Gas infusion module system

Abstract

A gas infusion module may include an outer shell having a proximal end and a distal end, an inlet adapter coupled to the proximal end of the outer shell, the inlet adapter including a gas inlet, a liquid inlet coupled to the inlet adapter, an outlet adapter coupled to the distal end of the outer shell, and a liquid outlet coupled to the outer shell. A plurality of microporous hollow fibers may extend within the housing, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores. A liquid can pass through the gas infusion module via the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and the microporous hollow fibers can receive gas via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the fibers and exits the fibers via the micropores so the liquid flowing through the gas infusion module is infused with gas.

Description

GAS INFUSION MODULE SYSTEMINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651838, filed May 24, 2024.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a gas infusion module system, and more particularly to a hollow fiber membrane module for dissolving either Oxygen or Ozone into an aqueous or liquid stream.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Existing liquid stream treatment systems are complex and inefficient. There is a need for more efficient and cost-effective gas infusion module systems.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a gas infusion module system is provided, and more particularly a gas infusion module system for treatment of a liquid stream.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a gas infusion module, including: an outer shell having a proximal end and a distal end; an inlet adapter coupled to the proximal end of the outer shell, the inlet adapter including a gas inlet; a liquid inlet coupled to the inlet adapter; a liquid outlet coupled to the distal end of the outer shell; a tube sheet disposed inside the outer shell distal to the liquid inlet and the gas inlet; a core tube disposed in the outer shell and extending along a central axis of the outer shell, the core tube coupled to the tube sheet; and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers coupled to the tube sheet and extending within the outer shell about the core tube, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores, wherein liquid can pass through the liquid inlet into the core tube and exit the core tube to flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers toward the liquid outlet, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via thegas inlet so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for infusing a liquid with a gas, including: flowing a liquid into a gas infusion module via a liquid inlet coupled to a proximal end of the gas infusion module via an inlet adapter; flowing a gas into the gas infusion module via a gas inlet on the inlet adapter and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with the gas; and flowing the infused liquid out of the gas infusion module via a liquid outlet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic front side view of a gas infusion module;

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof along plane A-A in FIG. 1;

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic front side view of a gas infusion module;

[0010] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof along plane B-B in FIG. 3;

[0011] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view thereof; and

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic top view thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Figures 1-6 illustrate a gas infusion module 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the gas infusion module 100 can include an outer shell 110, a liquid inlet 150, an inlet adapter 170, a liquid outlet 152, an outlet adapter 172, and a gas inlet 180. In the illustrated example, the liquid inlet 150 can be positioned at a first end (e.g., a proximal end) of the outer shell 110 and the liquid outlet 152 can be positioned at a second end (e.g., a distal end) of the outer shell 110. Liquid can enter the gas infusion module 100 via the liquid inlet 150 and exit the gas infusion module 100 via the liquid outlet 152.

[0014] The inlet adapter 170 can couple the liquid inlet 150 to the outer shell 110. The outlet adapter 172 can couple the liquid outlet 152 to the outer shell 110. In one example,the liquid inlet 150, inlet adapter 170, outer shell 110, outlet adapter 172 and liquid outlet 152 can be co-axial (e.g., vertically aligned). In one example, the liquid inlet 150 and / or the liquid outlet 152 can connect to tubing or piping (not shown). In some embodiments, liquid inlet 150 and the liquid outlet 152 can each include or be hose barbs (e.g., barbed connectors). In some embodiments, the liquid inlet 150 and / or liquid outlet 152 can include or be threaded connectors. The outer shell 110, the liquid inlet 150, the liquid outlet 152, the inlet adapter 170, and / or the outlet adapter 172 can be made of plastic (e.g., Acetal resin, Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC, etc.), metal (e.g., stainless steel), or a combination of both. The inlet adapter 170 and the outlet adapter 172 can couple (e.g., fixedly couple) to the outer shell 110. For example, the inlet adapter 170 and the outlet adapter 172 can be coupled to the outer shell 110 with an adhesive, welds, threaded connectors, or other suitable mechanisms.

