It will be further appreciated by the skilled person that the configuration of the rotating packed bed 100 (including specific packed bed assembly 1 configurations) may be varied to suit specific process requirements. In particular, in the configurations described above, both packings 10 may receive a fresh feed of liquid and gas (e.g., a non-recycled feed). Alternatively, one of the packings 10 may receive a fresh feed of liquid and / or gas, and / or one of the packings 10 may receive an outlet flow of liquid and / or gas from the other packing 10. In more detail, but not specifically limited to such, the packing assembly 1 may be configured, in a rotating packed bed 100, as follows, with reference to two gas inlets 24, two liquid inlets 25, and two packings 10 in the following exemplary configurations:

[0046] Exemplary configuration (1) One gas inlet 22 and one gas outlet 24 per packing 10, and one liquid inlet 25 per packing 10, with no direct fluid communication between each packing, i.e., the dividing wall 14 not allowing for liquid or gas flow between each packing 10, such that each packing 10 is being used in parallel with respect to gas and liquid flow. Such a configuration may have a common liquid sump 30 and outlet 28, or respective liquid sumps 30 and outlets 28 for each packing 10.

[0047] Exemplary configuration (2) One gas inlet 22 and one gas outlet 24 per packing 10, and one liquid inlet 25 and one liquid outlet 28 per packing 10, with no direct fluid communication between each packing 10. The gas outlet 24 of the first packing 10 is connected to the gas inlet 22 of the second packing 10, and the liquid outlet 28 of the first packing is connected to the liquid inlet 25 of the second packing. In such a configuration, the packings 10 are being used in series with respect to gas and liquid flow.

[0048] Exemplary configuration (3) One gas inlet 22 and one gas outlet 24 per packing 10, and one liquid inlet 25 per packing 10, with no direct fluid communication between each packing 10. The gas outlet 24 of the first packing 10 is connected to the gas inlet 22 of the second packing 10. The packings 10 may have a common liquid sump 30 and outlet 28, or liquid sumps 30 and liquid outlets 28 for each packing 10. Each packing 10 receives a fresh (e.g., non-recycled) flow of liquid. In such a configuration, the gas flows through the packings 10 in series, while the liquid flows through the packings 10 in parallel. Exemplary configuration (4) One gas inlet 22 and one gas outlet 24 per packing 10, and one liquid inlet 25 and one liquid sump 30 and liquid outlet 28 per packing 10, with no direct fluid communication between each packing 10. The liquid outlet 28 of the first packing 10 is connected to the liquid inlet 25 of the second packing 10. Each packing 10 receives a fresh (e.g., non-recycled) flow of gas. In such a configuration, the gas flows through the packings 10 in parallel, while the liquid flows through the packings 10 in series.

[0049] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the configurations as described above may be extended to more (e.g., more than two) packings 10, and respective multiple gas inlets 22, liquid inlets 25, gas outlets 24, and liquid outlets 28. It will also be appreciated by the skilled person that when more than two packings 10 are used in a rotating packed bed, each “pair” of packings may correspond to the same or different exemplary configurations, as described above. It will be appreciated that each liquid inlet 25 as described above may connected to a liquid distributor 26 or multiple liquid distributors 26, as described herein, suitable for the configuration required.

[0050] In use, the rotating shaft 12 may extend substantially horizontally through the housing 20, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. With the shaft supported on both sides of the housing 20 the packed bed is better supported mechanically and vibrations may be better attenuated thus reduce drive tripping. Alternatively, in use, the rotating shaft 12 may extend vertically through the housing 20, such that the rotating packed bed 100 is in the horizontal plane.

[0051] The rotating shaft 12 may be coupled to the housing 20 by one or more seals 32 and one or more bearings 34, on each side of the housing as shown in Figure 1. The seals 32 and bearings 34 may include any component as known in the art (e.g., bearings).

