Packing support arrangement

Abstract

A packing support arrangement (1) for a rotating packed bed (10), including: a central support hub (12) connected to a first shaft (14) at a first hub end (16) and a second shaft (18) at a second hub end (20), the central support hub extending a hub length between the first and second hub ends, and the first shaft (14), the second shaft (18), and the central support hub (12) extending along a rotational axis (30), wherein: the first shaft (14) has a first shaft diameter; the second shaft (18) has a second shaft diameter; the central support hub (12) has a hub diameter at a central portion (22) of the central support hub (12), wherein the hub diameter is greater than the first and second shaft diameters; and wherein: the central support hub (12) includes a radially outwardly extending plate (24) from the central portion (22) of the central support hub (12), the radially outwardly extending plate (24) configured to support a packing arrangement (28).

Description

[0001] PACKING SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a packing support arrangement. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed, and a rotating packed bed including the packing support arrangement 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 co-flow and cross-flow liquid / gas flow regimes are also be used. 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 600 RPM; however, the use of speeds outside of this range is also known. Bearings support the shaft of the RPB and allow the shaft to rotate.

[0009] In a conventional vertical 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. In conventional RPB systems, the rotor shaft supports the weight of the packing from below via a rotor. In conventional horizontal RPB systems, balancing issues in the RPB packing and shaft arrangement may arise, which may increase vibration and deflection in the bearings at which the shafts are connected to a RPB housing, which may increase wear.

[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 packed bed arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and a rotating packed bed as claimed in claim 11 . 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 rotating packed bed including a packed bed arrangement, embodying the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of a rotating packed bed of FIGURE 1 .

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a packing support arrangement 1 for a rotating packed bed 10. The packing support arrangement 1 includes a central support hub 12 connected to a first shaft 14 at a first hub end 16 and a second shaft 18 at a second hub end 20. The central support hub 12 extends along a hub length ( ) between the first and second hub ends 16, 20. The first shaft 14, the second shaft 18, and the central support hub 12 extend along a rotational axis 30. The first shaft 14 has a first shaft diameter. The second shaft 18 has a second shaft diameter. The central support hub 12 has a hub diameter d) at a central portion 22 of the central support hub 12. The hub diameter (d) is greater than the first and second shaft diameters. The central support hub 12 includes a radially outwardly extending plate 24 (e.g., a rotor) from the central portion 22 of the central support hub 12, the radially outwardly extending plate 24 configured to support a packing arrangement 28.

[0019] As is shown in Figure 1 , the first and second shaft 14, 18 may each be configured to be mounted horizontally in a rotating packed bed housing 42.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1 , the rotational axis may be an axis 30 through the centre of the shafts. For example, when viewed from the 'front face' of the first and / or second shaft 14, 18 (not shown) e.g., an end, the rotational axis may extend through a central point of the cross-sectional area of the first and / or second shaft 14, 18 (e.g., a centroid). As shown in the side view in Figure 1 , the rotational axis may extend through the centre of the shafts 14, 18 and central support hub 12. When configured in this way, the packing support arrangement 1 may provide increased stability when installed into a rotating packed bed 10 (e.g., a housing 42 of a rotating packed bed 10).

[0021] The first shaft diameter and / or second shaft diameter may be constant throughout the length of the first and / or second shafts 14, 18 or may vary. Accordingly, the first shaft diameter and / or second shaft diameters may also be considered to be an ‘average’ shaft diameter along the length of the first and / or second shafts 14, 18. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the diameter at the first shaft 14 need not be equivalent to the diameter at the second shaft 18.

[0022] The diameter(s) at the first hub end 16 and / or the second hub end 20 may be equivalent to, or greater than the diameter of the first and / or second shafts 14, 18. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the diameter at the first hub end 16 need not be equivalent to the diameter at the second hub end 20.

[0023] As will be appreciated by the skilled person, whilst the terms “first shaft” and “second shaft” have been used herein with reference to the figures, the “second shaft” may be considered to be the “first shaft” as described herein, and have all of the features and / or advantages of the “first shaft” as described herein, and the “first shaft” may be considered to be the “second shaft” and have all of the features and / or advantages of the ’’second shaft” as described herein.

[0024] The central support hub 12 may bear the weight of the radially outwardly extending plate 24 and packing 34. The central support hub 12 has a greater diameter than the first 14 and second shaft 18 as shown in an exemplary example of Figure 1 . The increase in diameter may increase the overall shaft rigidity to better support the radial load of the rotor and packing and reduce shaft deflection, thus increasing stability of the packing support arrangement 1 . The larger diameter central hub may cause the centre of rotation and / or centre of gravity of the packing support arrangement 1 to be towards the centre of the complete the packing support arrangement 1 (and rotating packed bed 10), in use. Lower shaft deflection may reduce the degradation of the shaft seals and bearings and reduces noise and vibration.