[0015] The inlet adapter 170 can include a proximal end that can couple to the liquid inlet 150 and a distal end that can couple to the outer shell 110. The inlet adapter 170 can taper inwards from a distal end (e.g., the end coupled to the outer shell 110) to a proximal end (e.g., the end coupled to the liquid inlet 150). The inlet adapter 170 can include a proximal cylindrical portion that can couple to the liquid inlet 150, a distal cylindrical portion that can couple to the outer shell 110, and a conical portion between the proximal cylindrical portion and the distal cylindrical portion. The inlet adapter 170 can have other shapes.

[0016] The outlet adapter 172 can include a proximal end that can couple to the outer shell 110 and a distal end that can couple to the liquid outlet 152. The outlet adapter 172 can taper inwards from a proximal end (e.g., the end coupled to the outer shell 110) to a distal end (e.g., the end coupled to the liquid outlet 152). The outlet adapter 172 can include a proximal cylindrical portion that can couple to the outer shell 110, a distal cylindrical portion that can couple to the liquid outlet 152, and a conical portion between the proximal cylindrical portion and the distal cylindrical portion. The outlet adapter 172 can have other shapes.

[0017] The gas inlet 180 can be positioned on the inlet adapter 170. For example, the gas inlet 180 can be positioned on a side of the inlet adapter 170 that tapers from the distal end of the inlet adapter 170 (e.g., the end coupled to the outer shell 110) to the proximal end of the inlet adapter 170 (e.g., the end coupled to the liquid inlet 150). The gas inlet 180 can be positioned on a conical portion of the liquid adapter 170 that is between a proximal cylindrical portion (e.g., a portion coupled to the liquid inlet 150) and a distal cylindrical portion (e.g., aportion coupled to the outer shell 1 10). The gas inlet 180 can be positioned on a surface of the inlet adapter 170 that is at an angle relative to the axis of the outer shell 110, where the angle is 45° or approximately 45°, or in a range from 30° or approximately 30° to 60° or approximately 60°, or from 0° or approximately 0° to 90° or approximately 90°, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. Gas can enter the gas infusion module 100 via the gas inlet 180, as will be described herein. The gas inlet 180 can be a coupling that is coupled to (e.g., threadably coupled to) the inlet adapter 170.

[0018] In one example, the outer shell 110 can have an inner diameter of 4 inches or approximately 4 inches, or in a range from 2 inches or approximately 2 inches to 6 inches or approximately 6 inches, or from 1 inches or approximately 1 inch to 12 inches or approximately 12 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. In some embodiments, the outer shell 110 can have a length of 4 feet or approximately 4 feet, or in a range from 2 feet or approximately 2 feet to 6 feet or approximately 6 feet, or from 1 foot or approximately 1 foot to 12 feet or approximately 12 feet, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. In some embodiments, the liquid inlet 150 and the liquid outlet 152 can have a diameter of 1 inch or approximately 1 inch, or in a range from !4 inch or approximately !4 inch to 2 inches or approximately 2 inches, or from % inch or approximately % inch to 4 inches or approximately 4 inches, or from 1 / 8 or approximately 1 / 8 inch to 8 inches or approximately 8 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. In some embodiments, the liquid inlet 150 and the liquid outlet 152 can have the same diameter, and in some embodiments, the liquid inlet 5 and the liquid outlet 6 can have different diameters. In some embodiments, the gas inlet 180 can have a diameter of 1 / 8 inch or approximately 1 / 8 inch, or in a range from 1 / 16 inch or approximately 1 / 16 inch to 14 inch or approximately 14 inch, or from 1 / 32 inch or approximately 1 / 32 inch to 14 inch or approximately 14 inch, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the liquid outlet 152 can couple to the outlet adapter 172, for example, via a threaded bushing 156. The threaded bushing 156 can couple to (e.g., thread into) the outlet adapter 172. The liquid inlet 150 can couple to the inlet adapter 170, for example, via a threaded bushing 154. The threaded bushing 154 can couple to (e.g., thread into) the inlet adapter 170. The threaded bushing 154 can also couple to an inlet insert 160. The liquid inlet150 and liquid outlet 152 can couple to the inlet adapter 170 and outlet adapter 172, respectively, via other suitable mechanisms (e.g., without a threaded bushing via threading, adhesive, welding, etc.). Liquid can flow from the liquid inlet 150, through the inlet insert 160, to the core tube 130.

