Packing support arrangement, method of setting packings, kit of parts, and method of use

Abstract

A packing support arrangement (10) for a rotating packed bed (20), including: a base portion (12) configured to support a plurality of packings (14) and including a raised central portion (16) attached at a first end (18) to the base portion (12), the raised central portion (16) extending from the base portion; a shaft (22) connected to a second end (24) of the raised central portion (16) which is spaced apart from the first end, the distance between the first and second end defining a length of the raised central portion; and a cartridge (26) positioned within the raised central portion (16) and having a bearing (28) positioned within the cartridge (26), the shaft (22) extending through the cartridge (26), the cartridge (26) and bearing (28) arranged to permit axial rotation of the shaft (22) within the cartridge (26), wherein: the bearing (28) is positioned within the cartridge (26) proximate to the second end (24) of the raised central portion (16).

Description

[0001] PACKING SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT, METHOD OF SETTING PACKINGS, KIT OF PARTS, AND METHOD OF USE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed. The present invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to a packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed, a rotating packed bed including the packing support arrangement for the rotating packed bed, a method of setting packings within a rotating packed bed, a kit of parts, and a method of use of a 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. Typical RPB rotation speeds range from 100 RPM to 1000 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 conventional vertical axis RPB systems, the lower shaft bearing supports the weight of the rotor and packing from below. The long distance between the lower shaft bearing and the packing centre of gravity acts as a long cantilever arm. When subjected to any out of balance forces, this arrangement can lead to excessive levels of vibration and deflection at the upper bearing, leading to friction between the upper shaft and upper bearing. This friction leads to premature failure of the bearing and seals, and also can raise the drive load and cause the drive system to trip.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a an RPB arrangement that alleviates at least some of the problems outlined herein.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a packing support arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , a rotating packed bed as claimed in claim 10, a method as claimed in claim 15, a kit of parts as claimed in claim 17, and a method of use of a rotating packed bed as claimed in claim 19. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] 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:

[0015] FIGURE 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a packing support arrangement within a rotating packed bed, embodying the present disclosure.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0017] As shown in Figure 1 , there is provided a packing support arrangement 10 for a rotating packed bed 20. The packing support arrangement 10 includes a base portion 12 configured to support a plurality of packings 14 and a raised central portion 16 attached at a first end 18 to the base portion 12, the raised central portion 16 extending from the base portion 12. The packing support arrangement 10 also includes a shaft 22 connected to a second end 24 of the raised central portion 16 which is spaced apart from the first end 18, the distance between the first end 18 and second end 24 defining a length of the raised central portion 16. There is also provided a cartridge 26 positioned within the raised central portion 16 and having a bearing 28 positioned within the cartridge 26, the shaft 22 extending through the cartridge 26, the cartridge 26 and bearing 28 arranged to permit axial rotation of the shaft 22 within the cartridge 26. As shown in Figure 1 , the bearing 28 is positioned within the cartridge 26 proximate to the second end 24 of the raised central portion 16.

[0018] When configured as described herein, the packing support arrangement 10 may have particular advantages in use. In particular, when provided in a rotating packed bed 20 (with a packing support arrangement 10 configured as a perforated basket 40 or a tie rod arrangement as described herein), vibration of the packing support arrangement 10 may be reduced. As shown in Figure 1 , the centre of gravity of the rotating packed bed 20 (i.e., the packing support arrangement 10 and packings 14) may be positioned approximately halfway between the top and the bottom of the packings 14. The cartridge 26 arrangement may position the bearing 28 close to the centre of mass of packings 14, in use. When configured in this way, the centre of gravity of the weight of the packings 14 may therefore be positioned around the centre of rotation, which may result in significant vibration reduction of the rotating packed bed 20, in use. Accordingly, when installed into a rotating packed bed 20, the base 12 may be considered to be ‘overhanging’ the cartridge 26 and shaft 22.

[0019] Further, the packing support arrangement 10 may be modularly installed into a housing 34 of a rotating packed bed 20, increasing the ability for end-users to install the packing support arrangement 10 into already-existing systems (e.g., the packing support arrangement may be installed modularly into various already existing rotating packed bed housings of different systems).