[0025] The central support hub 12 may be a cylinder (not shown), or substantially cylindrical with a constant diameter across at least a portion of the length of the central support hub 12.

[0026] The central support hub 12 may have the hub diameter d) across at least a portion of the hub length ( ). The central support hub 12 may have the hub diameter d) across at least 60% of the hub length (extending from the central portion 22), or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the hub length ( ). In other words, the central support hub 12 may be substantially cylindrical (or another uniform shaped cross section) across the majority of the hub length ( ). The central support hub 12 may have the hub diameter d) across a percentage length as described above (e.g., at least, 70%, 80% or 90% of the hub length (£)) around the central portion 22, and may then taper towards the first and second shaft diameters near the terminal ends of the central support hub 12 (i.e., the portions of the central support hub 12 that connect to the first and / or second shafts 14, 18).

[0027] The diameter of the central support hub 12 may vary across at least a portion of the length of the central support hub 12.

[0028] The central support hub 12 may extend from each of the first 14 and / or second shaft 18 towards the central portion 22 of the central support hub 12, such that the diameter d) increases towards the centre, and the diameter at the central portion 22 is greater than that at the first hub end 16 and / or the second hub end 20. Such a configuration may increase the stability of the packing support arrangement 1 in use.

[0029] The central support hub 12 may be an ellipsoid or prolate spheroid or oblate spheroid, or a truncated ellipsoid ortruncated prolate spheroid ortruncated oblate spheroid (none shown).The central support hub 12 may also be a conical bifrustrum (truncated bicone) composed of two frustoconical housings symmetrically connected about the plane of symmetry as described below (e.g., two congruent conical frustums (truncated cones) adjoined at the larger base) as shown in Figure 1 .

[0030] The slope of the central support hub 12 may have a low inclination d>£) or a steep inclination(£><£). Further, the diameter d) of the central support hub 12 may extend outwardly in a linear fashion as the central support hub 12 extends from its connection points at the first 16 and second 20 hub ends towards the central portion 22 of the central support hub 12, or in a non-linear fashion.

[0031] The central support hub 12 may also be congruent (pagoda-shaped) stepped cylinders, i.e. two or more cylinders with different diameters arranged coaxially with steps between them (not shown). For all geometries, the hub diameter (d) at the central portion 22 may be 10%; or 20%; or 30%; or 40%; or 50%; or 60%; or 70%; or 80%; or 90%; or 100%; or 110%; or 120%; or 130%; or 140%; or 150%; or 160%; or 170%; or 180%; or 190%; or 200%; or 300%; or 400% greater than the diameter(s) of the first shaft 14 and / or second shaft 18.

[0032] The central support hub 12 may have a symmetrical arrangement across the central portion 22 as shown in Figure 1 or may have an asymmetrical arrangement (not shown). That is, the shape and size of the central support hub 12 may be the same on either side of the plane of the radially outwardly extending plate 24 or may be different.

[0033] The central portion 22 may be located halfway along the hub length ( ) as shown in Figure 1 ; alternatively, there may be a degree of variation along the hub length ( ) at which the central portion 22 is located. For example, the central portion 22 may be located substantially central to the hub length ( ), but closer to the first hub end 16 or the second hub end 20.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1 , the radially outwardly extending plate 24 may define a plane of symmetry, such that the extension of the packing support arrangement 1 from the first shaft 14 to the central portion 22 and the extension of the second shaft 18 to the central portion 22 may be symmetrical. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the packing support arrangement 1 may be symmetrical about the plane of symmetry up to a specific point along the first and second shaft 14, 18, e.g., the symmetrical arrangement may extend up to a partial length along the first and second shaft 14, 18, and after such a point, the first and second shaft diameters and / or configurations may vary. When configured in this way, the symmetrical arrangement may provide increased stability during rotation of the packing support arrangement 1 in the rotating packed bed 10, in use, and may therefore reduce vibration and / or the likelihood of tripping of the packing support arrangement 1 within the rotating packed bed 10.

[0035] The central support hub 12 may be hollow, as shown in Figure 1 , or partially hollow, or solid. The central hub 12 may be composed of the same material as the first 14 and second shafts 18, or first 17and second 21 shaft ends (located at and / or proximal to the first 16 and second 20 hub ends), or of the radially outwardly extending plate 24. Alternatively, central support hub 12 may be composed of a different material. The central support hub 12 may be composed of a material more rigid that that of the first 14 and second shafts 18, or the first 17and second 21 shaft ends, e.g. having a Youngs modulus or shear modulus higher than that of the shafts or shaft ends.

[0036] The central support hub 12 may be welded to the radially outwardly extending plate 24 and / or either one or both of the first 17and second 21 shaft ends. Alternatively, the central support hub 12 may be connected to the radially outwardly extending plate 24 and / or either one or both of the first 17and second 21 shaft ends via a flange. In one embodiment, the central support hub 12 is welded onto the to the radially outwardly extending plate 24 and connected to the first 17and second 21 shaft ends via a flange.