[0019] The gas infusion module 100 can include a tube sheet 120 (e.g., or block or plate or spacer, for example made of epoxy or urethane) that can be disposed within the outer shell 110. The tube sheet 120 (e.g., block, spacer) can be positioned proximate the inlet adapter 170. The tube sheet 120 can couple to or hold a plurality of fibers 122 (e.g., made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon®) that can extend (completely) through the tube sheet 120 so that openings of the fibers 122 are accessible on the face of the tube sheet 120 that faces the inlet adapter 170. The plurality of fibers 122 can extend in a direction along at least a portion of the length of the outer shell 110 within the outer shell 110, and about (e.g., encircling, bundled about, positioned around) a core tube 130. The core tube 130 can optionally be positioned concentrically within the outer shell 110 and below (e.g., distal to) the liquid inlet 150 (e.g., along the same axis as the liquid inlet 150 and outer shell 110). The inlet insert 160 can pass through the tube sheet 120 and couple to the core tube 130. In some implementations, the inlet insert 160 can be integral to the core tube 130 (e.g., the inlet insert 160 and the core tube 130 form a single monolithic or seamless component). A plug 140 can be positioned within the core tube 130. The plug 140 can be located near an end of the core tube 130 located closest to the tube sheet 120 (e.g., a proximal portion of the core tube 130). The core tube 130 can include one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) openings 132 (e.g., holes, slits, ports, etc.). In some implementations, the openings are round. The openings 132 can be positioned between the tube sheet 120 and the plug 140 (e.g., distal to the tube sheet 120 and proximal to the plug 140). The plug 140 can partially or fully inhibit fluid flow through the core tube 130, which may inhibit liquid from passing from the inlet insert 160 and to a distal end of the core tube 130, redirecting fluid flow as discussed below.

[0020] Each of the fibers 122 can be a microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber with a plurality of micropores having a pore size of between about 0.01 pm and 5 pm , inclusive (e.g., 0.01 pm, 0.1 pm, 0.5 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm), which can advantageously facilitate bubbleless gas transfer into the liquid (e.g., to supersaturate the liquid with the gas), which can make the gas infusion process more efficient and inhibit or prevent loss of gas viabubbles. Each fiber 122 can in some examples have an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and inner diameter of about 0.35 mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 190 mm), or an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and inner diameter of about 0.45 mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 0.095 mm), or an outer diameter of about 0.35 mm and an inner diameter of about 0.28 mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 0.070 mm), or any value, approximate value, or range of values within any of the foregoing ranges. The fibers 122 can be made of a material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) that is water repellent. In one example, the fibers 122 have a porosity of between 50% and 90%, such as 75%, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In one example, the gas infusion module 100 has a packing factor of between about 20% and about 50%, such as about 38% (e.g., 38% of the space in the outer shell 110 is taken up by the fibers 122), or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The number of fibers 122 in the outer shell 110 can be between about 700 and about 1500, such as about 1100, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the micropores can be positioned along 90% of the length of the fibers 122, or in a range from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% the length of the fibers 122, or from 60% or approximately 60% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers 122, or from 40% or approximately 40% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers 122, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.

[0021] Each of the fibers 122 can be microporous and / or hollow and can extend (e.g., linearly) within the outer shell 110 from a location below (e.g., distal to) the liquid inlet 150 and the gas inlet 180 toward the liquid outlet 152, and can truncate (e.g., terminate) between the liquid inlet 150 and the liquid outlet 152 of the outer shell 110 (e.g., between 1 / 3 and 1 / 2 of the way down the length of the outer shell 110, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range). The outer shell 110 can have an upper plenum 182 within the inlet adapter 170 between the tube sheet 120 and the gas inlet 180, the gas inlet 180 being in fluid communication with the upper plenum 182. The upper plenum 182 can facilitate gas transfer between the gas inlet 180 and the tube sheet 120. The upper plenum 182 can be the space between the inlet adapter 170 and tube sheet 120. The outer shell 110 can have an open space between the end of the fibers 122 and the bottom end (e.g., the end opposite the top end or end with the gas inlet 180, the distal end) of the outer shell 110. The core tube 130 canextend from a location below (e.g., distal to) the liquid inlet 150 and the gas inlet 180 and toward the liquid outlet 152, and can truncate (e.g., terminate) between the liquid inlet 150 and the liquid outlet 152 of the outer shell 110 (e.g., between 1 / 3 and 1 / 2 of the way down the length of the outer shell 110, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range). The core tube 130 can extend distally past the length of the fibers 122 (e.g., approximately 1-3 inches past the end of the fibers 122, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range).