[0020] The bearing 28 may be positioned at between 1 to 70 percent of the length of the raised central portion 16 from the second end 24. The bearing 28 may be positioned at between 1 to 50 percent of the length of the raised central portion 16 from the second end 24. The bearing 28 may be positioned at between 5 to 30 percent of the length of the raised central portion 16 from the second end 24. When provided in this way, the bearing 28 may be positioned close to the centre of gravity of the packings 14, in use, such that vibration and deflection may be reduced.

[0021] The base portion 12 may be perforated. A perforated base portion 12 may allow for liquid flow through the base portion 12, in use, whilst retaining structural integrity of the base portion 12. Accordingly, in use, liquid may flow over / through packings 14 supported on the base portion 12, and liquid flow may be permitted through the base portion 12, and out of the housing 34 of the rotating packed bed 20.

[0022] The cartridge 26 may extend from a first cartridge end positioned outside of and distally away from the first end 18 of the raised central portion 16 through the base portion 12 to a second cartridge end positioned proximate to the second end 24 of the raised central portion 16. In other words, as shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge 26 may be positioned partially within the raised central portion 16, and partially external to the base portion 12. Such a configuration may allow for the bearing 28 in the cartridge 26 to be positioned at or near the centre of gravity of the packings 14 of the rotating packed bed 20, in use. In other words, the shaft 22 may extend from a first shaft end to a second shaft end and the cartridge 26 may extend from the first cartridge end to the second cartridge end; the first cartridge end may be proximate the first shaft end; the second cartridge end may be proximate the second shaft end; and the shaft 22 may be connected to the second end 24 of the raised central portion 16 at the second shaft end . The base portion 12 may be positioned between the first cartridge end and the second cartridge end, as shown in Figure 1 .

[0023] As shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge 26 may include a second bearing 30 located proximate the first cartridge end. Accordingly, the bearing as described herein may be considered to be a first bearing 28 when more than one bearing is present in the cartridge 26. The second bearing 30 may result in increased stability and / or reduced vibration of the packing support arrangement 10, when rotating. In particular, the second bearing 30 may reduce ‘play’ of the shaft 22 within the cartridge 26, in use.

[0024] The packing support arrangement 10 may further include a plurality of tie rods (not shown) extending from the base portion 12. The extension of the plurality of tie rods may define a tie rod length. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the packing support arrangement 10 may include a top rotor, i.e., a surface placed on the packings 14 and optionally connected to the tie rods, as well as any known features of packing arrangements for rotating packed beds 20. Accordingly, the packing support arrangement 10 may support a plurality of packings 14, the plurality of packings 14 being held in place by the tie rods. When provided in this way, a basket arrangement (e.g., a perforated basket 40) as described herein may not be required; the tie rods may sufficiently secure the packings 14 in use such that the packings 14 do not significantly slip when the packing support arrangement 10 and packings 14 are rotated.

[0025] The length of the raised central portion 16 may be 30 to 70 percent of the tie rod length. Alternatively, the length of the raised central portion 16 may be 40 to 60; 45 to 55; or 47 to 53; or 49 to 51 percent of the tie rod length. When configured in this way, the raised central portion 16 may extend to the second end, which may be located approximately halfway along the length of the tie rod length. Therefore, this configuration may allow for the first bearing to be positioned approximately halfway along the length of the tie rod length. Accordingly, the first bearing may be positioned at, or near, the centre of gravity of the packings 14 (and the packing support arrangement 10). Such a configuration provides advantages; in particular, vibration of the rotating packed bed 20 may be minimised in use, particularly when compared to packed bed arrangements having a bearing or bearings positioned below the base portion 12 of such packed bed arrangements.

[0026] The packing support arrangement 10 may include a perforated basket 40. The perforated basket 40 may include the base portion 12 and a perforated wall 13 extending from the base portion 12 at a first end of the wall and around a periphery of the base portion 12. The perforated wall may have a top portion 15 spaced apart from the base portion 12. The distance between the base portion 12 and the top portion 15 may define a wall length. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the packing support arrangement 10 may include a top rotor, i.e., a surface placed on the top portion 15 of the perforated basket 40, as well as any known features of packing arrangements for rotating packed beds 20. Such a top rotor may create a ‘contained’ environment for gas / gas and / or gas / liq u id and / or liquid / liquid interactions to occur. The top rotor may be perforated, such that liquid may flow out of the packing arrangement through the top rotor and exit the rotating packed bed housing 34, in use.