[0037] The packing 28 supported by the packing support arrangement 1 may be annular shaped and form a hollow central interior plenum 47 about the shafts 14 and 18, the shaft ends 17and21 , and the central support hub 12. The hollow central interior plenum 47 may additionally or alternatively be defined by a volume, for example a cylindrical volume, between the rotational axis 30 and the first annular terminal wall 36 and / or the second annular terminal wall 38 as described in more detail herein. The hollow central interior plenum 47 may be additionally or alternatively be defined by a volume defined by an outer annular area of the radially outwardly extending plate 24 (for example, an outer annular area having an annular diameter of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% of the outwardly extending plate 24) and a length extending outwardly parallel to the axis of rotation a proportional length of the first shaft 14 and second shaft 18, for example a length extending from the radially outwardly extending plate 24 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the length of the first shaft 14 and / or second shaft 18. The volume occupied by the shafts 14, 18, shaft ends 17, 21 , and central hub 12 may be between 30% to 70% of the volume of the (unoccupied) interior plenum, or between 40% to 60%, or between 45 to 55%, or 50% of the volume of the (unoccupied) interior plenum. The diameter of the radially outwardly extending plate 24 and a total length of the first shaft 14, second shaft 18, and central support hub 12 may define a total volume of the packing support arrangement 1. The volume occupied by the shafts 14, 18, shaft ends 17, 21 , and central hub 12 may be between 5% to 40% of the volume of the packing support arrangement, or between 10% to 30%, or between 20%, or 15% of the total volume of the packing support arrangement.

[0038] The outward extending plate 24 may serve as a rotor upon which the packing 28 is placed. The radially outwardly extending plate 24 may define a ‘centre’ of the packing support arrangement 1 . Accordingly, the packing support arrangement 1 may be symmetrical about the plane of symmetry defined by the radially outwardly extending plate 24 as described herein.

[0039] The outward extending plate 24 may be a continuous solid surface. Alternatively, the outwardly extending plate 24 may be an interrupted, non-continuous surface. When provided in this way, gas and / or liquid flow may be enabled through the outward extending plate 24. The outward extending plate 24 may be comprised of solid regions and regions of open space between the solid regions. The outward extending plate 24 may be comprised of a perforated or punched metal plate or mesh. The perforations may be evenly or unevenly distributed. The outward extending plate 24 may be comprised of multiple intermediate supports, e.g., spokes in a spoked plate configuration.

[0040] The packing support arrangement 1 may include means to retain the packing 34 from being displaced. The choice of means of retention will depend on the nature and geometry of the packing 34. The packing support arrangement 1 may include a perforated basket, including: the radially outwardly extending plate 24 and a perforated wall along the periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate 24 on either or both sides (32 and 34) of the radially outwardly extending plate 24. The first perforated wall 32 may extend parallel to the rotational axis 30 from the radially outwardly extending plate 24 at a first end of the first perforated wall 32 and around a first periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate 24, and a second perforated wall 34 extending parallel to the rotational axis from the radially outwardly extending plate 24 at a first end of the second perforated wall 34 and around a second periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate 24. The first and second perforated wall 32, 34 may define a combined perforated wall. The combined perforated wall may extend at least partially along a combined length defined by a length of the first shaft 12, the hub length ( ), and a length of the second shaft 14 from the radially outwardly extending plate 24. Accordingly, in the example as shown in Figure 1 , the first perforated wall 32 extends leftwards from a left side of the radially outwardly extending plate 24, and the second perforated wall 34 extends rightwards from a right side of the radially outwardly extending plate 24. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1 , the first perforated wall 32 and the second perforated wall 34 may extend from the radially outwardly extending plate 24 in opposite directions, such that the radially outwardly extending plate 24 defines a ‘centre’ of the packing support arrangement 1 . The perforated walls, 32 and 34, may be parallel to the shafts, 14 and 18, and the rotational axis 30.

[0041] The peripheral perforated wall 32 and 34 may be continuous around the circumference of the extending plate 24, or, depending upon the geometry of the packing, may be discontinuous. That is, there may be segments of the circumference with a perforated wall separated by segments of the circumference of open area without a perforated wall. The perforated walls segments improve the rigidity of the packing arrangement. The segments of perforated wall on either side of the extending plate may be congruent, or incongruent whereby the segment of perforated wall on one side of the extending plate 24 may coincide with an open segment on the other side of the extending wall 24.