[0052] The rotating packed bed 100 may further include a skid arrangement (not shown) connected to the housing 20 for removable installation of the rotating packed bed 100 into a skid receiver. The skid arrangement may allow for the rotating packed bed 100 to be modularly installed into processing arrangements. In particular, the packed bed may be removed from one processing set up (i.e., a first part of a processing plant), and may be reinstalled in another processing set up. Therefore, the skid arrangement may allow for ad-hoc rearrangement of processing plant configurations based on the required needs of a processing plant at any one time.

[0053] The skid arrangement may be configured to structurally support the weight of rotating packed bed 100. When provided in this way, when placed into a receiving portion of a processing plant, further supporting features may not be required. Therefore, the rotating packed bed 100 may be placed into a modular receiving unit of a processing plant, and the skid arrangement may be optionally secured to the modular receiving unit, such that the rotating packed bed 100 may be easily installed and removed from the receiving portion. The shaft may be driven by a motor (not shown) via a pulley 38, as shown in the Figures or may be driven by a direct drive motor with or without a gearbox.

[0054] The rotating packed bed 100 may further include a sump 30 fluidly connected to a lower portion of the housing 20 (as shown in Figures 1 to 3). The presence of a sump 30 in the rotating packed bed 100 may have further particular advantages. In particular, liquid flow from the rotating packed bed 100 may be directed towards the sump 30 (directly or indirectly) by gravity, particularly when the rotating packed bed 100 is provided in a vertical arrangement as described herein. Accordingly, any liquid involved in processing operations involved with the rotating packed bed 100 may be readily collected in the rotating packed bed 100 without the need for bespoke liquid-collection arrangements. Inclusion of a sump 30 in the rotating packed bed 100 may therefore provide a singular, simple, arrangement for liquid collection. The sump 30 may have a liquid outlet 28 (or a plurality of outlets).

[0055] The housing 20 of the rotating packed bed 100 and the dividing wall of the packing assembly 1 may be configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packings 10 as described herein. For example, by interaction between the dividing wall 14 an interior surface of the housing, or by interaction between the dividing wall 14 and walls on the inside of the housing 20 configured to seal a gap between the dividing wall 14 and the housing 20, as described herein.

[0056] As described herein, particularly with reference to “exemplary configurations” (1) to (4) as described herein, the rotating packed bed 100 may comprise a first gas inlet 22 extending into the housing 20 and a first gas outlet 24 extending out of the housing 20, the first gas inlet 22 and the first gas outlet 24 fluidly connected to the first packing 10, and a second gas inlet 22 extending into the housing 20 and a second gas outlet 24 extending out of the housing 20, the second gas inlet 22 and the second gas outlet 24 fluidly connected to the second packing 10. There may be a first liquid inlet 25 extending into the housing 20 and a first liquid outlet 28 extending out of the housing 20, the first liquid inlet 25 and the first liquid outlet 28 fluidly connected to the first packing 10, and a second liquid inlet 25 extending into the housing 20 and a second liquid outlet 28 extending out of the housing 20, the second liquid inlet 25 and the second liquid outlet 28 fluidly connected to the second packing 10.

[0057] The first gas outlet 24 may be fluidly connected to the second gas inlet 22. The second gas outlet 24 may be fluidly connected to the first gas inlet 22. The first liquid outlet 28 may be fluidly connected to the second liquid inlet 25. The second liquid outlet 28 may be fluidly connected to the first liquid inlet 25. The fluid connections as between the first and second gas and liquid inlets and outlets may be external to the housing, e.g., by piping. Such fluid connections may create a recycle loop for liquid and / or gas. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that whilst reference numerals are shared between the first and second gas and liquid inlets and outlets in the above description, the first liquid inlet 25 is not the same liquid inlet as the second liquid inlet 25, and equivalent considerations apply to the first and second liquid outlets 28, the first and second gas inlets 22, and the first and second gas outlets 24.

[0058] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a rotating packed bed 100.

[0059] The rotating packed bed 100 of the method may include any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the rotating packed bed 100 as described herein, and / or the packing assembly 1 may include any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the rotating packed bed 100 as described herein.