[0027] The length of the raised central portion 16 may be 30 to 70 percent of the length of the wall length. Alternatively, the length of the raised central portion 16 may be 40 to 60; 45 to 55; or 47 to 53; or 49 to 51 percent of the length of the wall length. When configured in this way, the raised central portion 16 may extend to the second end, which may be located approximately halfway along the length of the wall length (as shown in Figure 1). Therefore, this configuration may allow for the first bearing to be positioned approximately halfway along the length of the wall length. Accordingly, the first bearing may be positioned at, or near, the centre of gravity of the perforated basket 40. Such a configuration may provide advantages; in particular, vibration of the rotating packed bed 20 (including the perforated basket 40) may be minimised, particularly when compared to packed bed arrangements having a bearing or bearings positioned below the base portion 12 of such packed bed arrangements.

[0028] Use of a bearing cartridge partially recessed within the raised central portion, as opposed to having the bearings external to the packing assembly and supporting the packing on the rotor from below, may result in, at least, reduced height of the RPB assembly, no need for a structural assembly to support the RPB housing 34 from below, reduced space requirements on plant skids, and / or ease of transport.

[0029] Use of a perforated basket 40 may eliminate the requirement to secure packings 14 using tie rods. In particular, packing elements 14 may be placed on the base portion 12, particularly around the raised central portion 16, and may be kept on the base portion 12 by the perforated wall. Further, the perforated wall may provide structural integrity to the packing support arrangement 10 and packings 14 without the need for tie rods. When configured in this way, packings 14 may be held in place by both the retaining wall and via adjacent frictional forces, as described in more detail below. Further, having a perforated wall may allow for packings 14 to be held in, whilst allowing liquid and gas flow out of the packings 14 in a radial direction. Without the need for tie rods, gas and / or liquid flow through the packings 14 may be less restricted than packings 14 including tie rods.

[0030] There is also provided a rotating packed bed 20 including the packing support arrangement 10 as described herein. The rotating packed bed 20 may have any one of, any combination of, or all of the features and / or advantages of the packing support arrangement 10 as described herein.

[0031] The rotating packed bed may include a housing 34. The rotating packed bed 20 may include a drive base 42. The drive base 42 may be removable. The removable drive base 42 may be configured to allow rotation of the shaft 22 by a motor by either a belt drive or direct drive with a gearbox. A rotating packed bed 20 having a removable drive base 42 may provide increased modularity of the rotating packed bed 20, such that appropriate drive bases may be installed on to the rotating packed bed 20, such drive bases 42 being selected for the process for which the rotating packed bed 20 will be used.

[0032] The rotating packed bed 20 may further include a plurality of packings 14 supported by the base portion 12. As described herein, the packings 14 and packing support arrangement 10 may have advantages; in particular, the advantages and features as described herein when describing the packing support arrangement 10 in use may apply to the rotating packed bed 20 including the plurality of packings 14.

[0033] The packings may be arranged to form a hollow interior plenum. The raised central portion 16 may be positioned within the interior plenum.

[0034] As will be appreciated by the skilled person and with reference to the background section, a packing 14 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 14 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.

[0035] The packings 14 may be monolithic or composed of (multiple) sections. In particular, sections of each packing 14 may be shaped as wedges and / or sectors of a circle (commonly known as ‘pie slices’). The shape of the sections of each packing 14 may additionally or alternatively be annular (for example, ‘doughnut’-shaped) rings. Such sections may be layered on one-another, for example, multiple wedges and / or sectors and / or annular rings may be layered on top of one another. 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 direction away from the shaft. In particular, and particularly if wedges, slices, and / or sectors of a circle are used, the packing 14 may have distinct zones in the radial and / or circumferential direction with different character, as described above. As will be understood by the skilled person, each packing 14 or each section of the packing 14 (or any additional packing 14 or sections of packing 14 as described herein) may have the same or different character or configuration as other packings 14 or sections of the packings 14 as described above.

[0036] The rotating packed bed 20 may further include a plurality of liquid distributors 44 positioned and around the interior plenum of the packings 14. The liquid distributors 44 may receive liquid from a liquid inlet 52 through the housing 34 of the rotating packed bed 20. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1 , when the raised central portion 16 is close to the centre of gravity of the packings 14, in use, the liquid distributors 44 may extend around the raised central portion 16 such that the liquid distributors 44 are able to provide liquid flow (e.g., spray) to the entirety (or close to the entirety) of the height of the packings 14. Accordingly, the packings 14 may receive substantially uniform liquid flow from the liquid distributors 44 whilst retaining the vibrational reducing effects as described herein.