[0042] The packing support arrangement 1 may include tabs, tie rods, and / or spindles projecting from the periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate 24 so as to retain the packing 28 while leaving the maximum of open area for the gas to enter, and the liquid to exit, the packing 28.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 , the packing support arrangement 1 or basket may also include annular terminal walls 36 and 38 at the axial ends of the packing 28 (and / or tie rods, and / or tabs, and / or spindles, as described herein). A radially inwardly extending first terminal wall 36, for example a first annular terminal wall 36 may extend inwardly from a second, terminal, end of the first perforated wall 32. A radially inwardly extending second terminal wall 38, for example a second annular terminal wall 38 may extend inwardly from a second, terminal, end ofthe second perforated wall 34. The first annular terminal wall 36 and / or the second annular terminal wall 38 may extend inwardly along a length that is a percentage of the total length (e.g., radial length) defined between the first perforated wall 32 and / or the second perforated wall 34 and the rotational axis 30, e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. When configured in this way, the packings, in use, may be readily contained and prevented from, e.g., inadvertently being removed from the packing support arrangement 1 by, e.g., rotational forces and / or vibrational forces, in use.

[0044] When the gas and fluid are in counter-current or concurrent flow, the terminal walls 36 and 38 may be continuous solid surfaces. When the gas and fluid are in cross-current flow, the terminal walls 36 and 38 may be an interrupted non-continuous surface comprised of solid regions and regions of space between the solid regions such as a perforated or punched metal plate or mesh, or a spoked plate as described above.

[0045] The packing support arrangement 1 may include a plurality of tie rods extending from the radially outwardly extending plate 24 (not shown). In this way, packings, when installed into the packing support arrangement 1 , may be held in place by the tie rods. Therefore, packings that may be configured for use with other rotating packed bed arrangements may be retrofitted into the packing support arrangement 1 as described herein. Further, the packing arrangement as described herein may further include the plurality of tie rods, e.g., for increased security and placement of packings within the packing support arrangement 1 .

[0046] The packing support arrangement 1 may further include means (not shown) to retain the packing in position along an interior annulus and prevent the packing 28 from being displaced into the interior plenum. The interior annulus may be defined by the packing arrangement 28, in use. The interior annulus may be defined by the volume between the first and second annular terminal walls 36, 38 (the interior annulus may be an annular volume between the first and second annular terminal walls 36, 38). Such means may include tabs or ledges protruding from the outward extending plate 24 and / or the terminal walls 36 and 38 along the periphery of the interior plenum and abutting the packing. Such means may also comprise tie rods or spindles or scaffolding along the along the periphery of the interior plenum. The means for retaining the packing may also include perforated interior walls extending fully or partially from extending plate 24 to the extending terminal walls 36 and 38.

[0047] The packing support arrangement 1 may further include a plurality of packings positioned within and supported by the packing support arrangement 1 .

[0048] There is also provided a rotating packed bed 10 including the packing support arrangement 1 according to any preceding description having a housing 42 for containing the packing support arrangement 1 , as shown in Figure 2. The rotating packed bed 10 may have any one of, any combination of, or all of the advantages and features of the packing support arrangement 1 as described herein.

[0049] The housing 42 may be symmetrical about a housing 42 plane of symmetry extending through the centre of the housing 42. As shown in Figure 1 , and as will be appreciated by the skilled person, it may not be necessary that the entire housing 42 is symmetrical. For example, features as described herein (e.g., a belt drive or direct drive) might be included with the housing 42. Further, the housing 42, e.g., the exterior ‘shell’ of the rotating packed bed 10 may be symmetrical, and any functional securing features e.g., bolts, screws, etc., may not be included in the symmetrical arrangement as described herein. Such a (mostly) symmetrical arrangement of the housing 42 may reduce imbalances during use of the rotating packed bed.

[0050] The housing 42 may be substantially cylindrical as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0051] The faces on either side of the housing 42 may be flat, concave (as shown in figure 1) or convex (not shown).

[0052] The housing 42 may be a two-part housing. The two-part housing may include a removable top portion 48 and a base portion 50. When configured in this way, the top portion 48 may be removed for, at least, maintenance, inspection of the packing support arrangement 1 , and / or removal of the packing support arrangement 1 from the housing 42 of the rotating packed bed 10. Such a configuration may provide ease of operations, e.g., maintenance, etc. as described herein, without significant alteration to the configuration of the rotating packed bed 10 (e.g., complete or almost complete disassembly). Accordingly, downtime of operations may be reduced and / or minimised by such a configuration.

[0053] The base portion of the housing 50 may be supported by a plurality of feet or concave stands or cradles. The base portion 50 of the two-part housing may be double skinned to support the weight of the packing support arrangement 1 and / or the removable top portion 48, without deformation and retaining sufficient rigidity to reduce vibrations and / or deformation and / or deflection when the rotating packed bed 10 is in use.