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates the outer shell 110. As illustrated, the outer shell 110 has a length C. In some examples, the length C can be 48 inches or approximately 48 inches, or in a range from 36 inches or approximately 36 inches to 60 inches or approximately 60 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The outer shell 110 can be cylindrical.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a section view of the outer shell 110. As illustrated, the core tube 130 has a length D. In some examples, the length D can be 16 inches or approximately 16 inches, or in a range from 12 inches or approximately 12 inches to 24 inches or approximately 24 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. As illustrated, the tube sheet 120 can be positioned at a first end (e.g., a proximal end) of the outer shell 110. The tube sheet 120 has a length E. In some examples, the length E can be 1 inch or approximately 1 inch, or in a range from 0.5 inches or approximately 0.5 inches to 2 inches or approximately 2 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the tube sheet 120 can include an additional portion having a length F, which can be cut away to open the fibers 122 for gas flow. The length F can be 0.25 inches or approximately 0.25 inches, or in a range from 0.125 inches or approximately 0.125 inches to 1 inch or approximately 1 inch, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The fibers 122 can extend for a length G. In some examples, the length G can be 15 inches or approximately 15 inches, or in a range from 12 inches or approximately 12 inches to 18 inches or approximately 18 inches, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range.

[0024] In some embodiments, the length D of the core tube 130 can be 1 / 3 or approximately 1 / 3 of the length C of the outer shell 110, or in a range from 1 / 6 or approximately 1 / 6 to i or approximately i of the length C, or any value, approximate value,or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the length G of the fibers 122 can be 1 / 3 or approximately 1 / 3 of the length C of the outer shell 110, or in a range from 1 / 6 or approximately 1 / 6 to ‘A or approximately 14 of the length C, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the length G of the fibers 122 can be 15 / 16 or approximately 15 / 16 the length of the length D of the core tube 130, or in a range from 2 / 3 or approximately 2 / 3 to 31 / 32 or approximately 31 / 32 of the length D, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range.

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the outer shell 110.

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the outer shell 110. As illustrated, the fibers122 positioned within the tube sheet 120 are shown. These open fibers 122 allow gas to flow into the fibers 122 and through the tube sheet 120.

[0027] In operation, a liquid (e.g., water) can flow (e.g., can be pumped) into the liquid inlet 150 and passes into the inlet insert 160. The liquid flows through the inlet insert 160 and bypasses the tube sheet 120. The liquid flows into a proximal end of the core tube 130 and out of the openings 132 in the wall of the core tube 130. The liquid can flow freely out of the openings 132. The plug 140 can partially or fully inhibit or prevent the liquid from flowing through the core tube 130, which can cause the liquid to flow out of the openings 132. The liquid then flows between (e.g., alongside, around, etc.) the fibers 122. Separately (e.g., simultaneously), a gas (e.g., oxygen, ozone, etc.) flows into the outer shell 110 via the gas inlet 180 and into the upper plenum 182 and passes through the tube sheet 120 and through the fibers 122 (e.g., through the central channel of the fibers 122 via the openings of the fiber 1122 in the tube sheet 120). The liquid flows alongside the fibers 122 (e.g., in between, around, along, etc. the fibers 122) and the gas is transferred to the liquid via a plurality of micropores in the sidewall of the fibers 122 (e.g., in a bubbleless manner). The gas infused liquid exits the gas infusion module 100 via the liquid outlet 152. Optionally, gas (e.g., gas that is removed from the liquid, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide replaced by the injected ozone or oxygen) is vented via a vent hole, tube or coupling, vent tank, and vent valve or outlet. In some embodiments, the outer shell 110 can include a vent hole, and a vent tank can be coupled to the vent hole (by tube or coupling) and disposed between the vent hole and a gas vent valve or outlet.