[0037] When provided in a perforated basket arrangement, the plurality of packings 14 may be locked in place through adjacent surface-surface friction. In particular, when the perforated basket 40 is used in a rotating packed bed 20, the packing arrangement and the perforated basket 40 may be ‘overspun’ (as described in more detail below) such that the packings 14 settle into a locked position. In particular, the packings 14 may be placed into the perforated basket 40 such that the packings 14 are stacked and located adjacent packings 14. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the packings 14, when placed in a ‘loose’ fashion into the perforated basket 40 may be able to move slightly. As described in the background section, a standard rotating packed bed operating speed may be around approximately 100 to 1000 revolutions per minute. After being rotated at an overspin speed (e.g., 10-50% above the operating speed, such as above a standard operating speed of 100 to 1000 revolutions per minute), the packings 14 may be ‘forced’ into a locked arrangement, e.g., the packings 14 may be considered loose, and then may be locked into place by rotational forces. In particular, when provided in a rotating packed bed 20 arrangement including a perforated basket 40, the outer packings 14 may be forced against the perforated wall, and the inner packings 14 (or packing sections) forced against the outer packings 14 (or outer packing sections). Such an arrangement may provide stability and reduce inadvertent movement of the packings 14 after overspinning.

[0038] The rotating packed bed 20 may further include on or more a liquid outlets 50.

[0039] The rotating packed bed 20 may include one or more gas inlets 46 arranged tangentially on the housing 34. The tangential gas inlets 46 may have a round or rectangular profile. This allows for the most efficient flow path of gas into the circular rotating packing support arrangement 10. There may be a single tangential gas inlet 46, or alternatively, there may be two or more tangential gas inlets (not shown). The rotating packed bed 20 may further include a gas outlet 48 in fluid connection with the interior plenum of the packings 14.

[0040] There is also provided a method of setting packings 14 within the rotating packed bed 20 as described herein. In particular, when provided with a perforated basket 40, a method of setting packings 14 may be carried out as follows. The method may include: placing a plurality of packings 14 in the perforated basket 40; rotating the shaft 22 and perforated basket 40 to up to 10-50% above the operating speed. The operating speed may be around approximately 100 to 1000 revolutions per minute, as described herein. Therefore, the operating speed may be around approximately 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 revolutions per minute. Such a method may be described as ‘overspinning’ the packing arrangement, as described above. There is also provided a kit of parts including: the shaft 22 as described herein; the base portion 12 as described herein; and the cartridge 26 as described herein. The kit of parts may include the basket 40 as described herein. The kit of parts may include a removable top (e.g., a top rotor as described herein) configured to seal a top portion of the perforated basket 40. Advantageously, this can provide for easy maintenance, repair, or replacement of individual components. Accordingly, the individual components of the packing support arrangement 10 may be provided disassembled, such that the end user may construct the packing support arrangement 10 themselves.

[0041] The rotating packed bed 20 as described herein may have a removable top in the housing 34. Such a removable top may allow for ease of maintenance of the rotating packed bed 20 and packing support arrangement 10 as described herein by the end user, and / or may allow for ease of installation of the packing support arrangement 10 into the rotating packed bed 20 (e.g., by removing the removable top, and lowering the packing support arrangement 10 onto the cartridge 26.

[0042] As will also be appreciated by the skilled person, the cartridge 26 may further include pressure and / or gas seals in order to prevent gas and / or liquid, in use, from leaving the rotating packed bed 20 housing 34.

[0043] There is also provided a method of use of a rotating packed bed 20, the rotating packed bed 20 including a packing support arrangement 10 as described herein. The rotating packed bed 20 may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features and / or advantages of the rotating packed bed 20 as described herein. The packing support arrangement 10 may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features and / or advantages of the packing support arrangement 10 as described herein.

[0044] The method of use may comprise: rotating the packing support arrangement 10 within the housing 34; flowing at least one liquid into the housing 34 through at least one liquid inlet and through the plurality of packings 14; flowing at least one gas into the housing 34 through at least one gas inlet 52 and through the plurality of packings; flowing the at least one liquid out of the housing 34 through at least one liquid outlet 50; and flowing the at least one gas out of the housing 34 through at least one gas outlet 48.

[0045] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in distillation.

[0046] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in distillation and solvent recovery.