[0054] The first and second shafts 14, 18 may each be rotatably mounted to the housing 42 of the rotating packed bed 10. Each shaft may be supported by a radial bearing 54 and 56 at a respective mounting point of the housing 42. The radial bearings may be mounted in the interior of the housing (not shown) or on the exterior of the housing as shown in Figure 1 . This may facilitate easy removal of the packing support arrangement 1 . The rotating packed bed may also include rotary seals between the packing support arrangement 1 and the housing 42 to prevent the gas entering the periphery of the packing to mix with the gas exiting the inner annulus of the packing (when the gas and liquid flows are counter current). The rotary seals may be radial or axial seals, and may be proximal or distal to the inner annulus.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1 , the first and / or second shaft 14, 18 may be connected to a drive belt 40 and / or direct drive (e.g., using gear arrangements). In other words, the packing support arrangement 1 , when installed into a rotating packed bed, may be driven by a drive configuration including one the drive belt 40 and / or direct drive. Such a configuration may enable one, or both of the first and / or second shafts 14, 18 to be driven by a drive arrangement as described above, such that there may be flexibility in the drive arrangement of the packing support arrangement 1 within the rotating packed bed 10. Further, the drive belt and / or direct drive may be modular, e.g., easily removeable and replaceable, which may reduce downtime when installing, removing, and / or replacing such a drive arrangement.

[0056] The housing 42 may additionally include at least one roller (not shown), the at least one roller being coupled to an internal surface of the housing 42, e.g., a lower interior surface of the base portion 50 and / or an upper interior surface of the top portion 48 and in contact with the packing support arrangement 1 to at least partly fill a space between the periphery of the packing support arrangement 1 and the housing 42. The at least one roller may be utilised to prevent or reduce deflection of the packing support arrangement 1 during rotation.

[0057] The rotating packed bed 10 may further include two or three or four a plurality of liquid spray bars 46 positioned in the interior plenum around the first shafts 14 and the central support hub 12 and / or further including two or three or a plurality of liquid spray bars 46 positioned around the second shaft 18 and central support hub 12. The spray bars 46 may be positioned evenly and symmetrically about the shafts 14 and 18 and central hub 12. Such an arrangement may allow for even distribution of liquid throughout the packing 28, increasing processing efficiency of the rotating packed bed, in use.

[0058] The liquid spray bars 46 may be modularly installed through the housing 42 (e.g., the top and / or bottom portions of the rotating packed bed housing 42) such that, the liquid spray bars 46 may be readily, and easily, removed and / or replaced. Such a configuration may reduce maintenance downtime. Further, such a modular configuration may reduce the complexity of the rotating packed bed 10, which may enable a non-specialised technician (i.e., a technician with minimal training), to, at least, remove the liquid spray bars 46 and enable maintenance of the rotating packed bed 10.

[0059] The liquid may be fed into each spray bar individually, or the spray bars may be fed via a channel manifold with a liquid inlet. Given the split design of the housing 42 there would separate channel manifolds on both the top 48 and bottom 50 halves of the housing 42. These manifolds would be mirrored at both ends of the housing 42.

[0060] The base portion 50 may include a sump 52 for collection of liquid, once processed by the rotating packed bed 10 and fluidly connected to a liquid outlet 60. Such a configuration may allow for efficient collection of liquid, post-processing.

[0061] The rotating packed bed 10 may include gas inlets 58 arranged tangentially on the housing 42. The tangential gas inlets may have a round (shown) or rectangular (not shown) profile. This allows for the most efficient flow path of gas into the circular rotating packing support arrangement 1 .

[0062] There may be a single tangential gas inlet, positioned on either the top (as shown in Figure 2) or bottom 50 (not shown) of the housing and positioned along the centreline of the packing support arrangement 1 as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, there may be two tangential gas inlets matching the centreline of the packing support arrangement 1 , one on the top half 48 and one on the bottom half 50 of the housing 42. Alternatively, there may be two tangential gas inlets, off the centreline of the packing support arrangement 1 and positioned to bring gas to each side of the extending plate 24. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of gas inlets on the top or bottom halves, either on or off the centreline of the packing support arrangement 1 . The tangential gas inlets would be matched to the direction of rotation of the packing support arrangement 1.

[0063] The rotating packed bed 10 according may further include two gas outlets 44’, 44” positioned symmetrically about the housing plane of symmetry and extending through the housing. Such an arrangement may allow for efficient gas removal from the housing, e.g., in use, the gas provided to the rotating packed bed 10 may flow to the packings in the packing support arrangement 1 on the side of the first shaft 14 and / or the side of the second shaft 18 and may leave from the housing at a respective side.

[0064] The rotating packed bed 10 may further include a modular skid arrangement. Such an arrangement may allow for ease of installation and removal of the rotating packed bed 10 from various, different, configurations of processing plants. Accordingly, the rotating packed bed 10 may be installed when required, and uninstalled when no longer required by plant operations.

[0065] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of use of a rotating packed bed 10.

[0066] The rotating packed bed 10 of the method may include any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the rotating packed bed 10 as described herein, and / or the packing support arrangement 1 may include any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the rotating packed bed 10 as describe herein.