[0060] The method of use may comprise rotating the packing assembly 1 within the housing 20, flowing at least one liquid into the housing 20 through at least one liquid inlet 25 and through the first and second packings 10; flowing at least one gas into the housing 20 through at least one gas inlet 22 and through the first and second packings 10, flowing the at least one liquid out of the housing 20 through at least one liquid outlet 28; and flowing the at least one gas out of the housing 20 through at least one gas outlet 24. The rotation of the packing assembly 1 within the housing may be between 100 and 600 revolutions per minute.

[0061] The housing 20 of the rotating packed bed 100 and the dividing wall of the packing assembly 1 may be configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packings 10 as described herein. Accordingly, the first packing 10 may correspond to a first gas inlet 22 and a first gas outlet 24, and a first liquid inlet 25 and a first liquid outlet 28, and the second packing 10 may correspond to a second gas inlet 22 and a second gas outlet 24, and a second liquid inlet 25 and a second liquid outlet 28 as described herein.

[0062] The method of use may correspond with “exemplary configuration (1)” as described herein. Therefore, the rotating packed bed 100 may include features relevant to “exemplary configuration (1)” as described herein. Such a configuration allows each packing 10 to be used in parallel with respect to gas and liquid flow.

[0063] Accordingly, the method of use may comprise flowing a first liquid into the housing 20 through a first liquid inlet 25, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet 28; flowing a second liquid into the housing 20 through a second liquid inlet 25, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via the first liquid sump and through the first liquid outlet 28 (e.g., if a communal sump is used), or into a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet 28; flowing a first gas into the housing 20 through a first gas inlet 22, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a first gas outlet 24; and flowing a second gas into the housing 20 through a second gas inlet 22, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a second gas outlet 24.

[0064] The method of use may correspond with “exemplary configuration (2)” as described herein. Therefore, the rotating packed bed 100 may include features relevant to “exemplary configuration

[0065] (2)” as described herein. In such a configuration, the packings 10 are used in series with respect to gas and liquid flow.

[0066] Accordingly, the method of use may comprise flowing a first liquid into the housing 20 through a first liquid inlet 25, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet 28; flowing the first liquid from the first liquid outlet 28 to a second liquid inlet 25, through the second liquid inlet 25 into the housing 20, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet 28; flowing a first gas into the housing 20 through a first gas inlet 22, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a first gas outlet 24; and flowing the first gas from the first gas outlet 24 to a second gas inlet 22, through the second gas inlet 22 into the housing 20, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a second gas outlet 24.

[0067] The method of use may correspond with “exemplary configuration (3)” as described herein. Therefore, the rotating packed bed 100 may include features relevant to “exemplary configuration

[0068] (3)” as described herein. In such a configuration, the gas flows through the packings 10 in series, while the liquid flows through the packings 10 in parallel.

[0069] Accordingly, the method of use may comprise flowing a first liquid into the housing 20 through a first liquid inlet 25, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet 28; flowing a second liquid into the housing 20 through a second liquid inlet 25, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via the first liquid sump and through the first liquid outlet 28 (e.g., if a communal sump is used), or via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet 28; flowing a first gas into the housing 20 through a first gas inlet 22, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a first gas outlet 24; and flowing the first gas from the first gas outlet 24 to a second gas inlet 22, through the second gas inlet 22 into the housing 20, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a second gas outlet 24.

[0070] The method of use may correspond with “exemplary configuration (4)” as described herein. Therefore, the rotating packed bed 100 may include features relevant to “exemplary configuration (4)” as described herein. In such a configuration, the gas flows through the packings 10 in parallel, while the liquid flows through the packings 10 in series.

[0071] Accordingly, the method of use may comprise flowing a first liquid into the housing 20 through a first liquid inlet 25, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet 28; flowing the first liquid from the first liquid outlet 28 to a second liquid inlet 25, through the second liquid inlet 25 into the housing 20, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet 28; flowing a first into the housing 20 through a first gas inlet 22, through the first packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a first gas outlet 24; flowing a second gas into the housing 20 through a second gas inlet 22, through the second packing 10, and out of the housing 20 through a second gas outlet 24.