[0047] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in carbon capture.

[0048] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in gas purification. The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in deaeration of liquid.

[0049] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in nanomaterials synthesis.

[0050] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in chemical synthesis.

[0051] The rotating packed bed 20 may be used in polymerisation.

[0052] The rotating packed bed 20 may be operated at temperatures, pressures, gas flowrates, liquid flowrates, and revolutions per minute suitable for the appropriate process.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0056] 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.

[0057] REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

[0058] 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.

[0059] 1 . A packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed, including: a base portion configured to support a plurality of packings and including a raised central portion attached at a first end to the base portion, the raised central portion extending from the base portion; a shaft connected to a second end of the raised central portion which is spaced apart from the first end, the distance between the first and second end defining a length of the raised central portion; and a cartridge positioned within the raised central portion and having a bearing positioned within the cartridge, the shaft extending through the cartridge, the cartridge and bearing arranged to permit axial rotation of the shaft within the cartridge, wherein: the bearing is positioned within the cartridge proximate to the second end of the raised central portion.

[0060] 2. The packing support arrangement according to clause 1 , wherein the bearing is positioned at between 1 to 75 percent of the length of the raised central portion from the second end.

[0061] 3. The packing support arrangement according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the base portion is perforated.

[0062] 4. The packing arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein: the cartridge extends from a first cartridge end positioned outside of and distally away from the first end of the raised central portion through the base portion to a second cartridge end positioned proximate to the second end of the base portion.

[0063] 5. The packing arrangement according to clause 4, wherein the cartridge includes a second bearing located proximate the first cartridge end.

[0064] 6. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the packing support arrangement further includes a perforated basket, the perforated basket including: the base portion; and a perforated wall extending from the base portion at a first end of the wall and around a periphery of the base portion; the perforated wall having a top portion spaced apart from the base portion, the distance between the base portion and the top portion defining a wall length.

[0065] 7. The packing arrangement according to clause 6, wherein the length of the raised central portion is 30 to 70 percent of the length of the wall length.

[0066] 8. The packing arrangement according to any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the packing support arrangement further includes a plurality of tie rods extending from the base portion, the extension of the plurality of tie rods defining a tie rod length. The packing arrangement according to clause 8, wherein the length of the raised central portion is 30 to 70 percent of the tie rod length. A rotating packed bed including the packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause. The rotating packed bed according to clause 10, further including a removable drive base, the drive base including a belt drive or direct drive connected to the shaft, the drive base configured to rotate the shaft. The rotating packed bed according to clause 10 or 11 , further including a plurality of packings supported by the base portion. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 10 to 12, further including a plurality of liquid distributors positioned around the raised central portion. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 10 to 13, when dependent on clause 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of packings are locked in place through adjacent surface-surface friction. A method of setting packings within the rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 10 to 14, when dependent on clauses 6 or 7, including: placing a plurality of packings in the perforated basket; rotating the shaft and perforated basket to up to 10-50% above an operating speed. The method of clause 15, wherein the operating speed is 100 to 1000 revolutions per minute. A kit of parts including: the shaft as described in any of clauses 1 to 14; the base portion as described in any of clauses 1 to 14; the cartridge as described in any of clauses 1 to 14. The kit of parts according to clause 17, further including: the perforated basket according to clause 6 or 7, and a removable top configured to seal a top portion of the perforated basket. A method of use of a rotating packed bed, the rotating packed bed including a housing and a packing support arrangement, the packing support arrangement including: a base portion configured to support a plurality of packings and including a raised central portion attached at a first end to the base portion, the raised central portion extending from the base portion; a shaft connected to a second end of the raised central portion which is spaced apart from the first end, the distance between the first and second end defining a length of the raised central portion; and a cartridge positioned within the raised central portion and having a bearing positioned within the cartridge, the shaft extending through the cartridge, the cartridge and bearing arranged to permit axial rotation of the shaft within the cartridge, wherein: the bearing is positioned within the cartridge proximate to the second end of the raised central portion; the method of use comprising: rotating the packing support arrangement within the housing; flowing at least one liquid into the housing through at least one liquid inlet and through the plurality of packings; flowing at least one gas into the housing through at least one gas inlet and through the plurality of 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.

[0067] 20. The method of use of clause 19 in distillation.

[0068] 21 . The method of use of clause 19 in distillation and solvent recovery.