[0067] The method of use may comprise rotating the packing support arrangement 1 within the housing 42, flowing at least one liquid into the housing 42 through at least one liquid inlet 46 and through the packing 28; flowing at least one gas into the housing 42 through at least one gas inlet 58 and through the packing 28; flowing the at least one liquid out of the housing 42 through at least one liquid outlet 60; and flowing the at least one gas out of the housing 42 through at least one gas outlet 44’ and or 44”. The rotation of the packing support arrangement 1 within the housing may be between 100 and 800 revolutions per minute.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0071] 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.

[0072] REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

[0073] 1 . A packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed, including: a central support hub connected to a first shaft at a first hub end and a second shaft at a second hub end, the central support hub extending a hub length between the first and second hub ends, and the first shaft, the second shaft, and the central support hub extending along a rotational axis, wherein: the first shaft has a first shaft diameter; the second shaft has a second shaft diameter; the central support hub has a hub diameter at a central portion of the central support hub, wherein the hub diameter is greater than the first and second shaft diameters; and wherein: the central support hub includes a radially outwardly extending plate from the central portion of the central support hub, the radially outwardly extending plate configured to support a packing arrangement.

[0074] 2. The packing support arrangement according to clause 1 , wherein: as an outer surface of the central support hub extends from the first hub end towards the central portion, the outer surface extends outwardly from the rotational axis; and / or as the outer surface of the central support hub extends from the second hub end towards the central portion, the outer surface extends outwardly from the rotational axis.

[0075] 3. The packing support arrangement according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the central support hub has the hub diameter across the at least a portion of the hub length.

[0076] 4. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the radially outwardly extending plate defines a plane of symmetry, such that the extension of the packing support arrangement from the first shaft to the central portion and the extension of the second shaft to the central portion is symmetrical.

[0077] 5. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the central support hub includes a conical bifrustrum.

[0078] 6. The packing support arrangement according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the central support hub includes two hemispherical housings symmetrically connected about the plane of symmetry.

[0079] 7. The packing support arrangement according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the central support hub includes an ellipsoid or prolate spheroid or oblate spheroid, or a truncated ellipsoid or truncated prolate spheroid or truncated oblate spheroid.

[0080] 8. The packing support arrangement according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the central support hub includes congruent stepped cylinders composed of two or more cylinders with different diameters arranged coaxially with steps between them.

[0081] 9. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein, in use, the packing support arrangement is configured to support the packing arrangement in an annular arrangement, the annular arrangement defining an interior plenum having a volume, and wherein the volume occupied by the shafts, shaft ends, and central hub may be between 30% to 70%, or between 40% to 60%, or between 45-55%, or 50% of the volume of the interior plenum.

[0082] 10 The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the outwardly extending plate may be an interrupted, non-continuous surface comprised of solid regions and regions of open space between the solid regions.

[0083] 11 . The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the packing support arrangement includes a perforated basket, including: the radially outwardly extending plate, a first perforated wall extending parallel to the rotational axis from the radially outwardly extending plate at a first end of the first perforated wall and around a first periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate; a second perforated wall extending parallel to the rotational axis from the radially outwardly extending plate at a first end of the second perforated wall and around a second periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate; the first and second perforated wall defining a combined perforated wall, the combined perforated wall extending at least partially along a combined length defined by a length of the first shaft, the hub length, and a length of the second shaft from the radially outwardly extending plate, and annular terminal walls, comprising: a first annular terminal wall extending radially inwardly from a second, terminal, end of the first perforated wall, and a second annular terminal wall extending radially inwardly from a second, terminal, end of the second perforated wall.

[0084] 12. The packing support arrangement according to the clause 11 , wherein the first and / or second perforated wall is discontinuous with segments of perforated walls separated by segments of open area.

[0085] 13. The packing support arrangement according to any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the radially outwardly extending plate includes tabs, tie rods, or spindles projecting from the periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate and connecting to annular terminal walls.

[0086] 14. The packing support arrangement according to any of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the annular terminal walls are a continuous solid surface, or a non-continuous surface comprised of solid regions and regions of open space between the solid regions. 15. The packing support arrangement according to any proceeding clause, wherein the packing support arrangement includes a plurality of tie rods extending from the radially outwardly extending plate.

[0087] 16. The packing support arrangement according to any proceeding clause, wherein the packing support arrangement may further include means to retain the packing in position along an interior annulus, the interior annulus defined by an annular area of the radially outwardly extending plate and a length extending outwardly from the radially outwardly extending plate parallel to the rotational axis.

[0088] 17. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause, further including a plurality of packings positioned within and supported by the packing support arrangement.

[0089] 18. A rotating packed bed including the packing support arrangement according to any preceding clause having a housing for containing the packing support arrangement.

[0090] 19. The rotating packed bed according to clause 18, wherein the housing is symmetrical about a housing plane of symmetry extending through the centre of the housing.

[0091] 20. The rotating packed bed according to clause 18 or 19, wherein the faces on either side of the housing may be flat, concave, or convex.

[0092] 21 . The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the first and second shafts are each rotatably mounted to the housing of the rotating packed bed.