[0072] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a sump (e.g., the first and second sump as described above) may not be required for the methods as described above, e.g., another method of liquid removal from the housing 20 may be used (e.g., a direct pipe out of the housing). Further, it will be appreciated that the gas and liquid flow as described above during normal use of the rotating packed bed 100 will be concurrent, i.e., the gas and liquid flow will occur at the same time. It will also be appreciated that there may be periods of only gas flow or only liquid flow, for example during startup and shut-down processes. It will also be appreciated that the method of use may extend to more than two packings 10 (e.g., when more than two packings are positioned along the shaft 12 as described herein).

[0073] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in distillation.

[0074] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in distillation and solvent recovery.

[0075] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in carbon capture.

[0076] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in gas purification.

[0077] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in deaeration of liquid.

[0078] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in nanomaterials synthesis.

[0079] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in chemical synthesis.

[0080] The rotating packed bed 100 may be used in polymerisation. The rotating packed bed 100 may be operated at temperatures, pressures, gas flowrates, liquid flowrates, and revolutions per minute suitable for the appropriate process.

[0081] When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0082] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0083] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0084] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

[0085] REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

[0086] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification.

[0087] 1 . A packing assembly for a rotating packed bed, the packing assembly including: a shaft; a first packing and a second packing each coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft; and a dividing wall positioned at least partly between the first packing and the second packing, wherein the dividing wall extends radially outwardly from the shaft to at least partly divide the first packing from the second packing.

[0088] 2. The packing assembly according to clause 1 , further comprising at least one additional packing coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft; the at least one additional packing positioned adjacent the first packing orthe second packing; and optionally wherein the at least one additional packing is separated from the first packing or the second packing by a respective additional dividing wall extending radially outwardly from the shaft.

[0089] 3. The packing assembly according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the first, second, and / or additional packings are each positioned about the dividing wall or walls.

[0090] 4. The packing assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the dividing wall or walls is perforated.

[0091] 5. The packing assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the dividing wall or walls is an uninterrupted surface.

[0092] 6. A rotating packed bed, including: a housing; the packing assembly according to any preceding clause located within the housing and mounted rotatably to the housing via the shaft.

[0093] 7. A rotating packed bed according to clause 6, wherein the dividing wall is spaced from the housing.

[0094] 8. The rotating packed bed according to clauses 6 or 7, wherein the housing includes an internal wall or walls configured to seal a gap between the or each dividing wall and the housing, whilst enabling the packed bed arrangement to rotate within the housing.

[0095] 9. The rotating packed bed according to clause 6, 7, or 8, wherein the housing includes at least one roller, the at least one roller being coupled to an internal surface of the housing and in contact with the or each dividing wall to at least partly fill a space between an end of the or each dividing wall and the housing.

[0096] 10. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 9, further comprising a plurality of gas inlets extending through part of the housing, each of the plurality of gas inlets positioned to provide gas flow to each of the packings in a 1 :1 ratio.

[0097] 11 . The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 10, further comprising a plurality of gas inlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of gas inlets being positioned about a first central plane extending through the housing. 12. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 11 , further comprising a plurality of gas outlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of gas outlets being positioned about a second central plane extending through the housing, the second central plane perpendicular to the first plane.

[0098] 13. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 12, further comprising a plurality of liquid inlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of liquid inlets being positioned about a second central plane extending through the housing.

[0099] 14. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 13, further comprising a plurality of liquid outlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of liquid outlets being positioned about a central plane extending through the housing.

[0100] 15. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 14, wherein, in use, the shaft extends substantially horizontally through the housing.

[0101] 16. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 15, wherein the shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing seals and bearings.

[0102] 17. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 16, further including a skid arrangement connected to the housing for removable installation of the rotating packed bed into a skid receiver.

[0103] 18. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 17, further comprising a sump fluidly connected to a lower portion of the housing.