[0028] The gas infusion module 100 is an innovative system engineered to efficiently dissolve oxygen or ozone into aqueous streams. It can include an outer shell 110 with a liquid inlet 150 located at its top (e.g., proximal end) for receiving a fluid source, which can be water. Additionally, the gas infusion module 100 incorporates a gas inlet 180 in fluid connection with a gas source (e.g., oxygen tank, ozone tank), allowing for the introduction of oxygen or ozone into the system. The gas infusion module 100 can include a gas infusion component composed of numerous microporous hollow fibers 122. These fibers 122 can serve as conduits for the gas-liquid interface, enabling the transfer of oxygen or ozone molecules from the gas phase into the liquid phase. An outlet, positioned at the module's bottom (e.g., distal end), can facilitate the exit of the oxygenated or ozonated liquid from the system. Systems can incorporate multiple gas infusion modules 100 arranged in parallel and / or in series.

[0029] In one embodiment, the disclosure involves a system for generating oxygenated or ozonated liquids. This system can utilize a Teflon®, or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous membrane with a precisely engineered pore channel diameter ranging between 0.5 mm and 0.56 mm (e.g., the fibers 122 have a central channel diameter of between 0.5 mm and 0.56 mm). The diameter can be optimized to facilitate efficient gas transfer while minimizing resistance to fluid flow. Water can be pumped through the gas infusion module 100 at an internal pressure varying from 15psi to 200psi, depending on the specific application requirements. The high-pressure environment can enhance the dissolution of oxygen or ozone into the liquid, which can achieve supersaturated levels exceeding 20ppm. The resulting oxygenated or ozonated liquid can exhibit enhanced reactivity and efficacy in various water treatment processes.

[0030] An innovative aspect of this gas infusion module 100 lies in its ability to utilize Teflon® or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous hollow fibers 122, which can offer several advantages over conventional gas infusion technologies. Firstly, the unique structure of the hollow fibers 122 provides a large surface area for gas-liquid interaction, promoting rapid and efficient mass transfer. Additionally, Teflon® material can offer chemical resistance and inertness, which can make it suitable for handling corrosive gases such as ozone. Furthermore, the module's construction materials, including Teflon® or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for the fibers, and urethane or epoxy for the tube sheet 120and 316 stainless steel, or PVC for the outer shell 1 10, can provide resilience to ozone exposure, thereby enhancing the module's durability and safety in harsh operating conditions.

[0031] In one implementation, the gas infusion module 100 transfers oxygen into water at 75% or approximately 75% efficiency or greater into either fresh or salt water, or in a range from 70% or approximately 70% efficiency to 80% or approximately 80% efficiency, or from 60% or approximately 60% efficiency to 90% or approximately 90% efficiency, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. A system can incorporate one or more gas infusions modules 100 for infusing a liquid with a gas and can include a pump for circulating water through the one or more gas infusions modules 100.

[0032] The gas infusion module 100 can offer several advantages over existing technologies, including:

[0033] 1. Versatility: The gas infusion module can infuse both oxygen and ozone into aqueous streams, expanding its applicability across various industries and applications.

[0034] 2. Efficiency: The Teflon® or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous hollow fibers can facilitate efficient gas transfer of up to over 90%, which can allow for the dissolution of oxygen or ozone at supersaturated levels, thereby improving the effectiveness of water treatment processes.

[0035] 3. Durability: The use of ozone-resistant materials can enhance the module's longevity and reliability, even in environments with high ozone concentrations.

[0036] 4. Scalability: The modular design of the gas infusion module can enable easy scalability to accommodate varying flow rates and treatment capacities, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale water treatment systems. In one implementation, a system can employ multiple gas infusion modules arranged in series, arranged in parallel, or arranged in series and in parallel, for infusing a liquid with a gas.

[0037] The Teflon® or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous hollow fiber gas infusion module represents a significant advancement in the field of water treatment and purification. By combining innovative materials and design principles, this module can offer enhanced efficiency, durability, and versatility for infusing high concentrations of dissolved oxygen or ozone into aqueous streams, addressing key challenges associated with traditional water treatment methods.