[0093] 22. The rotating packed bed according to clause 21 , wherein the first and second shafts are supported by radial bearings mounted on an interior of the housing.

[0094] 23. The rotating packed bed according to clause 21 , wherein the first and second shafts are supported by radial bearings mounted on an exterior of the housing.

[0095] 24. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 18 to 23, wherein the first and / or second shaft is connected to a drive belt and / or direct drive.

[0096] 25. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 18 to 24, wherein the housing is a two- part housing, including a removable top portion and a base portion.

[0097] 26. The rotating packed bed according to clause 25, wherein the base portion of the two-part housing is double skinned. 27. The rotating packed bed according to any of clauses 18 to 26, further including a plurality of liquid spray bars positioned around the first shaft and the central support hub and / or further including a plurality of liquid spray bars positioned around the second shaft and central support hub.

[0098] 28. The rotating packed bed according to clause 27, wherein the liquid spray bars are modularly installed through the top and bottom portions of the housing.

[0099] 29. The rotating packed bed according to clause 27 or 28, wherein liquid are fed into each spray bar individually, or the spray bars are fed via a channel manifold with a liquid inlet on both the top and bottom halves of the housing on each side of the housing.

[0100] 30. The rotating packed bed according to clause 18 to 29, wherein the bottom of the housing includes a sump for collection of liquid and fluidly connected to a liquid outlet.

[0101] 31. The rotating packed bed according to clauses 18 to 29, wherein the rotating packed bed includes one or more tangential gas inlets on the housing.

[0102] 32. The rotating packed bed according to clause 31 , wherein the one or more tangential gas inlet are positioned on the housing along a centreline of the packing support arrangement or are positioned on the housing off the centreline to bring gas to each side of the extending plate.

[0103] 33. The rotating packed bed according to clauses 18 to 32, wherein the housing includes at least one roller, the at least one roller coupled to an internal surface of the housing and in contact with the packing support arrangement.

[0104] 34. A method of use of a rotating packed bed, the rotating packed bed including: a housing; a packing support arrangement located within the housing and mounted rotatably to the housing, the packing support arrangement comprising: a central support hub connected to a first shaft at a first hub end and a second shaft at a second hub end, the central support hub extending a hub length between the first and second hub ends, and the first shaft, the second shaft, and the central support hub extending along a rotational axis, wherein: the first shaft has a first shaft diameter; the second shaft has a second shaft diameter; the central support hub has a hub diameter at a central portion of the central support hub, wherein the hub diameter is greater than the first and second shaft diameters; and wherein: the central support hub includes a radially outwardly extending plate from the central portion of the central support hub, the radially outwardly extending plate supporting a packing arrangement, the method of use comprising: rotating the packing arrangement within the housing; flowing at least one liquid into the housing through at least one liquid inlet and through the packing arrangement; flowing at least one gas into the housing through at least one gas inlet and through the packing arrangement; 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.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A packing support arrangement for a rotating packed bed, including: a central support hub connected to a first shaft at a first hub end and a second shaft at a second hub end, the central support hub extending a hub length between the first and second hub ends, and the first shaft, the second shaft, and the central support hub extending along a rotational axis, wherein: the first shaft has a first shaft diameter; the second shaft has a second shaft diameter; the central support hub has a hub diameter at a central portion of the central support hub, wherein the hub diameter is greater than the first and second shaft diameters; and wherein: the central support hub includes a radially outwardly extending plate from the central portion of the central support hub, the radially outwardly extending plate configured to support a packing arrangement.

2. The packing support arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein: as an outer surface of the central support hub extends from the first hub end towards the central portion, the outer surface extends outwardly from the rotational axis; and / or as the outer surface of the central support hub extends from the second hub end towards the central portion, the outer surface extends outwardly from the rotational axis.

3. The packing support arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central support hub has the hub diameter across the at least a portion of the hub length.

4. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the radially outwardly extending plate defines a plane of symmetry, such that the extension of the packing support arrangement from the first shaft to the central portion and the extension of the second shaft to the central portion is symmetrical.

5. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the central support hub includes a conical bifrustrum.

6. The packing support arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the central support hub includes two hemispherical housings symmetrically connected about the plane of symmetry.

7. The packing support arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the central support hub includes an ellipsoid or prolate spheroid or oblate spheroid, or a truncated ellipsoid or truncated prolate spheroid or truncated oblate spheroid.

8. The packing support arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the central support hub includes congruent stepped cylinders composed of two or more cylinders with different diameters arranged coaxially with steps between them.

9. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the packing support arrangement is configured to support the packing arrangement in an annular arrangement, the annular arrangement defining an interior plenum having a volume, and wherein the volume occupied by the shafts, shaft ends, and central hub may be between 30% to 70%, or between 40% to 60%, or between 45-55%, or 50% of the volume of the interior plenum.10 The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the outwardly extending plate may be an interrupted, non-continuous surface comprised of solid regions and regions of open space between the solid regions.11 . The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the packing support arrangement includes a perforated basket, including: the radially outwardly extending plate, a first perforated wall extending parallel to the rotational axis from the radially outwardly extending plate at a first end of the first perforated wall and around a first periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate; a second perforated wall extending parallel to the rotational axis from the radially outwardly extending plate at a first end of the second perforated wall and around a second periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate; the first and second perforated wall defining a combined perforated wall, the combined perforated wall extending at least partially along a combined length defined by a length of the first shaft, the hub length, and a length of the second shaft from the radially outwardly extending plate, and annular terminal walls, comprising: a first annular terminal wall extending radially inwardly from a second, terminal, end of the first perforated wall, and a second annular terminal wall extending radially inwardly from a second, terminal, end of the second perforated wall.

12. The packing support arrangement according to the claim 11 , wherein the first and / or second perforated wall is discontinuous with segments of perforated walls separated by segments of open area.

13. The packing support arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the radially outwardly extending plate includes tabs, tie rods, or spindles projecting from the periphery of the radially outwardly extending plate and connecting to annular terminal walls.

14. The packing support arrangement according to any of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the annular terminal walls are a continuous solid surface, or a non-continuous surface comprised of solid regions and regions of open space between the solid regions.

15. The packing support arrangement according to any proceeding claim, wherein the packing support arrangement includes a plurality of tie rods extending from the radially outwardly extending plate.

16. The packing support arrangement according to any proceeding claim, wherein the packing support arrangement may further include means to retain the packing in position along an interior annulus, the interior annulus defined by an annular area of the radially outwardly extending plate and a length extending outwardly from the radially outwardly extending plate parallel to the rotational axis.

17. The packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim, further including a plurality of packings positioned within and supported by the packing support arrangement.

18. A rotating packed bed including the packing support arrangement according to any preceding claim having a housing for containing the packing support arrangement.

19. The rotating packed bed according to claim 18, wherein the housing is symmetrical about a housing plane of symmetry extending through the centre of the housing.

20. The rotating packed bed according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the faces on either side of the housing may be flat, concave, or convex.

21. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 18 to20, wherein the first and second shafts are each rotatably mounted to the housing of the rotating packed bed.

22. The rotating packed bed according to claim 21 , wherein the first and second shafts are supported by radial bearings mounted on an interior of the housing.

23. The rotating packed bed according to claim 21 , wherein the first and second shafts are supported by radial bearings mounted on an exterior of the housing.

24. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the first and / or second shaft is connected to a drive belt and / or direct drive.

25. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the housing is a two- part housing, including a removable top portion and a base portion.

26. The rotating packed bed according to claim 25, wherein the base portion of the two-part housing is double skinned.

27. The rotating packed bed according to any of claims 18 to 26, further including a plurality of liquid spray bars positioned around the first shaft and the central support hub and / or further including a plurality of liquid spray bars positioned around the second shaft and central support hub.

28. The rotating packed bed according to claim 27, wherein the liquid spray bars are modularly installed through the top and bottom portions of the housing.

29. The rotating packed bed according to claim 27 or 28, wherein liquid are fed into each spray bar individually, or the spray bars are fed via a channel manifold with a liquid inlet on both the top and bottom halves of the housing on each side of the housing.

30. The rotating packed bed according to claim 18 to 29, wherein the bottom of the housing includes a sump for collection of liquid and fluidly connected to a liquid outlet.

31. The rotating packed bed according to claims 18 to 29, wherein the rotating packed bed includes one or more tangential gas inlets on the housing.

32. The rotating packed bed according to claim 31 , wherein the one or more tangential gas inlet are positioned on the housing along a centreline of the packing support arrangement or are positioned on the housing off the centreline to bring gas to each side of the extending plate.

33. The rotating packed bed according to claims 18 to 32, wherein the housing includes at least one roller, the at least one roller coupled to an internal surface of the housing and in contact with the packing support arrangement.

34. A method of use of a rotating packed bed, the rotating packed bed including: a housing; a packing support arrangement located within the housing and mounted rotatably to the housing, the packing support arrangement comprising: a central support hub connected to a first shaft at a first hub end and a second shaft at a second hub end, the central support hub extending a hub length between the first and second hub ends, and the first shaft, the second shaft, and the central support hub extending along a rotational axis, wherein: the first shaft has a first shaft diameter; the second shaft has a second shaft diameter; the central support hub has a hub diameter at a central portion of the central support hub, wherein the hub diameter is greater than the first and second shaft diameters; and wherein: the central support hub includes a radially outwardly extending plate from the central portion of the central support hub, the radially outwardly extending plate supporting a packing arrangement, the method of use comprising: rotating the packing arrangement within the housing; flowing at least one liquid into the housing through at least one liquid inlet and through the packing arrangement; flowing at least one gas into the housing through at least one gas inlet and through the packing arrangement; 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.

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