[0104] 19. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 6 to 18, comprising: a first gas inlet extending into the housing and a first gas outlet extending out of the housing, the first gas inlet and the first gas outlet fluidly connected to the first packing, and a second gas inlet extending into the housing and a second gas outlet extending out of the housing, the second gas inlet and the second gas outlet fluidly connected to the second packing; a first liquid inlet extending into the housing and a first liquid outlet extending out of the housing, the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet fluidly connected to the first packing, and a second liquid inlet extending into the housing and a second liquid outlet extending out of the housing, the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet fluidly connected to the second packing; wherein: the first gas outlet is fluidly connected to the second gas inlet or the second gas outlet is fluidly connected to the first gas inlet; and / or the first liquid outlet is fluidly connected to the second liquid inlet or the second liquid outlet is fluidly connected to the first liquid inlet.

[0105] 20. A method of use of a rotating packed bed, the rotating packed bed including: a housing; a packing assembly located within the housing and mounted rotatably to the housing via a shaft, the packing assembly comprising: a first packing and a second packing each coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft; and a dividing wall positioned at least partly between the first packing and the second packing, wherein the dividing wall extends radially outwardly from the shaft to at least partly divide the first packing from the second packing; the method of use comprising: rotating the packing assembly within the housing; flowing at least one liquid into the housing through at least one liquid inlet and through the first and second packings; flowing at least one gas into the housing through at least one gas inlet and through the first and second packings; flowing the at least one liquid out of the housing through at least one liquid outlet; and flowing the at least one gas out of the housing through at least one gas outlet.

[0106] 21. The method of use according to clause 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing a second liquid into the housing through a second liquid inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing via the first liquid sump and through the first liquid outlet, or via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing through a first gas inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing a second gas into the housing through a second gas inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

[0107] 22. The method of use according to clause 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing the first liquid from the first liquid outlet to a second liquid inlet, through the second liquid inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing the first gas from the first gas outlet to a second gas inlet, through the second gas inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

[0108] 23. The method of use according to clause 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing a second liquid into the housing through a second liquid inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing via the first liquid sump and through the first liquid outlet, or via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing through a first gas inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing the first gas from the first gas outlet to a second gas inlet, through the second gas inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

[0109] 24. The method of use according to clause 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing the first liquid from the first liquid outlet to a second liquid inlet, through the second liquid inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing via a second liquid sump and / or through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing through a first gas inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing a second gas into the housing through a second gas inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

[0110] 25. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in distillation. 26. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in distillation and solvent recovery.

[0111] 27. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in carbon capture.

[0112] 28. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in gas purification.

[0113] 29. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in deaeration of liquid. 30. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in nanomaterials synthesis.

[0114] 31 . The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in chemical synthesis.

[0115] 32. The method of use according to any of clauses 20 to 24 in polymerisation.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A packing assembly for a rotating packed bed, the packing assembly including: a shaft; a first packing and a second packing each coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft; and a dividing wall positioned at least partly between the first packing and the second packing, wherein the dividing wall extends radially outwardly from the shaft to at least partly divide the first packing from the second packing.

2. The packing assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional packing coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft; the at least one additional packing positioned adjacent the first packing orthe second packing; and optionally wherein the at least one additional packing is separated from the first packing or the second packing by a respective additional dividing wall extending radially outwardly from the shaft.

3. The packing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first, second, and / or additional packings are each positioned about the dividing wall or walls.

4. The packing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the dividing wall or walls is perforated.

5. The packing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the dividing wall or walls is an uninterrupted surface.

6. A rotating packed bed, including: a housing; the packing assembly according to any preceding claim located within the housing and mounted rotatably to the housing via the shaft.

7. A rotating packed bed according to claim 6, wherein the dividing wall is spaced from the housing.

8. The rotating packed bed according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the housing includes an internal wall or walls configured to seal a gap between the or each dividing wall and the housing, whilst enabling the packed bed arrangement to rotate within the housing.

9. The rotating packed bed according to claim 6, 7, or 8, wherein the housing includes at least one roller, the at least one roller being coupled to an internal surface of the housing and in contact with the or each dividing wall to at least partly fill a space between an end of the or each dividing wall and the housing.

10. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a plurality of gas inlets extending through part of the housing, each of the plurality of gas inlets positioned to provide gas flow to each of the packings in a 1 :1 ratio.11 . The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a plurality of gas inlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of gas inlets being positioned about a first central plane extending through the housing.

12. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 11 , further comprising a plurality of gas outlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of gas outlets being positioned about a second central plane extending through the housing, the second central plane perpendicular to the first plane.

13. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 12, further comprising a plurality of liquid inlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of liquid inlets being positioned about a third central plane extending through the housing.

14. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 13, further comprising a plurality of liquid outlets extending through part of the housing, the plurality of liquid outlets being positioned about a central plane extending through the housing.

15. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 14, wherein, in use, the shaft extends substantially horizontally through the housing.

16. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 15, wherein the shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing seals and bearings.

17. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 16, further including a skid arrangement connected to the housing for removable installation of the rotating packed bed into a skid receiver.

18. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 17, further comprising a sump fluidly connected to a lower portion of the housing.

19. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 6 to 18, comprising: a first gas inlet extending into the housing and a first gas outlet extending out of the housing, the first gas inlet and the first gas outlet fluidly connected to the first packing, and a second gas inlet extending into the housing and a second gas outlet extending out of the housing, the second gas inlet and the second gas outlet fluidly connected to the second packing; a first liquid inlet extending into the housing and a first liquid outlet extending out of the housing, the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet fluidly connected to the first packing, and a second liquid inlet extending into the housing and a second liquid outlet extending out of the housing, the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet fluidly connected to the second packing; wherein: the first gas outlet is fluidly connected to the second gas inlet or the second gas outlet is fluidly connected to the first gas inlet; and / or the first liquid outlet is fluidly connected to the second liquid inlet or the second liquid outlet is fluidly connected to the first liquid inlet.

20. A method of use of a rotating packed bed, the rotating packed bed including: a housing; a packing assembly located within the housing and mounted rotatably to the housing via a shaft, the packing assembly comprising: a first packing and a second packing each coupled to and positioned distally along the shaft; and a dividing wall positioned at least partly between the first packing and the second packing, wherein the dividing wall extends radially outwardly from the shaft to at least partly divide the first packing from the second packing; the method of use comprising: rotating the packing assembly within the housing; flowing at least one liquid into the housing through at least one liquid inlet and through the first and second packings; flowing at least one gas into the housing through at least one gas inlet and through the first and second packings; flowing the at least one liquid out of the housing through at least one liquid outlet; and flowing the at least one gas out of the housing through at least one gas outlet.21 . The method of use according to claim 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet;flowing a second liquid into the housing through a second liquid inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing via the first liquid sump and through the first liquid outlet, or via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing through a first gas inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing a second gas into the housing through a second gas inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

22. The method of use according to claim 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing the first liquid from the first liquid outlet to a second liquid inlet, through the second liquid inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing the first gas from the first gas outlet to a second gas inlet, through the second gas inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

23. The method of use according to claim 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises: flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing a second liquid into the housing through a second liquid inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing via the first liquid sump and through the first liquid outlet, or via a second liquid sump and through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing through a first gas inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing the first gas from the first gas outlet to a second gas inlet, through the second gas inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

24. The method of use according to claim 20, wherein the housing of the rotating packed bed and the dividing wall of the packing assembly are configured to prevent gas and liquid flow between the first and second packing, and wherein the method further comprises:flowing a first liquid into the housing through a first liquid inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing via a first liquid sump and through a first liquid outlet; flowing the first liquid from the first liquid outlet to a second liquid inlet, through the second liquid inlet into the housing, through the second packing, and out of the housing via a second liquid sump and / or through a second liquid outlet; flowing a first gas into the housing through a first gas inlet, through the first packing, and out of the housing through a first gas outlet; and flowing a second gas into the housing through a second gas inlet, through the second packing, and out of the housing through a second gas outlet.

25. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in distillation.

26. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in distillation and solvent recovery.

27. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in carbon capture.

28. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in gas purification.

29. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in deaeration of liquid.

30. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in nanomaterials synthesis.31 . The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in chemical synthesis.

32. The method of use according to any of claims 20 to 24 in polymerisation.

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