[0069] 22. The method of use of clause 19 in in carbon capture.

[0070] 23. The method of use of clause 19 in gas purification.

[0071] 24. The method of use of clause 19 in deaeration of liquid.

[0072] 25. The method of use of clause 19 in nanomaterials synthesis.

[0073] 26. The method of use of clause 19 in chemical synthesis.

[0074] 27. The method of use of clause 19 in polymerisation.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed, including: a base portion configured to support a plurality of packings and including a raised central portion attached at a first end to the base portion, the raised central portion extending from the base portion; a shaft connected to a second end of the raised central portion which is spaced apart from the first end, the distance between the first and second end defining a length of the raised central portion; and a cartridge positioned within the raised central portion and having a bearing positioned within the cartridge, the shaft extending through the cartridge, the cartridge and bearing arranged to permit axial rotation of the shaft within the cartridge, wherein: the bearing is positioned within the cartridge proximate to the second end of the raised central portion.

2. The packing support arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the bearing is positioned at between 1 to 75 percent of the length of the raised central portion from the second end.

3. The packing support arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base portion is perforated.

4. The packing arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein: the cartridge extends from a first cartridge end positioned outside of and distally away from the first end of the raised central portion through the base portion to a second cartridge end positioned proximate to the second end of the base portion.

5. The packing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge includes a second bearing located proximate the first cartridge end.

6. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the packing support arrangement further includes a perforated basket, the perforated basket including: the base portion; and a perforated wall extending from the base portion at a first end of the wall and around a periphery of the base portion; the perforated wall having a top portion spaced apart from the base portion, the distance between the base portion and the top portion defining a wall length.

7. The packing arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the length of the raised central portion is 30 to 70 percent of the length of the wall length.

8. The packing arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the packing support arrangement further includes a plurality of tie rods extending from the base portion, the extension of the plurality of tie rods defining a tie rod length.

9. The packing arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the length of the raised central portion is 30 to 70 percent of the tie rod length.

10. A rotating packed bed including the packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim.11 . The rotating packed bed according to claim 10, further including a removable drive base, the drive base including a belt drive or direct drive connected to the shaft, the drive base configured to rotate the shaft.

12. The rotating packed bed according to claim 10 or 11 , further including a plurality of packings supported by the base portion.

13. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 10 to 12, further including a plurality of liquid distributors positioned around the raised central portion.

14. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 10 to 13, when dependent on claim 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of packings are locked in place through adjacent surface-surface friction.

15. A method of setting packings within the rotating packed bed according to any of claims 10 to 14, when dependent on claims 6 or 7, including: placing a plurality of packings in the perforated basket; rotating the shaft and perforated basket to up to 10-50% above an operating speed.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the operating speed is 100 to 1000 revolutions per minute.

17. A kit of parts including: the shaft as described in any of claims 1 to 14; the base portion as described in any of claims 1 to 14; the cartridge as described in any of claims 1 to 14.

18. The kit of parts according to claim 17, further including: the perforated basket according to claim 6 or 7, and a removable top configured to seal a top portion of the perforated basket.

19. A method of use of a rotating packed bed, the rotating packed bed including a housing and a packing support arrangement, the packing support arrangement including: a base portion configured to support a plurality of packings and including a raised central portion attached at a first end to the base portion, the raised central portion extending from the base portion; a shaft connected to a second end of the raised central portion which is spaced apart from the first end, the distance between the first and second end defining a length of the raised central portion; and a cartridge positioned within the raised central portion and having a bearing positioned within the cartridge, the shaft extending through the cartridge, the cartridge and bearing arranged to permit axial rotation of the shaft within the cartridge, wherein: the bearing is positioned within the cartridge proximate to the second end of the raised central portion; the method of use comprising: rotating the packing support arrangement within the housing; flowing at least one liquid into the housing through at least one liquid inlet and through the plurality of packings; flowing at least one gas into the housing through at least one gas inlet and through the plurality of 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.

20. The method of use of claim 19 in distillation.21 . The method of use of claim 19 in distillation and solvent recovery.

22. The method of use of claim 19 in in carbon capture.

23. The method of use of claim 19 in gas purification.

24. The method of use of claim 19 in deaeration of liquid.

25. The method of use of claim 19 in nanomaterials synthesis.

26. The method of use of claim 19 in chemical synthesis.

27. The method of use of claim 19 in polymerisation.5

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