[0038] Further details of the gas infusion module 100 can be found in PCT Application Nos. PCT / US2023 / 076987 filed 10 / 16 / 2023 and PCT / US2023 / 036512 filed 10 / 31 / 2023, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Additional Embodiments

[0039] In examples of the present disclosure, a gas infusion module and method of operation may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

[0040] Clause 1. A gas infusion module, comprising: an outer shell having a proximal end and a distal end; an inlet adapter coupled to the proximal end of the outer shell, the inlet adapter comprising a gas inlet; a liquid inlet coupled to the inlet adapter; a liquid outlet coupled to the distal end of the outer shell; a tube sheet disposed inside the outer shell distal to the liquid inlet and the gas inlet; a core tube disposed in the outer shell and extending along a central axis of the outer shell, the core tube coupled to the tube sheet; and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers coupled to the tube sheet and extending within the outer shell about the core tube, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores, wherein liquid can pass through the liquid inlet into the core tube and exit the core tube to flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers toward the liquid outlet, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

[0041] Clause 2. The gas infusion module of clause 1, further comprising an inlet insert coupled to the liquid inlet and extending through the tube sheet.

[0042] Clause 3. The module of any preceding clause, wherein the outer shell and core tube are made of PVC.

[0043] Clause 4. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of fibers truncate proximal to an end of the core tube.

[0044] Clause 5. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the tube sheet is made of urethane.

[0045] Clause 6. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the core tube truncates proximal to the liquid outlet.

[0046] Clause 7. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, further comprising an upper plenum between the inlet adapter and the tube sheet, the gas inlet in fluid communication with the upper plenum.

[0047] Clause 8. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet adapter tapers inwards from a distal end coupled to the outer shell to a proximal end coupled to the liquid inlet.

[0048] Clause 9. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, further comprising a plug positioned within the core tube, and wherein the core tube comprises one or more openings proximal to the plug.

[0049] Clause 10. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers each have a length that is less than or equal to 1 / 3 a length of the outer shell.

[0050] Clause 11. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the outer shell, the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet, and the inlet adapter are axially aligned.

[0051] Clause 12. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the liquid inlet is coupled to the inlet adapter via a threaded bushing.

[0052] Clause 13. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet each have an inner diameter between ’ / 2inch and 2 inches.

[0053] Clause 14. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein each of the microporous hollow fibers have an inner diameter between 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm.

[0054] Clause 15. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers comprises a number of microporous hollow fibers between 700 and 1500.

[0055] Clause 16. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet adapter is threadedly coupled to the outer shell.

[0056] Clause 17. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet adapter comprises a proximal cylindrical portion coupled to the liquid inlet, a distal cylindrical portion coupled to the outer shell, and a conical portion between the proximal cylindrical portion and the distal cylindrical portion.

[0057] Clause 18. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the liquid outlet is coupled to the outer shell via an outlet adapter.

[0058] Clause 19. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the outer shell has an inner diameter between 2 inches and 6 inches.

[0059] Clause 20. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the outer shell has a length between 36 inches and 60 inches.

[0060] Clause 21. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the microporous hollow fibers are hydrophobic.

[0061] Clause 22. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have free distal ends.

[0062] Clause 23. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the microporous hollow fibers have a porosity of between about 50% and about 90% and a packing factor between about 20% and about 50%.

[0063] Clause 24. The gas infusion module of any preceding clause, wherein the microporous fibers comprise pores along more than 80% of a length of the fibers.

[0064] Clause 25. A method for infusing a liquid with a gas, comprising: flowing a liquid into a gas infusion module via a liquid inlet coupled to a proximal end of the gas infusion module via an inlet adapter; flowing a gas into the gas infusion module via a gas inlet on the inlet adapter and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with the gas; and flowing the infused liquid out of the gas infusion module via a liquid outlet.

[0065] Clause 26. The method of clause 25, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing ozone or oxygen.

[0066] Clause 27. The method of clauses 25 or 26, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.

[0067] Clause 28. The method of any of clauses 25-27, wherein the liquid is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

[0068] Clause 29. The method of any of clauses 25-28, wherein the infused liquid has a supersaturated level exceeding 20 ppm.

[0069] Clause 30. The method of any of clauses 25-29, wherein flowing the liquid comprises pumping the liquid at a pressure of between 15 psi and 200 psi. 59579439

[0070] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0071] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0072] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0073] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0074] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0075] For expository purposes, the term “vertical” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the central axis of the outer shell of the module being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term “horizontal” refers to a direction perpendicular to vertical as just defined. Terms such as “above,” “below,” “bottom,” “top,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” “lateral,” “higher,” “lower,” “upper,” “over,” and “under,” are defined with respect to the vertical plane, in use.

[0076] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0077] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0078] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0079] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0080] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0081] The foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the devices described herein need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the discussed devices.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A gas infusion module, comprising: an outer shell having a proximal end and a distal end; an inlet adapter coupled to the proximal end of the outer shell, the inlet adapter comprising a gas inlet; a liquid inlet coupled to the inlet adapter; a liquid outlet coupled to the distal end of the outer shell; a tube sheet disposed inside the outer shell distal to the liquid inlet and the gas inlet; a core tube disposed in the outer shell and extending along a central axis of the outer shell, the core tube coupled to the tube sheet; and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers coupled to the tube sheet and extending within the outer shell about the core tube, each of the microporous hollow fibers having a plurality of micropores, wherein liquid can pass through the liquid inlet into the core tube and exit the core tube to flow between and along the microporous hollow fibers toward the liquid outlet, and wherein a gas can flow into the microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas.

2. The gas infusion module of Claim 1, further comprising an inlet insert coupled to the liquid inlet and extending through the tube sheet.

3. The module of any preceding claim, wherein the outer shell and core tube are made ofPVC.

4. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of fibers truncate proximal to an end of the core tube.

5. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the tube sheet is made of urethane.

6. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the core tube truncates proximal to the liquid outlet.

7. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, further comprising an upper plenum between the inlet adapter and the tube sheet, the gas inlet in fluid communication with the upper plenum.

8. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet adapter tapers inwards from a distal end coupled to the outer shell to a proximal end coupled to the liquid inlet.

9. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, further comprising a plug positioned within the core tube, and wherein the core tube comprises one or more openings proximal to the plug.

10. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers each have a length that is less than or equal to 1 / 3 a length of the outer shell.

11. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the outer shell, the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet, and the inlet adapter are axially aligned.

12. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid inlet is coupled to the inlet adapter via a threaded bushing.

13. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet each have an inner diameter between ’ / 2inch and 2 inches.

14. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein each of the microporous hollow fibers have an inner diameter between 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm.

15. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers comprises a number of microporous hollow fibers between 700 and 1500.

16. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet adapter is threadedly coupled to the outer shell.

17. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet adapter comprises a proximal cylindrical portion coupled to the liquid inlet, a distal cylindrical portion coupled to the outer shell, and a conical portion between the proximal cylindrical portion and the distal cylindrical portion.

18. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid outlet is coupled to the outer shell via an outlet adapter.

19. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the outer shell has an inner diameter between 2 inches and 6 inches.

20. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the outer shell has a length between 36 inches and 60 inches.

21. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the microporous hollow fibers are hydrophobic.

22. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have free distal ends.

23. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the microporous hollow fibers have a porosity of between about 50% and about 90% and a packing factor between about 20% and about 50%.

24. The gas infusion module of any preceding claim, wherein the microporous fibers comprise pores along more than 80% of a length of the fibers.

25. A method for infusing a liquid with a gas, comprising: flowing a liquid into a gas infusion module via a liquid inlet coupled to a proximal end of the gas infusion module via an inlet adapter; flowing a gas into the gas infusion module via a gas inlet on the inlet adapter and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with the gas; and flowing the infused liquid out of the gas infusion module via a liquid outlet.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing ozone or oxygen.

27. The method of claims 25 or 26, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.

28. The method of any of claims 25-27, wherein the liquid is infused with the gas with at least 75% efficiency.

29. The method of any of claims 25-28, wherein the infused liquid has a supersaturated level exceeding 20 ppm.

30. The method of any of claims 25-29, wherein flowing the liquid comprises pumping the liquid at a pressure of between 15 psi and 200 psi.

Images